Online Therapy Benefits: What Can BetterHelp Therapy Do For You?

Are you considering therapy? You might be experiencing that initial overwhelm of deciding what type of therapy you could benefit most from. You may be contemplating your preference for a therapist, how much money you can budget for therapy, and what company or provider to turn to. Finding affordable therapy in your area can be stressful, especially therapy that is appropriate for your situation and that fits your particular needs.

Living in a rural area can make things even more challenging, as there may not be suitable therapists around you, let alone those you can afford. You may feel confused, overwhelmed, and even exhausted trying to figure it all out. But before you let despair sink in, take a deep breath. And another. Online therapy might be the answer you’ve been looking for. 

BetterHelp therapy has many benefits that might make it a good fit for you. Our mental health services have offered life-changing value and emotional healing to millions worldwide. Our list of expert therapists and satisfied users continues to grow every day. Read on to find out what BetterHelp online therapy can do for you and how it can help improve your mental health.

What Is BetterHelp? 

With headquarters in California, BetterHelp is the largest online therapy service platform worldwide. We have a roster of over 30,000 licensed therapists and counselors. With BetterHelp, therapy sessions can occur through several formats. Methods of talking with your therapist can include: 

• In-app messaging
• Live chat sessions
• Live phone sessions
• Live video sessions

So, is BetterHelp therapy or counseling? We use the terms “therapy” and “counseling” interchangeably here. Our providers are composed of various therapists, counselors, and social workers. But our services are the same regardless of the exact label used. While each therapist is unique and brings their own experience, personality, and expertise to the table, our portal and tools are the same for all users.

Is BetterHelp therapy legit?

Since BetterHelp therapy is entirely virtual, many people may wonder, “Is BetterHelp.com legit, or is it a scam?” We’re here to ease your fears. BetterHelp is completely legitimate. The Better Business Bureau has accredited the company since 2015. 

Moreover, every one of our therapists is licensed and certified to practice counseling. They must go through a thorough application and review process before being accepted as a provider through BetterHelp.

Why is online therapy becoming so popular?

The American Psychological Association says it best: online therapy is here to stay. The explosion in telemental health counseling can partially be attributed to the recent Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the current state of the world has left millions experiencing mental health challenges. 

Besides the need for remote services amidst the pandemic, why is online therapy becoming so popular? Let’s talk about online therapy's convenience and proven efficacy in helping people improve their mental health.

It’s affordable

Many online therapy services are more affordable than traditional in-person therapy sessions. While the average cost for in-person therapy ranges from around $100 to $200 per session without insurance, services like BetterHelp offer sessions for anywhere from $65 to $100 weekly and $260-$400 monthly (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.

There are also “free” versions of online therapy, but be wary of their quality. Many of these are useful for connecting with supportive people and forums but not necessarily the best for finding a licensed therapist. A licensed therapist isn’t in retirement or a former employee of a counseling service, but an actively practicing professional. BetterHelp occasionally offers specials and discounts, and financial aid is available for those who qualify. 

It’s convenient

One of the aspects of online therapy that makes it so popular is how convenient it is. Most of us have very busy lives. We juggle our jobs, school, families, friends, and hobbies. It’s more important than ever to reduce the number of obligations on our plate whenever possible to reduce stress and anxiety. 

With online therapy platforms like BetterHelp, you don’t have to spend time commuting to a therapist's office. Instead, you can participate in your therapy session wherever you feel the most comfortable. For instance, if you live with social anxiety, the physical distance between you and your therapist or a full waiting room might make you feel safer opening up. 

The convenience of online therapy does not come at the cost of its effectiveness, though. A comprehensive meta-analysis reviewed the available research and concluded that online therapy has many benefits for individuals with a variety of mental health challenges and conditions. Online cognitive behavioral therapy appears to be particularly effective and may be as beneficial as in-person therapy. 

It’s flexible

Online therapy can be very flexible. With platforms like BetterHelp, you have a lot of autonomy in selecting a therapist who fits your preferences and needs. You also have some flexibility in choosing your weekly session schedule and the communication format. For example, you can sign up for a 30-minute live video session or find a therapist who offers 45-minute sessions. You can even keep communication strictly to live chat; it’s all up to what you want from the experience. 

The benefits of BetterHelp online therapy

Let’s talk more specifically about the BetterHelp benefits that millions have enjoyed worldwide. In addition to convenience and affordability, our therapists are all licensed professionals. We have the tools to provide you with resources that can help transform your mental health. 

