BetterHelp Therapy Frequency: Finding The Right Balance For Your Goals
Over the last several years, the popularity of online therapy has risen significantly in the United States. With this has come an increase in questions about the therapeutic process as more people start exploring it, such as how many sessions per week or per month an individual should have for the challenges they face. This is a common question among people who are considering therapy but are wondering if they can fit it into their schedule or budget. Here, we’ll discuss therapy frequency, the number of sessions different people might need, and common types of therapy that are used for various mental health challenges.
How many therapy sessions are normal?
The number of therapy sessions a person needs 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.”
Online therapy: How many sessions per week for BetterHelp are normal?
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.
Number of sessions according to a manualized approach or symptom severity
Note that 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 the progress they make over the course of treatment may also factor into a therapist’s recommendations for the total number of sessions.
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 needed to 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 total. However, some people may see improvement with fewer sessions.
Online cognitive behavioral therapy for mental health
Many online therapists practice cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is 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 disorder, 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, individuals can sign up, at an extra cost, 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 the needs of each person. That said, many people experience improvement in 15–20 sessions, while some people might need just 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.
Frequently asked questions
How many sessions per week for BetterHelp are normal for depression?
The number of sessions needed for depression may depend on the severity of a person’s symptoms and how soon after symptom onset they seek treatment. One type of therapy that can be used for depression is cognitive therapy. According to the APA, adults often receive between eight and 28 sessions of cognitive therapy for depression.
What factors can affect the number of online therapy sessions needed for mental health?
The number of online counseling sessions needed can vary depending on whether a person has a chronic mental health condition and any comorbid disorders. In addition, those who seek treatment right away may see improvement with fewer sessions.
How often does cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) take place?
According to Harvard Medicine, CBT sessions typically take place once per week for 12 to 20 weeks. However, there’s also a newer modality called intensive CBT (I-CBT), which typically involves longer sessions that are concentrated into a week, a weekend, or a month.
Is there a difference between online and traditional therapy sessions?
Studies suggest that, in many cases, online therapy sessions can be just as effective as traditional therapy sessions conducted in-person. One study suggests that online therapy can be even more effective than in-person therapy for depression symptoms for some individuals.
Are online therapy sessions covered by insurance?
Many health insurance plans include mental health coverage for emergencies, such as when someone has to be admitted to a hospital. However, online therapy sessions are often not covered. It may be worth asking if your specific plan covers any mental health services, especially if you’re experiencing a mental illness.
Does BetterHelp offer group sessions with a therapist?
BetterHelp doesn’t currently offer group sessions. However, it offers group webinars that may help enhance the work done during individual therapy.
Can you do therapy twice a month on BetterHelp?
You can choose only to have BetterHelp sessions twice a month. However, you will still be charged the BetterHelp cost, which is billed every four weeks and includes one session a week for four weeks. If you don’t schedule a live chat session or video or phone session for one week, you will still have paid the cost for that week. For this reason, many people use their BetterHelp subscription weekly. You can also schedule online weekly group therapy sessions at no extra cost.
What is the session rate for BetterHelp?
Online sessions for BetterHelp start at 65 dollars, billed every four weeks. The subscription cost includes in-app messaging with your therapist (responses depend on the therapist’s availability), one weekly live session, journaling prompts, weekly group sessions through the BetterHelp app, and worksheets based on mental health care best practices.
How many sessions per week can you have on BetterHelp?
You can have one session per week included in your plan through BetterHelp. However, you can talk to your therapist about their schedule if you'd like a second talk therapy session. You may have to pay a fee to schedule a second session. Like in-person therapy, the mental health professionals on online therapy platforms work for a living, so although the lack of physical space in the online therapy process can make BetterHelp cheaper, therapists still need to make money for the services they offer, which is why two sessions a week costs more.
Is twice a week too much for therapy?
Having therapy twice a week works for some people. For example, someone experiencing significant distress from childhood trauma who is seeking therapy may benefit from more frequent sessions at first, especially if they have severe flashbacks or are experiencing anxiety that makes daily life difficult. Many insurance companies don’t provide coverage for therapy twice a week, so you may have to pay out of pocket. Ask your therapist about financial aid options during the signup process or when consulting them for the first time, and talk to your insurance company about their coverage options.
How often do you talk to a therapist on BetterHelp?
You can have a live session with your therapist once a week on BetterHelp to talk about topics like stress, relationships, mental health, and anxiety-provoking situations. You can also message your therapist through the app or website at any time. If your therapist doesn’t meet your needs, switching therapists can be done with the click of a button and is free.
What are BetterHelp group sessions like?
In BetterHelp group sessions, a licensed provider on the platform oversees a group of clients from BetterHelp. This individual leads the group and features a topic, such as LGBTQ+ issues or divorce. The therapist does not provide therapy or unique advice to the group members. Instead, they act as a mediator to oversee and direct conversation. The group sessions are generally one to two hours in length.
How long are live sessions on BetterHelp?
Live individual therapy sessions on BetterHelp are 30 to 45 minutes in length and can be had over the phone, video, or live chat. You can enter your session through the app or website at the session time.
How many sessions should group therapy have?
Structured group therapy is generally organized into less than 20 sessions. However, some therapy groups go for longer or don’t have an end date, so clients can pop in and out of sessions as needed. Structured group therapy modalities could include dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and RO-DBT.
What is the maintenance plan for BetterHelp?
The maintenance plan for BetterHelp allows users to pay a fee for free in-app messaging with a therapist and one live session a month. This session option may be more cost-effective for those who struggle to afford BetterHelp’s main plan.
What are the cons of group therapy?
Group therapy does not offer the same type of individualized support as individual therapy, so some people may get overheard or may not benefit. In addition, if group members have conflict, the conflict can become a source of stress for the group, leading to distress instead of healing. A therapist is often trained to handle these dynamics, but they may still be difficult for those who are looking for more tailored guidance.
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