Our team has used BetterHelp nearly 20 times over the past four years. We like BetterHelp and think it’s a good online therapy option for most people. BetterHelp is convenient, affordable, and has more therapists on their platform than any of their competitors. That said, BetterHelp is not perfect and their biggest drawback is that they don’t accept insurance.
If you have insurance, you may want to stop here and see who we reviewed as the best online therapy for insurance. But if you plan to pay out-of-pocket, I’ll help you determine if BetterHelp is worth it for you and I’ll share some tips and tricks that will help you get the most out of your BetterHelp experience – including a tip that could save you money!
BetterHelp At a Glance
Cost: $260 – $360 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
Medication Available? No
Pros & Cons of BetterHelp
Pros - 30k+ licensed therapists to choose from
- Offers financial aid
- Same-day appointments often available
- Your choice of video, phone, or text therapy
- Fast and convenient
Cons - Does not accept any insurance
- Limited choice over your first therapist
- Mobile app has frequent technical issues
- Not all providers offer video or text sessions
- Finding a good therapist fit can be a challenge
Who Is BetterHelp Right For?
- Therapy-seekers without insurance
- People with mild, uncomplicated mental health symptoms
- Those looking for short-term, solution-focused therapy
Preview BetterHelp
BetterHelp is a subscription-based online therapy platform that costs between $260 – $360 monthly and is available for anyone ages 18+ across the US and internationally. During our independent review of their services, they earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
When I tried BetterHelp, I found it very easy to sign up and get matched with a therapist. I was excited to have my first video therapy session just 2 days after completing the initial BetterHelp questionnaire. It was easy to attend my session, and I found the webinars offered to be a great added value. However, after using it for a while, I found it difficult to land on a BetterHelp therapist who worked for me in the long term — the therapist bios I read were often incorrect or misleading, meaning I was matched with therapists who were a poor fit for me. But, after a good bit of trial and error, I was able to find a therapist who’s a good fit for me. The extra features in the BetterHelp app like the journal, goal-setting, and webinars add a lot of value to the experience.
One of BetterHelp’s major downsides is its lack of insurance acceptance. If you’re looking for therapy that’s covered by insurance, then Talkspace is a great option that accepts dozens of health plans including Medicare. If you’re looking for medication management, services, Brightside Health is the most affordable cash-pay psychiatry service we’ve found.
Why You Can Trust My Review
I’ve personally used 15+ different online mental health platforms and attended dozens of therapy sessions with them. In addition to my personal experience as a mental health consumer, I’ve also worked in remote mental healthcare. Through these experiences, I’ve developed a keen sense of what makes for an excellent online therapy experience. I have signed up for and used BetterHelp numerous times, going through the sign-up process, getting matched with therapists, going to therapy sessions, trying and testing all the features, and putting BetterHelp’s customer service team to the test by switching therapists, requesting refunds, and more. Over the last three years, I, along with several other Choosing Therapy review editors, have learned a lot about BetterHelp while also collectively testing and reviewing dozens of other online therapy providers.
Based on our extensive, quantitative multi-point scoring criteria, BetterHelp scored 4 out of 5 stars during our most recent review. Our scoring criteria measure 30+ metrics across 12 categories, ranging from quality of user experience to therapist vetting and experience, and more.
Review our scoring criteria for online therapy platforms here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.
Firsthand BetterHelp Reviews
Full reviews and breakdowns of services are valuable, but sometimes you just want to hear a clear recommendation from somebody who’s used the service firsthand. Here are some firsthand experiences from people who have used BetterHelp.
Matthew Church's Experience with BetterHelp
Caitlin Bell's Experience with BetterHelp
Detailed Review of BetterHelp
BetterHelp offers a variety of ways to access your weekly therapy sessions including video, phone, and live chat. Additionally, BetterHelp clients gain access to a wide range of group sessions and webinars. BetterHelp serves anyone above age 18+ in the US or internationally. BetterHelp costs range from $260 – $360 monthly.
Video & Phone Sessions
Most BetterHelp therapists offer weekly sessions via video and phone. Sessions are usually 30-45 minutes long. I joined my BetterHelp session from my iPhone via the BetterHelp app at home, on my home internet connection. Joining the session from the BetterHelp app was easy – all I had to do was open the app and it prompted me with a button to join the waiting room.
