Cerebral and BetterHelp are both online therapy platforms, with Cerebral also offering psychiatric services to help manage certain mental health conditions, as well as being in-network with some insurance plans. After using both services hands-on, we’ve taken an in-depth look at what each platform offers, their costs and subscription options, as well as any extra features available.
Editor's Notes
We regularly review and update our content to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information. After our most recent round of testing, while BetterHelp’s cost has increased slightly, we maintain that BetterHelp is likely a better fit for those paying out-of-pocket for therapy, while Cerebral is a decent choice for people with in-network insurance and those who are also looking for medication management.
Compare Cerebral Vs. BetterHelp
| Services Offered | Individual and couples therapy, medication management | Individual therapy, teen therapy, couples therapy |
| Cost | $95–$365 monthly | $280–$400 monthly |
| Geographic Availability | USA & UK | USA & International |
| Insurance Accepted? |  |  |
| Session Options | Video and phone sessions, plus messaging between sessions | Video, phone, and live messaging sessions, plus messaging between sessions |
| Offers Medications? |  |  |
| Offers Financial Aid? |  |  |
| Get Started | Visit Cerebral | Visit BetterHelp |
| Services Offered | |
| Individual and couples therapy, medication management | Individual therapy, teen therapy, couples therapy |
| Cost | |
| $95–$365 monthly | $280–$400 monthly |
| Geographic Availability | |
| USA & UK | USA & International |
| Insurance Accepted? | |
 |  |
| Session Options | |
| Video and phone sessions, plus messaging between sessions | Video, phone, and live messaging sessions, plus messaging between sessions |
| Offers Medications? | |
 |  |
| Offers Financial Aid? | |
 |  |
| Get Started | |
| Visit Cerebral | Visit BetterHelp |
Cerebral Vs. BetterHelp: What Are the Differences?
Cerebral and BetterHelp are both online therapy platforms that operate in all 50 US states. Cerebral also offers its services in the UK and BetterHelp provides therapy in over 200 countries worldwide. BetterHelp offers therapy for adults, teens, and couples through its various subsidiary brands and doesn’t accept insurance for services. Meanwhile, Cerebral offers therapy for individual adults and couples, as well as medication management. Cerebral accepts some insurance plans which can help significantly reduce costs, likely making it a better choice for those with in-network plans.
Price: $95–$365 monthly
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Age Limitations: 18+
Cerebral lets you choose from four different subscription plans when you sign up: Medication, individual therapy, medication + therapy, or couples therapy. Since Cerebral accepts some insurance plans, check your plan before signing up.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Therapy & medication management available in all US States
- Accepts some insurance plans
- Four subscriptions to choose from
Cons - No live texting sessions available
- No controlled medications available
- Not available in Canada or internationally other than the UK
Cost
Cerebral costs $95–$365 monthly depending on your subscription plan. If Cerebral is in-network with your insurance company, the plans will cost $30 monthly in addition to any co-pays for your visits and medication. Medication subscriptions include the cost of shipping fees but do not include the cost of medications, which start at $10.
Here are the four plans Cerebral offers:
- Medication: $95 monthly– includes a 30-minute initial consultation, a 15-minute intake follow-up, and up to two provider check-ins per month. The cost of medication is billed separately. Unlimited messaging with your provider is included.
- Therapy: $295 monthly– includes an initial evaluation session, then weekly 45-minute sessions with a licensed therapist, and unlimited messaging.
- Medication + Therapy Plan: $365 monthly– includes everything offered in the medication and therapy plans.
- Couples Therapy: $325 monthly– includes everything offered in the therapy plan for two clients rather than one.
Overview
What Is Cerebral?
Cerebral is a subscription-based online mental health platform that offers therapy and psychiatry to adults throughout the United States. All therapy sessions are 45 minutes long and initial psychiatry appointments are 30 minutes long. You can choose to attend your appointments either via video or phone call. With Cerebral, you will be able to choose from several subscription plans as well as select your own provider after you sign up. Depending on which plan you select, costs range from $95–$365 monthly.
To learn more about the sign-up process and what to expect, read our in-depth review of Cerebral.
