Like most anyone reading this, I’ve had my share of trauma and woes in life: trouble with parents, abandonment issues, abusive family and romantic relationships, sexual assault, trust issues, and so much more. Only one other person knows the full extent of what I’ve endured because I’ve felt uncertain and shameful about sharing these things with anyone else.

I had therapy in my childhood when my parents divorced, therapy in my teens after I was thrown out and abandoned by my family, treatment in college after I suffered an abusive relationship, counseling in my early 20s after I escaped an abuser, and finally, BetterHelp on and off for the past three years to attempt to move on and grieve these issues.




I’ve been with male therapists, female therapists, old therapists, and new therapists —in-person and virtual. So I guess you can say I’ve had a decent sample of therapy strategies from different aspects and perspectives.

When I started my last (and current) relationship, I realized that many of the issues surrounding me were still unresolved: disruptive thoughts, negative talk, self-criticism, and so much more.

That’s when I decided to start therapy again. But what’s someone like me who lives in the middle of the forest supposed to do? In-person treatment was an hour away and cost $200 an hour. That’s when I started looking for virtual therapy and found BetterHelp.

At the time, I could secure therapy for $250/month, and it seemed reasonable for one video session per week.




The process is simple: you fill out your information and medical history, including emotional traumas, and then are shown a menu of therapists and their specialties. You then pick your therapist and introduce yourself. Then, you set up your first video chat. There is also an option for phone calls and texts, but I wanted something close to an actual therapy session.

BetterHelp Therapist Match #1: The Body Issues Therapist

I prepared for my first therapy call and set up a space in my living room for the video call. When I met my therapist, I felt relieved. She was a sweet, soft-spoken blonde who lived in Denver. I felt excited to open up to her and get some weight off my chest.

But things got weird fast. When I talked about my body image issues, she began to take it personally and tell me that I have no reason to feel the way I do. I’m not sure if it’s because she weighed more than me, but I immediately thought that I could not open up and share things that bothered me…in case I offended her again.




I decided it was time to find a new therapist. It’s easy enough on BetterHelp; you click a button to change therapists and are again shown a long list of therapists. So there I was again, ready to start over and tell my intro to someone brand new.

Therapist #2: The Angel from Heaven

I selected a woman in Denver who had some experience with most of the issues that were troubling me, and I sent her an introduction message and scheduled my first video chat.

On our first video call, I realized I had met my perfect therapist match. She was honest, brutal, and didn’t hold back from being totally honest with me. This therapist helped me break down and move on from family trauma, and learn to let go of what I cannot control and what I cannot change. She also helped me understand other abuse I had suffered, primarily emotional and verbal, since I did not recognize it, having been around it my entire life.

This therapist transformed me, shaped me, and helped me see the world from a different perspective. I was eager to chat with her each week, even though I knew she would scold my lifestyle, my disdain for relaxing, and my unsatisfied need for adrenaline.

And then, one day after five months, she was gone. She left BetterHelp. I felt so much sadness for myself, but I knew she had probably left for a few reasons.

  1. BetterHelp therapists are severely underpaid.
  2. BetterHelp therapists get overwhelmed and overscheduled.
  3. BetterHelp therapists only have a few opportunities to advance.




I knew I couldn’t blame her. I would have done the same thing in her shoes. I still think about all the advice she gave me, and I apply it daily. When she quit BetterHelp, I decided to leave as well.

My Experience with In-Person Therapy

I figured I should take her advice and stick to it daily. After all, she helped me resolve more trauma than ANY OTHER THERAPIST I had ever spoken to: in my childhood, teenage years, and 20s.

All of the therapy I received before her was a waste of time. When I was a kid, I met with a therapist who played Badminton with me and talked to me about my divorced parents. It didn’t stop the kids at school from hitting me and yelling at me all day about my broken family and avoiding me because of my “broken household” and “crazy dad.” It didn’t help me forge friendships with people whose parents told them to avoid me.