BetterHelp provides plenty of reminders for your session via several routes. I received a couple of emails and several text messages in the lead-up to my appointment. BetterHelp allows you to adjust these reminder settings from your account settings if you prefer fewer notifications. During my session, my therapist was a few minutes late, and the video platform was a bit laggy at the beginning of the session, but it seemed to work itself out as the session went on.
The main section of the BetterHelp app is centered around an ongoing message thread with your therapist. During my session, my therapist was able to send me a coping skills worksheet to that thread that described some basic tips for managing feelings of being overwhelmed or stressed. I could complete the worksheet right from the app or website instead of having to download it to my device, which I found convenient.
Therapists can share a variety of worksheets and items with clients directly, including homework, worksheets, and clinical measures. So, therapists and clients can work collaboratively on making progress; the occasional clinical measures that BetterHelp sends you help to visualize your progress over time.
My initial session with my therapist lasted about 40 minutes, during which my therapist got to know me better and discussed issues I was dealing with to a fair degree of depth. She also allowed me to ask questions about her and her experience. After the session concluded, I was prompted with an opportunity to rate the quality of the session. Despite being virtual care, which many people equate with a lack of warmth, I found that the video session would allow a very “human” conversation on par with traditional therapy – assuming you have found a therapist who works well with this kind of platform.
Live Text-Based Sessions
Uniquely, some BetterHelp therapists offer live text-based sessions. Instead of meeting with a therapist via phone or video, live chat sessions allow you to process questions on your own time and respond mindfully.
Text-based sessions could be a good solution for those who find it difficult to set aside time for a call regularly, or who suffer from social anxiety or another disorder that makes it difficult to talk with someone on a phone or video call. Notably, our reviewer Caitlin found that text-based sessions are particularly well-liked by teens and young adults.
Live chat sessions are scheduled in advance and consist of you and your therapist messaging each other in a special live chat thread. The thread disappears at the end of the session, and each session lasts the same length as a video or phone session. Live chat sessions count as one of your weekly sessions, so you won’t be able to have both a live chat and video session in the same week. Not all therapists offer live chat as an option for sessions, so you’ll want to include that in your onboarding questionnaire, and check your therapist’s profile once you are matched.
My live chat therapy session with BetterHelp lasted about 30 minutes, and during that time, I exchanged roughly 1,300 words with my therapist. The live chat platform uses an interesting “live typing” feature that allows both participants to see what the other is writing in real-time, including any mistakes or revisions that might be made. The live typing feature can be toggled off if you prefer.
Later on, when I used BetterHelp again, I thought live messaging sessions were a great low-stress way to kick of the therapy process.
Overall, I felt that the live chat session was less valuable for me than a traditional, phone, or video session. However, if your therapist is a swift and accurate typist, and conveys themselves well over text, you might find it to be helpful. My therapist was a relatively slow and inaccurate typist, so I felt that we weren’t able to accomplish all that much during the session. My therapist helped me decide on a small goal to help my motivation, as well as some actionable steps for this goal. The therapist was friendly and showed care, however, the experience was certainly less personable than I’d have liked.
Later on, when I used BetterHelp for the third time, I utilized a text-based session to help ease into an introductory session with a new therapist – it was a great way to get started and see if I had a good therapist fit without committing to a full video session.
Group Webinars
Group sessions with BetterHelp allow you to attend support groups, classes, or educational webinars hosted by BetterHelp licensed therapists. A BetterHelp subscription includes access to one group webinar per week, in addition to the weekly one-on-one session with your therapist. BetterHelp hosts a huge selection of group webinars including art therapy workshops, addiction support groups, group therapy for self-esteem, and many more.
Group webinars are hosted by BetterHelp therapists via a group Zoom meeting. You can participate in the session with other members but you’re able to turn your camera off, if you’re so inclined. Whichever name you choose to log in with will be visible to everyone at the meeting.
Notably, BetterHelp states that its health data privacy protections and guarantees do not extend to group sessions, as the information you share will be accessible to everyone at the meeting. BetterHelp also states clearly that group sessions should not be used as a replacement for care and are not considered “therapy”.
Journaling
The BetterHelp app includes a built-in journal that offers users the ability to jot down their thoughts either freeform or by following pre-generated journal prompts. Prompts suggested by the BetterHelp journal range from more surface-level to fairly deep self-reflections; you can choose to generate one at random, or browse a list and choose your own.
