How Much Does Online Therapy Cost? BetterHelp Pricing Explained

Medically reviewed by Laura Angers Maddox, NCC, LPC

Updated November 5, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

If you are currently looking for a therapist, you may be weighing options and considering online therapy due to its convenience. Understanding the pricing of BetterHelp online therapy and other therapy options may support you in making a decision on online treatment.

Therapy sessions can range in price; for some, in-person counseling is out of budget. For others, online therapy can be a viable and cost-effective mental health treatment option through many platforms. BetterHelp comes at an affordable price, the therapists are qualified, and communication can be convenient.

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How affordable is online therapy?

Potential clients often ask the question how much does online therapy cost? Many virtual therapy platforms offer affordability compared to in-person options. Often, the cost of therapy through online therapy services is lower than the cost of traditional therapy sessions conducted in person. BetterHelp aims to help clients feel comfortable with a therapist and believes the online format provides for millions of users. BetterHelp stands out from other online therapy platforms by providing its clients with a variety of options when it comes to mental health care.

BetterHelp's team consists of licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers, licensed therapists, and family therapists that are available for an array of live sessions, including live chat sessions, video sessions, and phone sessions. This allows users to find the therapy format that works best for them. BetterHelp also offers financial assistance for those who may not have mental health coverage or be able to afford traditional therapy.

There can be a vast difference in pricing between online and in-person therapy for many people. That is why BetterHelp has become such a popular choice for those seeking mental health care. BetterHelp is the largest online therapy platform that allows people to find counselors and a therapist anytime from the comfort of their own homes. BetterHelp therapists, professional counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals can help individuals navigate their mental health journey.

Before you decide which is more affordable for you, ask yourself the following questions:

Is using your health insurance able to cover the costs vital to you?
Do you live in a major city or an expensive region of the US?
Do you have to spend time and money commuting to see an in-person therapist?
Do you have insurance co-pays?
Do you have trouble keeping in-person appointments?
Are you more comfortable at home?
Are you seeking individual, couples, or group therapy?

The price of online therapy can also depend on what platform you choose. The online therapy market continues to grow. While BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy service, other choices are available, such as Regain, BetterHelp's partner site for couples therapy.

Through BetterHelp or one of BetterHelp's partner sites, online counseling may cost around $65-$100 per session (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. The average cost of in-person therapy is $100-$200 per session. With BetterHelp, you can save a few hundred dollars a month.

Though BetterHelp does not accept insurance, the costs of online therapy services may be covered in some cases. Contact your insurance company to find out whether therapy costs through online therapy platforms like BetterHelp are reimbursable through your plan.

BetterHelp pricing breakdown

If you're wondering how much does therapy cost in BetterHelp, a BetterHelp subscription typically costs around $65-$100 per week, billed every four weeks to your credit card or PayPal account. You can expect a charge of around $260 to $400 on your account every month. Exact BetterHelp pricing depends on your location, preferences, and therapist availability.

What is included in the BetterHelp cost?

If you're wondering how much does Betterhelp cost usually, BetterHelp therapy may cost between $65 to $100 without financial aid or insurance, based on factors like your therapist, where you live, and your preferences. For this price, users will receive the following:

One 30-minute or 45-minute session per week
Messaging between you and your therapist
A journal feature through the Apple or Android app
Webinars on mental health topics led by experts
The ability to switch therapists
Worksheets assigned to you by your therapist

Those who are seeking mental health support through BetterHelp can participate in online therapy sessions through video call, voice call, or in-app messaging. Attending your weekly live sessions through live video or other remote options allows you to avoid commuting to an office.

As far as therapist availability goes, if you message your therapist, they will respond when they are available. If you forget to ask something during a session, you can refer to your chat afterward, and your therapist may offer tips or resources.

How long are BetterHelp sessions?

BetterHelp Lives therapy sessions are generally 30 minutes long. Some therapists offer a 45-minute session, depending on therapist's availability and preferences. During these sessions, practitioners discuss the client's mental health concerns, provide guidance on managing mental health conditions or symptoms, and practice evidence-based therapy techniques.

How many sessions do you get for the price?

You can have one live session and weekly messaging with your therapist. Some therapists may be available for more than one live session a week. If you schedule more than one per week, you may be charged an extra fee of around $20.

Canceling BetterHelp

Therapy may not be a linear journey. Some individuals feel most comfortable stopping therapy after only a few sessions, while others may wish to continue with mental health care support for months or years. The choice is yours. There are no penalties for canceling; you do not have to tell your online therapist if you cancel.

Benefits of online therapy for your mental health journey

Online therapy can be an affordable option for those who want convenient mental health support. In-person therapy sessions are often costly, and there may not be a guarantee on how much of it can be covered by your insurance.

BetterHelp provides an online venue for those who are seeking therapy, allowing them to schedule appointments and attend sessions easily. BetterHelp cannot diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, or oversee medication management, but it offers lower session costs and additional benefits that in-person therapy may not provide. Besides affordability, online counseling has a few advantages, including the following.

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Convenient mental health care

You may be experiencing a mental health condition and want to find a counselor to support you. Factors to consider in your search for an appropriate therapist can include cost, types of therapists, and location.