When I was a teenager, I met with a therapist who was supposed to talk to me about my family abandoning me and me almost ending up in foster care. She coldly started the conversation asking me how I did so poorly in life for my family to “not want me,” and I did not say a word to her for the rest of the session. I think about that therapy session every once in a while and how shameful she made me feel when I was already at my lowest.

My Grief Journey

Unfortunately, coupled with abandonment issues, sexual assault, and abuse, I found myself in a handful of abusive relationships. Never having a strong male figure, I had no idea what to look for in a romantic partner or the red flags. I chose to continue no matter what, unwavering in my passion for NEVER abandoning anyone so they never felt like I felt. This further damaged me, and yet somehow, I endured, soaring through college and continuing my “corporate” life that I knew was expected of me.

I wanted to make my family proud. I wanted to feel accepted. I wanted to feel like people saw me for me, not as an extension of my dad.

I hid the abuse because when I shared it in the past, I was told that I “should have known better” or was primarily ignored by family members. I learned to keep things to myself to protect myself from feeling even more hurt or shameful.

The therapy in my 20s was not totally unhelpful, but the first therapist (a college-aged male) was borderline inappropriate and flirted with me during a session. I decided to end it. Later, I met with a therapist to help me move on from an abusive relationship where my abuser went to jail. She was nonjudgmental and made me feel safe, but ultimately I decided my best move was to get as far as f*** away from Texas as possible, burn myself to the ground, and recreate myself. That therapy might have been more helpful if I felt comfortable sticking around in Texas for longer.

The Healing Process & Self-Healing Journey

I did move far as f*** away from Texas. But every time I return, I hit a wall of anger, resentment, and persistent sadness. There is so much hurt and pain I associate with that place. And I never feel comfortable or at home when visiting.




I recreated a version of myself that I am proud of. Fearless. Strong. Resilient. Independent.

And most importantly, I respect and love myself. That didn’t happen through therapy. It happened through finding alternative treatment: starting a new life, new hobbies, and finding new passions.

BetterHelp Therapy Subscription Plan: Meh.

I guess I’m saying that therapy can be so hit or miss. I know it’s cool to talk about therapy now, and I’m not discouraging you from seeking help and therapy. My only suggestion is to be careful who you share with and be VERY selective with your therapist. If you feel uncomfortable or judged, or it’s just not working out, move on, or you will suffer more trauma.

Jumping back into my later 20s…I decided to give BetterHelp another try after my dad pulled out a handgun at my grandmother’s funeral. It left me feeling pretty haunted, in addition to many other things he was doing to me, including threatening me and taunting me. So I bit the bullet and signed up again. It had been over a year, and I thought maybe the platform had improved.

I filled out all my info again and selected my therapist.

Better Help Therapist #3: The “How Was Your Day” Therapist

There I was again, reciting the elevator speech of my life woes and traumas to a totally new person. The therapist was a middle-aged woman living in Denver. In our first session, we mainly focused on my elevator speech and what I wanted to gain from therapy.

Long story short, when I shared some of my life stories, she was very judgmental and critical. I started to feel uncomfortable and unable to share openly anymore. Strike 1.




Then, she showed up 15 minutes late to a call. Strike 2.

Finally, she no-showed the last minute for a call. Strike 3.

Feeling defeated and having wasted my money, I reached out to BetterHelp support. They were understanding and did give me additional weeks to make up for the lost sessions.

I decided to fire my therapist and find another one. Here we go again…

BetterHelp Therapist #4: ESOL

I’ve got nothing against people who speak English as their second language. However, a language barrier was not something I even considered dealing with when I was signing up for therapy.

The therapist I chose was a college professor and not a licensed therapist. You don’t technically have to be a licensed therapist to be on BetterHelp.

In our first session, she cut the time to 15 minutes (BTW, it’s supposed to be 45 minutes).

In our second session, she taught me about my inner child. It was SUPER HELPFUL, but she asked me to study it again and cut our session short by 20 minutes.

I told her about some trauma in our third session, and began crying. She said she felt bad that she “made me cry” and would end the call early. 25 minutes.