BetterHelp’s integrated journal can be used as a private place for self-reflection, or entries can be shared with your therapist. Perhaps you discovered something profound that you’d like to share with your provider, or maybe you’re simply noting a topic you’d like to explore at your next session.
The app allows you to send journal entries to your therapist automatically or prompts you to do so manually after you’ve written an entry. BetterHelp states explicitly that you are the only person with access to your journal, and your therapist can only view entries that you elect to send.
Therapist Messaging Outside of Sessions
The BetterHelp app allows you to message your therapist in between sessions if you have a question, concern, or idea to discuss later. BetterHelp guarantees that your therapist will respond at least twice within a given business week. Both of my therapists responded to my questions within a day. This is a useful feature for alerting your therapist to a concern you might have or marking down issues you’d like to discuss in more depth at your next session.
In my opinion, being able to consistently message with your therapist outside of sessions is one of the major benefits of using BetterHelp. It’s also a great way to get started with a new therapist — sending over a message of what you’re hoping to accomplish with therapy and your needs can help prepare your therapist for the session. When I used BetterHelp, I was able to avoid an unnecessary session with a therapist who wasn’t a good fit for me by sending an introductory message.
BetterHelp Cost & Insurance
BetterHelp costs range from $260 – $360 monthly (advertised at $65 – $90 weekly). This includes weekly sessions with your therapist, access to BetterHelp’s resource content, and one weekly group webinar. BetterHelp does not accept insurance. You can also purchase subscriptions on a week-to-week basis at a rate of $110 weekly. You can save 10% – 40% on your monthly membership cost by using BetterHelp’s financial assistance program.
A few key facts about BetterHelp costs:
- BetterHelp does not accept insurance
- BetterHelp’s standard price is $260 – $360 monthly
- Financial aid is available for people in times of financial hardship, potentially lowering the price by 10% – 40%
- You can use FSA or HSA to pay for BetterHelp
- BetterHelp will provide a superbill for out-of-network insurance reimbursement
- Your first month with BetterHelp is due upfront
- A maintenance plan is available for $200 monthly and includes one monthly therapy session, plus unlimited messaging
- You can purchase plans week-to-week at a rate of $110 weekly — this includes one therapy session and unlimited messaging for that week
BetterHelp does not accept insurance but does accept FSA and HSA. Using an FSA or HSA for mental health is fairly common and a great option if you have one of those accounts.
The low monthly cost of BetterHelp makes it an affordable out-of-pocket option when compared to traditional therapy, which costs $100 – $150+ per session.2 BetterHelp offers financial aid for people experiencing financial difficulties. As you are going through the intake questionnaire, there are some questions related to income and whether or not COVID has impacted your job – how you answer these determines your eligibility for financial aid, which can lower the price by 10% – 40%.
Regardless, you’ll know what your ongoing subscription cost will be at the end of the intake questionnaire before you input your payment details. The first month’s subscription fee is due upfront at the time of signup. For my testing purposes, I created a test account on BetterHelp, paid the fee, and then messaged support stating I’d like to cancel my account and receive a refund. BetterHelp support responded within the day and refunded my payment source after exchanging a couple of quick emails.
BetterHelp Financial Aid
BetterHelp offers financial aid to those who qualify. The application is built into the sign-up process. If therapy is too expensive when you get to the checkout screen, you can click a button labeled “I can’t afford therapy,” to apply to receive a 10% – 40% discount off your monthly rate. I was able to secure a 10% discount on my monthly cost with BetterHelp.
Who Does BetterHelp Serve?
BetterHelp therapy is available for anyone ages 18+ in the United States and in about 200 countries worldwide. BetterHelp is intended as a solution for adults experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health symptoms. Teens ages 13-17 can utilize BetterHelp’s subsidiary Teen Counseling.
BetterHelp previously had subsidiaries including Pride Counseling and Faithful Counseling which specifically served LGBT+ and religious populations, respectively. However, BetterHelp closed these subsidaries and absorbed those therapists into the main BetterHelp platform, now serving those clients through their main site. BetterHelp remains one of the best online LGBTQ+ online therapy options.
