Affordable Online Therapy: How Much Does BetterHelp Cost?

The popularity of online therapy has increased in recent years, and more forms of telehealth support continue to be developed. With the increasing number of mental health professionals offering online services through platforms like BetterHelp, many individuals wonder how much online therapy services and virtual mental health care can save them compared to traditional in-person methods.  

Defining BetterHelp Online Therapy

Virtual therapy involves internet-based therapeutic support with a licensed counselor or therapist, often provided through video chat or phone calls. Some platforms also offer live chat sessions. 

Many studies demonstrate the efficacy of online therapy to diagnose mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, as well as treat them, and many online therapy platforms can also offer support to those experiencing stress, life challenges, or other concerns that may impact their mental or physical health.

Virtual therapy can come with advantages like affordable session prices and convenient participation from any location with an internet connection. In addition, many platforms offer matching systems for clients to reduce wait times in looking for a therapist. 

BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that offers virtual counseling services. The service offers over 30,000 independent licensed mental health providers specializing in various mental health concerns and symptoms. These providers may have various backgrounds but are all experienced and licensed professionals in the field. When you sign up and fill out a brief questionnaire, BetterHelp matches you with a therapist based on your symptoms, preferences, and experiences.

BetterHelp therapy sessions are offered in real-time through live chat, live phone calls, and live video sessions, according to your preference. In addition, counselors may be able to show journal prompts, resources, worksheets, and webinar options with clients. 

Clients of BetterHelp can check in with their therapist at any time through a messaging feature in a digital chat room. This feature lets you ask your therapist for guidance or clarification; they can respond when available. Messages are saved so that you can reflect on them at a later date. You can also show in-app journal entries with your therapist. 

The Advantages Of Online Therapy

Understanding the benefits of online therapy can help you understand the pricing. Certain advantages may make online therapy a better value than in-patient options for some. Among the most popular are the convenience, affordability, availability, and one-on-one approach. 

A Wide Reach 

One of the significant barriers that may stop people from seeking therapy is the lack of availability. With therapy availability and services varying based on location, many individuals seeking support and guidance might not live near a therapist whose services they can afford or who fits their needs. In addition, rural areas might not offer therapists specializing in specific therapeutic modalities or conditions. Online therapy removes these barriers and serves anyone worldwide seeking convenience and affordable counseling.

Convenience 

Online counseling can also offer convenience, which may reduce certain costs, such as transportation. You can partake in sessions from anywhere with an internet connection and from any room, including your bedroom, office, or living room. In addition, you may cut out driving time to receive support. Therapists can also cut out these factors. With a mental health platform like BetterHelp, the sign up process is simple, too. You can start therapy by simply signing on to their website, filling out a form with questions about yourself and what you are looking for in a therapist, and getting matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. 

With a virtual session that you can schedule easily with an online calendar, you and your therapist can have appointments laid out immediately without a waiting room or waitlist. 

Affordability 

The cost of therapy can be a significant deterrent for many individuals on the fence about starting therapy. While working with an insurance company can be possible, many find that co-pays are high, and some companies might not cover all services. Sorting through financial plans and deductibles can be challenging for those seeking support. Online therapy removes this barrier for many. 

Some platforms offer weekly or monthly subscription formats and include specific services. For example, BetterHelp offers weekly therapy sessions billed to your account every four weeks. In some circumstances, online therapy platforms may allow individuals to apply for financial aid to offset the cost of therapy.

How Much Does BetterHelp Cost Vs. In-Person Therapy? 

According to Forbes, a traditional therapy session can cost $100 to $200 an hour. However, initial consultations may cost more. If you live in a major US city like NYC, costs can be upwards of $250 per session or more. While this amount may be partially covered by your insurance, co-pays or upfront costs can be a burden for many. 

Through an online platform like BetterHelp, live sessions with your mental health provider can cost less. If you're curious how much does BetterHelp cost, a weekly BetterHelp therapy session, including messaging with your therapist, will cost around $60 to $90 per week depending on where you live and your preferences. Although BetterHelp doesn't accept health insurance coverage, the amount can be a significant value for what you receive when you compare it to mental health coverage with insurance. In addition, commute, parking, and transportation costs can be cut. Also, BetterHelp offers financial assistance to those who qualify.

Is BetterHelp Available In The UK?

Yes, BetterHelp is available in the UK, the US, Canada, and anywhere in the world. All that is required to have sessions through the platform is coordination between you and your therapist if you are in different time zones, as well as being able to converse in English. However, some therapists may speak other languages, as well. 

How Much Does BetterHelp Cost Each Month? 

BetterHelp online therapy involves a weekly session with a licensed therapist billed to users every four weeks. You can expect one week to cost anywhere from $60 to $90. This cost includes one therapy session and messaging with your therapist. The weekly cost is billed to your PayPal account or credit card every four weeks, so you can expect this monthly charge to be anywhere from $240 to $360 for individual therapy sessions. This cost may be different for group therapy sessions depending on the therapy provider.

Can BetterHelp Be Canceled? 