In our fourth and final session, she ended the call within 10 minutes, not even a goodbye. It was so freaking weird.

I sent her a message and asked if we could please stick to the 45-minute session and that I felt I could only accomplish a little in 15-25 minutes. Her reply?




She canceled our next session and said I should find a new therapist because she “felt bad that she made me cry.”

BetterHelp Therapist #5: MIA

I’m sure you can imagine I was feeling pretty discouraged. I’d made no headway in months with any therapy and was tired of starting over.

So here I was again, begrudgingly picking another therapist. I sent the same spiel to her.

And looked at her calendar. She was BOOKED OUT FOR WEEKS. Meaning I would be wasting my money each week and not receiving any therapy.

I canceled immediately and picked my fifth and final therapist.

BetterHelp Therapist #6: Super cool but pretty unhelpful

Finding a therapist, telling your story, starting over, and doing it all over again became more stressful and traumatizing. But I was determined to work on myself and be better for myself and the world.

The fifth therapist I picked was super cool, and I felt a lot of myself reflected in her. I completely opened up to her about almost everything I’d endured.

The problem is that each week was more of a venting session than making headway. To be fair, we started in my busiest season of work.

She taught me something precious – how to set WORK boundaries. Following her advice, I fired a few clients and set firmer boundaries with others. I feel much better now, mainly due to her advice.

But on our last and final call, I divulged that I was a little tired and dehydrated. She said she wanted to end the call early. I felt very triggered because of my experience with BetterHelp therapists in the past. I talked with my boyfriend and decided that therapy wasn’t doing enough for me and was not worth the time, money, or energy. So I let her know that I was quitting therapy. In total, we had about 9 sessions.



So, that’s my experience with BetterHelp. I found a few valuable nuggets but ended up feeling even more stressed and scorned from the therapy turnover.

So was BetterHelp worth it?

I can’t say that it was worth it. 

Between the unavailability, cancelations, or late shows, ending the call early, and generally feeling like the therapy was not very deep, I wasted lots of time, money, and effort on BetterHelp.

The week I quit BetterHelp, I went on four ski tours in Teton Pass. I reflected on everything, felt present, and talked to myself a lot.

For me, being in nature is the best therapy.

Outdoor sports make me feel alive and fulfilled.

Yes, I still have moments of negative self-talk, disruptive thoughts, and stress. I still sometimes worry about things out of my control.




I’ve resolved to accept that I am not perfect in that my thoughts are always excellent and cheerful. I’ve accepted when I am angry about something. I’ve learned to only bother with people a little and always to set firm boundaries.

Mountain towns are notorious for poor mental health.

The same people you see frolicking on the mountains and posting videos of powder days probably also suffer from depression.

Living in isolation is challenging, where the sun hardly comes out for months. I often feel lonely or unable to get out of bed. Sometimes I need help to get the motivation to go on a ski tour or even to the resort. I don’t have a strong group of friends I can vent to. I move around often, living a transient life and enjoying the awes of nature.

When I enjoy a powder day and the rush of my art flow through the mountains and snow, I sometimes feel upset the next day, wondering when the next day like that will come. It’s like a drug – absolutely bliss and ecstasy at the moment, and the comedown hurts.

It’s a bittersweet dance I enjoy. But I know I would rather deal with my demons in the mountains than in a concrete jungle. I’d instead be surrounded by like-minded people, even if we aren’t very close. We share much in common, a burning desire to do something extraordinary in life, dance in the mountains – a proper art form.

I’d rather scream in the forest than in a suburban house.

I’d instead revel in the beauty of the earth and all it has created, the abundance.




I don’t have any motivational advice for you. I don’t have any comforting final words. The truth is that I will struggle with trauma sometimes. I cannot start over and choose my family. I can’t undo the pain I’ve endured.

The best thing I did for myself was burn myself down and start over. Winter is my love. My art is snowboarding. I’ve created an entire lifestyle around this, and it’s been the best for my life and health. I met the love of my life, who shares similar passions, and now we travel and work together.

