Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and relationship drama are definitely common in India’s high-pressure society.
Online counseling sites like BetterHelp make it super easy to get therapy entirely online; however, I wanted to share my honest thoughts on using BetterHelp here in India!
Benefits of BetterHelp in India
For anyone not familiar, BetterHelp is one of the largest online therapy platforms globally. Some things that set it apart:
- Diverse counselors from many cultural backgrounds, including Indian therapists
- Specialties like trauma from sexual violence, which is lacking in India
- Group sessions to connect with others struggling with similar issues
- Couples counseling with experts in modern relationships
BetterHelp offers much more diversity and expertise than what I could access locally.
The expanded options for support tailored to my needs as an Indian were so important.
Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.
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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 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
Why BetterHelp Works Well in India
There are unique reasons why online therapy resonates in India:
- Avoid judgment and stigma toward mental health issues
- Convenience with chaotic schedules and traffic congestion avoiding commutes
- Accessibility across India vs. limited in-person counseling options outside big cities
- Cost savings compared to certain in-office specialists in metro areas
- Openness about sensitive topics like sexuality, discrimination, abuse
According to PLOS, around 10.6% of people in India suffer from mental health issues, and the vast majority of them – between 76-85% – do not get any mental health care or support.
This means that only a small percentage of Indians who need mental healthcare actually receive it.
Stigma against mental health treatment remains a huge barrier to Indians accessing help.
The virtual sessions reduce embarrassment and make it easier to discuss taboo topics openly.
-Erica Barnes, Medical Researcher
Juggling hectic work schedules and traffic chaos make the flexibility so valuable too. And BetterHelp expanded access to expertise that just wasn’t available in my area.
All of these factors make online counseling uniquely suited for helping Indians get the mental health support we need.
Cost Comparison: Online Therapy vs. Traditional Physical Therapy in India
BetterHelp.com pricing is membership-based, depending on how much support you need. Here’s what it costs in Indian rupees:
BetterHelp: India | Traditional Therapy |
---|---|
INR 5415 to 7429 per week | INR 1500 to 4000 for 45-60 minute session |
(One live session per week and ongoing messaging) | (No support in between) |
INR 21660 to 29729 per month | INR 6000 to 20000 per month |
Get 20% off on BetterHelp.com |
*Estimated cost based on currency conversion rate of 1 USD = 0.012 INR. Rates may fluctuate.
BetterHelp in India pricing ranges from INR 5415 to 7429 per week (USD $65 to $100 per week), depending on session length and your preferences.
Membership includes:
- One live session per week, 30 to 45 minutes
- Bills every four weeks (USD 260-400 per month) or around INR 21660-29729 for a month of counseling
- Texting your counselor anytime is included
- Free counselor switches if needed
- Group sessions led by therapists included
- In-app journal
- Easy payments using Visa, Mastercard, or Paypal
Compared to major Indian cities where average prices for therapy or psych sessions are INR 1500-2000 per hour.
Some professionals charge between INR 2,000 – 5,000! Do the math – if you need a weekly appointment, you’re looking at approximately INR 6,000 – 20,000 a month just for the sessions, not including any meds.
On average, BetterHelp can be expensive initially but easier to match to an experienced professional who can help with specific goals, and you can reach out to your therapist anytime in between sessions.
In addition, there are no surprise fees or transportation costs either.
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
Is BetterHelp Available in India?
Yes, BetterHelp is fully available in India and they offer a wide spectrum of clinically proven therapies. BetterHelp isn’t just popular because it’s such a huge platform.
What really makes it stand out is how they deliver therapy that’s proven to work, easy to use, and reasonably priced.
India’s Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has indicated that telemedicine practice guidelines do not require overseas professionals to obtain any special permits or licenses to offer online counseling services to Indian residents.
As the biggest online counseling website worldwide, BetterHelp has really changed how people get help with life’s challenges.
- No matter where you’re located, BetterHelp makes it simple to connect with a credentialed therapist who’s right for you.
- Whether you’re in India or anywhere else, you can find the perfect counselor on BetterHelp to meet your needs. That’s why over 2 million people have signed up.
So for many Indians like us, BetterHelp can provide meaningful help conveniently. Having access to expanded expertise tailored to our needs can be a game-changer.
Comparison to In-Person Counseling in India
While online therapy has great advantages, in-person counseling remains preferable for some people and situations.
Here’s a quick comparison:
BetterHelp:
- Competitively-priced
- More convenient
- Virtual – anytime, anywhere
- Large network of diverse counselors
In-person counseling:
- Specialists can be expensive in metro areas
- Some find office visits more engaging
- Face-to-face connection
- Local counselors know cultural nuances
Cost: The convenience of BetterHelp saves time and transportation costs as traffic and commute in many cities of India can take a lot of time and gas. Not having to rent physical office space keeps fees reasonable compared to in-person therapy in expensive big cities like Mumbai or Bangalore.
Convenience: With chaotic urban traffic and hectic schedules, the ease of logging into therapy from home or anywhere cannot be overstated. No need to travel across congested cities for appointments.
Stigma: Reduce fear of being judged for seeking mental health support. It makes opening up about deeply personal issues much easier.
→ Counselor Options: BetterHelp gives access to a greater diversity of counselors across specialties, cultural backgrounds, languages (it’s possible but not guaranteed to match with language-specific therapists), and more.
