BetterHelp Online Therapy Review

Contact Methods

When you sign up for BetterHelp, you'll answer a series of questions about yourself and the reason you're seeking counseling so that it can match you with an appropriate therapist. Users are matched with a therapist within 24 hours or less. Once you've matched with your counselor, you can schedule meetings with him or her whenever it's convenient for you. The counselor's schedule is available online or through BetterHelp's mobile app so you can quickly view openings and sign up for a time that works for you.

You can choose from live online chat, text message, video, or phone counseling. The variety of formats makes it easy for you to choose the one that you feel the most comfortable with and you can change your counseling format at any time. In addition, you can message your therapist at any time without an appointment through your online account or through the BetterHelp mobile app.

Cost

BetterHelp charges $65/week billed monthly. You can cancel your subscription at any time if you decide you no longer need counseling. Financial aid is also available.

While this is not cheap, it's likely still going to be more affordable than traditional face-to-face counseling, which can sometimes cost $200 or more per session. With BetterHelp, the price you pay includes unlimited access to your counselor, so if you're speaking with him or her often, you will probably come out well ahead compared to in-person counseling.

Therapist Qualifications

All BetterHelp therapists are licensed counselors residing in the United States. All have Master's or Doctorate degrees in their fields and have at least three years and 2,000 hours of hands-on experience counseling adults. BetterHelp assures that only the highest-quality counselors are accepted by requiring proof of licensure and asking all applicants to complete a case study exam and video interview. Only 15% of applicants are approved.

You can view all licensing information for your therapist once you've signed up for the platform. BetterHelp does its best to match you with a therapist that specializes in the area you're struggling with so you can get tailored advice for your situation. If for any reason you're not happy with your counselor, you can reach out to BetterHelp and they will assign you a new one.

Ease of Use

It's simple to sign up and use the BetterHelp platform. First, you must fill out the questionnaire so it can match you with an appropriate therapist. Then, you must enter your personal information and verify your email address. Once your account is set up, you can view your therapist's credentials and availability and schedule appointments with him or her at a time that works for both of you. You can also enroll in group seminar sessions if you're interested in this as well.

BetterHelp also has a mobile app for Apple and Android devices so you can stay connected to your therapist wherever you go. You have access to all the same features on the mobile app as you do from the online account, including direct messaging with your therapist and access to your account settings.