BetterHelp is not a couples therapy platform, so those seeking joint or couples therapy should consider other options like Regain, which is a part of BetterHelp. Finacial aid is available, and when we tested Regain we received 10% off our monthly subscription cost. BetterHelp treats general mental health issues, and OCD is covered under this to a degree, but if you’re seeking a specialist to help with OCD-related symptoms, then NOCD is your best bet. Meanwhile, an online psychiatry platform such as Talkspace would be ideal if you’re seeking medication management.
User Reviews for BetterHelp
Overall, users tend to have a positive sentiment toward BetterHelp across several user review websites. Positive reviews noted that BetterHelp can be an excellent place to find healing, and praised the expertise of BetterHelp therapists. Negative reviews decried the price of the service, technical difficulties, and privacy issues.
Reviews from Apple App Store - 4.8 out of 5 stars | 129K reviews
Positive reviews on the Apple App Store emphasized the convenience of BetterHelp and the ability to seek care while on a busy schedule. Many praised the way the app helps them find and engage with a therapist easily and accessible.
Negative reviews on the Apple App Store tended to state the price of BetterHelp is far too high for the value received, and noted many administrative pains, scheduling issues, and problematic experiences with therapists. Many also criticized the overall design and implementation of the mobile app.
Reviews from Android App Store - 4.6 out of 5 stars | 46.9K reviews
Positive reviews on the Android App Store focused on progress made in therapy and the overall value many believe BetterHelp has added to their lives. Some reviews noted positive experiences with therapists found on BetterHelp.
Negative reviews on the Android App Store tended to focus on the BetterHelp mobile app itself and its technical shortcomings. Many users agreed that the BetterHelp mobile app is unintuitive and difficult to use.
Reviews from Trustpilot - 4.5 out of 5 stars | 6.8K reviews
Positive reviews on Trustpilot tended to emphasize the progress users have made in their lives with BetterHelp, the flexible schedules, and the ability to easily seek a new therapist if they encounter scheduling difficulties or don’t feel like the therapist they matched with is a fit.
Negative reviews on Trustpilot agreed that BetterHelp charges too much for its services, and many were very suspicious of the BetterHelp privacy violation charges the company went through in 2023. As a note, however, this issue has since been resolved, and changes have been made to BetterHelp’s privacy practices.
Who May Want an Alternative to BetterHelp?
BetterHelp is not a good solution for anyone struggling with severe mental health symptoms, those with good in-network options for therapy, or those seeking psychiatric care or medication management.
Those With In-Network Insurance Options for Therapy
BetterHelp doesn’t accept insurance for therapy, so, if you have insurance with mental health coverage, you may be able to get a far better price than you would with cash pay at BetterHelp. Instead, you might want to look for an online therapy provider that accepts insurance such as Talkspace.
People Seeking Psychiatric Care or Medication Management
BetterHelp does not offer psychiatric care or medication management. If you are seeking medication management or psychiatric care, you should look for online psychiatric services such as Talkiatry.
People Struggling with Severe Mental Health Symptoms
Online therapy is not ideal for those suffering from severe mental health symptoms such as suicidal ideation, hallucinations, or psychosis. Those suffering from severe mental health symptoms should seek in-person care.
If you currently have severe mental health symptoms and need immediate help, you should dial 911, visit the nearest emergency room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or by dialing 988.
BetterHelp, or any online therapy provider, is not a safe choice for those in an active crisis, as therapists cannot respond immediately. BetterHelp is also not ideal for those with a serious mental illness (SMI) such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, personality disorders, or treatment-resistant depression.
BetterHelp Vs. Competitors
BetterHelp is a great choice for those just needing an easy and convenient way to dip a toe into the therapy world or reduce the impact of burnout or stress. Or, BetterHelp could be an ideal choice for someone who does not have viable in-network therapy options. Meanwhile, Talkspace or Thriveworks may be better if you are seeking psychiatric care, while Online-Therapy.com is great if you’re specifically looking for CBT therapy.
