From my experience as a mental health counselor, I see therapists not just as people who fix issues, but as craftsmen who forge deep, impactful relationships with their clients using the information given to them.
Our job isn’t only to dish out suggestions; we dive headfirst into the depths of the human mind, discovering information that can fuel personal development and enrich life’s journey.
In this tech-savvy era, getting reliable emotional help is essential for keeping our mental well-being in check, particularly when in-person therapy sessions might not be an option.
One such online platform that works in Germany and has earned a good international reputation for its ease of access and effectiveness is BetterHelp.com.
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4.5 (6,513+) FROM TRUSTPILOT
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
Price comparison: Online therapy in Germany vs in-person traditional therapy
Psychotherapy in Germany is known to be expensive, with individual in-person sessions costing around 100 EUR to 150 EUR for 45-60 minutes and coaching sessions costing around 90 EUR.
Couples counseling in a face-to-face setting in Germany ranges from EUR 150 to 240, up to 90 minutes.
- In contrast, BetterHelp in Germany ranges in cost from about EUR 59 to 82 per week, which includes one live session and you can message your therapist anytime.
- Monthly package costs USD 260 to 360 or about EUR 236 to 328, consisting of four live sessions and you can message your therapist anytime in between sessions for ongoing support.
- Additional features of the subscription are live group webinars led by a therapist and an in-app journal.
BetterHelp Germany | Traditional Therapy |
---|---|
59€ to 82€ per week | 100€ to 150€ for 45-60 minute session |
(One live session per week and ongoing messaging) | (No support in between) |
236€ to 328€ per month | 400€ to 600€ per month |
Get 20% off on BetterHelp.com |
*Based on exchange rate of 1 EUR = 1.1 USD. Rates subject to change.
This flexible pricing takes into account a person’s location, preferences, and therapist availability, making BetterHelp Germany online counseling an affordable option compared to private in-person therapy.
BetterHelp is a subscription-based service that you can cancel anytime. The ongoing support feature is wonderful because it allows you to be reminded of what to reinforce on your path to healing.
Financial assistance
If you need financial help, BetterHelp has financial aid available which may be able to assist you, and they’ll ask about your financial situation at the beginning of the sign-up questionnaire.
- BetterHelp’s financial aid is designed for folks who could really use some mental health support but might be finding it tough to fit the full cost into their budget.
This could be anyone from students and unemployed individuals to people who are just dealing with some tough financial times.
How to apply?
After setting up a BetterHelp account and completing a short questionnaire about your therapy needs, you can go ahead and apply for financial aid right there on their website.
- They’ll ask you to share a bit about your financial situation to see if you’re eligible. Just remember, not everyone who applies will get financial aid, and the amount you get can differ.
- It’s always a smart move to contact BetterHelp directly to get the lowdown on their financial aid options.
Is BetterHelp accessible in Germany?
Sure thing! BetterHelp is indeed available in Germany. You can tap into their services and get to talk with therapists online.
- While registering, you just need to pick Germany as your country, and you’re ready to start.
- This is a great choice for anyone needing to talk about mental health stuff, especially when it’s tough to make time for therapy appointments in person.
It is definitely the right time to start taking care of our mental well-being. In 2023, the German Association for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics reported that nearly 28% of adults in Germany are facing mental health challenges, which is about 17.8 million people.
According to a study, rates of depression and anxiety have increased among the German adult population ever since the pandemic and have stayed.
Furthermore, the youth of Germany are also suffering from declined mental well-being, with 27% reporting depression and 13% reporting helplessness.
Problems like social fear, pressure, and low moods are common among grown-ups, especially those who went through tough times during their growing years.
In such a scenario, BetterHelp acts like an online support hub, linking folks with credentialed therapists who hold advanced degrees and have plenty of know-how in their areas of expertise.
Sponsored, keeps our community free. Therapy Helpers does not accept money for reviews.
4.5 (6,513+) FROM TRUSTPILOT
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
How it works
Starting your journey with BetterHelp is a breeze.
- Just fill out a short survey on their website to share details about your therapy needs, religious beliefs, location, and specific requests like the therapist’s gender or ethnicity.
- In just a couple of days, BetterHelp pairs you up with a therapist who matches your preferences. Instant text communication is enabled in the virtual therapy space right after you sign up, and you’ll get an email introducing you to your therapist, complete with their profile link.
Following this, your therapist will reach out to you to talk about scheduling, your family background, personal particulars, and shared objectives for your therapy journey.
How to sign-up?
During the sign-up process, BetterHelp asks a series of screening questions to understand what you’re seeking in a therapist.
- It’s a quick two-minute questionnaire that covers important aspects like age, gender, sexual orientation, relationship and religious status, previous therapy experience, and current physical and mental health.
The questionnaire also inquires about any past or current symptoms of depression, anxiety, or alcoholism.
This personalized approach ensures that the entire therapy experience is tailored to your specific needs and requirements.