Cerebral Extra Features
Cerebral offers self-care tools in its app under a tab called “Learn.” You will have some assigned work to complete, but you can also explore what else there is in the “Discover” section. Here you will find learning modules on topics like “What Is Anxiety?,” “What is CBT?,” and “Goal Setting.”
There are also grounding techniques, a journaling tab, and two cognitive behavioral therapy worksheets to complete. You can even listen to a meditation, a visualization practice, or a progressive muscle relaxation exercise.
Price: $280–$400 monthly
Insurance Accepted: No
Age Limitations: 18+
BetterHelp offers one of the most affordable cash-pay online therapy options out there. For those without insurance, this could be a good way to go. There’s also financial aid available for those going through difficult times. Since BetterHelp doesn’t offer medication management, it’s best for those who don’t need prescriptions or are fine with using multiple platforms for their mental healthcare.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Therapy is available in all US States and internationally
- Low-cost therapy subscription
- Offers financial aid
Cons - Does not accept insurance
- No medication management available
- Only one subscription option
Cost
BetterHelp costs range from $280–$400 monthly (advertised at $70–$100 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 discreet or share with your therapist.
- Group webinars to attend on topics like anxiety, stress, depression, and more.
Those who have been previous BetterHelp clients may be offered a “maintenance plan” which costs $200 monthly (advertised at $50 weekly). This plan includes text, video, and audio messages with your therapist plus one live session. Additional live sessions can be purchased for $80 each.
If you can’t afford therapy, BetterHelp offers financial aid to those who meet certain income criteria.
Overview
What Is BetterHelp?
BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that quickly connects you with a licensed counselor or therapist. BetterHelp has one subscription option, which includes a weekly, 30- or 45-minute video, phone, or live texting session. A BetterHelp subscription also includes the ability to message your therapist anytime between sessions, with therapists typically responding within 24 hours. A BetterHelp subscription also provides access to its journaling tool and group webinars.
Currently, BetterHelp does not prescribe medication, and it does not accept insurance. Through subsidiary brands Teen Counseling and Regain, BetterHelp also offers therapy for teens and couples. When I used BetterHelp, I thought the service offered a lot of value for the cost. However, if you can’t afford therapy, BetterHelp offers financial aid to 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 discreet or share with your therapist.
- Group webinars to attend on topics like anxiety, stress, depression, and more.
To learn more about its sign-up process, you can read our in-depth review of BetterHelp.
BetterHelp Extra Features
There are two extra features on BetterHelp, the “Journal,” and “Groupinars.”
The “Journal” section gives you journal prompt suggestions, 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 like, you will title your journal and then begin your entry.
You can choose to share these journal entries with your therapist or keep them to yourself. You also do not have to use the journal prompts and, instead, can treat this as a free writing space.
“Groupinars” are webinars you can attend through the app, spanning various mental health topics, including relationships, trauma, 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.
Who Might Need an Alternative to Cerebral or BetterHelp?
While Cerebral and BetterHelp can help individuals over 18 with mild to moderate mental health symptoms, these platforms will not be ideal for those with more severe symptoms or those under 18 years old.
Get ADHD Treatment With These Alternatives
Both BetterHelp and Cerebral can help treat the symptoms of ADHD, but if you’re looking for in-depth diagnostics and treatment, there are better options available. Talkiatry is one of our favorite providers that offers ADHD care with its thorough approach. Circle Medical is another option that provides comprehensive help with ADHD management.
Get Help for Children & Teens With These Alternatives
Cerebral and BetterHelp are only available to those 18 years and older. While BetterHelp does have a teen therapy option, called Teen Counseling, it is only available to teens 13 years and older. For kids and teens younger than 13, a great online therapy and medication management option is Brightline Mental Health. Brightline can provide therapy to kids as young as six and can also refer their therapy patients in-house for psychiatric care.
Get In-Person Therapy With These Alternatives
Online therapy and psychiatry can come off as cold and disconnecting for some people. For those who would prefer to see a provider face-to-face, we recommend exploring an online therapist directory. Directories can help you find someone close to your location and there are filters available to find particular specialties. Another great option is Thriveworks, which offers in-person services in certain cities.