Price: $260 – $360 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
Medication Available? No
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30k+ therapists available -
Same-day appointments available
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Does not accept insurance -
Limited choice over initial therapist
Price: $276 – $436 monthly
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Medication Available? Yes
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Many major health insurance plans are accepted -
Psychiatry and teen (13+) therapy available
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Exact monthly costs vary -
Limited ability to choose your therapist
Price: $200 – $440 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
Medication Available? No
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Affordable plans for biweekly or monthly sessions -
Great self-guided resources and content
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Insurance is not accepted -
Exclusively CBT-focused therapy
Price: $99 – $199 per session
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Medication Available? Yes
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In-person services available in select cities -
Accepts many major insurance plans
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Cost varies by provider -
Not available nationwide
BetterHelp Vs. Talkspace
BetterHelp Vs. Online-Therapy.com
BetterHelp Vs. Thriveworks
Our Final Verdict – Is BetterHelp Worth It?
When I was testing BetterHelp, it struck me as an ideal platform for someone who is looking for a fast and convenient way to get started in therapy and see if it’s right for them. BetterHelp is best suited for people looking for a little bit of help managing stress, burnout, or adjusting to life changes. It’s also a great resource for anyone who doesn’t have viable mental health options covered by insurance, as it’s one of the most affordable cash-pay options out there. Landing on a good therapist fit can be a challenge and might take some trial and error, but if you stick with it, there should be plenty of therapists on BetterHelp who can help you with what you’re going through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BetterHelp Legitimate?
Yes, BetterHelp is a legitimate online therapy platform. Moreover, BetterHelp is one of the largest and well-known services of its kind. BetterHelp thoroughly vets and verifies all of its therapists. Notably, one study indicated BetterHelp is effective in reducing the effects of mild anxiety and depression.1
How Does BetterHelp Work?
BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that allows people across the country to easily access virtual therapy online. The BetterHelp app allows you to meet with a therapist via phone, video, or live chat. You can also message your therapist in between sessions, and access educational group webinars, and a host of excellent self-guided resources.
To learn more about how BetterHelp works, visit our ultimate BetterHelp FAQ for answers, guides, tips, & tricks.
Is BetterHelp Worth It?
BetterHelp is worth it for those who are looking for a fast and convenient solution for therapy. Often, appointments are available same-day, and BetterHelp’s library of resources is great for those just getting started with therapy. It’s also a very affordable option for anyone who doesn’t have good therapy options covered by insurance. During my time using BetterHelp, I felt the service offered me a lot of value for my money.
How Much Does BetterHelp Cost?
BetterHelp costs range from $260 – $360 monthly (advertised at $65 – $90 weekly). This includes weekly sessions with your therapist, access to BetterHelp’s resource content, and one weekly group webinar. BetterHelp does not accept insurance. You can also purchase subscriptions on a week-to-week basis at a rate of $110 weekly.
A few key facts about BetterHelp costs:
- BetterHelp does not accept insurance
- BetterHelp’s standard price is $260 – $360 monthly
- Financial aid is available for people in times of financial hardship, potentially lowering the price by 10% – 40%
- You can use FSA or HSA to pay for BetterHelp
- BetterHelp will provide a superbill for out-of-network insurance reimbursement
- Your first month with BetterHelp is due upfront
- A maintenance plan is available for $200 monthly and includes one monthly therapy session, plus unlimited messaging
- You can purchase plans week-to-week at a rate of $110 weekly — this includes one therapy session and unlimited messaging for that week
- Choosing Therapy offers a 20% off BetterHelp discount code to all its readers
How are BetterHelp Therapists Vetted and Verified?
All therapists and counselors on BetterHelp are licensed and accredited psychologists, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, or licensed professional therapists. All professionals on BetterHelp must have at least three years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience.
According to BetterHelp, counselors must provide proper licensure documentation and proof of identity when they apply. BetterHelp then cross-checks their licensure information with their respective state licensing boards. Additionally, BetterHelp requires each therapist or counselor to complete a case study exam to be graded by a licensed clinician and evaluated in a video interview.
How are You Matched with BetterHelp Therapists?
Matching on BetterHelp happens automatically based on your answers from the assessment and preferences you selected during the sign-up process. If you choose to change therapists later on, you will be able to choose from a small list of potential matches. If you’re looking to get started with BetterHelp, you should take a look at our tips for finding a good BetterHelp therapist.
How Do I Change Therapists on BetterHelp?
To choose a new therapist on BetterHelp, simply go to the BetterHelp mobile app or website, log in, navigate to your account, and select “Change Therapist”. You will then see a selection of therapists from the directory and you can read profiles and choose someone that fits you better. I had to change therapists a few times when I used BetterHelp, but found the process to be easy and quick. Remember to read therapist bios mindfully and check out our tips for finding a great therapist on BetterHelp.
