This article will provide an overview of BetterHelp’s pricing, value, and what users say.
For a lot of folks, the cost of counseling is a big deal.
There are many places to get mental health help, and picking one that’s affordable for the long haul is challenging.
There are a bunch of online therapy sites out there, including BetterHelp, making it hard to figure out what you get with each.
But is BetterHelp worth the cost compared to traditional in-person counseling?
Highlights
- Plans start at $65 per week
- No hidden fees or unexpected charges
- Option to apply for financial assistance if eligible
- Easily cancel or change plans at any time
- Access to messaging your therapist outside of sessions (included in all plans)
- Switch therapists easily if needed until you find the best fit (no extra cost)
BetterHelp.com lets you chat with a counselor through calls, messages, or video, plus you can message them anytime.
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BetterHelp
Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.
✓ Over 35K licensed 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
Cost Comparison: Traditional Therapy Vs. BetterHelp
Usually, an in-person therapy session runs from $120 to $220+ for each session, and sometimes this is calculated as $60 to $200 an hour.
When you book a session, it’s typically set for 50 minutes to an hour. For couples, these costs are considerably higher.
Missed your session? That time’s lost, and they’ll still charge you. But it’s different with BetterHelp.
With BetterHelp.com, it’s a subscription. Prices vary based on your preferences and where you are.
You’re looking at around $65 to $100 a week, billed every four weeks. Plans can be canceled at any time. The plan costs remain the same whether it’s individual therapy or couples.
So, let’s break it down. If you consider the weekly cost of BetterHelp, which is $65 to $100, over a month you’re likely to spend between $260 and $400.
Erica Barnes, Sr. Researcher
That’s for continuous access to a professional, and you can reach out via messaging anytime you feel the need. How fast you get a reply depends on when your therapist is free.
Traditional therapy, on the other hand, is more restrictive both in terms of timing and flexibility.
| BetterHelp | Traditional Therapy |
|---|---|
| $65 to $100 per week | $120 to $220 for a 50-60 minute session |
| (One live session per week and ongoing messaging) | (No support in between) |
| $260 to $400 per month | $480 to $880 per month |
| (Four live sessions and messaging in between) | (Four sessions) |
| Get 20% off on BetterHelp.com |
Besides the financial aspect, consider the convenience factor. Traditional therapy often requires commutes, waiting in lobbies, and working around the therapist’s schedule.
With BetterHelp, you can have a session from the comfort of your home, during a work break, or even when you’re traveling.
The flexibility of online platforms like BetterHelp is transforming how we approach mental health.
Understanding BetterHelp and Its Pricing
BetterHelp made waves when it debuted in 2013 as one of the pioneers in the online therapy arena, well before many of its competitors.
Founded by Alon Matas, BetterHelp began as a modest venture into the world of online therapy. As time went on, its presence expanded significantly.
In 2015, BetterHelp was acquired by Teladoc Inc., a leader in telehealth services, expanding BetterHelp’s reach and resources.
This merger resulted in an even broader user and therapist network.
Qualified psychologists, social workers, family therapists, and certified counselors make up the backbone of BetterHelp’s professional offerings.
Erica Barnes, Sr. Researcher
Every therapist at BetterHelp brings with them a minimum of three years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience, backed by either a master’s or doctoral qualification.
With a roster of over 35,000 therapists and several million users, BetterHelp has cemented itself as a reliable and respected player in the online therapy domain.
Learn more about how to prepare for online therapy sessions.
Those seeking virtual mental health counseling can turn to BetterHelp with confidence. The company clearly understands the value of trust in its operations.
Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.
4.5 (7,802+) FROM TRUSTPILOT
Try BetterHelp
Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.
✓ Over 35K licensed 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
BetterHelp’s Pricing Breakdown
BetterHelp has subscription plans, with each dictating the amount due at month’s end.
Operating on a subscription model, the cost of BetterHelp varies based on your commitment duration.
Typically, the subscription rate ranges from $65 to $100 a week, billed every four weeks.
As far as the ability to message your therapist anytime in between sessions – how quickly a therapist replies can vary, but the platform permits users to send messages anytime.