Cerebral Vs. BetterHelp Vs. Talkspace
Cerebral, BetterHelp, and Talkspace are some of the biggest names in the online mental healthcare world. All three platforms offer therapy to individuals over the age of 18 across all 50 US states. However, Cerebral and Talkspace both offer medication management and accept insurance, while BetterHelp does not.
Cerebral and Talkspace both offer out-of-pocket payment options for medication management. An initial evaluation with Talkspace is $299 and follow-up appointments cost $175. Cerebral, on the other hand, charges a monthly subscription fee (of $95 monthly if you only need medication management) with shipping for medication included. Both Talkspace and Cerebral accept insurance, which could lower the out-of-pocket costs and may make them quite comparable in price. However, Talkspace accepts significantly more insurance plans than Cerebral does.
If you are only seeking medication management, Cerebral’s Medication Management Plan is only $95 monthly, making it a really affordable option that offers more relative value than BetterHelp or Talkspace. If you have insurance, though, you might be better off with Talkspace.
To learn more about how its online platform works, you can read our in-depth review of Talkspace.
So, Which Is Better?
“In terms of therapy subscriptions, these two companies are tied. BetterHelp will likely be cheaper for those paying with cash, but Cerebral could be more affordable for those with in-network insurance. But if we take into consideration that Cerebral offers a subscription that combines therapy and medication management, that could make it a more attractive option for those needing mental health prescriptions. Oftentimes, people with moderate mental health symptoms will feel better faster if they combine therapy and medication.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Online Therapy & Psychiatry Right For?
Online therapy and online psychiatry are great for people who are new to both and have mild to moderate mental health symptoms. Utilizing these services online can save you money and time. Having the convenience of attending sessions and appointments from the comfort of your own home can easily outweigh any qualms you may have.
What Credentials Do Cerebral & BetterHelp Therapists/Providers Hold?
Cerebral therapists hold master’s or doctoral degrees in counseling, social work, or psychology. All therapists and counselors on BetterHelp and Cerebral are licensed and accredited psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, or professional therapists.
Do BetterHelp & Cerebral Accept Insurance?
Cerebral accepts insurance from some insurance companies. BetterHelp does not accept insurance at this time, but does offer financial aid through the BetterHelp financial assistance program.
Can Cerebral & BetterHelp Prescribe Medication?
Yes, Cerebral can prescribe medications but BetterHelp does not prescribe medications.
Is Cerebral the Same as BetterHelp?
No, Cerebral and BetterHelp are not the same—they are separate companies with different service lines. BetterHelp offers therapy, whereas Cerebral offers both therapy and medication management.
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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Church, Matthew. (March 12, 2025). BetterHelp Review 2025: Cost, Pros & Cons, & My Experience. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/betterhelp-review/
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Guarnotta, Emily. (February 18, 2025). Cerebral Review 2025: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/cerebral-review/
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BetterHelp. (2025). Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from https://www.betterhelp.com/faq/
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Cerebral. (2025). Our Services. Retrieved from https://cerebral.com/plans
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Cerebral. (2025). Plans, Costs & Insurance. Retrieved from https://cerebral.com/faqs/plans-costs-insurance
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BetterHelp. (November 5, 2025). How Much Does Online Therapy Cost? BetterHelp Pricing Explained. https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/general/betterhelp-pricing-what-you-can-expect-to-pay-for-therapy/
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: Abigail Rueger, MA (New author)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated BetterHelp’s pricing from $260-$400 monthly to $280-$400 monthly.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Fact-checked all content and updated where appropriate; updated BetterHelp pricing; edited for readability and clarity; updated the “Who Might Need An Alternative?” section.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Fact-checked all content and updated where appropriate; updated Cerebral pricing and service offerings, refreshed all verbiage for enhanced readability, and confirmed all facts to be accurate.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated costs for BetterHelp throughout; updated all images.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated cost section for BetterHelp to reflect current price options.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD
Primary Changes: Updated cost section for BetterHelp to reflect current price options.
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