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Real Feedback: BetterHelp.com Therapy Reviews

Written by Michael Puskar · Reviewed by Aaron Horn, LMFT · July 19, 2022 ·

Taking care of your mental health may be one of the most important investments. In life, we are faced with many challenges that can often take a toll on our mental health and well-being, causing us high levels of stress and mental and physical health concerns. Finding healthy coping mechanisms and managing these challenges may be incredibly important. With online therapy platforms like BetterHelp, individuals may be able to receive the guidance and support they need to improve their mental health and overcome life's challenges.

Recent studies show online therapy may be just as effective as in-person, traditional therapy, with individuals reporting improved mental health for various mental health concerns, such as anxiety and depression, in only a short period (within a few weeks to a few months). If you're curious about trying online therapy to improve your mental health, see what the BetterHelp.com reviews say about BetterHelp.

Why Users Like BetterHelp Online Therapy

BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, changing how people receive therapy and the mental health support they need. While everyone's experience is unique, users like BetterHelp for online mental health support for its various benefits. Here are some of the top reasons millions of individuals use BetterHelp for online therapy.

Online therapy allows users who live in rural areas, those with mobility issues, or those who may have difficulty leaving their house to receive mental health support to obtain the care they need, all from their own homes. There is no need to commute to a therapist's office for treatment with online therapy. Individuals can connect with their therapist anywhere they have a stable internet connection.

  • Affordable

BetterHelp is one of the most affordable online therapy platforms, with online therapy subscriptions ranging from $60 to $90 per week, billed every four weeks. Traditional therapy can range from $100-$200 for a single session, based on your location. The cost of a BetterHelp therapy subscription may depend on your location, preferences, and current therapist availability.

  • Convenient

Many users like online convenience therapy give compared to the traditional family. Managing daily responsibilities, a career, and a family may often make it difficult to find time to schedule a therapy appointment and commute to the therapist's office. However, users can receive mental health support around their schedule with online therapy. On the BetterHelp platform, users can connect with their therapist from their desktop, tablet, or mobile device whenever and wherever they have an internet connection.

  • BetterHelp Is Available Around The Globe

While the therapists at BetterHelp are licensed and based within the United States, BetterHelp is available internationally for individuals to receive mental health support when they need it. However, it's important to remember that if you use the BetterHelp platform internationally, there may be a time difference with your therapist. It's also important to note that the primary language used on the site and by therapists is English. However, many therapists are multi-lingual and may offer sessions in a language other than English. This can be determined when filling out the initial questionnaire that matches you with a suitable therapist for your needs.

Is BetterHelp.com Legitimate?

With the rise of online therapy and several sites, many individuals may wonder if BetterHelp is a legitimate resource for mental health support. BetterHelp therapy is fully legitimate and has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2015. Every therapist on the BetterHelp platform has been thoroughly screened and is an experienced, trained, licensed, and accredited mental health professional.

Common questions individuals ask when beginning online therapy are: 

Who Are The Therapists On BetterHelp?

If you're hesitant about using online therapy, you may be wondering if BetterHelp provides support from real therapists. The therapists at BetterHelp are trained, experienced, licensed, and accredited psychologists (Ph.D. / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT) licensed clinical social workers (LCSW / LMSW) or licensed professional therapists (LPC). Every therapist has a master's or doctorate in their field and is certified by their state's board after completing all required education, exams, and training. Additionally, every therapist on BetterHelp must possess at least three years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience.

The therapists are not employees of BetterHelp, but rather are independent contractors who use the platform to provide online therapy to those in need. Each therapist may have a unique background, area of focus, and approach to providing therapy, so it's important to find the right therapist who best suits your specific needs.

How BetterHelp Sessions Work

When signing up for online therapy with BetterHelp, users will be asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire that helps the platform better understand their objectives, needs, and preferences for therapy and their desired therapist. This will help the platform match you with a licensed therapist who best suits your needs and specific preferences. Depending on these preferences and therapists' availability, you'll be matched with a therapist within a few hours to a couple of days.

How Many Sessions Do You Get?

With a BetterHelp online therapy subscription, you will get one live session each week to connect with your therapist via video chat, live chat, or phone call. Many users say they prefer to use the video chat feature and get the most progress because it is most similar to in-person therapy, and they can talk to their therapist's face to face virtually.

When you are ready for your live session with your therapist, log into your account, and your therapist will prompt you to begin your session via the live feature you have chosen. Alternatively, you can use the in-app messaging feature 24/7 whenever you feel you need support. However, keep in mind these messages aren't in real-time. You may send your therapist a message anytime you like, and you'll receive a notification once they respond with guidance or support.

How Long Are Sessions?

Live sessions with your therapist are booked ahead of time through the calendar on the platform. Here you can book a date and time each week and see when your therapist is available. Each live session can be booked for 30-to-45-minute blocks; however, you may request up to an hour depending on your needs and your therapist's availability. You and your therapist may determine the length of your sessions.

Canceling Your BetterHelp Subscription

People like BetterHelp because it doesn't take a lot of commitment to try online therapy, and the subscription is easy to cancel. If you feel you no longer need mental health support through BetterHelp, you can easily cancel your subscription at any time, for any reason. You log in to your account, go into account settings, then payment settings, and choose "change plan" or "quit counseling." If you choose to quit counseling, you may still use all of the therapy services through your last billing period, at which point services will then be terminated.

Does BetterHelp Give Refunds?

If for any reason, you are not satisfied with BetterHelp online therapy and would like a refund, you may send a request, and the platform will go over your concerns on a case-by-case basis. BetterHelp will take the necessary steps to resolve issues you may have. This mat includes matching you with a new therapist who better suits your needs, extending your subscription at zero cost to you, or issuing a partial or full refund when needed. If you have any concerns, please reach out to BetterHelp, and someone will get back to you with help.

Conclusion

If you're experiencing challenges in your life or any mental health concerns, online therapy may be able to help. Millions of users have improved their mental health with the help of a licensed therapist from BetterHelp. A licensed therapist may be able to provide you with tools and guidance to overcome challenges you may be facing, improve your communication and relationships, and live a happier and more fulfilling life. Reach out to BetterHelp today to be matched with a therapist and begin your journey to a better you.

Below are some commonly asked questions on this topic:

How much does BetterHelp charge per month?
How much does BetterHelp cost?
Does BetterHelp prescribe medication?
How long are sessions on BetterHelp?
Can you claim BetterHelp on insurance?
Does BetterHelp have a free trial?
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Can you do BetterHelp once a month?
How does BetterHelp pay their counselors?

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