BetterHelp FAQ: The Inside Scoop, Tricks & Tips [2024] (2024)

Before joining the over 4 million members who’ve signed on for BetterHelp online counseling, equip yourself with insider knowledge on maximizing savings, getting quality care, and more uncovered in this tell-all BetterHelp guide.

Is BetterHelp expensive?

BetterHelp is an affordable option for online counseling. The cost of BetterHelp depends on the length of live sessions, your preferences, and where you are located.

• The weekly plan costs $65-90 per week, billed every four weeks.
• That equates to a monthly plan cost of $260-$360.
• These fees cover text messaging at any time, weekly live video, phone, or chat sessions, and weekly group classes.
• BetterHelp offers a reduced rate on your first month of therapy. ←

Are BetterHelp counselors qualified?

Yes, all BetterHelp counselors are licensed and certified professionals with at least three years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience.

• BetterHelp also verifies the credentials of each counselor to ensure they are qualified to provide counseling services.
• BetterHelp offers ongoing training and support to its counselors to ensure they provide high-quality and effective counseling services.

This means you can trust that the counselors on BetterHelp are qualified and competent professionals who can help you achieve your counseling goals.

Therapist matching

Here is a quick overview of the initial onboarding and pairing with a therapist on BetterHelp:

• After signing up, you fill out a questionnaire about your needs, preferences, schedule, etc. BetterHelp’s algorithm uses this to match you with a licensed counselor.
• You can view profiles of your matched counselors with details on their experience, qualifications, treatment approaches, and client reviews.
• If you aren’t satisfied with your counselor after your first session, you can request a new match at no additional cost.

What types of sessions does BetterHelp offer?

BetterHelp provides various types of counseling sessions, including video sessions, phone sessions, live chat sessions, and messaging sessions. This means you can choose the best format for you and your needs.

• Video sessions are similar to in-person sessions, allowing you to see and hear your counselor in real time.
• Phone sessions are ideal if you prefer to talk on the phone.
• Live chat sessions are convenient if you choose to type and communicate in writing.

Messaging sessions are helpful if you want to write out your thoughts and feelings and receive responses from your counselor at your own pace.

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BetterHelp

Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 48 hours.

✓ Over 33K credentialed professionals

✓ Financial aid available

✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks

✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime

✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers

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Does BetterHelp limit the number of messages you can send?

No, BetterHelp does not limit the number of messages you can send to your counselor. You can send a message to your counselor at any time.

• This means you can write as much as you want about your thoughts and feelings, and your counselor will respond with thoughtful and helpful feedback.
• Generally, the counselors respond at least once daily or as soon as they are able.

This messaging feature is a unique and valuable aspect of BetterHelp, as it allows you to communicate with your counselor and receive ongoing support and guidance.

Does BetterHelp accept insurance?

BetterHelp does not directly accept insurance, but some insurance plans will reimburse you for counseling services.

• BetterHelp does offer financial aid. It is essential to check with your insurance provider to see if you have coverage for online counseling.

• BetterHelp provides a receipt you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursem*nt.
• BetterHelp is an out-of-pocket expense that is affordable and transparent, with no hidden fees, extra costs, or long-term contracts.
• It’s completely on-demand, available to you anytime, anywhere.

Many insurance plans don’t provide mental health counseling coverage or have high co-pays, leaving the insured to pay upwards of $100 to $250 per counseling session, which is more expensive compared to BetterHelp rates.

💡 If you have insurance and would like to use online therapy, TalkSpace accepts insurance – their co-pays average $30 or less (currently offering $80 off).

Does BetterHelp accept HSA/FSA?

If you’re wondering whether BetterHelp accepts Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) payments, the answer is yes.

You can use your HSA or FSA funds to pay for your BetterHelp subscription or counseling sessions, just like any other eligible medical expense.

However, it’s always a good idea to check with your HSA/FSA provider to confirm that online counseling services are eligible for reimbursem*nt under your plan, as some plans may have specific requirements or restrictions.

You may need to provide documentation, such as receipts or invoices, to prove that the expenses were for eligible medical services.

Overall, suppose you’re looking for a convenient, cost-effective way to access mental health care. In that case, BetterHelp is worth considering, especially if you have an HSA or FSA account that you can use to cover the costs.

Tips on communication methods

• Schedule weekly video or phone sessions at your convenience. There are therapists on BetterHelp who offer evening/weekend availability.
• Utilize included text chatting between sessions. Good for quick check-ins or journaling thoughts.
• Journaling features are available in the app. Helps capture insights from sessions.

Do you pay before or after BetterHelp therapy?

You pay for your therapy sessions before your scheduled appointment time. The platform offers different subscription plans that you can choose from based on your needs and budget.

Once you sign up for a plan, you will be prompted to enter your payment information and be charged accordingly.

It’s important to note that BetterHelp operates on a subscription basis, meaning that you will be charged on a recurring basis until you decide to cancel your subscription.

However, you can cancel your subscription at any time, and any unused portion of your subscription fee will be refunded to you.

If you have any questions about the payment process or need help selecting a subscription plan, BetterHelp’s customer service team is available to assist you.

What happens if I cancel a BetterHelp session?

BetterHelp does not charge for missed sessions. For recurring missed sessions your therapist may discuss the issue and work with you to address any underlying factors impacting your ability to attend therapy regularly.

It’s essential to communicate with your therapist about any changes in your availability or circ*mstances, as they can work with you to adjust your treatment plan and accommodate your needs.

Is BetterHelp therapy twice a month enough?

Whether therapy twice a month is enough for someone depends on various factors, including the severity and duration of their symptoms, their individual needs and goals, and the type of therapy they are receiving.

Some people may find that twice-monthly therapy sessions are sufficient to progress and achieve their goals, while others may benefit from more frequent sessions, such as weekly therapy.

