How Long Are BetterHelp Therapy Sessions? A Guide To Making The Most Of Your Time
Those considering online therapy may wonder how long a typical BetterHelp session lasts. BetterHelp therapy sessions are generally 30 to 45 minutes long, depending on the therapist and client’s preferences. Unlike traditional in-person therapy, which often follows a standard 50-minute session, BetterHelp offers flexible options tailored to individual needs.
BetterHelp is a leader in the online therapy space, partnering with thousands of licensed professionals who provide remote therapy sessions. Below, find out what to expect from a BetterHelp session, including its format, length, and tips for making the most of your time with a therapist.
An overview of online therapy
As technology has improved, it has led to more convenient methods of receiving psychological care. Online therapy is an increasingly widely utilized form of mental health care that allows individuals to work with therapists virtually through live sessions conducted on online platforms. In a 2021 APA survey, 96% of psychologists reported providing online mental health services.
How online therapy helps bridge the mental health treatment gap
With online counseling services, therapy sessions can be conducted and attended from almost anywhere, as long as the therapist and client both have an internet connection. This increased convenience compared to in-person therapy helps bridge the mental health treatment gap—the difference between the number of people who need care and the number of people who receive it.
Online counseling helps participants overcome various barriers to care, including financial constraints, geographical limitations, and perceived stigma regarding mental illness. Unlike in-person therapy sessions, individuals participating in video sessions do not have to commute to an office, sit in a waiting room, or plan for traffic or transit delays. Participants can also reach out to their therapists at any time through in-app messaging. Additionally, online therapy allows individuals to change therapists for any reason.
How long are BetterHelp sessions?
Understanding how therapy sessions are structured may help you effectively engage in the therapeutic process and take steps toward your goals. As you plan for a session, it can help to know how much time you want to dedicate to a given topic. Additionally, you can double-check the allotted time with your therapist, ensuring you’re on the same page regarding session duration.
Typically, BetterHelp therapy sessions last between 30 and 45 minutes. Depending on availability, you and your therapist may agree to meet for longer or shorter sessions. The duration of therapy sessions can also depend on the modality your therapist is utilizing. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes. Group support sessions, which are optional for BetterHelp clients, typically last one to 1.5 hours.
How does session length compare to traditional therapy?
Online therapy sessions through a platform like BetterHelp tend to last from 30 to 45 minutes, which is similar to many in-person therapy sessions. Typically, therapists provide support for 30 to 60 minutes in person. If someone is partaking in a special modality like Reiki therapy or psychoanalysis testing, the sessions may be longer.
What is BetterHelp?
BetterHelp is the largest online therapy platform and partners with thousands of mental health professionals. With BetterHelp, participants can connect with their therapist through video, voice, and live chat sessions, as well as in-app messaging. Additionally, BetterHelp allows clients to message their therapists outside of sessions, and the therapist will respond when available.
BetterHelp therapists are psychologists, licensed mental health counselors, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed marriage and family therapists. With BetterHelp, clients are matched with professionals based on their needs and preferences. Individuals can then choose to participate in sessions through video calls, voice calls, or in-app messaging.
Exploring the online therapeutic process
Online therapy is similar to in-person counseling in many ways, though it provides certain benefits that can make the therapeutic process more convenient and flexible. The following are descriptions of how online therapy progresses, from matching with a therapist to assessing a client’s improvements.
BetterHelp matches the client with a therapist
When you sign up for BetterHelp, you’re asked a series of questions to help you connect with the right professional. After the matching process, you’re provided with a dedicated virtual therapy room, which you share with your online therapist. The therapist may then make introductions and ask you clarifying questions regarding your mental health concerns. This process can help you start therapy in a focused manner, giving the therapist an idea of the challenges you’d like to address.
During your initial session, your therapist can gather further details on these concerns, asking you about any prior mental health conditions, medical illnesses, or lifestyle considerations. They may ask you about your symptoms and their impacts on your life. They may also introduce themselves and provide background on their qualifications and experience.
