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BetterHelp Counseling: An Overview for Patients and Therapists

Reviewed by Aaron Horn, LMFT · July 19, 2022 ·

Studies on online therapy show that it is as effective as traditional forms of therapy, with many individuals reporting better mental health within a short period (within just a few sessions in some cases). 

What Is BetterHelp?

BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform that changes the way people receive mental health support by connecting them with a community of mental health professionals. The e-therapy membership with BetterHelp provides affordable, convenient, and discreet mental health support and guidance from a professional, licensed therapist who may best suit your needs at better prices than in-person therapy. You can communicate with therapists during weekly sessions and via in-app messaging. 

Is BetterHelp Therapy Or Counseling?

The BetterHelp online therapy platform interchangeably uses "therapy" and "counseling" when referring to their services. Every individual seeking better health and support from the mental health professionals at BetterHelp has their own unique needs for health information, education about specific conditions, and counseling services. Each therapist at BetterHelp has developed their areas of focus, types of therapeutic approaches, and specialization to help customers dealing with a wide variety of challenges.

Is BetterHelp Therapy Legit?

With so many online platforms available, some individuals may wonder which ones are legit and offer natural and truly helpful therapy that will lead them to better health and life fulfillment. BetterHelp therapy is completely legit and has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2015. Every therapist on the BetterHelp platform has been thoroughly screened and is a licensed, accredited, and experienced mental health professional.

Why Therapists Like BetterHelp

Many therapists may now prefer using the BetterHelp platform to offer their services.  For one thing, the costs of providing customer service are reduced by making contact online. The high-quality therapists at BetterHelp are based throughout the United States and have a wide range of specializations, backgrounds, skills, and qualifications. 

Providing therapy online can have numerous benefits to the individual seeking therapy and for the therapist. Below are some of the top reasons why thousands of therapists use BetterHelp.

No Office Space Required

One of the main benefits of online therapy for therapists is that they no longer may need to rent an office space to see their patients. Online therapists can easily work from home, engaging in sessions wherever they like, saving them money.

Convenient

Many therapists may like the convenience of online therapy platforms like BetterHelp offers. There is no longer the need to commute to an office to see patients, which ultimately can save the therapist time and money while they focus on helping people. Therapists who joinBetterHelp can provide support and therapy sessions from anywhere and at any convenient time, helping people all over the world gain better health and mental stability. For those therapists with small children, online therapy offers them the ability to work from home, potentially making it easier to juggle family life and a career without necessarily being concerned about child care like they would need if they had to go into an office.

Create Your Schedule

While traditional practices typically have office hours, online therapy allows therapists to create their schedules, providing support to their patients at a convenient time for the therapist and the individual receiving support.

Contributing To The E-Therapy Movement

Many therapists are proud to be a part of this movement.

Helping More People Find Better Health Through Online Therapy

Online therapy allows therapists to offer their guidance and support to many more individuals in need all around the globe – something they could not otherwise achieve. With this global connection, there is never a shortage of people an online therapist may be able to help.

Quitting BetterHelpAs A Therapist

Therapists with BetterHelp are independent providers who offer their therapy services through the BetterHelp platform. If a therapist no longer wants to provide their services on the BetterHelp platform, they can stop for any reason and simply remove themselves from the contact list. If you're a therapist who would like to stop offering your services on the BetterHelp platform, email [email protected] for assistance.

Why Users Like BetterHelp

Millions of users turn to BetterHelp for better health counseling because of its many benefits. Below are some of the top reasons people like online therapy with the trained professionals at BetterHelp.

Easy to Use

The BetterHelp platform is simple, allowing individuals to receive support from their therapists whenever they need it most via their smartphone, tablet, laptop, phone, or desktop.

Affordable

Many individuals may wonder if they can receive better health counseling for free. BetterHelp subscriptions are flexible, starting at $65 per week, billed every four weeks. The minimum advertised price for a subscription may be based on your location, preferences, and therapist availability. However, for free advice and resources, you can visit the BetterHelp Advice page, which contains free advice on numerous mental health concerns and issues. Additionally, BetterHelp does offer financial aid and lower pricing to those who qualify, for example, people on Medicare or low-income insurance programs. Reach out to [email protected] if you would like to inquire more about this.

Convenient

Daily responsibilities, family life, and a career can often make it hard to find the time to commute to an appointment to see a therapist. Once you reach the therapist’s office, you might have to wait in line for your turn.  With online therapy, you can receive support from a therapist anytime through in-app messaging and weekly through virtual sessions scheduled around your needs and availability. These sessions and messages can be utilized anywhere you have a stable internet connection. Online therapy can work around your schedule, and you can easily talk to your therapist from your mobile device or a regular phone whenever you need guidance.

Discreet

With online therapy, individuals can receive guidance and treatment from the comfort of their own homes without worrying about seeing someone they know in the waiting room.

 

Traditional in-person therapy may be out of reach for individuals living in rural areas, those with mobility concerns, communicable diseases, or those who have difficulty leaving their homes. Online therapy makes it possible to receive the support and mental health care they may need.

Online Therapy Anywhere in The World

While most users are currently from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., anyone from any country can receive support through the BetterHelp platform. However, it's essential to keep in mind that your therapist may be in a different time zone, and the BetterHelp platform uses English on the application and in sessions. Many therapists also speak other languages, and you'll be able to see this information when you search their personal BetterHelp bio pages.

How BetterHelp Sessions Work

Once you've signed up with BetterHelp and filled out the detailed questionnaire and therapist preferences, you'll be matched with a therapist based on your preferences and specific needs. You can connect with your therapist via in-app messaging, video chat, and phone calls.

Your First BetterHelp Session

Once you are matched with a therapist, they will reach out to you via email. The next part of the process is going into the calendar on the BetterHelp platform and selecting the date and time each week for a live session that's most convenient to you. You will also be able to see your therapist's availability in this calendar. You can then choose which format you prefer for your live sessions -- phone calls, video chat, or live chat, which are all available for the same price.

Before your live session appointment, it's important to make sure you have a stable internet connection, your space is free of distraction, and your mobile device, laptop, or phone is charged to prevent interruptions during your sessions. Your therapist will initiate the session using your preferred method of communication.

Your first session is a way for you and your therapist to get to know each other better. They likely will want to know why you're seeking therapy, what your goals are, and your expectations. You can also ask them about their training and therapeutic approach tto your issues. This process will help your therapist decide on their approach and how they may best be able to help you while giving you time to get your questions answered or request specific times for your sessions.

How Long Are Live Sessions

Live sessions typically run for 30 to 45 minutes and may even be an hour, depending on your therapist's availability and needs. It's best to discuss with your therapist how long they believe each session may need to be based on their approach and your specific needs.

You can also use the in-app messaging feature 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, keep in mind this feature is not in real-time and there may be a delay between sending a message to your therapist and receiving a response. 

Is BetterHelp Religious?

While BetterHelp is not a religiously affiliated site, we strive to be inclusive to everyone, and the therapists at BetterHelp have a wide range of personal and religious backgrounds. When signing up with BetterHelp, you can request a preference for a therapist with a particular religious background.

However, suppose you would prefer a form of therapy through a biblical lens. In that case, BetterHelp's sister site, Faithful Counseling, allows you to connect with a therapist with a Christian background and biblical approach.

Conclusion

With over 23,000 licensed mental health providers on the platform, there may be a therapist who can help you. Reach out today to begin your journey to better health and improved mental health with BetterHelp.

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