This article will provide an overview of using BetterHelp for online counseling in France, its pros/cons, cost, and alternatives.
The rise of digital healthcare is making therapy more accessible than ever before in France. As more people look for convenient and affordable mental health support online, can services like BetterHelp meet this demand?
BetterHelp is fully available in France but read this article in full for a complete take on using this virtual counseling platform as a more flexible, potentially budget-friendly path to mental wellness.
Cost Comparison: Traditional In-Person vs. Online Therapy in France
In France, known for its bread and hats, mental health services operate separately from other medical services.
If you’re considering in-office therapy, expect to pay around €70 to €90 per session lasting 45 to 60 minutes.
This price can change based on the therapist’s specialization, their experience, and your location. Prices for couples can range from €90 to €120 per session.
How Much Is BetterHelp in France?
On the other hand, BetterHelp is designed differently, you pay a weekly fee that falls between €60 and €93, billed every four weeks (USD$65-100 for those thinking in greenbacks).
| BetterHelp: France | Traditional Therapy |
|---|---|
| EUR 60 to EUR 93 per week | EUR 70 to EUR 90 for 45-60 minute session |
| (One live session per week and ongoing messaging) | (No support in between) |
| EUR 241 to EUR 371 per month | EUR 280 to EUR 360 per month |
| Get 20% off on BetterHelp.com |
* Based on exchange rate of 1 USD = 0.93 EUR. Rates may fluctuate.
Plan Benefits
- One weekly live session (30 or 45 minutes)
- You can message your therapist anytime
- Group sessions led by a therapist on topics of anxiety and depression
The monthly subscription plan ranges in cost between USD 260 to USD 400 per month, depending on your preferences.
Is Online Therapy Covered by Insurance?
BetterHelp doesn’t accept insurance. In France, some insurance plans may provide a partial reimbursement for therapy.
Find out directly from your insurance if they reimburse you or not because it varies greatly from one insurer to another.
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
How To Sign Up for BetterHelp in France
Setting up an account with BetterHelp is as simple as creating a social media profile.
During the initial assessment screen, you answer a few questions about your mental health concerns, your objectives, and your reasons for opting for the online platform.
After this, members are matched to their therapist in as little as 24 hours based on their location and preferences and then proceed to schedule their first session.
Erica Barnes, Sr. Researcher
An added advantage? You can message your therapist anytime and there are no limits to how many messages you can send, ensuring you’re always connected.
The therapist will respond when they are available.
What’s impressive about BetterHelp is their attention to detail when matching clients with therapists.
They consider your location and your therapy needs, ensuring you get the right match.
However, if you feel the connection isn’t quite right with your therapist, BetterHelp makes it easy to switch (at no extra cost).
Therapists and Modalities
Their quality assurance is commendable, only including credentialed professionals with a minimum of 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on patient experience.
The clinical therapeutic techniques offered are varied, from ACT and CBT to mindfulness, DBT, trauma-focused, EFT, and more.
If you’re curious about the specific methods your therapist employs, you can always utilize the live chat feature before or during your initial session to clarify.
Do BetterHelp Therapists Speak French?
If you’re in search of a French-speaking therapist, it’s worth noting your preference.
While BetterHelp’s roots are in the US, they have a significant number of therapists in the UK—over 1,000 to be precise. This could be an advantageous option given the UK’s close ties with France.
However, even with this expansive network, pairing a French-speaking professional cannot be guaranteed as availability varies on the platform.
Ensure you specify your preference, just in case.
Is BetterHelp Secure?
You might have concerns about how BetterHelp handles your personal details and health records.
BetterHelp has a clear and transparent privacy policy in place. Everyone who ventures onto BetterHelp’s website or app, whether just browsing or signing up for their services, falls under the umbrella of their comprehensive Privacy Policy.
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 credentialed professionals
✓ Financial aid available
✓ Subscriptions as low as 65 USD/week, billed every four weeks
✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime
✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers
BetterHelp Pricing in France
Price-wise, it’s as delightful as finding a hidden bistro with budget-friendly gourmet treats!
Specifically, the weekly fee for BetterHelp in France swings between about €60 and €93, billed every four weeks (based on set USD pricing of between $65-100 per week).
It’s a fair price to pay for a weekly rendezvous with mental wellness, all without breaking the bank.
Is BetterHelp Right For You?
Therapy can make a big difference. Many of us need it but neglect our mental well-being, similar to ignoring a strange car noise.
If you like the idea of online sessions with BetterHelp as much as traditional in-person therapy, it might be a good fit for you.
BetterHelp can help whether you’re going through tough times or just have specific goals.
BetterHelp offers a range of therapy methods to help with various problems like anxiety, sleep issues, or relationship troubles.
Let’s dive into what they help with:
- Sleepless Nights (Insomnia)
- Managing Stress
- Addictions
- The Blues (Depression)
- Tackling Eating Disorders
- Coping with Loss (Grief)
- Anger Management
- Mastering Parenthood
- Healing Trauma
- Building Strong Relationships
- Feeling Anxious?
Whether you’re glued to your computer or always on the move with your phone, BetterHelp is just a click away.
And who’s behind the screen? According to BetterHelp, they’re a mix of experienced clinical social workers, marital and family whisperers, top-notch psychologists, and professional counselors.