The therapist and client set goals and form a treatment plan
Once the therapist and client have identified the individual’s primary concerns, they can lay out achievable objectives. For example, a primary goal may be to reduce symptoms of panic disorder. This process gives the participant clearly defined therapeutic goals and allows the therapist to better evaluate their progress.
After objectives have been outlined, the professional can discuss the modalities and techniques they plan to utilize. Common therapeutic modalities include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and client-centered therapy. For example, CBT could help a client understand how negative thought processes may be contributing to panic attacks.
Homework and other exercises are assigned
Therapists often provide clients with worksheets, at-home exercises, and other forms of homework that may help them reinforce certain concepts between sessions. For example, a therapist using CBT may ask a participant to write down any thoughts that precede symptoms of depression throughout the week. This process may help the individual identify potential unhelpful beliefs that are connected to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, etc.
As therapy continues, the therapist and client can assess how much progress has been made toward their stated goals. Doing so allows them to make alterations to their treatment plan or set new goals if necessary. Using the example of panic disorder, the individual may have been working toward fewer and less severe panic attacks. After several sessions, they might notice fewer panic attacks but no reduction in their severity. In this case, the therapist can suggest different coping techniques or change their modality to address the panic.
How to make the most of your online therapy sessions
Online therapy sessions are your time to address the topics and concerns for which you seek support. Your therapist can guide you through sessions by asking questions or bringing up past topics, but you have a significant amount of autonomy regarding how therapy progresses. Consider the following tips to help you engage with the therapeutic process effectively.
Prepare for therapy sessions
Completing homework, reviewing notes from previous sessions, and preparing discussion topics can help you ensure you get the most out of online therapy sessions. If you were assigned homework, you might address it and bring it to your session as a reference. You can also bring a pen and paper or other note-taking device so that you can jot down important points during your session.
You might also want to review any notes you made from previous sessions, which may help you gauge your progress and determine what to discuss in the next one. A list of points you’d like to review can help ensure sessions are as productive as possible.
Express yourself
The therapeutic process often involves openness and honesty. Expressing your thoughts and feelings freely may help you feel better, receive proper emotional support, and communicate your needs. When your therapist understands your emotions, beliefs, and thought processes, they can adequately provide care.
Take, for example, a situation in which a client is receiving therapy for social anxiety. Though it may be difficult for them to express certain feelings (e.g., embarrassment, fear of judgment) and thoughts (e.g., negative self-evaluations), communicating their concerns honestly can help their therapist tailor sessions to these challenges. They may focus on reframing the negative thoughts about themselves and alleviating the associated emotions through breathing exercises, mindfulness, etc.
Ensure your device is functioning properly
Getting support from sessions can be difficult when your internet connection isn’t stable, or your device is low on battery. Before your session, make sure your browser is updated, your camera is working, your device is charged, and your internet is connected. BetterHelp users with questions about connectivity or other technological concerns can contact customer service.
Online therapy can help you find a therapist who fits your needs
You deserve supportive, compassionate mental health care, and this type of support can often be found online. Connecting with a qualified therapist can help you take meaningful steps toward your wellness goals.
The benefits of asking an online therapist: “How long are BetterHelp sessions?”
To learn more about how online therapy works, consider getting matched with an experienced mental health provider. BetterHelp can connect you with a professional from a team of licensed therapists, increasing your chances of working with someone who can help you with your specific concerns and answer your questions about how therapy works.
Online therapy is also a relatively affordable care option, with BetterHelp subscriptions in the US as low as $65, billed every four weeks, and in the UK as low as €65, billed every four weeks. Cost is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability, and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.
The effectiveness of online therapy for mental health challenges
Research suggests that online therapy can help participants manage symptoms of a range of mental health conditions. For example, findings from a 2021 meta-analysis suggest that online therapy can often be as effective as in-person counseling for treating various forms of mental illness.
Takeaway
- BetterHelp sessions range in length from 30 to 45 minutes.