Benefits of BetterHelp
When you decide on using BetterHelp, it’s like joining a warm, inviting neighborhood – a place where everyone is dedicated to uplifting and supporting one another.
Imagine a team of therapists with an array of skills and experiences up their sleeves, ready to help you. They genuinely care about you and your journey.
- The online counseling platform is welcoming to all who are feeling down, dealing with past traumas, fighting addiction, grappling with stress or anxiety – you name it.
- The empathetic therapists at BetterHelp are there for you, ready to help you tackle hurdles and aim for those life goals you’ve set.
It’s important to note that BetterHelp does not offer emergency or urgent psychiatric services.
For that reason, it’s not the right service to use if you are going through extreme mental duress or experiencing severe mental health concerns, or need a medication prescription.
What types of therapy BetterHelp offers?
BetterHelp online therapy excels in facilitating open communication between clients and therapists using various technologies. Clients can exchange texts with their therapist or schedule live chats, phone calls, or video online therapy sessions.
The platform offers a diverse array of therapy types, catering to specific needs:
- Individual therapy: Ideal for those seeking one-on-one sessions to address their mental health concerns.
- Couples and relationship therapy: Beneficial for individuals and their partners, helping them navigate relationship challenges together.
- Teens therapy: Tailored for teenagers seeking help, BetterHelp is partnered with Teen Counseling which connects them with specialized teen therapists.
- LGBTQ therapy: Specially designed for members of the LGBTQ community, offering therapists who understand issues related to sexual orientation, social stigmas, and bullying, among others.
- Religious and spiritual therapy: Due to a very diverse group of therapists available on BetterHelp, you can request specific faith-based counselors but do note that therapist availability can vary.
If you’re grappling with things like stress, depression, trauma, addiction, or anxiety, BetterHelp is a place where you can find therapists ready to help. The cool thing is, when you join, you can select exactly the goals that you want to work on.
Does insurance plan cover BetterHelp in Germany?
BetterHelp works and operates as an online subscription service offering virtual therapy sessions for mental health. Yet, it’s worth noting that BetterHelp in Germany doesn’t accept insurance, and many private medical insurance providers don’t cover its costs.
However, individuals with lower incomes or experiencing financial hardship might qualify for discounted rates due to financial assistance offered by BetterHelp. If you’re thinking about using your insurance, it’s a good idea to verify if your insurance provider can reimburse BetterHelp’s fees.
Keep in mind, health insurance companies in Germany typically only cover treatments for severe and urgent mental health conditions.
On the bright side, paying out-of-pocket gives you the liberty to decide on your treatment plan, the flexibility to work with specialists that can help with specific concerns, and how long you want to undergo therapy. This level of flexibility often isn’t available with therapies paid for by health insurance.
How much does BetterHelp cost in Germany?
BetterHelp is a service that you can subscribe to and cancel anytime; they offer an introductory rate on your first month of therapy.
- Once the discounted period of four weeks is over, the plan is priced at a regular rate of $65-90 per week or about 59 EUR to 82 EUR per week (billed every four weeks), depending on where you live and your preferences.
- The monthly subscription plan costs $260-360 per month or around 236-328 EUR.
Sponsored, keeps our community free. Therapy Helpers does not accept money for reviews.
4.5 (6,513+) FROM TRUSTPILOT
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
*Based on exchange rate of 1 EUR = 1.1 USD. Rates subject to change.
Plan benefits
BetterHelp’s subscription model offers on-demand therapy and members enjoy the following benefits:
- You get one live weekly session of 30 to 45 minutes, available through video, phone, or text.
- You can also message your therapist anytime and expect responses typically within a day, based on the therapist’s availability.
- BetterHelp provides an in-app journal that you can share with your therapist.
- Additionally, you can attend group webinars on various topics like anxiety, stress, and depression.
- Can change your therapist at any time.
- Can cancel your subscription at any time.
One of the great perks of BetterHelp is the flexibility in payment options. After your first month, you can explore more choices and decide whether to pay monthly or weekly through the app or website. It’s all about finding what suits you best on your journey to better mental well-being.
Bonus features
In addition, BetterHelp has two cool features called the “Journal” and “Groupinars.”
- In the “Journal” section, you get helpful journal prompts in categories like depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. You can choose a prompt you like, title your journal, and start writing. The best part is, you can share your journal with your therapist. And if you prefer free writing, that’s totally fine too!
- With “Groupinars,” you can attend group webinars on various mental health topics through the app. They cover things like relationships, trauma, anxiety, and skill-building. Each session has a name, date, time, and a brief description. Click “more information” to register for your first group session. It’s a great way to learn and grow together.
What are people saying about BetterHelp in Germany?
BetterHelp is definitely making a buzz in Germany, and it’s clear that folks are finding value in its virtual therapy options. A lot of German users are singing praises about how easy the platform makes it to find a therapist that fits into their busy lives. The app’s no-fuss design gets bonus points too.