Number of people treated for psychotic disorders in France in 2020, by age group.
In 2020, over 485,100 people were treated for psychotic disorders in France. With roughly 192,500 patients, the highest prevalence for such disorders was found within the age group 35 to 54 years old.
Comparison To Other Therapy Brands
How does BetterHelp stack up against popular international online therapy platforms also available in France?
| Platform | Focus | Price Range (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| BetterHelp | Broad variety | 60-93 weekly |
| Online-therapy.com | Professional therapy anxiety & depression | 37-50 weekly |
| Talkspace | Adults & Teens. Medications + Psychiatrists. Broad variety | 65-103+ weekly |
| ReGain | Couples counselling | 56-84 weekly |
BetterHelp’s large pool of therapists and competitive pricing make it a smart choice. Though competitors have benefits as well.
Reviews On Using BetterHelp Therapists
Many BetterHelp users sing its praises, sharing their success tales after using the platform. The hallmarks that stand out for them? The easy access, pocket-friendly prices, and top-notch therapy sessions.
For some, the online setting felt more welcoming, offering them the space they needed without the fear of judgment they might have felt in face-to-face settings.
The Better Business Bureau gives BetterHelp a commendable A rating. But here’s the kicker: this rating might not reflect the feedback from newcomers.
On Trustpilot, BetterHelp rocks a pretty stellar 4.5 out of 5-star rating, collected from 7,108+ reviews. Kudos seem to pour in for their top-tier customer service and general user satisfaction.
Still, there is a portion of users who simply prefer traditional face-to-face counseling.
Disadvantages
Based on my research, here are the main drawbacks:
- Lack of face-to-face interaction makes it harder to build rapport and pick up on non-verbal cues
- Cultural differences can make online therapy with a non-French counselor less effective
- Not covered by French insurance, the cost could be prohibitive for some people
Why Choose BetterHelp?
Think of BetterHelp as the superhero of online therapy, offering quality advice from professionals.
Easy on the Pocket: BetterHelp isn’t just about giving you value for your money; they’ve got a financial aid lifeline for those paddling through tight waters.
On Your Terms: Whether it’s video chats, voice calls, or good old messaging, you can pick communication modes.
Always There: Boot it up on your smartphone, computer, or tablet. You can ping your therapist whenever (therapist responses are based on their availability).
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
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
Verdict: Should I use BetterHelp in France?
In summary, online therapy services, like BetterHelp, offer an accessible complement to traditional counseling in France.
User reviews affirm its effectiveness in addressing various mental health issues. However, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of convenience and cost against potential drawbacks like diminished personal connection and reliance on technology.
Dr Azhar Qureshi
The choice between online and traditional therapy ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs, but the availability of online counseling services like BetterHelp is undeniably a significant step toward broader mental health accessibility in France.
Ultimately, the decision lies in choosing the path that best leads to improved mental well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does BetterHelp work?
BetterHelp connects individuals with credentialed therapists who provide counseling through video or phone sessions. Users in France would be connected to BetterHelp therapists who are based in the U.K.
Is BetterHelp only for online therapy in France?
Yes, BetterHelp is specifically designed for online therapy and does not offer in-person therapy in France.
What types of therapy does BetterHelp offer in France?
BetterHelp offers a wide range of therapy options, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, couples therapy, and more. They have professional therapists who specialize in different areas.
Can I choose between video or phone sessions on BetterHelp?
Yes, BetterHelp allows you to choose between video or phone sessions based on your preference and comfort level.
Are there any additional fees in France apart from the subscription cost?
No, there are no additional fees apart from the subscription cost but if they are still too expensive for you then consider these cheaper BetterHelp alternatives. The subscription fee covers messaging your therapist anytime, live sessions, and other added features.
Can I choose the type of therapy I want to receive on BetterHelp?
Yes, you can specify your preferences and the type of therapy you are seeking during the registration process on BetterHelp.
The platform will then match you with a therapist who specializes in therapy modalities applicable to your goals and objectives, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or psychodynamic therapy.
References
- Mental health: an inclusive, global approach supported by research https://www.fondationdefrance.org/en/mental-health#:~:text=Depression%2C%20chronic%20anxiety%2C%20bipolar%20disorder,with%20the%20Covid%2D19%20crisis.
- Number of people treated for psychotic disorders in France in 2020, by age group https://www.statista.com/statistics/1289614/number-of-people-treated-for-psychotic-disorders-in-france-by-age/
- A survey by the French public health agency showed an increase in depressive episodes in 2021 across the population. https://www.lemonde.fr/en/science/article/2023/02/14/one-in-five-young-french-people-has-a-depressive-disorder_6015640_10.html
- Young adults in psychological distress face a lack of practitioners https://www.lemonde.fr/en/campus/article/2022/06/26/young-adults-in-psychological-distress-face-a-lack-of-practitioners_5988010_11.html
- Number of people treated for psychotic disorders in France in 2020, by age group https://www.statista.com/statistics/1289614/number-of-people-treated-for-psychotic-disorders-in-france-by-age/
It’s encouraging to see that BetterHelp is expanding its services to help more people worldwide access the support they need to improve their mental well-being.