The price of every licensed counselor, practitioner, and mental health provider can vary widely based on location, therapist experience, and other factors. Searching for therapists who accept your insurance and are within your budget can be difficult. Online therapy offers the convenience of a matching system based on your needs and therapists within your budget. BetterHelp offers financial assistance for those who may qualify if the cost of mental health services is a hardship. You can contact customer service to apply for financial aid.

You can also participate in online therapy from any location with an internet connection. Internet-based treatment doesn't require a commute to a specific therapist's office. You can attend a video session, phone call, or live chat session wherever you feel safest, most comfortable, and focused. This location could be in your car, home office, studio, or a café. The convenience of online therapy platforms makes it available to those who have difficulty attending in-person counseling sessions, such as people with mobility difficulties or long work hours.

Flexible mental health provider selection

BetterHelp works with thousands of licensed professionals. Based on your preferences and needs, BetterHelp can connect you with a mental health professional who can address your specific concerns. From the beginning, you can personalize your profile and choose a new therapist if the one picked for you doesn't fit your needs. Research has demonstrated that the relationship quality between the therapist and client may be essential to treatment success.

If you find that you are not connecting with your therapist and that the relationship is not beneficial, you can choose a new match. With BetterHelp, you can match with the right licensed therapist for you. If you don't see results, request a switch, and you may be given a list of counselors who meet your preferences.

Comfortable treatment

Comfort and safety may be crucial factors for those looking for treatment. That’s why many are now turning to online counseling platforms. These platforms offer a safe and convenient way to receive mental health care.

For example, in a study published in the British Journal of Guidance and Counseling, therapists reported that many of their clients opened up with them faster due to the unknown nature of a virtual counseling session. BetterHelp also offers a live chat option to message your therapist without seeing or hearing them. This helps many people feel more comfortable about discussing their issues on an online mental health platform.

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Takeaway

The cost of BetterHelp can be comparable to or cheaper than traditional in-person therapy. BetterHelp sessions often range in price from $65 to $100, including messaging and one live session per week. Your exact cost could depend on your location, therapist, and preferences. Financial aid may be available for select individuals who fit the low-income criteria. Contact BetterHelp for further information or to start the sign-up process.

You may develop the tools and skills you seek to improve your well-being with your therapist. Whether you’re interested in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based therapy, or other types of therapy, online therapy gives you the flexibility to participate in sessions wherever and whenever you want. Additionally, research has supported the efficacy of online therapy, revealing that it is as effective as in-person therapy and reaches more diverse populations. A recent meta-analysis published in Clinical Psychology Science and Practice reported that teletherapy resulted in symptom reduction in most clients. If you are interested in online therapy, BetterHelp is an great option for those over the age of 18. For teenagers between the ages of 13-19, TeenCounseling is another mental health platform that specializes in teen counseling services.

Frequently asked questions

Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about this topic.

How does matching with a mental health professional through BetterHelp work?

The BetterHelp matching process is quick and effective. You’ll fill out a short questionnaire about your mental health concerns and preferences. Then, BetterHelp will use an algorithm to match you with the best therapist, often in as little as 48 hours. Once matched, you can begin mental health counseling sessions.

Is BetterHelp cheaper than in-person therapy?

In many cases, yes. BetterHelp sessions range from $65 to $100 per session whereas traditional in-person counseling sessions can cost twice as much.

Are online therapy sessions 30 minutes?

Many online therapy sessions can last approximately 30 minutes, but it can vary. Some sessions are longer and can last up to 50 minutes. Group therapy sessions may last up to 90 minutes.

Is BetterHelp worth it?

Only you can determine whether BetterHelp is worth the cost. Still, many users report positive experiences with BetterHelp therapists and say that online therapy services provide better value that in-person individual therapy due to lower costs and greater convenience. Some say BetterHelp makes therapy available to them and offers numerous mental health benefits.

Why is online therapy expensive? Is financial aid available?

Online therapy is actually less expensive than in-person therapy in many cases. Still, it can be expensive depending on your budget and where you live. Financial aid may be available from social services, insurance plan reimbursement programs, and employer incentive programs, for instance. If you have insurance coverage, contact your insurance provider first. If not, talk to your employer or contact your local social services office.

Can I do BetterHelp only once a month?

Yes. Through BetterHelp, you can meet with mental health practitioners such as a licensed professional counselor or licensed clinical social worker as frequently as you like. This includes weekly, biweekly, and monthly sessions as needed.

How much is BetterHelp pricing?

For those wondering “How much does BetterHelp cost?”, the fee can vary between $65 and $100 per session billed monthly.

What are the disadvantages of BetterHelp?

Your experience with BetterHelp may be unique, so any potential disadvantages can vary from person to person. Some people report downsides to BetterHelp services such as difficulty processing non-verbal cues in video-based sessions, the cost of treatment without insurance, and the fact that BetterHelp does not prescribe medication.

Is BetterHelp actually legit?

Yes. BetterHelp is a legitimate online mental health service. All therapists who work with BetterHelp are licensed and have a minimum of three years of experience working with clients.

Does a BetterHelp therapist prescribe medication?

No. Therapists at BetterHelp are not medical doctors or psychiatrists, so they are unable to prescribe medication.

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The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.

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