Here are just some of the benefits BetterHelp users may enjoy: 

• Learn to communicate more openly
• Practice vulnerability with those we love
• Learn how to create boundaries with others
• Make healthier lifestyle choices
• Improve sleep patterns
• Overcome unhealthy substance use
• Manage stress effectively and feel calmer
• Improve your self-esteem
• Gain insights into your personality patterns and subconscious thoughts
• Set goals and learn techniques to achieve them
• Address past trauma and learn coping mechanisms
• Pick up new emotional self-control tools
• Heal or rise out of abuse
• Have conversations with someone who actively listens
• Improve symptoms of depression so you can live a healthier, happier life

Choose the right therapist for you

One of the unique benefits of BetterHelp is the flexibility to choose your therapist. When you fill out the initial questionnaire, you can be matched with a therapist based on a sophisticated algorithm in as little as 48 hours. That way, your therapist will fit the criteria for what you’re looking for. Through BetterHelp, there are a wide variety of licensed therapists, psychologists, and clinical social workers including family therapists and marriage and family therapists.

If you feel like this initial therapist is not a good match for you, you can look through the roster of therapists and select your own. One of the great perks of BetterHelp is that there are no penalties for changing therapists; you can do so anytime. 

The cost of a BetterHelp membership and what's included

BetterHelp is offered as a weekly subscription with a cost of $65 - $100 per week billed every four weeks. Prices 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. When you sign up for BetterHelp therapy, you will first fill out a simple questionnaire and be matched with one of our licensed therapists according to your needs. Then you will coordinate your weekly therapy session with your therapist. 

Here’s what is included in your appointment:

• One 30-minute or 45-minute session a week, conducted over live chat, live phone, or live video. These sessions can take place on a computer, tablet, or mobile device. The length of the session is up to your needs and your therapist’s availability.
• Messaging between you and your therapist. You can go back and look at your conversations at any time. 

Insurance and financial aid

BetterHelp does not accept health insurance, and BetterHelp therapists do not submit insurance claims. There is a small chance that if you reach out to your insurance provider, they will be willing to cover some of your therapy sessions. But this depends on the company, and you will have to ask explicitly. Call the 1-800 number on your insurance card to contact them. 

You may also be able to pay using your employee flexible spending account (FSA) if it’s something your job offers. In addition, if your employer is joining hundreds of others who are prioritizing the mental health of their employees, they may offer a certain number of paid therapy sessions to you and your family per month as part of your employee wellness package. If you’re unsure about what’s available, talk to an HR representative. 

While we don’t offer free therapy through insurance, BetterHelp also offers some financial aid and discounted rates to individuals who fit our low-income criteria. So far, we have granted over $65 million in financial aid to BetterHelp users. If you think you might qualify, you can always contact our Customer Service team at contact@betterhelp.com to inquire. 

Our expert therapists 

Our therapists at BetterHelp want what’s best for their clients. Our worldwide reach draws many therapists to our service including therapists who specialize in individual therapy, couples therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). We help them expand their services to people from around the world who might benefit.

So, what do our BetterHelp therapists have to do to join the team? What do they all have in common? 

• They are fully licensed to practice as mental health providers.
• Their licenses are all in good standing.
• They are all vetted by providing licensure documentation and are verified with their state licensing board by BetterHelp.
• They complete a case study exam that a licensed clinician grades. 
• They pass a video interview.

You no longer need to wonder, “Does BetterHelp have real therapists?” Our therapists are qualified, licensed, and experienced experts in the field. In addition, only about 20% of applicants are accepted to the BetterHelp platform, making them highly qualified providers. Our therapists set their own hours and work a variety of schedules, so whether you need late-night availability, weekend sessions, or therapy during the holidays, you’ll be able to find a therapist to meet with. As with an in-office therapist, BetterHelp therapists may not prescribe medication for anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns; for medication, you will need to see a psychiatrist.

Takeaway

While many people have long believed in the benefits of in-person therapy, virtual therapy has now earned its place in the field. Online therapy has proven to be productive and offers many clear benefits, including affordable sessions, do-it-from-anywhere convenience, and flexibility with your communication preferences. 

BetterHelp online therapy is legitimate and effective, and only hosts therapists who are licensed mental health professionals. Our therapy sessions can be conducted conveniently for you, including by video, phone, or chat. The expert therapists here are qualified and experienced in providing the necessary resources and support. When you're ready, get started with BetterHelp therapy!