Calmerry and BetterHelp are online therapy platforms for individuals 18 years and older throughout the US. While both offer online therapy, they’re structured differently and have different pricing plans. To learn more about how Calmerry and BetterHelp compare to each other, we’ll take an in-depth look at what each platform offers, their costs and subscription options, as well as any extra features available.
Compare BetterHelp Vs. Calmerry
| Services Offered | Individual therapy, teen therapy, and couples therapy | Individual therapy only |
| Cost | $260 - $360 monthly | $228 - $360 monthly |
| Geographic Availability | USA & International | USA Only |
| Insurance Accepted? |  |  |
| Session Options | Video, phone, live messaging | Video only |
| Offers Medications? |  |  |
| Offers Financial Aid? |  |  |
| Get Started |
| Services Offered | |
| Individual therapy, teen therapy, and couples therapy | Individual therapy only |
| Cost | |
| $260 - $360 monthly | $228 - $360 monthly |
| Geographic Availability | |
| USA & International | USA Only |
| Insurance Accepted? | |
 |  |
| Session Options | |
| Video, phone, live messaging | Video only |
| Offers Medications? | |
 |  |
| Offers Financial Aid? | |
 |  |
| Get Started | |
Why I Recommend BetterHelp instead of Calmerry for Most People
BetterHelp has more therapists in its directory than Calmerry does, meaning you’ll have a better selection of therapists with BetterHelp.
BetterHelp also offers therapy for couples and teens whereas Calmerry does not.
BetterHelp offers financial aid to those who qualify, making it more affordable than Calmerry for people in difficult financial situations.
However, if you only need to message a therapist, Calmerry has an affordable messaging-only option worth exploring.
Calmerry Vs. BetterHelp: What Are the Differences?
When you’re looking at the differences between Calmerry and BetterHelp, it’s easy to see that both platforms have a lot in common. As a rule of thumb, Calmerry is better for people who need more flexibility with the frequency of their services; whereas BetterHelp is better for those who want a better selection of therapists or need therapy for teens or couples. Plus, BetterHelp’s financial aid program makes it more affordable than Calmerry for those in difficult financial circumstances.
- Price: $228 – $360 monthly
- Insurance Accepted? No
- Age Limitations: 18+
Calmerry has more flexible pricing plans than many of its competitors, including BetterHelp. It could be a good choice if all you need is messaging, or just need a little more customization.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Four subscription plans to choose from
- Affordable out-of-pocket costs compared to in-person care
- Extra features include a self-help library and an AI chatbot
Cons - Does not accept insurance
- Only offers video sessions, no phone or instant messaging sessions
- No teen, couples, or other types of therapy offered
Cost
How Much Does Calmerry Cost?
Calmerry costs $228 – $360 monthly (advertised as $57 – $90 weekly), depending on the subscription option you choose. The first month of each subscription is offered at a discounted rate for new users.
Calmerry offers the following subscriptions:
- Messaging Plan ($198 for first month, then $228 monthly): Advertised as $57 weekly, this plan includes unlimited messaging with a licensed counselor, a personalized therapy plan, and access to reflection tools. Therapist will respond 5 days per week. This plan is best for those who prefer messaging therapy.
- 4 Live Videos ($218 for first month, then $250 monthly): Advertised as $62.50 weekly, this plan gets you weekly live video sessions with a therapist, a personalized treatment plan, and all the tools in the app. Unlimited texting is available, but therapists aren’t guaranteed to respond 5 days per week like other plans. This plan is best for those who prefer video therapy.
- Messaging + 2 Live Video Sessions ($264 for first month, then $310 monthly): Advertised as $77.50 weekly, this plan includes everything in the messaging plan plus two live 30-minute video sessions with a licensed therapist. This plan is best for those who want a good mix of live sessions and messaging.
- Messaging + 4 Live Video Sessions ($295 for first month, then $360 monthly): Advertised as $90 weekly, this plan includes everything in the messaging plan plus four live video sessions with a licensed therapist. This plan is best for those who want weekly sessions, plus ongoing messaging with responses guaranteed 5 days per week.
Additional Live Sessions: If you would like more therapy sessions per month, you have the option to purchase additional sessions. The cost of one additional 30-minute session is $45, two 30-minute sessions are $84, and a bundle of four 30-minute sessions is $160.
Overview
What Is Calmerry?
Calmerry offers online therapy for individuals 18 years and older who are dealing with a range of mental health issues. Calmerry offers four subscription plans, with all therapy sessions lasting 30 minutes. With Calmerry, you will be matched with a therapist by a staff member via text messaging who considers your location, schedule, and symptoms when determining a good fit. Depending on your plan, Calmerry costs $228 – $360 monthly and does not accept insurance.
Calmerry can help people dealing with a wide range of mental health issues. They offer individual therapy for depression, grief, anxiety, OCD, self-esteem, emotional abuse, LGBTQ+, relationship therapy and more. During the matching process, you will be able to explain what you’d like to focus on during your therapy process.