Couples “Therapy” that actually helped

My boyfriend and I started dating during Covid. That presented some issues and forced us into a severe relationship before we were ready.

Even though our problems were not terrible, our relationship meant the world to us. That’s why we decided to look into programs to help us communicate more effectively. We found a program called Our Relationship. Honestly, it felt very generic in the first few sessions, but halfway through, my boyfriend and I had our “breakthrough” moment. Now when we talk or have a disagreement, we understand our needs from the discussion, before and after. It’s seriously revolutionized how we talk to each other. Even if you don’t have problems in your relationship, it’s helpful to understand your partner as much as possible.

Take care of yourself and trust your gut.

Whatever you decide to do, I hope you heal, learn to love yourself more, and thrive in the best way for yourself. Whether trying out therapy or finding new passions, it may take some time, but you will find your path.

The rest of this article is an FAQ and “information.” It is not my personal take.




What is BetterHelp?

If you’re anything like me, you might have found yourself in a bit of a rut lately. You know the feeling: stuck in the same old routines day after day, feeling uninspired and generally “blah.” It’s normal to feel this way from time to time, but it might be time for a change when it starts to affect your quality of life.

One possible solution is BetterHelp, an online counseling service that connects you with licensed professionals who can help you work through whatever is going on in your life. But what are the reviews of BetterHelp?

Overview of BetterHelp

BetterHelp is an online counseling platform that pairs customers with professionally licensed counselors who focus on various types of therapy. With this service, customers can access counseling from any location and at any time, as long as they have a stable internet connection. Because of its convenience and affordability, BetterHelp is worth considering as an option for counseling.

BetterHelp’s accessibility is a significant advantage: customers can access counseling anytime, anywhere. The company’s website is easy to navigate and includes helpful resources, such as a comparison of online therapy vs. traditional in-office therapy and Frequently Asked Questions. Furthermore, the company offers a gift membership and has a presence on multiple social media platforms, allowing its counselors to reach more people.

Counseling Experience

The cost of BetterHelp is also worth considering. Furthermore, BetterHelp has an extensive network of therapists who use evidence-based treatments, ensuring that customers receive quality services from experienced professionals.

Overall, BetterHelp is an accessible and affordable online counseling platform that allows customers to access counseling from the comfort of their own homes. It is an excellent option for those looking for an easy and convenient way to access psychological services.

Pros of BetterHelp

What are the pros of using BetterHelp?

– Online access to experienced therapists

– Ability to remain anonymous

– Unlimited messaging with a therapist

– Changing therapists reportedly is easy

– User-friendly app and website

– Generally more affordable than in-person therapy

– 7-day free trial

– Available in the US and UK

– Rigorous screening of therapists

– 20% off your first month

– Convenient and easy-to-use mobile app

– Access to a diverse network of licensed therapists

– Option to switch therapists if not satisfied

– Financial aid is available for those who qualify

– Access to a therapist anytime during the day.

Cons of BetterHelp

What are the cons of using BetterHelp?

  • No psychiatrists are on staff, so clients can’t receive prescriptions for medications
  • BetterHelp therapists will not diagnose conditions
  • Insurance does not cover the costs of BetterHelp
  • BetterHelp cannot fulfill court-ordered therapy
  • The platform may be challenging to use if the user doesn’t have consistent access to the internet or phone services or a private space for therapy sessions.
  • Overworked therapists suffer from compassion fatigue

What to consider when using BetterHelp

BetterHelp: Features and benefits

BetterHelp offers a diverse network of licensed therapists, easy access to them via text, live chat, phone or video conferencing, and a user-friendly app for Android and Apple, can switch therapists, financial aid for those who qualify, access to your therapist anytime during the day, a weekly, 30-minute video, phone, or live texting session, unlimited messaging with your therapist between sessions, access to their journaling tool and group webinars, and the ability to select your preferred therapist based on preferences such as gender, age, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, etc. BetterHelp also has brands that offer services for couples and teens, explicitly serving Christians and the LGBTQIA+ community.

