Continuing Health Education For Therapists With BetterHelp Classes
In many states, licensed therapists may be required to sign up for continuing education units (CEUs), courses designed to bring up-to-date industry information to working professionals. Although the hourly requirements for each state can vary, many include requirements for over 30 hours during each one to three-year license registration period. Therapists can take these courses in person or online.
For telehealth counselors, online CEUs may be easier to complete alongside a busy schedule. For this reason, BetterHelp has partnered with a CEU provider to offer free accredited learning materials for BetterHelp therapists with at least one client. Keep reading to learn more about becoming a licensed online therapist with BetterHelp and how to take advantage of these free CEUs.
BetterHelp partners with a CEU provider for class learning
In 204, BetterHelp is partnering with a CEU provider to offer free access to their learning library for mental health professionals hoping to further their knowledge in the realm of mental healthcare or meet licensure requirements in their state.
What is included as part of BetterHelp classes in the CEU library for counselors?
Therapists, social workers, counselors, and psychologists working through the BetterHelp platform can gain access to the CEU library, including:
- 390 industry-specific courses, totaling over 462 training hours, including access to board accredited courses
- Completely free access to courses, learning materials, and the platform
- Reminders on licensure or certification renewal
- Print and email form certificates for credit on recertification through your state (depending on your license, completions may be automatically sent through the platform)
- Announcements on company-wide notices
- Resources on company-wide policies and procedures
- A self-service help center
How can therapists use the CEU library to advance mental health learning through courses?
After connecting with your first client through the BetterHelp platform, you will be eligible to access the CEU library. Once you receive your login, enter the site to view available license-specific courses. Course topics may include setting therapeutic boundaries, suicide prevention methods, treating personality disorders, managing therapeutic session challenges, and building a professional client-provider relationship.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. Support is available 24/7.
You may be prompted to add your license details when you log in. Adding these details allows you to search for courses specific to your license and specialty. You might also be reminded of any license or certification renewal dates and receive course completion certificates after the successful completion of courses.
Each course may take from one to three hours. You can pause the course and return to it later if you cannot complete it in one setting. Many therapists choose to utilize the platform between online sessions with clients. You can also use the “on-the-go” training features, which offer quick refreshment courses on specific topics.
Taking BetterHelp's classes: Can current therapists who conduct online therapy sessions with BetterHelp take advantage of this offer?
BetterHelp is offering continuing education courses for all therapists through the platform who have at least one client, including therapists that have already been working for BetterHelp prior to this offer. If you have not received information about this offer yet, you can reach out to BetterHelp to learn more.
New therapist benefits: Find a therapist continued learning course with BetterHelp classes and other perks
Outside of receiving access to 390 continued learning courses, new BetterHelp therapists may have other perks upon hire, including the following:
- First Client Bonus: Available to US therapists in specific states who join BetterHelp and see their first client within 14 calendar days. Only therapists licensed in specific states qualify for a first client bonus.
- Flexibility: Set your own hours and work from the comfort of home
- Consistent Referrals: You determine your caseload and work as much or as little as you want
- Competitive Compensation: Includes a $650 health insurance stipend (requires a continuous commitment of 30 hours a week)
- We handle insurance, billing, & paperwork: We take care of the overhead so you can spend more time with clients
- Clinical Autonomy: You can provide care in a way that you see fit
BetterHelp often looks for varying methods to support therapists and psychologists throughout the platform. New incentives, bonuses, and perks may be available in the coming months or years. All offers are subject to change.
Therapist Bonus Eligibility
To be eligible for a first client bonus, you must be a) a licensed therapist and b) start engaging* with your first client within 15 calendar days of your application being accepted by BetterHelp. *whereas “engaging” means initiated “back and forth” messaging with a client or commenced your first live or scheduled session with the client.” This applies to 13 different US states.
