Can You Message Your Therapist Any Time On BetterHelp? Here’s What You Need To Know
Online therapy clients may want support at different moments of the day, including outside sessions. On BetterHelp, you can message your BetterHelp therapist outside of sessions. BetterHelp offers unlimited messaging, allowing clients to reach out anytime to ask questions or clarify points discussed in therapy. While messages can be sent at any hour, therapist responses are not immediate and typically arrive within a few hours to a day, depending on availability.
Online therapy has made mental health support more accessible, allowing individuals to connect with licensed professionals from anywhere. Platforms like BetterHelp streamline the therapeutic process by offering multiple communication options, including messaging, phone calls, and video sessions. Below, explore how BetterHelp’s messaging system works and how online therapy platforms can bridge the mental health treatment gap.
Can you message your therapist on BetterHelp at any time? Online therapy communication options
Once a therapist and a client have been matched, they can begin meeting through video sessions, voice calls, or in-app messaging once weekly (or more for an additional cost). In-app messaging occurs through a dedicated therapy room, where video, voice, and chat sessions are scheduled. Often, the therapist will reach out before the initial session, introducing themselves, setting out expectations for therapy, or allowing the client to ask questions.
As therapy progresses, the participant can send messages to their therapist at any time, and the therapist will respond as soon as possible. The option of a dialogue between therapist and client that extends beyond sessions is one of the reasons BetterHelp is a widely utilized platform.
How long does it take for a therapist to respond on BetterHelp?
Clients can message their therapist at any time on BetterHelp. However, the therapist can only respond when they are available. Often, therapists respond within 24 hours, though this timeline can vary by provider. Talk to your therapist about their general expectations surrounding the messaging options and how often they check chats daily. You can also ask them which days they do not respond to messages quickly, such as on weekends.
Exploring online therapy through BetterHelp
Online therapy platforms are rapidly becoming core providers of treatment within the mental health care system. As technology continues to connect people across the globe, internet-delivered care has emerged as a feasible, effective care option—especially for people who may not be able to receive treatment otherwise.
The largest therapy platform in the world, BetterHelp, is a leader in the online therapy space, with a team of thousands of mental health professionals. BetterHelp makes finding and communicating with a therapist easy, allowing participants to attend sessions through video therapy sessions, voice calls, or in-app messaging.
How online therapy works: The matching process, video calls, etc.
Through online therapy platforms like BetterHelp, individuals can participate in live sessions with a licensed therapist and receive therapy from almost anywhere they have an internet connection. Clients can easily schedule sessions online and meet with a professional remotely without ever leaving home.
Online counseling services can also make finding the right mental health professional easier. These platforms match each client with a qualified therapist based on their answers to a brief questionnaire, which allows them to describe their mental health concerns and share preferences regarding the professional’s specialty, gender, age, etc.
When signing up, clients can also express interest in therapists with certain sub-specialties and types of experience. For example, they can request a therapist who treats depression, a faith-based professional, or a provider who has experience with the LGBTQIA+ community. If the participant wants to change therapists for any reason, they can make a request, and they will be connected with a new professional for no additional cost.
Understanding the treatment gap: Providers who don’t accept insurance and other barriers
Research indicates that a significant proportion of individuals with mental health challenges go untreated. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2021, only 26.5 million of the 57.8 million people living with a mental illness in the United States sought treatment, meaning more than half of these individuals went without care. This mental health treatment gap is thought to be caused by several factors, including the availability of nearby providers, stigma, and financial constraints.
Geographical limitations
In-person therapy requires participants to find providers who work in their general region. If the individual lives in a community where there aren’t as many therapists—such as a rural area or one with a provider shortage—they may need to travel significant distances to participate in counseling. This can contribute to additional stress, increase costs, and impose more significant time constraints.
The stigma surrounding mental health services
Though the stigma associated with mental health has been decreasing in recent years, it is still a commonly cited reason many people do not seek care. Cultural differences and gender stereotypes, for example, can cause some people to be more skeptical of mental health interventions. Additionally, some individuals may be wary of participating in therapy due to negative media portrayals or a lack of exposure to mental health topics.