How much does BetterHelp cost a month?

When considering using BetterHelp, one must consider the cost of the service and the payment plans available. BetterHelp’s subscription ranges from $60 to $90 weekly, billed every four weeks based on preferences, location, and therapist availability.

BetterHelp does not work directly with insurance providers, making it an out-of-pocket option for those without mental health coverage. However, the costs are relatively affordable compared to traditional in-person therapy, which can cost up to $150 per session or $600 per month.

Is BetterHelp overpriced?

Additionally, those who have been previous BetterHelp customers may be offered a maintenance plan for $200 per month (advertised as $50 weekly). It includes text, video, and audio messages plus one live session ($80 each). Financial aid is available for those who cannot afford the subscription.

BetterHelp: Quality of service and therapist reviews

When evaluating the quality of service provided by BetterHelp, there are several factors to consider. Ease of use, quality of therapy, cost, customer care, and privacy should all be considered when selecting an online therapy provider.

BetterHelp prioritizes accessibility with its convenient, user-friendly website, app, and available financial aid.

BetterHelp offers weekly, monthly, or quarterly billing, and customer service is accessible and prompt.

Reviews on independent platforms like Trustpilot show an overall positive sentiment among customers, reporting suitable matches with the right therapist, convenience, and easy-to-use platform.

However, there are complaints about long wait times for the first appointment, inconsistency with treatment plans, and difficulty reaching customer service.

When choosing an online therapy provider, it is essential to consider the ease of use, quality of therapy, cost, customer care, and privacy to ensure the best service and quality of care.

BetterHelp: Location and availability, such as chat sessions and video chat

BetterHelp offers online therapy services both in the United States and the United Kingdom, providing convenience to those who live in major cities or more remote areas. The service is available 24/7, allowing users to access their therapists through various communication methods such as text, live chat, phone, or video conferencing. Additionally, users can download the BetterHelp app on either Google Play or the Apple App Store for more accessible use on the go.

Comparing BetterHelp to traditional counseling platforms offers more accessibility and convenience, as users can access their services anywhere with a device and stable internet connection. However, it is also essential to consider the privacy concerns of online therapy when considering BetterHelp versus traditional in-person treatment.

BetterHelp Support and Customer Service

BetterHelp offers a variety of different types of support and customer service. They provide 24/7 access to a therapist via phone call, video chat, live chat, or text message.

Support is usually responsive and offers help or a refund if you’ve had an issue.

BetterHelp Website & App Interface and design

When using BetterHelp, the interface and design considerations are pretty straightforward. The website is modern and user-friendly, with intuitive features and specific tools. To get started, you answer a questionnaire that takes 30 minutes to complete, and then you can let BetterHelp’s team match you to a therapist or choose your own by browsing the directory. Once you’ve chosen a therapist, you can communicate with them via text-based messaging, live chat, video, or phone. The platform is also available on desktop and mobile devices, with the mobile app being free for iOS and Android users.

BetterHelp Data and tracking

What data and tracking options are available with BetterHelp?

BetterHelp collects data on its clients, such as website and specific website page visits, clicked links, account registration, personal information, transactional actions, and login activity. BetterHelp utilizes 256-bit encryption for its communications with your therapist, encrypts and scrambles its databases, and does not share data with any third-party advertisers. However, BetterHelp does share anonymized user data with Facebook. Users can adjust their privacy settings at any time.

BetterHelp Therapy options and therapist features

BetterHelp offers various counseling services, including individual counseling (for yourself), teen counseling, family counseling, and couples counseling. Therapists, licensed professional counselors, and clinical social workers are trained to offer services for anxiety, depression, intimacy issues, bipolar disorder, addictions, anger issues, parenting, stress, substance abuse, trauma, grief, relationships, family therapy, self-esteem, LGBTQ issues, eating disorders, panic attacks, teen counseling, sleeping disorders, and other mental health issues.

