BetterHelp Online Therapy & Counseling Review & Ratings 2023

Leigh Morgan
Leigh Morgan
Last updated:
Erin L. George, MFT
Erin L. George, MFT
Medical editor
MentalHelp independently researches, tests, and reviews products and services which may benefit our readers. Where indicated by “Medically Reviewed by”, Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. If you buy something through our links, or engage with a provider, we may earn a commission.

Convenient and affordable online therapy from licensed counselors

MentalHelp independently researches, tests, reviews, and recommends the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Ad
Some of our MentalHelp recommendations, including BetterHelp, may also be affiliates, and as such we may receive compensation from them if you purchase products or services through the links provided

Get 20% Off Your First Month

BetterHelp

  • The world’s largest professional online therapy platform
  • Can get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours
  • Subscription includes: one weekly live session, you can message your therapist anytime, group webinars, journaling tools, worksheets and more

Editor’s rating

8.3

Exceptional

At a Glance

BetterHelp offers online therapy services to adults ages 18 and older, increasing access to individual therapy. BetterHelp’s multi-channel approach emphasizes convenience and flexibility, with professional advice available via online chat, text messaging, telephone and video. During a virtual therapy session, your provider may use dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy or other approaches to address your concerns and help you develop skills to help you begin to feel better. 

Pros

  • 20% Discount (up to $50 off)
  • Flexible scheduling
  • You can message your therapist anytime
  • Subscription includes group webinars, journaling tools, worksheets and more HSA/FSA eligible
  • Financial aid available to those who qualify
  • Switch therapists or cancel anytime

Cons

  • Doesn’t accept insurance
  • Therapists can’t diagnose mental health disorders (e.g. bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)
  • No prescription medications available
  • Doesn’t provide court-ordered therapy

Online Therapy Review: BetterHelp

Are BetterHelp Online Therapists Licensed?

Every online therapist on the BetterHelp platform has been carefully vetted to ensure they have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality virtual counseling. BetterHelp requires every online counselor to have an advanced degree, a professional license and at least 1,000 hours of clinical, face-to-face experience. BetterHelp verifies each provider’s license via their state’s licensing database.

BetterHelp also requires every online therapist to complete a video interview and a case study exam. The case study exam is evaluated by a licensed clinician to confirm the applicant has the required knowledge and skills. Due to this extensive vetting process, BetterHelp accepts just 20% of the therapists who apply to provide virtual therapy on its platform.

BetterHelp-Professional-Therapy-With-A-Licensed-Therapist

BetterHelp Treatment Types Offered

BetterHelp has more than 25,000 online counselors available to help you improve your mental health. These counselors all have different professional backgrounds and levels of experience, but you’ll be matched with someone capable of addressing your specific concerns. 

The right approach to online therapy depends on your mental health history, relationship status, personality and other personal information. Depending on your needs, your therapist may offer one of the following online counseling services:

  • OCD therapy
  • PTSD therapy/trauma therapy
  • Somatic therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Anger management
  • Psychotherapy

Things to Know About BetterHelp

BetterHelp makes it easy to sign up for virtual therapy services. All you have to do is fill out the online questionnaire for new patients, which includes questions about your age, gender identity, sexual orientation and mental health concerns. The questions regarding gender identity and sexual orientation are there to ensure you’re matched with an LGBTQ-friendly therapist if needed.

BetterHelp cost is based on location, preferences, and therapist availability which includes one therapy session and you can message your therapist anytime. BetterHelp doesn’t accept insurance, but if your health plan covers online therapy, you may be reimbursed for some or all of your expenses.

MentalHelp independently researches, tests, reviews, and recommends the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Ad
Some of our MentalHelp recommendations, including BetterHelp, may also be affiliates, and as such we may receive compensation from them if you purchase products or services through the links provided

Get 20% Off Your First Month

BetterHelp

  • The world’s largest professional online therapy platform
  • Can get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours
  • Subscription includes: one weekly live session, you can message your therapist anytime, group webinars, journaling tools, worksheets and more

Editor’s rating

8.3

Exceptional

BetterHelp Therapist Testimonials – Working With Clients

Types of Sessions Available on BetterHelp

When you sign up, you’ll have access to four types of therapy sessions:

  • Text message: BetterHelp offers text messaging as a form of asynchronous communication. This means you and your therapist don’t need to be online at the same time for you to send a message with a question or concern.
  • Video: During video therapy sessions, you and your therapist will be able to see each other, enhancing your communication.
  • Chat: Chat-based therapy is similar to the therapy services provided via text message, but it’s a synchronous form of communication. You and your therapist will log in to BetterHelp at the same time and chat in real time.
  • Telephone: If you prefer to talk one-on-one, telephone sessions may be a good fit. At your scheduled appointment time, you’ll log in to BetterHelp and start your session. The platform dials your phone number without compromising your ability to connect with an online therapist.

How Long Are the Sessions?

BetterHelp online therapy sessions can range from 30 to 45 minutes. Once you’re matched with a therapist, you’ll have a chance to discuss scheduling and come up with an appointment schedule that works for your needs.

How to Schedule Online Therapy With BetterHelp

The scheduling process is a little different for each type of online therapy. Here’s how to schedule each type of virtual therapy session:

  • Text message: BetterHelp uses a virtual room for text messaging. This allows you to send messages to your online counselor without revealing your telephone number. You don’t need an appointment to use this service.
  • Video: You and your therapist will work out an appointment schedule that works for both of you. When you have an appointment, you’ll log in to BetterHelp and start the live video session. Once you click the button, you’ll be able to see your therapist, and your therapist will be able to see you.
  • Chat: You follow the same process for chat and video, except you and your therapist won’t be able to see each other. When the session starts, you’ll log in and chat with your therapist online.
  • Telephone: Talk to your therapist to determine when you’re both available. At your appointment time, you’ll start the session online, prompting your therapist to call you.

BetterHelp Pricing & Special Offers

BetterHelp offers a monthly subscription that typically costs between $240 and $360, depending on the type of therapy you receive. This represents a weekly cost of $60 to $90.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

With BetterHelp, you pay for online therapy on a monthly basis. You don’t have to sign a contract or agree to a minimum term of service. You can cancel after your first month or continue using the service for as long as you need.

Final Words

BetterHelp offers online therapy for adults ages 18 and older, giving you access to thousands of qualified mental health professionals in one place. Multiple communication methods make it easy to work with a therapist without revealing your full name or sharing your telephone number. Best of all, you don’t have to commit to using the service for a minimum amount of time.

MentalHelp independently researches, tests, reviews, and recommends the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Ad
Some of our MentalHelp recommendations, including BetterHelp, may also be affiliates, and as such we may receive compensation from them if you purchase products or services through the links provided

Get 20% Off Your First Month

BetterHelp

  • The world’s largest professional online therapy platform
  • Can get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours
  • Subscription includes: one weekly live session, you can message your therapist anytime, group webinars, journaling tools, worksheets and more

Editor’s rating

8.3

Exceptional

Frequently Asked Questions

BetterHelp costs between $60 and $90 per week, billed on a monthly basis.

A BetterHelp subscription includes one weekly therapy session.

No. BetterHelp doesn’t accept insurance.

Yes. BetterHelp is a legitimate service that vets therapists carefully to ensure you receive high-quality online therapy.

Fill out the online contact form or email [email protected]

Yes. BetterHelp occasionally offers a discount for new users.

BetterHelp Customer Reviews

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BetterHelp

Editor's rating

8.3

Exceptional