BetterHelp classes: Benefits of continuing mental health education with BetterHelp's classes and workshops
Continued education can mean that therapists have the most up-to-date information and theory possible to help their patients succeed and grow. Through BetterHelp’s free CEU program, you as a therapist can ensure you are bringing your patients the best possible care throughout your career.
How to become a therapist at BetterHelp conducting online therapy sessions for mental health conditions
Therapists, social workers, counselors, and psychologists interested in joining the BetterHelp platform can apply through the counselor application page. The requirements for therapists to join the platform include the following:
- Licensing by a state board to provide therapy (e.g., LCSW, LMFT, LPC, PsyD, or similar credentials)
- Experience in therapy for adults, couples, or teens
- Excellent writing skills
- A reliable internet connection
Disclaimer: Therapists are not BetterHelp employees but independent providers. If you are an intern or require supervision to provide therapy services, you cannot be a provider at BetterHelp at this time. BetterHelp only accepts licensed mental health therapists.
Takeaway
Find a therapist that works for you: How many group sessions can you join on BetterHelp?
Your BetterHelp subscription includes one group session per week with a licensed therapist and a group of other BetterHelp members.Therapy in a group setting can be beneficial for receiving social support from like minded people and those experiencing similar situations or emotions. One popular form of online group therapy is group cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral group therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
What are the disadvantages of BetterHelp and online therapy sessions?
While BetterHelp is a legitimate online therapy platform, there may be some downsides of attending therapy online. For example, technical issues could occasionally interrupt your session or cause you to have to reschedule. Moreover, body language and nonverbal cues may be less effective or noticeable in an online setting.
For many, the potential benefits of online therapy outweigh these disadvantages. For example, online therapy tends to be a more affordable option compared to in-person therapy. Moreover, research indicates that it can be just as effective for some mental health conditions, including mood disorders.
What are the disadvantages of self-help?
Self-help can be beneficial for some, but there are potential disadvantages to take into consideration. For example, self-help does not provide an objective outside perspective of your situation, so it could be difficult to uncover the complexities of any problems you may be experiencing. Self-help can also be time consuming, and there could be a learning curve for overcoming some of the obstacles and challenges you face. In many cases, it’s best to seek the support of licensed mental health professionals to attend individual therapy or therapy groups.
What is the number one reason people don't go to therapy?
The top reason people don’t go to therapy may be lack of social support or the stigma associated with mental health treatment. Some people fear what others may think of them should they attend therapy sessions. Online therapy can be an effective approach to overcoming this stigma since sessions can be more discreet than traditional therapy.
How can people with mental health issues overcome barriers to seeking support?
Joining online group therapy sessions or online support groups may be one way to cope when you face barriers to seeking mental health support. Having peer support from others who are dealing with similar struggles or situations can help validate your feelings and solidify your decision to seek treatment. Online groups focus on learning skills and coping strategies together through therapist-led group discussion.
How do you know when therapy is not working?
Therapy may not always work, and progress could depend on individual factors, your current situation, the therapist’s background or approach, or the type of therapy being implemented. Here are some signs that therapy may not currently be working for you:
You don’t seem to be getting better, even after several sessions.
You aren’t comfortable telling your therapist everything.
You feel worse after sessions.
Is therapy only for depressed people or also for those with mental health conditions?
No. Therapy isn’t just for individuals diagnosed with depression or other mental health conditions. Therapy can offer support for any number of life situations or problems, including how to cope with stress, life transitions, trauma, or relationship issues. It can also help people who want to learn more about themselves, practice communication skills, or achieve personal goals.
Is therapy helpful for everyone?
It can be, yes. Therapy can be helpful for anyone who is open to the process and willing to consider new perspectives.
How long are BetterHelp classes?
It can vary. Individual therapy sessions with a BetterHelp therapist usually last between half an hour and 45 minutes. Weekly group sessions with peers can last between one and three hours, depending on the preferences of group members. This longer duration gives people more time to participate in group discussions as a routine practice.
- Previous Article
- Next Article