Monthly Cost
BetterHelp is priced between $260 and $400 each month, and the BetterHelp dashboard includes an option to apply for financial assistance if finances are tight.
If you’re eligible, you’ll get a discount. Payments occur every four weeks, covering one month at a time.
Plus, there’s a chance to redeem an additional discount.
Financial Assistance
If funds are tight, consider BetterHelp’s financial aid option. It offers reduced rates for those who meet the criteria.
The application is located in the payment section, asking about employment, monthly earnings, military status, and number of dependents, among other details.
Before billing, BetterHelp nudges you to check if you qualify for aid. Once your discount is applied, you’ll get an overview of the adjusted pricing for your plan.
If your aid expires, BetterHelp will remind you via email when it’s time to reapply.
Per Session Expenses
Compared to the traditional per-session payment structures of most clinics, BetterHelp support allows users to message therapists between sessions, ensuring continuity in care.
Notably, it’s more budget-friendly when compared to private out-of-pocket face-to-face therapy in the US and can be less than insurance co-pay fees for mental health counseling.
According to Forbes in 2023, in-person sessions usually range from $100 to $200, with location and experience playing a factor. In 2024, these prices are already likely much higher.
James Franklin, Licensed Psychologist
It’s hard to gauge how many sessions one might need, but with BetterHelp, you prepay for monthly access during your chosen period and you’ll get matched to an experienced specialist matched to your preferences and the specific goals you want to work on.
Other Packages
There are many blogs writing about the costs of quarterly and annual packages available from BetterHelp; however, we have confirmed from BetterHelp that this is not the case. There are no quarterly or annual packages.
No Hidden Fees
There are no unexpected fees or add-ons, which provides peace of mind to users.
Cancel Anytime
No long-term commitments, you can change or cancel your plan anytime.
Insurance and Reimbursements
Generally, BetterHelp online therapy is not covered by insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid but some health insurance providers may partially reimburse for online therapy.
This may present additional savings but it varies with each insurance company.
This may be mainly due to BetterHelp not providing clinical diagnoses. Insurance providers all require an official diagnosis before they consider covering or co-paying for therapy sessions.
Erica Barnes, Sr. Researcher
Even in traditional therapy, treatment for general psychological concerns often isn’t covered by many insurance providers.
It’s always a good idea to reach out to your insurance company first to understand any potential coverage or reimbursement options.
Commitment to Accessibility
One of the cornerstones of BetterHelp’s philosophy is to make therapy accessible to everyone.
The digital age has allowed services like these to bridge gaps that traditional therapy couldn’t. No longer is distance or physical mobility a hindrance to seeking help.
This commitment to inclusivity and convenience, combined with their flexible pricing and payment options, underscores BetterHelp’s dedication to mental well-being for all.
Many users find comfort in the platform’s user-friendly interface and the reassurance that assistance is just a few clicks away.
Feedback and Evolution
BetterHelp continuously gathers feedback to refine its service.
Over the years, users have appreciated the transparency in pricing, the variety of available therapists, and the ease of switching therapists if needed.
This type of approach, driven by user experience, ensures that BetterHelp remains at the forefront of online therapy services.
Erica Barnes, Sr. Researcher
By engaging and listening to their community, they can better anticipate needs and make changes that make an impact on those seeking mental health support.
Joining BetterHelp
Starting with BetterHelp involves a straightforward process.
First, you’ll complete a brief survey in the BetterHelp app or website, sharing what you’re seeking and providing some details about yourself.
Steps Involved
After finishing the survey, BetterHelp pairs you with a counselor who reaches out to you.
With a BetterHelp subscription, users typically have one session per week via chat, call, or video meeting, each lasting 30 to 45 minutes, along with the option to message their counselor anytime.
If you ever feel your counselor isn’t the right match, BetterHelp allows you to easily switch.
You can even test out a few therapists before settling on one, ensuring you find the best fit before committing financially.
Is BetterHelp a Good Value for Money?
