Would I Benefit More From BetterHelp Or Regain Counseling?

Over 41.7 million Americans saw a therapist in 2021, and online therapy has become a popular treatment method. You may be able to partake in various types of therapy online, from individual treatment to couples therapy, and treatment may be focused on a particular symptom or concern. Many individuals looking for online therapy may wonder about the difference between two of the most popular online therapy platforms, BetterHelp and Regain. 

Once you've decided on the answer to the question, "Is therapy right for me?", you should know that BetterHelp and Regain allow you to receive professional counseling with a licensed therapist wherever you have an internet connection. Comparing BetterHelp vs Regain counseling? Both offer professional support and therapies, and each has different specializations. Knowing the differences between the two platforms can help you make an informed decision on the best type of online therapy for you.  

What is Regain counseling?

Regain is an online therapy platform specializing in marriage and relationship counseling. You can partake in Regain counseling with your partner or discuss your relationship concerns in individual counseling sessions. Regain sessions are available on desktop, tablet, or mobile devices with an internet connection. 

The platform can provide affordable and convenient sessions with a licensed therapist to individuals and couples seeking relationship therapy. One partner can start sessions and invite their partner later for joint sessions. Regain reviews are oriented primarily towards couples therapy and counseling, so it may not be best for individuals looking for general mental health advice. 

According to a survey, 95% of couples who engage in online therapy consider it beneficial, which demonstrates the efficacy of online couples counseling. Regain couple counseling is indicated to assist couples resolve issues if there are relationship difficulties that are beyond your control

What is BetterHelp counseling?

BetterHelp is the most comprehensive online therapy platform globally, providing affordable, convenient, and supportive care from licensed therapists. The licensed therapists at BetterHelp can provide individual counseling to those experiencing challenges in their lives or various mental health concerns like stress, depression symptoms, or past trauma. 

BetterHelp can offer individual counseling geared toward improving your relationships or use specific therapy modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals address symptoms of a mental illness like anxiety or depression. 

Studies have demonstrated that online CBT can significantly reduce the symptoms of various mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, phobias, and panic disorder.

BetterHelp vs. Regain

According to a Regain counseling review by Forbes Health in which a clinical social worker examines the pros and cons of online counseling services, ease of availability and convenience are two of their main benefits. In cases where in-person sessions present a challenge for the client, online therapy services allow more people to attend counseling with professional therapists, whether through phone sessions or video sessions. Regain offers both counseling and groupinars aimed at addressing relationship challenges and issues like co-dependency. The online therapy experience noted in the counseling review remarked that the Regain platform for their marriage counseling was beneficial overall. 

A Regain subscription allows for both couple's counseling and individual sessions, which can be scheduled separately. If you first seek counseling individually, for example, you can later add a partner to your Regain therapy sessions. You can also create a joint account to split up the costs of the subscription. 

BetterHelp is geared towards providing mental health support for individuals. People experiencing mental health issues, such as symptoms related to depression or anxiety, or past trauma, might be better served by it. As with Regain, all therapists working through the platform are thoroughly vetted and have at least a master's or doctoral degree along with the requisite credentials in order to be considered as providers of professional therapy. 

Both platforms offer therapy sessions through video conferencing, phone calls and allow for messaging with your therapist. 

Signing up for each platform for mental health services

BetterHelp and Regain are both online platforms that offer virtual face-to-face therapy through live video calls, audio messaging, and chat messaging. They are alternative options to in-person or traditional therapy.

Regain 

Primarily intended for individuals who may be facing relationship challenges, Regain makes professional therapy available through its wide network of licensed professional therapists, licensed marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers. 

When signing up for Regain, you can invite your partner during the initial session for relationship counseling or invite them to join your therapy sessions later after you've already met with the therapist. The initial questions you're asked upon signing up may be focused primarily on your relationship dynamic, concerns, and goals for your love life. 

BetterHelp 

You may also include specific preferences for your ideal therapist during the sign-up process. Once you've created an account on BetterHelp, you can be matched with a licensed therapist specific to your requests. Because BetterHelp is a vast platform, there are over 30,000 providers available to become your therapist, and you can choose a different provider if the one with whom you are initially connected is not a good fit for you.

Costs for BetterHelp and Regain 

BetterHelp and Regain provide affordable virtual therapy services from licensed therapists and licensed clinical social workers. The counseling costs of both platforms range from $65 to $100 per week (based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply) to have sessions with a qualified therapist.

Insurance does not cover BetterHelp or Regain services. However, the total cost of Regain and BetterHelp subscriptions may be comparable to the co-pays of many insurance plans and are significantly cheaper than paying out of pocket for mental health care in many areas. Additionally, couples therapy through Regain might be split between two people, making it more affordable overall. 

To obtain reimbursement from your health insurance, you may choose to contact them directly and inquire whether reimbursement for an online therapy platform is possible. If you're struggling to meet the cost of online therapy, BetterHelp and Regain may offer financial assistance options to those who qualify. After signing up, check your email for further information on payment options. 

Choosing your therapist

Both BetterHelp and Regain have licensed psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors available. All therapists on BetterHelp and Regain are accredited, hold a master's or doctorate, and have at least three years and 1,000 hours of experience as a mental health professional. 

However, different therapists may have different approaches or areas of focus, so choosing a platform more suited to your needs may be valuable. BetterHelp and Regain allow you to fill out a questionnaire to provide specific information about yourself that helps to match you with a therapist. 

When you sign up, you can set preferences for your therapist, including preferred gender, approximate age, religious affiliation, LGBTQ+ identity, or BIPOC identity. These settings are in place so individuals can be matched with a therapist with whom they feel comfortable. The matching process may take a few hours to 48 hours, depending on the availability of a therapist who best suits your individual or relationship needs.

Once you're matched, your therapist may contact you and let you know their approach, any information they need before your session, and information about themselves. You can also review their profile through the app or website.

How do the platforms work? 

Both BetterHelp and Regain offer sessions with a licensed therapist remotely. You can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions with your matched therapist. When your appointment time arrives, you or you and your partner can enter a safe digital room according to the type of therapy you specified when scheduling. 

If you are using Regain, your therapy session from the online relationship counseling platform could focus more on your relationship needs. An option to add your partner will be available in the live chat or call. Once your partner joins, you can utilize Regain as you would use any therapy platform. Both sites may offer worksheets, webinars, or journaling prompts for those utilizing the service. 

Mental health support 

Whether through BetterHelp or its sister company Regain for more relationship-centered therapy, these platforms enable you to address what matters to you in a safe environment. For example, if you're grappling with your sexual orientation, learning about LBGTQIA+ affirmative therapy can be an invaluable source of support in navigating challenges and mental health concerns.

If you have more questions, you can check out the Regain and BetterHelp FAQ pages.  

Is online therapy more effective than in-person therapy? 

For many individuals, online therapy may be an effective alternative to traditional in-person therapy. Recent studies show that internet-based therapy is as effective and provides the same level of care as in-person therapy, with individuals reporting improved symptoms after a short period. 

Those with mobility concerns, a lack of transportation, a rural living situation, or difficulties leaving home may find online therapy invaluable for receiving care. Some clients may also prefer the flexibility and convenience of online therapy, as it can cut out a commute and allow individuals to attend therapy from home. 

There are some differences between online and in-person traditional therapy methods, however. BetterHelp and Regain therapists cannot make an official diagnosis, prescribe medication, or fulfill any required court order. Additionally, these services are not a replacement for crisis support or intervention.