It’s also worth noting that therapy is a process, and progress may take time to see.

• Some people may require more sessions initially and then gradually taper off as they see improvement, while others may need ongoing therapy to maintain progress and prevent relapse.

Ultimately, the decision of how often to attend therapy sessions is up to the individual and their therapist to determine based on their unique circ*mstances.

Discussing therapy frequency with your therapist is vital to ensure that you are receiving the level of care that is right for you.

Are there language options available for BetterHelp services?

Yes, there are language options available for BetterHelp services but matching to a language-specific therapist cannot be guaranteed on the platform.

BetterHelp is committed to making therapy accessible and inclusive for everyone, regardless of location, language, or cultural background.

If you are unsure about whether your preferred language is available, you can contact BetterHelp customer support to inquire about the options available to you.

Is BetterHelp the right choice for me?

Are you wondering if BetterHelp is the right fit for you? We understand that finding the right therapy platform can be overwhelming, but don’t worry; we’re here to help you make an informed decision. Check out our comprehensive BetterHelp review.

• BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that offers accessible and affordable mental health services.
• They have licensed and experienced therapists who specialize in different areas, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and much more.

Evaluating your preferences and needs is essential when considering whether BetterHelp is right for you.

If you prefer the convenience of online therapy and need affordable options, then BetterHelp could be an excellent fit for you.

It’s worth noting that while BetterHelp is a reputable and reliable therapy platform, it’s not a substitute for emergency services.

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or severe mental health condition, seeking immediate help from a licensed mental health professional or emergency services is essential.

If you want to improve your life’s quality, BetterHelp may be an excellent option for you. We understand that life can be challenging, and sometimes achieving your goals or feeling happy is hard. But don’t worry; BetterHelp licensed therapists may be able to help you work through these issues.

• BetterHelp offers therapy options for various concerns, including stress, anxiety, relationships, parenting, depression, addictions, eating, sleeping, trauma, anger, LGBTQ+ matters, grief, religion, self-esteem, and more.
• Therapists specialize in specific areas, so you can find someone who understands your unique needs and experiences.

While we believe that BetterHelp can help many people, there are situations where they may not be the right fit for you.

For example, if you are a minor or under the care of a legal guardian, BetterHelp may not be able to provide services to you.

It’s also worth noting that if you were required to undergo therapy by a court order or other authority, BetterHelp is not the right option.

Finally, you may have difficulty accessing online therapy services if you do not have a device that can connect to the internet or a reliable internet connection.

Some of the therapists available on BetterHelp

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Try BetterHelp

Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 48 hours.

✓ Over 33K credentialed professionals

✓ Financial aid available

✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks

✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime

✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers

Take Assessment

Tips for success with BetterHelp

Here are some suggestions to get the most out of your experience:

• Be detailed in your initial questionnaire so your therapist match is a good fit.
• Use texting for quick check-ins on your moods between video sessions.
• Find a quiet space for your video/phone sessions. Eliminate distractions.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for a different counselor if you aren’t connecting after a few sessions.

BetterHelp’s questionnaire and counselor pairing explained

When signing up for BetterHelp, you fill out a questionnaire about your mental health history, needs, preferences, and availability. This includes details of your symptoms, goals, communication style, appointment times, demographics, and more.

BetterHelp then leverages a proprietary matching algorithm to analyze your responses and connect you with a licensed counselor who is the optimal fit for you.

The algorithm assesses variables like specialty, techniques, availability, gender, age, location, language, religion, sexual orientation, and personality to find the best counselor match for you.

This thoughtful matching process sets BetterHelp apart from other online therapy providers.

Live video vs chat therapy sessions

BetterHelp offers various session formats like live video, phone calls, chat messaging, and asynchronous messaging.

• Live video sessions allow you to communicate in real-time with visual and auditory cues, similar to in-person therapy.
• Meanwhile, text chat sessions let you have a back-and-forth dialog by typing. The chat format may feel less intimidating for some.
• Asynchronous messaging enables you to send messages to your counselor anytime and receive thoughtful responses based on their availability.
• So chat messaging promotes more active interaction, while asynchronous messaging offers more flexibility.

Pros of online vs In-office therapy

BetterHelp Pros:

• More flexibility and convenience. No commute or coordinating schedules.
• Potentially more affordable. Plans cost $60-90/week.
• Broader range of therapist options since location isn’t limiting.

In-Office Pros:

• Ability to meet face-to-face may feel more personal for some.
• Easier to read body language and facial expressions.
• No technical glitches to disrupt sessions.

Expert opinions on effectiveness

Studies show online therapy can be as effective as in-office treatment for many common conditions like depression and anxiety.

It provides more convenient access to care for many. As long as there is a good therapist-client relationship, the communication medium does not appear to impact outcomes significantly.

Conclusion

In summary, BetterHelp is an excellent option for online counseling that includes the option to message your therapist anytime, various session formats, and qualified counselors with years of experience.

If you are considering online therapy, BetterHelp is worth exploring. It provides affordable, convenient, and supportive services that can help you improve your mental health and well-being.

When life gets tough, and you feel blue, It’s hard to know just what to do. Your worries grow, your stress takes hold, And soon you’re feeling lost and cold.

But fear not, my dear, for there is hope, A way to cope and learn to cope. It’s called BetterHelp, a mental health guide, To help you navigate this ride.

They offer therapy that’s online, So you can chat from bed or dine. Their counselors are kind and wise, And ready to listen to your cries.

They’ll help you deal with all life’s stress, And teach you ways to feel your best. With BetterHelp, you’re not alone; They’ll help you heal and find your own.

So don’t be shy, give them a try, And take a step towards a brighter sky. BetterHelp is here to lend a hand And help you thrive in this great land.

-Helen