BetterHelp: Qualifications, questionnaire, and licensing

When using BetterHelp, you can be sure that every therapist and counselor on the platform is highly qualified, licensed, and accredited. All professionals must have at least three years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience.

Every online counselor must have an advanced degree, a professional license, and at least 1,000 hours of the clinical, face-to-face experience. Additionally, each therapist must have a case study evaluation and a video interview.

Furthermore, the therapist must be certified by their state’s board and hold a master’s degree or doctorate. BetterHelp also provides a review page to check a therapist’s credentials, licensing information, and experience.

BetterHelp Therapist profiles and ratings

BetterHelp’s therapist profiles and ratings help users choose a service by providing detailed information about each therapist and their experience. Customers can learn about the therapist’s qualifications, credentials, experience, and area of expertise. Users can also read reviews and ratings from other customers who have experience with the therapist.

This provides an “unbiased, in-depth look” at the quality of the service and allows users to make an informed decision when selecting the therapist that best suits their needs. Furthermore, BetterHelp’s matching process will enable users to find a therapist that is a perfect match for them based on their answers to the questionnaire. This ensures that users are paired with a therapist with the skills, training, and experience to help them effectively address their concerns. Overall, BetterHelp’s profiles and ratings give users the information they need to decide when choosing a service.

BetterHelp Therapy techniques

BetterHelp offers a range of therapeutic techniques, including cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT), the eclectic approach, evidence-based practices, interpersonal psychotherapy, dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT), mindfulness therapy, emotionally focused, trauma therapy, psychodynamic therapy, motivational interviewing, client-centered therapy, group therapy, and family therapy.

BetterHelp Support groups and chat rooms

BetterHelp offers many support groups for individuals seeking counseling and therapy services. These include one-on-one counseling, live interactive group seminars (known as Groupinars), family counseling, and couples counseling. One-on-one counseling includes mental health therapies such as psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and humanistic therapy. Groupinars generally focus on substance use disorders, depression, medical problems, relationship problems, and grief. Groupinars are also recorded and available for one week after the session. BetterHelp provides family counseling, couples counseling, and teen counseling (for teens ages 13-17).

BetterHelp: Self-help resources

BetterHelp provides various self-help resources for people looking to improve their mental health and quality of life. These resources include individual counseling, teen counseling, family counseling, couples counseling, and talk therapy. Areas of treatment covered by BetterHelp include anxiety, depression, intimacy issues, bipolar, addictions, anger issues, parenting, stress, substance abuse, trauma, grief, relationships, self-esteem, LGBTQIA+ related matters, eating, panic attacks, sleeping disorders, and more. For those who need more intensive care, BetterHelp also offers group therapy, known as groupinars, which focuses on substance use disorders, depression, medical problems, relationship issues, and grief.

BetterHelp Accessibility

When considering whether or not to use BetterHelp for online therapy, it is essential to take into account the accessibility of the service. Both the website and the mobile app are designed to be user-friendly and accessible, with easy-to-navigate features and a straightforward process for getting started. However, you need a reliable internet connection to access the service and a camera for video sessions with your therapist. Additionally, there is the potential for hidden pitfalls when switching therapists or canceling service, so it is essential to be aware of these before making any changes.

A third-party listener who won’t judge you

Compared to in-person therapy, online therapy through BetterHelp is much more accessible, with pricing transparency and financial aid available to those who qualify. Additionally, you can contact your therapist anytime, and the company has a diverse network of licensed therapists. However, there are some concerns surrounding privacy that must be taken into account when using BetterHelp.

BetterHelp Refund process and policy

BetterHelp’s refund policy states that refunds are given on a case-by-case basis and that customers must meet specific criteria to qualify for a refund.

Customers unsatisfied with their BetterHelp experience may be eligible for compensation by emailing contact@betterhelp.com. Canceling a BetterHelp membership can be done by logging in to the account and navigating to the menu, selecting “My Account,” clicking “Payment Settings,” and then selecting “Quit Therapy.” If customers have prepaid for new appointments, they can contact customer service to see if they qualify for a refund, which is granted on a case-by-case basis.