Is BetterHelp Good?
We’ve used BetterHelp ongoing for 4 years, and have consistently found it to be a good option for people that are looking for quick and easy access to online therapy. The large selection of therapists and wide geographic availability make it a great option for most people. The biggest downside to BetterHelp is that it doesn’t accept insurance. If you’re looking for another online therapy platform that accepts insurance, two of our biggest recommendations are Talkspace and Brightside Health.
Can I Use My HSA/FSA for BetterHelp?
Yes, you can use your FSA or HSA for therapy expenses with BetterHelp. You will simply enter your HSA/FSA card information as your payment type.
How Do I Cancel My BetterHelp Subscription?
To cancel or change your BetterHelp subscription, simply log into the web or mobile app, select the “More” tab, click on “My account” and then select the button labeled “Change membership/Cancel membership.” From there, you’ll just have to answer a few confirmation questions. It’s also recommended to use this same account settings menu to request that your account data be deleted if you aren’t planning to use BetterHelp again.
If you have further questions about canceling your account, please contact BetterHelp at: [email protected]. Or, visit our BetterHelp FAQ article for more detailed guides on getting the best out of your experience.
Can I Pause My BetterHelp Subscription?
Yes, you can pause your BetterHelp subscription. You can choose to pause your account for two, four, or six weeks, which extends your payment date by that length of time. BetterHelp states that you can only choose to pause your subscription once every three months. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to attend any sessions after you choose to pause your membership, but you can choose to unpause it at any time. We walk through this process and offer guides for more in our full BetterHelp FAQ article.
Does BetterHelp Issue Refunds?
BetterHelp states that it offers refunds on a case-by-case basis and you must meet their criteria to receive a refund. You can email BetterHelp at: [email protected] or call them directly: 1 (888) 688-9296.
How Do I Apply for BetterHelp Financial Aid?
BetterHelp offers financial aid to those in specific circumstances or times of financial hardship. At the time you create your account, you’ll fill out an intake questionnaire with basic information, as well as some details about your financial status and employment. BetterHelp automatically applies any financial aid that you’re eligible for in response to your answers.
Is BetterHelp HIPAA-Compliant?
BetterHelp has policies that are consistent with HIPAA standards, however, the company does not state that it is compliant with HIPAA regulations. Prior to any sessions (messaging or live sessions), you will be required to sign a form agreeing to their privacy policies. To read more, please visit BetterHelp’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
All of the therapists on the BetterHelp platform have HIPAA obligations under their licensure. The therapists on BetterHelp also have robust requirements mandated by BetterHelp’s Data Processing Agreement. However, BetterHelp is technically not regulated by HIPAA because they are not a “covered entity” under the statute.
When people ask about HIPAA, most often they are concerned about their privacy and security. To that end, BetterHelp has implemented a robust set of privacy and security policies and technology solutions, including:
- State-of-the-art technology, operations, and infrastructure with the goal of protecting your privacy and safeguarding the information you provide
- Messages between you and your therapist are secured and encrypted by banking-grade 256-bit encryption. Additionally, you can always select the “Remove Message” button to remove messages that you’ve sent to your therapist.
- Databases are encrypted and scrambled so they essentially become useless in the unlikely event that they are stolen or compromised.
History & News of Betterhelp
Year Founded: 2013
Parent Company: Teladoc Health
Publicly Traded? Yes
Headquartered in: Mountain View, California
Founded in 2013, BetterHelp is one of the most recognized names in the online therapy industry. According to their website, they have 30,000 licensed clinicians in all 50 states and claim to be the largest online counseling platform in the world. In 2015, the company was acquired by Teladoc, a corporation that has a stronghold in the industry and continues to acquire smaller businesses in the telehealth sector.
In 2023, BetterHelp faced a significant offense related to its privacy practices from 2017 to 2020, resulting in a $7.8 million fine imposed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The offense centered around allegations that BetterHelp shared sensitive user data with third parties, including major companies like Meta (formerly Facebook) and Snapchat.
According to an official release by BetterHelp, the company shared encrypted email addresses with Facebook to optimize its marketing strategy between 2017 and 2020. BetterHelp claims that this is a standard marketing practice in the industry, however, the FTC alleges that BetterHelp should have been more clear in explaining this to its users.