- You can schedule an extra session weekly for a fee.
- You can schedule group sessions through the BetterHelp app, which are longer sessions for support and community.
- BetterHelp may be more affordable than typical insurance copays or in-person therapy.
Understanding the logistics of virtual therapy sessions can help you achieve your therapeutic objectives and foster mental wellness. If you’re interested in exploring the online therapy format further, consider getting matched with a licensed therapist online. With the right support, you can successfully navigate the therapeutic process and move forward on your mental health journey.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a typical therapy session?
Therapy sessions tend to range from 30 to 60 minutes in length, depending on the specific therapist, type of treatment, insurance company coverage, and the client’s specific preferences. On a platform like BetterHelp, the session length is typically around 30 to 45 minutes.
Why do therapists do 50-minute sessions?
Some therapists offer 50-minute sessions, so they have time after sessions to take notes, review session notes, work on account settings, and take a break until their next session. Some therapists might also start sessions 10 minutes after the start of the hour so they can review previous session notes or text messaging with the client and get caught up on what the next session might be about.
Can therapy sessions be two hours?
Therapy sessions can be any length. However, therapists often don’t offer two-hour sessions, as this length may be difficult and not as therapeutic as one live session for an hour or less. The length of sessions can depend on the therapist's specific preferences based on the commitment and support level they can offer. Fewer therapists are able to offer two-hour or longer sessions, especially online, as therapists often have multiple clients in a day.
Are 20 therapy sessions enough?
Twenty therapy sessions might not be effective for an individual, depending on their goals for therapy and the technique. If a client with anxiety or another mental illness seeks a doctor to prescribe medication, they may be able to get more out of therapy because their symptoms are lessened, which is why many people are recommended to try medication and therapy together. However, you don’t have to have medication to have quick success in therapy. Talk to your therapist about your plans, browse therapists before choosing your own therapist, and ask a doctor before starting, changing, or stopping any medication.
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.
Does BetterHelp use actual therapists?
BetterHelp only contracts real, qualified therapists on the BetterHelp platform and undergoes a strict vetting process for all providers on BetterHelp or any sister site. You can be assured that the providers you meet with are qualified counselors, social workers, therapists, and psychologists, keeping BetterHelp safe and effective. For more information on the vetting process at BetterHelp, contact customer service or check out the FAQ.
How many times can you use BetterHelp in a week?
Clients can enter BetterHelp at any time of day to message their therapist and use other app features, such as the journal entries section, worksheets sent by the therapist, or scheduling. You can also enter the app anytime to change counselors if your first counselor wasn’t a good fit. You can have one live session a week included in your subscription and may be able to schedule another session with your therapist for an extra cost. You can have a phone, video, or live chat session.
What's the average cost of BetterHelp?
The BetterHelp cost in the US is around $65, billed every four weeks. In the UK, therapy can be as low as €65, billed every four weeks. Cost is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability, and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.
In some cases, the signup screen may offer financial aid for clients experiencing financial difficulty. However, this option may not be available in some areas or for some clients. BetterHelp offers online therapy at a low rate, with many features included in the plan. Therapists on BetterHelp work for lower rates because they don’t have to rent an office and pay other expenses often required for in-person providers.
Does BetterHelp take insurance?
BetterHelp does not take insurance. However, your insurance plan may reimburse you for the cost of your sessions if you provide a superbill. Talk to your insurance company about this potential option, as BetterHelp has no control over whether a specific insurance policy will allow this option.
Can I message my therapist anytime on BetterHelp?
You can message your therapist on BetterHelp whenever you want. However, your therapist will respond when they are available. In some cases, replies may take over 24 hours. You can also share your journal entries from the app with your therapist.
Does BetterHelp have a no-show policy?
In some cases, there may be a no-show fee for not showing up to sessions continuously.
Is there a cancellation fee for BetterHelp?
BetterHelp does not have a cancellation fee. You can cancel your BetterHelp subscription at any time. If you have any outstanding payments, they may be charged to your payment method.
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