Therapists who don’t accept insurance and other financial constraints
The cost of in-person therapy can also be an obstacle to treatment. Rates for therapy sessions typically range from $100 to $200. Even for those who have insurance, mental health services aren’t always covered by their plans, or providers may not accept insurance at all, which can make these out-of-pocket costs prohibitive for many people who would otherwise seek care.
Scheduling challenges
Making time for therapy can be difficult for people who already have busy schedules. Time constraints can be particularly challenging when clients must commute to an office and sit in a waiting room to meet with a therapist face-to-face. Additionally, in-person therapy sessions often have to be coordinated several weeks ahead.
Video calls, affordability, etc.: How online therapy can bridge the treatment gap
Online therapy platforms may reduce or eliminate several of the above-mentioned barriers to treatment for many people. The following are key ways virtual therapy can help bridge the treatment gap.
Ability to find a therapist outside of your community
Online therapy allows people to receive mental health services regardless of the availability of providers in their region. For this reason, individuals in communities where fewer professionals practice can still seek care. Additionally, people who live with disabilities or injuries that make it difficult to leave the house or travel may benefit from the convenience and flexibility of online platforms.
Reduced stigma
Because of the stigma attached to mental health, some clients may be uncomfortable walking into a brick-and-mortar office in their neighborhood. Research suggests that online therapy may alleviate this discomfort. In one study, for example, 72% of adolescents surveyed said they would seek mental health support online if they required care due to its availability and the potential to avoid stigma through this format.
Cost-effectiveness
Online therapists often do not have to pay for office space, support staff, or other overhead, allowing many to provide their services at lower rates. As a result, substantial evidence suggests that online therapy is often a cost-effective approach compared to traditional in-person counseling. Research suggests that online therapy is often more cost-effective than other forms of care. With BetterHelp, subscriptions can be as low as $65, billed every four weeks, and financial aid may be available to some individuals.
Flexible scheduling of therapy sessions
With online counseling, clients can easily schedule sessions by viewing available appointments through an app or online. Additionally, online therapists are often available outside of traditional hours, allowing clients to schedule sessions at times that fit their needs.
Can you message your therapist on BetterHelp at any time?
Online therapy provides several different ways for participants to connect with their therapists. With BetterHelp, your dedicated therapy message room can be used at any time to contact your therapist, who will respond as soon as possible.
Messaging with an online therapist allows participants to address concerns as they arise so that they don’t have to remember them during therapy sessions. In addition, clients can ask questions about points made during therapy. Certain concepts and approaches—cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, for example—can be difficult to grasp at first. By reaching out when they need clarification, participants can ensure they understand these ideas and apply them correctly.
Another primary benefit of messaging through BetterHelp is the ability to review messaging history through the therapy room. This feature can be helpful if you’d like to reflect on conversations with your therapist and confirm certain points. It can also help you evaluate your progress while participating in therapy. You may notice that you’re experiencing feelings of sadness less frequently, for example, or that you’ve become better at managing your anxiety.
Using the in-app messaging feature allows you to express your feelings, share your thoughts, and address challenges you may have forgotten to mention during sessions. If you’d like to reach out to your therapist outside of sessions, navigate to your therapy room and send them a message, and they’ll respond as soon as possible, according to their availability. You and your therapist are the only people who can view messages in this room.
If you have questions about messaging your therapist or otherwise using the BetterHelp platform, you can contact customer service.
The efficacy of online therapy sessions for common mental health challenges
A growing body of evidence points to the effectiveness of online therapy for various mental health conditions and life challenges. For example, in one systematic review and meta-analysis that included 15 total studies, the findings suggest that online therapy can be an effective long-term treatment for people with depression. In another broad-based review, researchers suggest that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy in many cases for symptoms of anxiety and other conditions.
For severe forms of mental illness that require in-person treatment, such as psychotic disorders or certain forms of addiction, online therapy is typically not appropriate. Additionally, BetterHelp therapists cannot provide medication management. If you’re living with a serious mental health condition, consider consulting with a healthcare professional or psychiatrist in person, who can help you determine the best treatment plan for your symptoms.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which medication or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. Do not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.
Using online therapy to find a therapist
If you’re ready to start therapy, BetterHelp can match you with a professional who suits your needs and preferences. BetterHelp works with thousands of therapists with various specialties and areas of expertise, so you can have a good chance of matching with someone who knows how to address your specific concerns. Plus, you can switch providers at any time, for any reason, at no additional cost.