When we reached out for information on this, BetterHelp reiterated that the company “does not and has never shared with advertisers, publishers, social media platforms, or any other similar third parties, private information such as members’ names or clinical data from therapy sessions.” Additionally, BetterHelp stated that they have never received compensation for sharing data.
BetterHelp released a statement to Choosing Therapy acknowledging they have worked with the FTC to reach these resolutions to the issue:
- Updated the BetterHelp privacy policy
- Told the advertising companies that received hashed, encrypted information was to be deleted
- Ceased sharing information with other companies for advertising
- Enhanced BetterHelp’s privacy program to better protect personal health information. An independent third party is auditing BetterHelp’s program to ensure information is being protected4
Anyone can visit BetterHelp’s privacy policy for more details as to how BetterHelp handles user data.
Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Marcelle, E. T., Nolting, L., Hinshaw, S. P., & Aguilera, A. (2019). Effectiveness of a multimodal digital psychotherapy platform for adult depression: A naturalistic feasibility study. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 7(1), e10948. https://doi.org/10.2196/10948. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6364202/
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Benson, N. M., & Song, Z. (2020). Prices and cost-sharing for psychotherapy in-network versus out-of-network in the United States. Health Affairs (Project Hope), 39(7), 1210–1218. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8128060/
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Liz Neporent March 3, 2023 at 9:05 AM UTC. (2023, March 6). Betterhelp Mental Health App Faces $7.8m FTC fine for Sharing Private User Data. Psychiatrist.com. https://www.psychiatrist.com/news/betterhelp-mental-health-app-faces-7-8m-ftc-fine-for-sharing-private-user-data/
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Matthew Church, MS (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated cost section to reflect maintenance subscription plan and week-to-week pricing. Updated FAQ section with clarified language about cost.
Author: Matthew Church, MS (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Revised intro paragraph, added new experiences to detailed review from ongoing use and assessment of BetterHelp. Added images to enhance “Live Text-Based Sessions” section.
Author: Matthew Church, MS (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated following sections based on most recent review/user experience: Pros & Cons, Introduction, Why You Can Trust My Review, Firsthand Experiences. Updated FAQ response regarding BetterHelp and HIPAA compliance. Fact-checked and reviewed entire article and revised where necessary to improve factual accuracy, clarity, and enhanced readability.
Author: Matthew Church, MS (New author)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (New medical reviewer)
Primary Changes: Fully reviewed BetterHelp platform, rewrote entire article based on new review experiences, reformatted entire article to new format. New content written by Matthew Church, MS, and medically reviewed by Kristen Fuller, MD.
Author: Caitlin Bell, M.A. (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D (No change)
Primary Changes: Update cost from $60 weekly to $65 weekly; Added price changes into History.
Author: Caitlin Bell, M.A. (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D (No change)
Primary Changes: Adjusted cost language, texting with therapist language, and added pausing feature.
Author: Caitlin Bell, M.A. (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D (No change)
Primary Changes: Reassessment of BetterHelp; Updated cost; Updated screenshots/images; Attended live session and added first-person point-of-view; style updates throughout.
Author: Caitlin Bell, M.A. (New author)
Medical Reviewer: Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D (New medical reviewer)
Primary Changes: Full reassessment of BetterHelp; New sections: “BetterHelp Detailed Review”, “How It’s Changed”; Updated cost; Updated screenshots/images; Added images and charts for pros/cons and discounts.
Author: Hailey Shafir, LCMHCS, LPCS, LCAS, CCS
Medical Reviewer: Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP
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Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
Online Therapy
BetterHelp – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 30,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $65 per week and is FSA/HSA eligible by most providers. Take a free online assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you. Free Assessment
Medication + Therapy
Brightside Health – Together, medication and therapy can help you feel like yourself, faster. Brightside Health treatment plans start at $95 per month. United Healthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Aetna accepted. Following a free online evaluation and receiving a prescription, you can get FDA approved medications delivered to your door. Free Assessment
Online Psychiatry
Klarity Health – The providers on Klarity offer comprehensive, personalized ADHD treatment. From diagnosis to therapy to medication management, a Klarity provider will be there for you. And, if needed, they’re able to prescribe controlled substances, like Adderall or Concerta. Visit Klarity Health
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