BetterHelp Therapy Frequency: Finding The Right Balance For Your Goals

Medically reviewed by Andrea Brant, LMHC
Updated March 11th, 2025 by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Content warning: Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that could be triggering to the reader. Please see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

Those considering online therapy may wonder how many sessions you can have on BetterHelp per week. Most clients on BetterHelp have one therapy session per week, though some therapists offer additional sessions based on client needs and availability.

Over the last several years, online therapy has become increasingly popular, leading to more questions about how often people should meet with a therapist. Below, explore therapy frequency, how session needs can vary by individual, and what factors can impact the number of therapy sessions a person may require.

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How many therapy sessions are normal?

How many therapy sessions are normal?

The number of therapy sessions a person benefits from can vary significantly according to the type of challenges they’re facing and the severity of their symptoms, so there’s no “normal” that applies to everyone. 

Acute mental health challenges often require fewer sessions than chronic mental illnesses. The American Psychological Association states, “Recent research indicates that, on average, 15 to 20 sessions are required for 50% of patients to recover as indicated by self-reported symptom measures.”

"How many sessions per week can you have on BetterHelp?"

With the rise of online therapy, people may wonder about the recommended number of therapy sessions through a virtual platform. In general, BetterHelp users typically have one weekly session with their therapist.

However, clients can also choose to pay for additional sessions—up to two per week. The right frequency of sessions is something that people can discuss with their therapist based on their unique needs and symptoms.

Can you schedule multiple therapy sessions on BetterHelp?

You can schedule multiple sessions on BetterHelp, including future sessions. Clients can schedule up to three sessions with their therapist and extra sessions weekly if available. You'll need to pay an extra fee to schedule extra sessions in the same week, which can vary. Clients can schedule up to two sessions per week. All BetterHelp sessions tend to last from 30 to 45 minutes.

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Number of sessions according to a manualized approach or symptom severity

Some licensed therapists may use manualized therapeutic approaches, or “interventions that are performed according to specific guidelines for administration.” These modalities often involve a fixed number of sessions per the guidelines (e.g., 16 sessions). The severity of a person’s symptoms and their progress over treatment may also factor into a therapist’s recommendations for the total number of sessions.

The average number of sessions with a marriage and family therapist

According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), almost 65.5% of cases with marriage and family therapists are completed within 20 sessions, and 87.9% are completed within 50 sessions. The AAMFT provides average session totals for various types of therapy: “Marital/couples therapy (11.5 sessions) and family therapy (9 sessions) both require less time than the average individuated treatment (13 sessions).”

How many sessions are needed to treat trauma?

The number of sessions that help a person recover from trauma can vary depending on the individual, the type and impact of the traumatic experience, and the type of therapy being used. As an example, the American Psychological Association (APA) conditionally recommends eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR therapy) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the APA, EMDR therapy typically takes place once or twice per week, with six to 12 sessions in total. However, some people may see improvement with fewer sessions.

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Online cognitive-behavioral therapy for mental health

Many online therapists practice cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), one of the most widely studied types of therapy. According to the APA, medical internet research suggests that CBT can be effective for treating a number of mental health conditions and life challenges, including depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, marital problems, and eating disorders. Since it can be used to treat so many different conditions, the number of sessions required to see improvement can vary dramatically.

Online CBT can take place remotely via video sessions or audio sessions, which can be a more convenient option for many than commuting to a therapist's office. Platforms like BetterHelp also allow for live sessions to take place via chat, which may be beneficial for those who prefer to express what they’re feeling in writing. Individuals can also reach out to their BetterHelp therapist anytime via in-app messaging, and they’ll respond as soon as they can. 

Takeaway

BetterHelp online therapy typically takes place once per week. However, at an extra cost, individuals can sign up for additional live sessions and have up to two sessions per week if needed, based on therapist availability. The total number of sessions can vary according to each person's needs. Below are some key takeaways on BetterHelp therapy frequency: 

  • You can schedule up to two sessions on BetterHelp per week. 
  • An extra weekly session comes with an extra fee. 
  • Talk to your therapist about how many sessions would be effective for your unique case. 

Some clients experience improvement in 15 to 20 sessions, while others might have only a few sessions with a licensed therapist. If you’re experiencing mental health challenges but have questions about the length or frequency of therapy, a therapist may be able to answer them and get you on a path toward healing.

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