You can cancel your BetterHelp subscription and close your account at any time. Therapy is a fluid experience. It is up to the individual to decide how long they want to participate in therapy. The BetterHelp team understands that everyone can be at a different place along their mental health journey, and some might only want a month of therapy to achieve their goals.

If you do choose to quit your subscription with BetterHelp, you can do it in the following steps: 

1. Login to your account on the BetterHelp website.
2. If you currently receive therapy, head to Menu > My Account > Payment Settings > Quit therapy.
3. Head back to Menu > My Account > Information. Then, click "Request Erasure."

What Determines Your Weekly Cost With BetterHelp? 

The amount you pay for therapy each week can depend on several factors, including the following: 

• The length of your weekly session 
• Where you live
• The states your therapist is licensed in 
• Availability 
• Whether you qualify for financial aid

Your weekly session cost will be quoted upon signing up, and you can make your first payment. Once you finished the initial questionnaire upon signing up, you can be matched with your therapist in as little as 48 hours. If you cannot afford the cost upon signing up, contact the BetterHelp team through the signup email you receive about session costs. 

BetterHelp includes various features in its cost, including the following. 

One Live Virtual Therapy Session Per Week 

Your therapist conducts one live virtual therapy session in the real-time format of your choice per week, including live chats, live phone sessions, or live video calling. The standard BetterHelp session is 30 minutes long, but some providers may offer 45-minute sessions. In certain instances, you can request more than a week therapy sessions with your therapist weekly. The cost of an extra session can vary depending on your plan, your therapist's availability, and the length. If your current therapist isn’t working out, you can switch therapists. All therapy sessions are conducted through the BetterHelp portal and require an internet connection.

Messaging 

You can send messages to your online therapist anytime during the week. In addition, these messages are saved, allowing you to return to them at any time. In traditional therapy, you may be unable to reach out to your therapist outside of sessions.  

Journal Prompts 

The BetterHelp app offers a journaling feature where you can track your daily mood and fill out responses to journaling prompts. You can also journal about anything on your mind. If you're connecting with a therapist, you can show your journal entries with your therapist automatically or choose to do so manually. 

Worksheets And Resources 

Many therapists choose to send their clients worksheets and resources to download, print, or use online. These can be sent over the platform. In addition, BetterHelp may have webinars led by licensed therapists available for clients to attend for free on various mental health topics. 

When weighing the pros and cons of seeing a therapist, it can be beneficial to understand the factors that go into the cost. Many variables affect the cost of therapy, including the following.

Type Of Therapy

The type of therapy or mental health treatment you receive may affect the cost. For example, psychiatry often costs more than a visit with a psychologist or counselor. Note that BetterHelp does not offer psychiatry services. 

This also means for those wondering whether BetterHelp will prescribe medication, they are not able to do so. Only psychiatrists can prescribe medication because they have a medical degree. However, BetterHelp does offer a wide range of mental health services with licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers, family therapists, and even professional counselors offering teen counseling through their aptly named sister site TeenCounseling. 

The type of therapy you choose can also impact your insurance. For example, if you're receiving online therapy with BetterHelp, the sessions may be cheaper than most traditional therapists. However, insurance may not reimburse any of the costs. Traditional therapy that involves a mental illness diagnosis may be covered by health insurance. However, many health insurance plans don't cover couples or family therapy. 

A few types of therapy you might consider include: 

• Child psychology
• Group therapy
• Couples counseling and family counseling
• Support groups
• Psychiatry
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) groups or individual sessions 

Where You Live

Where you live may play a role in the cost of therapy. The local economy may reflect what local therapists are charging for their services. For example, if you live in an expensive region of the US, like New York City or Seattle, therapists may have higher hourly rates. 

Therapy may come at a lower cost in rural areas with cheaper real estate and lower salaries. Online therapy could be valuable if you live in an expensive region. 

The Therapist's Background

Your provider's expertise, specialties, and background can affect the therapy cost. For example, their licensure, salary, rental costs, education level, and specialties may all require a steeper cost. However, through BetterHelp, rates are the same for all therapists, so you can find a specialist at a lower price than in many cities. 

Other Types Of Online Counseling 

While BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, it's not the only virtual counseling option on the market. There are various online counseling platforms, and many therapists offer their personal practice services through a telehealth format. 

Many people may seek free counseling services from online therapy companies if they struggle to afford others. However, free sites and mental health apps may not be credible, safe, or available. When comparing BetterHelp vs free platforms it is important to remember that a site offering free counseling may not hire licensed professionals and could instead use peer support services, which might involve poor or unhealthy advice and a lack of moderation. 

If you're looking for other forms of online therapy that are reputable, low-cost, and specialized, you can consider sites like Regain for couples, TeenCounseling for those aged 13 to 19, FaithfulCounseling for Christian therapy, and PrideCounseling for individuals of the LGBTQ+ community.

Online therapy can be as effective as in-person options. One recent study demonstrated the effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

BetterHelp is a global leader in online mental health services that has offered counseling to over two million users. The more than 30,000 mental health providers on its roster are all licensed, accredited, and ready to offer therapy services for your mental health needs. Your weekly therapy sessions with your BetterHelp counselor can take place over live chat, live phone sessions, or live video session, and sessions can be affordable. Consider signing up to get started.