Wondering if online therapy is worth it? The value of BetterHelp depends on your preference for virtual sessions and flexibility, as it offers continuous access and messaging support for one monthly rate.
Traditional therapy sessions can cost anywhere between $120 to $250 per visit or more for couples. This can add up, especially if insurance doesn’t cover it.
What stands out about BetterHelp is that for less than the cost of one traditional therapy visit, you get a weekly live session, and you can message your therapist anytime in between.
Helen Kaminski, Editor
BetterHelp stands out among online therapy platforms with features like live chats, financial assistance, and a broad network of specialized therapists.
With a subscription, you can choose your preferred session type each week, based on availability.
If you value flexible, at-home therapy and platform access, BetterHelp could be ideal, offering a modern approach that includes options for couples as well.
What are People Saying About the Cost of BetterHelp?
Is BetterHelp worth it? So, a lot of people think BetterHelp is a good deal.
What’s cool is you can message the therapist whenever, and there’s no need to travel to appointments. So, for convenience and service, some say the price is just right.
On the other hand not everyone’s on board with the cost. Some feel it’s a bit steep, especially if they don’t have insurance helping out.
And while it might be cheaper than seeing someone in person, if you keep it up for months, those bills can add up.
Plus, if money gets tight, like if someone loses their job, it could be a pinch.
What about other therapy sites? People love comparing stuff, right?
So, when it comes to online therapy, folks are checking out if BetterHelp’s prices are fair compared to other sites.
Some believe there are cheaper options out there that are just as good. But others reckon that with BetterHelp’s solid reputation and huge therapist list, the price makes sense.
Helen Kaminski, Editor
Remember, everyone’s got their own take on whether it’s worth it or not. And if you’re thinking of trying it out, it’s always a good idea to read the latest feedback from users.
Verdict: Is BetterHelp Worth the Cost?
Everyone can benefit from a therapeutic conversation. Life throws us curveballs, sometimes making it hard to enjoy the journey or achieve our goals.
At such times, guidance in handling emotions becomes paramount.
BetterHelp stands out as one of the most competitively priced among its competitors.
With its expanding therapist network and user-friendly sign-up, it simplifies the journey to mental well-being.
You’ll be paired with a therapist who can support you via video calls, voice calls, or chats.
Often, BetterHelp ends up being more affordable than traditional face-to-face therapy. Its offerings, like journal prompts and group sessions, add to its value.
But like all therapy, finding a therapist you truly connect with is the real treasure.
BetterHelp facilitates this by making it easy to change therapists if needed, ensuring your therapeutic journey is as effective as possible.
Be sure to check our site often for more updates!
Currently paying $360/month which seemed steep at first, but it breaks down to $90/week for video sessions plus messaging. My insurance doesn’t cover online therapy but it’s still cheaper than the $150+ per session I was paying in-person. Just watch out for the auto-renewal if you’re on a tight budget.
Great breakdown of BetterHelp’s pricing! I would love more info on the differences between this and traditional in-person therapy costs. Does anyone here find the online sessions just as effective?
I’ve been curious about the cost of BetterHelp, and your breakdown of the pricing options made it much clearer. I appreciate that you highlighted the different subscription plans and what they include. It’s good to know that therapy can be accessible even on a budget.
Thank you for your comment! I’m glad the pricing breakdown was helpful. It’s great to see that therapy can be more accessible, and knowing the options available can really make a difference. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out!
Thanks for explaining the costs so clearly.. I was on the fence about BetterHelp because I wasn’t sure if the pricing was worth it. Seeing the comparison between different plans and understanding the subscription perks really helped. I wish more articles were this transparent..
With costs of therapy being a big hurdle, it’s nice to know there’s a more affordable option without compromising quality.
Overcharged but its still very competitive
I signed up for BetterHelp last month because I felt like I needed someone to talk to, but I didn’t have the time or money for regular in-person counseling. As far as pricing, their cheapest plan is around $60 per week, so you’re looking at $240 monthly if you prepay for 4 weeks at a time. I went with one of their more experienced counselors so my plan ends up being $90 per week, making it $360 per month.