What the research says about the convenience of online mental health services
Studies indicate that online therapy is often not only an effective modality but also an easy-to-use one. For instance, in one review of studies on the efficacy of online therapy programs, researchers suggest that such interventions allow for “lower cost and greater convenience than traditional therapy.” The review also notes that online therapy can be an effective modality for anxiety, depression, and related challenges.
Takeaway
Online therapy can be a convenient and efficacious form of treatment for people living with emotional or mental health-related challenges. Below are some of the key takeaways about messaging your therapist on BetterHelp:
- You can message your therapist at any time of day, including on holidays and late at night or early in the morning.
- Your therapist will message you when they’re available. You can talk to them during sessions to discuss their typical messaging schedule.
- You can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions with your therapist and change your therapist at any time.
A key benefit of an online therapy platform like BetterHelp is the range of communication channels through which clients and professionals can connect. If you’d like to start a dialogue with an experienced therapist, consider filling out BetterHelp’s questionnaire to get started with this service. Connecting with a qualified professional can be a productive next step on your mental health journey.
Frequently asked questions
Can you text your therapist outside of therapy?
Therapists generally have policies about whether they’re comfortable texting clients outside of in-person sessions. Some providers may have a messaging channel through a program where the client can message the therapist anytime and receive a response based on the therapist’s ability and schedule. Some therapists may use text messaging with clients to schedule future sessions. Other providers, especially those who work for an online platform, may talk to clients over unlimited messaging and live chat sessions instead. On BetterHelp, you can message your therapist through the therapy room messaging center at any time.
How do I send a message to my therapist?
If you’re meeting with a therapist via the BetterHelp app, you can message them via the chat room or messaging channel on the app or website. This messaging section of the app can be used outside of weekly live sessions. Your therapist can read messages when they are available and send a response. Depending on the content and schedule, the therapist’s responses may be long or short.
How do I call my therapist on BetterHelp?
You can’t call your therapist on the phone on BetterHelp or call them outside of sessions. However, when you sign in to your app during a scheduled video chat, phone call, or live chat session, the app should give you a button to access the call. When you click on this button, you can start talking to your therapist once they join the session room.
Does BetterHelp let you pick your therapist?
When you first sign up for BetterHelp, you’ll get matched with a therapist based on your answers to the questionnaire upon signing up. If you don’t connect well with your therapist or want a new one, you can change your therapist at any time. During this step, you can pick your therapist yourself.
Can I hang out with my therapist?
Therapists do not hang out with clients outside of sessions, as doing so can be seen as violating the ethical codes they follow. A therapist supports you during your sessions, in which you might discuss life changes, stress management, body language, relationships, and other topics. However, even if you and your therapist develop a positive therapeutic relationship, they cannot be friends or more than a therapist to their clients. If a therapist created another relationship with their client, they would be breaking the ethics code and risk losing their job or qualifications.
How much does BetterHelp pay per session?
BetterHelp pays therapists between 40 to 100 dollars an hour, depending on their schedule, location, experience, and licensure. Clients on BetterHelp can access traditional therapy sessions from as low as 65 pounds per session in the UK or 65 dollars in the US, billed every four weeks. In some cases, the platform may offer financial aid, though this option may not be available in every location or for every client.
Is it normal for a therapist to give you their number?
A therapist may give you their work phone number so you can call or text them outside of sessions. If you’re unsure, ask your therapist what the number is used for. For example, you might ask if you can text them to schedule sessions only or if it’s okay for you to send messages about mental health topics.
What are examples of inappropriate boundaries in counseling?
Inappropriate boundaries are those that violate the ethical codes of any organization or board a therapist is registered with. For example, attempting to flirt with a client, sending protected health information over text, or kissing a client on the cheek after a session are all forms of inappropriate boundaries or a lack of boundaries.
How often can you message your therapist on BetterHelp?
You can message your BetterHelp therapist anytime. They will respond to you when they are available and able to respond. There is no limit to how many messages you can send in the app, though you might not get a response immediately.
What is the two-year rule for therapists?
The two-year ethical rule for therapists in the US states that a therapist may not have a sexual or romantic relationship with a client unless two years have passed since cessation of services.
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