How to Sign Up for Calmerry
To sign up for Calmerry, visit their website and select “Get Started.” You will then complete the initial survey questions about your symptoms and then choose which subscription plan you want. After you pay for your first month you will then be matched with a therapist.
After you are matched with a therapist, you can begin messaging them right away to get to know them better. You will be able to select a date and time for your first live therapy session if that is the subscription plan you chose.
To learn more about their sign-up process, you can read our comprehensive review of Calmerry.
Calmerry Extra Features
Calmerry has two main extra features for clients, a self-help library and an AI chatbot named Coa.
The self-help library offers learning courses on various mental health topics, downloadable PDF worksheets, and audio journaling prompts. Everything in the self-help library is completed at your own pace, and you can pick and choose which materials you want to explore. While your therapist may assign you worksheets as “homework,” everything is designed to help you think more deeply about how your symptoms affect your daily life.
Many companies are beginning to use AI to help further clients’ therapeutic experiences, but Calmerry was ahead of this trend. Their Coa chatbot has been a part of their platform for years now and is a great tool to use to stay engaged in your therapy process. Coa can help guide you to courses, worksheets, and journaling prompts that directly relate to your current symptoms.
“Calmerry is an affordable out-of-pocket option for online therapy that earned 3 stars overall during our independent review. Whether you are looking to exchange messages or attend live video sessions, Calmerry gives you options for both plus the flexibility to choose between three different plans and is an affordable option compared to similar platforms like Better Help and Talkspace. Calmerry is worth a try if you are over 18 years old, dealing with depression or anxiety, and looking for online therapy. At the present time, Calmerry does not offer couples, family, or group therapy, or telepsychiatry, and does not serve children and teens.” – Emily Guarnotta, PsyD
- Price: $260 – $360 monthly
- Insurance Accepted? No
- Age Limitations: 18+, teen therapy available with sister company
BetterHelp is one of the easiest-to-use and most accessible online therapy options available. If you need therapy quickly and with minimal hassle, then BetterHelp is a good bet.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Attend therapy sessions via phone, video, or instant messaging
- Extra features include a journal space and group webinars
- Offers financial aid
Cons - Doesn't accept insurance
- Only one subscription plan available
- Monthly price can vary depending on your location
- Must use sister sites for couples or teen counseling
Cost
How Much Does BetterHelp Cost?
BetterHelp costs start at $260 – $360 monthly (advertised at $65 – $90 weekly), with the ultimate cost depending on your location and therapist availability.
BetterHelp’s therapy subscription includes:
- One live, 30 or 45-minute weekly video, phone, or text session.
- Ability to text with your therapist at any time (responses can be expected at least once daily).
- An in-app journal that you can keep private or share with your therapist.
- Group webinars to attend on topics like anxiety, stress, depression, and more.
If you can’t afford therapy, BetterHelp offers financial aid to those experiencing difficult financial circumstances.
Overview
What Is BetterHelp?
BetterHelp is a subscription-based online therapy platform for individuals 18 years and older across the US and internationally. They offer one subscription option (with weekly and 4-week/monthly billing options), which includes a weekly, 30 or 45-minute video, phone, or live texting session. A subscription also includes the ability to message with your therapist anytime between sessions, a journaling tool, and group webinars. BetterHelp costs $260 – $360 monthly, depending on your location, and does not accept insurance. If you can’t afford therapy, BetterHelp offers financial aid for those who qualify.
BetterHelp’s therapy subscription includes:
- One live, 30 or 45-minute weekly video, phone, or text session.
- Ability to text with your therapist at any time (responses can be expected at least once daily).
- An in-app journal that you can keep private or share with your therapist.
- Group webinars to attend on topics like anxiety, stress, depression, and more.
BetterHelp will initially match you with a therapist their matching program thinks would be a good fit for you. If you feel the match does not work for you, the option to change therapists is available at any time. BetterHelp can help with a wide variety of mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, stress, parenting, anger, self-esteem, and much more. Just about any question you might have about BetterHelp is answered in our full BetterHelp FAQ.
How to Sign Up for BetterHelp
To sign up with BetterHelp, visit their website and select “Get Started.” You will then complete a short assessment of your symptoms and create your new account. Prior to being initially matched with a therapist, you will need to input your payment information and pay for your first month.
After you pay, you will be able to read about the therapist you were matched with and select “Schedule” in the app. You will be able to choose a date and time to meet with your new therapist that is convenient for you. If for whatever reason you feel your therapist is not a great match, you will be able to self-select a new therapist from a list provided by BetterHelp.
If you’re planning to utilize the financial aid offered by BetterHelp, select the button “I Can’t Afford Therapy” before you complete checkout so you can fill out the financial aid forms.
To learn even more about their sign-up process, please read our in-depth review of BetterHelp, or, for BetterHelp tips and tricks, check out our BetterHelp FAQ.
