I am unemployed and need help with the scholarship part of the program. Can you help me please?
Kay -
BetterHelp offers financial assistance (reduced fees) for individuals who qualify. You can check to see if you qualify during the signup process. If you have further questions regarding accessing services please reach out to BetterHelp directly as the therapists on the BetterHelp platform are independent contractors and are not employees of BetterHelp. The therapist does not have a say in who qualifies for the financial assistance with BetterHelp.
Here is what BetterHelp provides for information on sliding fee scales.
A sliding scale is a type of fee structure therapists sometimes use to give people with fewer resources a lower fee. In fact, the sliding scale fee is commonly used in many types of industries including legal service or dental care. Affordable sliding-scale therapy is not a "sale" or a "discount" that can change over time. The amount you pay for affordable sliding-scale therapy is calculated by your income. The less income you bring in each month, the less you pay for your therapy sessions.
The therapist sets up one sliding scale that is used for all their patients. If you have enough money to pay the full cost of therapy, you will be billed at the therapist's standard fee. But if you're facing financial challenges that hinder your ability to pay, you'll be provided with therapy options at a reduced rate. For example, in an office where the full price is $175 per hour, if you make less than $70,000 per year, your fees may be $75 per hour, but if you make $120,000 per year, you may pay $100 per hour.
Not every sliding scale within the psychotherapy collective has the same rules. Some may require you to verify income with a pay stub. Others may take your word for your income. Some require that you notify the office within a certain amount of time if your financial situation changes. The rules should be listed on an agreement that you sign with the therapist or their staff. You should always be very careful to read the agreement before signing anything, and if you have any questions, be sure to ask them to clarify. If you don't qualify for the low fees you would prefer to pay, there are other mental health resources, such as community mental health clinics and online therapy.