BetterHelp: Complaint policy

BetterHelp’s complaint policy states that they will investigate complaints against their services and strive to resolve them quickly and amicably as possible. They also encourage people to submit customer reviews to address any issues. To submit a complaint, customers can contact customer service at support@betterhelp.com or 1 (888) 688-9296.

BetterHelp: Rating system and ADHD therapist review

The rating system for BetterHelp is based on customer reviews and ratings from various sources. The therapist review is directly on the BetterHelp website.

BetterHelp also has a BBB page, which currently has a 4-star rating based on over 350 reviews and an A rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). BetterHelp reviews on Trustpilot rank high, with 4.08 out of 5 stars. Customers rate their satisfaction with BetterHelp’s customer services, the therapist’s efficiency, the relationship established with their therapist, the therapist matching process, and the easy switch therapists option.

BetterHelp: Ethics code

BetterHelp is committed to providing a safe and secure platform for its users, so they adhere strictly to the company’s ethics code. This code outlines the quality of service they provide, the safety and security of our users, and their commitment to providing information free of bias and ethical conflicts.

Whether it’s worth using BetterHelp

Cost-Efficiency of Video Counseling Sessions Compared to In-Person Therapy Subscription Cost

Using BetterHelp for online therapy tends to be more affordable than in-person therapy due to its convenience and ease of use. In-person treatment often requires a long commute, depending on where the therapist is located and can be inconvenient to fit into a client’s schedule. Conversely, online treatment is much more flexible and allows people to speak with a therapist on the go. Furthermore, teletherapy is as effective as in-person therapy for treating depression, panic, and anxiety disorders. Additionally, research has shown that BetterHelp users had significant reductions in symptoms of depression after three months of using the platform. However, some conditions, like eating disorders and substance use disorders, are best treated in person. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which option best suits their needs.

Ability to Communicate with the Therapist Anytime and Therapist Availability

BetterHelp enables the therapist to communicate with the user anytime by providing various communication methods such as text, live chat, phone calls, and video calls. You can access these at any time of the day and request a change of therapist whenever you need to. You also don’t need to commit to a long-term contract, as you can cancel anytime.

The primary communication method available through BetterHelp is messaging your therapist. Here, you and the therapist gain access to a virtual venue where you can leave messages and reminders for the next session and ask questions. The therapist has to answer these messages within a reasonable time or provide you with suitable material you can work on.

In addition, you can have a live chat session with your therapist in real time via your computer or mobile device. During a live chat session, the therapist will interact with you in a way that allows you to open up more freely than you would in a face-to-face session. You can see your therapist’s availability through the calendar interface and schedule a live chat, phone, or video session by clicking on one of the dates and times listed. Once you’ve designed your session, BetterHelp will send a confirmation text 24 hours before.

Advantages of Online Therapy and Mental Health Subscription Services

The advantages of using online therapy include affordability, convenience, flexibility, access to specialists, and comfort. Online therapy is more affordable than in-person therapy and is easier to fit into people’s schedules. It also allows for more flexibility in scheduling, access to more specialists, and the comfort of being in your personal space. Additionally, research shows that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for treating depression, panic, and anxiety disorders. However, certain conditions, like eating disorders and substance use disorders, are still best treated in person.

FAQ

What is BetterHelp?

BetterHelp is a popular online therapy platform that connects people with licensed counselors or therapists. The platform provides access to weekly 30-minute video, phone, or live texting sessions with a licensed therapist and unlimited messaging between sessions. During the sign-up process, users take a short assessment and select their preferences for the type of therapist they would like to work with. Once the priorities are set, users are matched with a licensed therapist in their state. Although the matching process can take up to 48 hours, users typically receive a match within an hour.

BetterHelp therapists are all licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists (Ph.D. /PsyD), marriage and family therapists (LMFT), clinical social workers (LCSW / LMSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). They all have a Masters’s or Doctorate Degree in their field and have been qualified and certified by their state’s professional board.