The therapists? Users appreciate their professional and understanding approach to a broad spectrum of mental health issues. There’s a lot of chatter about the positive changes people have experienced thanks to their BetterHelp therapists.
Still, it’s not all rosy. Some Germans are not happy with BetterHelp’s costs. Also, the issue of health insurance not covering BetterHelp’s services is a sticking point for some. But overall, BetterHelp therapy services seem to be making a positive impression in Germany.
Disadvantages
- Time Zone Considerations: It’s essential to be mindful of the time zone difference between Germany and the United States, as a majority of BetterHelp’s therapists are based in the USA. In addition, there are over 1,000 therapists based in the UK to support BetterHelp customers across Europe.
- Lack of Insurance Coverage: Most health insurance plans in Germany do not cover BetterHelp’s services, which can create additional financial burdens for users.
- Possible Incompatibility: Like any therapy option, BetterHelp might not be a good fit for everyone. Some people prefer face-to-face interaction with their therapist, which the platform doesn’t provide.
- Therapist Availability: Although BetterHelp is a web-based therapy and offers a wide range of therapists, there might be limitations concerning the availability of German-speaking therapists or therapists familiar with the cultural context in Germany.
- Technical Issues: Being an online platform, BetterHelp relies heavily on technology and a stable internet connection. Users might face technical issues, internet connectivity problems, or difficulties navigating the platform, which could hinder their therapy experience.
Additional resources
Germany boasts a strong healthcare system that offers a wide array of mental health services, making sure no one is left behind when it comes to mental well-being.
- For starters, there’s outpatient psychotherapy. If you’re grappling with a mental disorder that’s clinically treatable, the statutory health insurance (known as Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) covers your therapy sessions.
- But what if your mental health challenge is more severe? Well, Germany has provisions for that too. You can access inpatient treatment at psychiatric hospitals or specialized clinics, without worrying about the bill.
- Once you’re done with your hospital treatment, stepping back into your normal routine might seem daunting. That’s where psychiatric rehabilitation services step in, providing the support you need to smoothly transition back into society and your work life.
Then there are those times when you’re faced with a mental health emergency. In these critical situations, you can count on the emergency mental health services typically offered by hospitals. Should you find yourself in need of urgent medical help in Germany, dial 110 to reach the police, 112 for ambulance or fire department assistance, or 116 117 for non-emergency medical services, based on the severity of your situation.
Germany’s government also runs a variety of counseling centers dealing with specific challenges. Whether you’re dealing with addiction or domestic violence, these centers are there to provide support.
Final thoughts: Cost & online counseling
BetterHelp is a big deal in the online counseling world, providing a vital lifeline for folks dealing with a heap of mental health concerns, from stress and depression to anger and addiction.
Its flexible and easy-to-reach talk therapy sessions are a godsend, especially if you’re the type who prefers virtual meetings or if finding a mental health pro nearby is a bit of a challenge.
Just remember, if you’re in need of meds, a formal diagnosis, or are dealing with some really heavy mental health stuff, it might be better to see someone in person. The big takeaway here is to make your mental health a priority and find what works for you.
In closing, thank you for joining me on this exploration of BetterHelp in Germany. As you embrace the journey to emotional well-being, always remember the words of Rumi, “The wound is the place where the light enters you.” Embrace the healing process and nurture the light within you. 🥳
Frequently Asked Questions
Are BetterHelp services different in Germany?
Nope! BetterHelp offers the exact same high-quality mental health services in Germany as they do in the United States.
How long do BetterHelp therapy sessions last in Germany?
Most live sessions last 30-45 minutes, depending on the preference chosen when picking a plan.
Do BetterHelp therapists speak German?
BetterHelp therapy offers and employs a diverse range of therapists who speak different languages, potentially including German. However, bi-lingual therapist availability cannot always be guaranteed.
- For the most current and specific information, it would be best to check directly on the BetterHelp website or get in touch with their customer support.
They would be able to confirm the availability of German-speaking therapists in their network.
Are the rates of mental health issues high in Germany?
Germany has rates of mental health issues that are consistent with many other countries. It is important to prioritize mental health and access therapy when needed.
References
- Time trends in mental health indicators in Germany’s adult population before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1065938/full
- The crisis generation: Latest trend study “Youth in Germany” published.https://www.hertie-school.org/en/news/allcontent/detail/content/the-crisis-generation-fifth-trend-study-youth-in-germany-published
- A guide to psychotherapy in Germany: Where can I find help? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279513/
- Guide: The Psychiatric Healthcare System in Germany. https://www.bapk.de/fileadmin/user_files/bapk/projekte/bapk_ratgeber_02_gesundheitssystem_ENGL_v2_FERTIG.pdf
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie,
- Psychosomatik und Nervenheilkunde e. V.https://www.dgppn.de/schwerpunkte/zahlenundfakten.html