BetterHelp Extra Features
BetterHelp has two main extra features for clients, the “Journal” and “Groupinars.”
The “Journal” section gives you a journal prompt suggestion, with options to shuffle or see all. There are quite a few journal prompts to choose from in categories like depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and general suggestions. Once you select a prompt, you will title your journal and begin your entry. When I used BetterHelp, I thought the journalling feature was very handy.
An interesting thing about these journals is that you can share with your therapist or keep them private. You also do not have to use the provided journal prompts and can, instead, treat this as a free writing space.
“Groupinars” are webinars you can attend through the app. Group topics include various mental health topics, from relationships and trauma to anxiety and skill building. Each topic provides you with a group session name, date, time, and a description of what each group session will cover. If you click on “more information” then you can register for your first group session.
“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.” – Matthew Church, MS
Who Might Need An Alternative?
Calmerry and BetterHelp are great options for individuals over the age of 18 seeking online therapy, but there are some people who will need an alternative. Those who want to use their insurance, people seeking medication management, and anyone looking for substance use disorder treatment will need to find care elsewhere.
Use Your Insurance with These Alternatives
Calmerry and BetterHelp do not accept insurance and those who have mental health insurance will want to find an alternative. A great option for online therapy with insurance would be either Talkspace or Grow Therapy. Talkspace is a subscription-based online therapy platform and Grow Therapy is a great insurance-based therapist directory. Both accept a wide range of insurance plans and signing up is quick and easy.
To learn more about what subscription plans they offer, you can check out our Talkspace review. and our review of Grow Therapy.
Get Medication Management with These Alternatives
Neither BetterHelp nor Calmerry offer psychiatric assessments or medication management. For those who want to combine the power of talk therapy with medication, one of the best online psychiatry platforms such as Cerebral, Brightside, or Talkiatry would be a great choice. With either company, you can choose a subscription that focuses on medication management only, therapy only, or a bundle medication and therapy option. You will be able to talk with a medication provider face-to-face, and they will help you find a medication that works best for your symptoms.
To learn more about the differences between these two companies, you can check out our head-to-head comparison of Cerebral and Brightside and our review of Talkiatry.
Get Help for Substance Abuse and Alcohol Use with These Alternatives
Calmerry and BetterHelp can help with a wide range of mental health symptoms but they cannot provide substance use disorder treatment. A great alternative for those seeking at-home treatment would be a platform like WorkIt Health. Not only can you receive personalized treatment with WorkIt Health for your substance use issues, you can also receive therapy for any other co-occurring mental health symptoms you are experiencing. Another good option for alcohol use treatment is Sunnyside, which provides a set of tools for improving your relationship with alcohol.
To read all about these programs, check out our WorkIt Health review and our review of Sunnyside.
Talkspace - Online Therapy With or Without Insurance
Your therapist can help you process thoughts and feelings, understand motivations, and develop coping skills. Covered by most major insurance plans. Talkspace also accepts Medicare in some states. The average copay is $15, but many people pay $0. Try Talkspace
BetterHelp Vs. Calmerry – Our Final Verdict
Overall, BetterHelp and Calmerry offer very similar services for very similar prices and which one is best will depend on what you are looking for in a subscription. BetterHelp has been in business for over a decade, has a much larger therapist pool than Calmerry, and marginally outperformed them during our independent review. However, Calmerry allows you to choose from four flexible subscription plans and has a better self-paced learning library.
If you have tried BetterHelp before and did not feel like the company was a good fit, we recommend Calmerry. If you have never tried online therapy before, we recommend starting with BetterHelp before exploring other options, since it’s one of the most accessible options available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Online Therapy Right For?
Online therapy is a good fit for those who are new to therapy and for those with mild to moderate mental health symptoms. This is also a great choice for those who like the convenience of attending their therapy sessions from the comfort of their own home.
What Credentials Do Calmerry & BetterHelp Therapists Hold?
Calmerry therapists hold a master’s or a doctorate degree in their field and are experts in evidence-based techniques. All therapists and counselors on BetterHelp are licensed and accredited psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, or professional therapists.
Do BetterHelp & Calmerry Accept Insurance?
No, neither BetterHelp nor Calmerry accept insurance.
Brightside Health is an online platform that provides therapy and medication management, and accepts many insurance plans, including some versions of Medicare and Medicaid. Learn more in our full review of Brightside Health.
Can Calmerry & BetterHelp Prescribe Medication?
No, neither Calmerry nor BetterHelp prescribe medications.
If you’re looking for an online platform that can provide both medication and therapy, then Talkspace and Talkiatry are both excellent options. Read more in our full review of Talkspace and our Talkiatry review.
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: Caitlin Bell, MA (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Reformatted article to new visual format, added “Why I Why I Recommend BetterHelp instead of Calmerry for Most People” section, updated pricing plans for Calmerry, reviewed and revised entire article for factual accuracy and enhanced readability.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD
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