BetterHelp is an excellent fit for those looking to improve their quality of life, as therapists specialize in various issues, such as depression, anxiety, relationships, eating, parenting, addictions, trauma, LGBT matters, religion, and more. However, it is not the right solution for those in an urgent crisis or emergency, with thoughts of hurting themselves or others, who have been diagnosed with a severe mental illness or have been required to undergo therapy or counseling by a court order or any other authority.

How does the subscription service work?

The subscription service for BetterHelp is easy to use. It provides access to four weeks of unlimited messaging in a counseling “room” with your counselor and one 30-minute live phone, chat, or video session weekly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sign up:

1. Visit the BetterHelp website and answer several questions about why you’re seeking therapy, what you hope to accomplish with counseling, and any additional information you wish to provide.

2. You will receive an email from BetterHelp with a link to view and reply.

3. Once you reply to this message, you will need to pay for your first four weeks of services if you haven’t already.

4. You can then go to the “Find a therapist” option at the bottom of the BetterHelp homepage to choose your therapist if you wish, or you will be assigned one within a few hours to a few days.

5. Finally, you can schedule your first live session with your therapist based on their availability.

If you decide to cancel your subscription, you can do so at any time by going to your Account Settings and clicking “Change membership / cancel membership.” You will receive a prorated refund for any unused services you’ve already paid for. You can also pause your subscription for up to three weeks by calling customer service. Additionally, you can sign up for a weekly or a maintenance plan, which includes unlimited messaging and one live session per month for $160.

Is BetterHelp better suited to helping people with specific mental health issues?

BetterHelp is an excellent option for many people who want to prioritize and improve their mental health, but it is better suited to helping people with specific mental health issues. The online therapy sessions offered by BetterHelp can benefit those struggling with depression, stress, anxiety, parenting, relationships, trauma, grief, and other issues. BetterHelp therapists are also trained to specialize in certain areas, such as intimacy issues, bipolar disorder, and addiction.

However, BetterHelp is unsuitable for those with severe mental health conditions, those who need psychiatric services, those who wish to use insurance, or those under 13. Additionally, BetterHelp is not the appropriate platform for those having thoughts of hurting themselves or others, as they should seek help immediately through the police or the nearest emergency room.

Compared to in-person therapy, BetterHelp’s therapists cannot provide an official diagnosis, prescribe medication, or meet a court order. However, with BetterHelp’s wide range of services and experienced therapists, it can be a great way to start your mental health journey and work through complex life changes.

Does BetterHelp have any discounts available?

Yes, BetterHelp does have discounts available. You may be offered a reduced fee discount depending on how you answer your income on the sign-up questionnaire. Additionally, if you sign up for BetterHelp through a link or enter a discount code, you’ll get 10% off your first month.

Is BetterHelp actually legit?

Yes, BetterHelp therapists are qualified and experienced. All therapists and counselors are licensed and accredited psychologists, licensed marriage/family therapists, or certified clinical social workers. BetterHelp requires each therapist or counselor to have at least three years of experience and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience, verified by the respective state licensing boards. Additionally, each therapist must complete a case study exam graded by a licensed clinician and evaluated in a video interview. This rigorous attention to licensing and credentials earned BetterHelp 5 out of 5 stars in the “Therapist Credentials & Expertise” category. Furthermore, all BetterHelp therapists hold Master’s and Doctoral degrees in their field of expertise and are certified by their state’s professional board. With this level of qualifications, BetterHelp provides a broad and diverse set of therapist options that could typically be accessed in a traditional, in-person setting.

What was the BetterHelp controversy?

The BetterHelp controversy was about “influencers” sharing their struggles via social media platforms. As it would turn out, they were getting paid for each customer who signed up. SKETCHY.

So, is BetterHelp worth it? I would say no for me, it is definitely not worth it. I’ve seen therapists in person and I’ve used other online counseling services, and I think BetterHelp was more convenient but ultimately it ended up causing me more stress. If you do try BetterHelp, set firm boundaries with your therapist and demand the full 45 minute session.