However, some may still find in-office visits more engaging than virtual therapy. And local counselors can understand cultural nuances and challenges for Indians in a way outsiders may miss.
In-person therapy is still ideal for those wanting deeper human connection and local expertise.
But the convenience and judgement-free therapy advantages of BetterHelp make it the right choice for many Indians like myself.
-Ramesh Kaur, Author
Having the flexibility to switch counselors combined with expanded expertise is really powerful.
I’d recommend trying both online and in-office counseling to see what works best for your needs if possible!
Comparing BetterHelp to Top Alternatives in India
BetterHelp is certainly not the only virtual counseling option out there.
Here’s how it compares to top competitors also popular in India:
Online-therapy.com
- Anxiety, restlessness, nervousness, compulsive, obsessive thinking therapy
- Get matched with the ideal therapist for you in one hour
- Licensed professional therapists only
- Starts at INR 3323 (US$40) per week, billed monthly. Currently offering 20% off.
Talkspace
- 5,000+ counselors worldwide
- Broad specialties like depression, stress, self-esteem
- Psychiatrists and medication available
- INR 19811 to 26828 (US$260-325) monthly.
BetterHelp
- 35,000+ counselors worldwide
- Broad specialties like anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma
- No prescription medication or psychiatry services
- $65-$100 USD weekly, billed every four weeks. Currently offering 20% off.
Regain
- Intimacy and relationship experts
- Accessible worldwide
- Message your therapist anytime
- INR 21660 to 29717 (US$260-360) monthly. Currently offering 20% off.
Teen Counseling
- Teen trauma, anxiety, depression, family issues specialists
- Accessible worldwide
- Message your therapist anytime
- INR 21660 to 29717 (US$260-360) monthly. Currently offering 20% off.
MindClan
- 200+ counselors based in India
- Focus on common issues like anxiety, anger, addiction
- INR 1200 to 2000 per session
BetterHelp Advantages: Largest pool of counselors and specialty options. Affordable weekly pricing. Financial aid offered.
Talkspace Advantages: Also has a large global network. Lower cost monthly plans. Prescription medication is available.
Regain Advantages: Financial aid offered. Access to couples and intimacy specialists from anywhere in the world.
MindClan Advantages: India-based counselors provide local expertise. Pay-per-session flexibility.
Headspace App Advantages: Fully free to try for up to 14 days. Per research [4], from Google and Roche, employees using Headspace for 8 weeks saw substantial decreases in depression and anxiety, 46% and 31% respectively. A separate 30-day study [5] found Headspace boosted mental resilience by 11%, demonstrating its effectiveness at reducing symptoms and improving wellbeing.
BetterHelp’s massive provider network stood out to me while considering platforms. Services like MindClan could better serve Indians wanting counselors who innately understand the culture and context here.
Trying out any sites that offer free trials can help identify which resonates best personally.
Additional Mental Health Resources in India:
- Voice That Cares 8448-8448-45. Voice That Cares operates a free counseling helpline offering emotional support for various mental health concerns. Their services provide caring assistance with issues like anxiety, fear, panic attacks, guilt, grief, loneliness, anger, exam stress, psychological struggles due to the pandemic, stigma, and more. Anyone can access their free, confidential psychosocial counseling on a wide range of mental health matters.
- Samaritans Mumbai 91 84229 84528. Samaritans Mumbai runs a helpline offering caring support to those experiencing stress, distress, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Anyone unable to cope or feeling despair can call their confidential hotline from 3 PM to 9 PM daily. By providing compassionate emotional assistance, they aim to aid people who are struggling with mental health challenges or suicidal ideation.
My advice for Indians Considering BetterHelp Therapy
For anyone struggling with mental health issues in India, I’d definitely recommend exploring online counseling options like BetterHelp.
Some advice based on my experience:
- Try therapy! So many of us resist help or feel ashamed. But seeking support takes courage and can truly change your life.
- Give it time: Healing isn’t linear. Stick with counseling for at least a few months to see full benefits.
- Do the work: Actively participating in sessions, journaling, and completing homework leads to more growth.
- Find the right counselor: Don’t settle for just anyone. Switch providers until you feel safe, and understood.
- Use all features: From videos and chats to groups and messaging, take advantage of everything offered.
- Be patient with tech issues: Virtual therapy still has some kinks but the benefits outweigh the hassles.
The cultural competence and affordability of services like BetterHelp can make a profound impact on Indians struggling with mental health.
Taking that first step can feel scary but seriously improved my life.
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
Does BetterHelp Actually Work?
Studies so far suggest online therapy can be effective for common problems like anxiety, depression, and relationships:
- A 2018 study found significant small-to-moderate effects on anxiety and depression symptoms more than no treatment. [1]
- A 2016 study showed online CBT worked as well as in-person CBT for improving symptoms. [2]
- BetterHelp survey showed 76% of members reported the platform is easier to progress in. [3]
While effectiveness varies individually, so far research indicates that online therapy platforms such as BetterHelp can potentially provide beneficial care and positive outcomes remotely.
The Good and Bad of BetterHelp
Let’s quickly sum up the main pros and cons I see in using BetterHelp for therapy while living in India:
Pros
- Quick and convenient scheduling and access
- Affordable
- Huge selection of specialized counselors
- Virtual, reduces stigma
- No transportation needed
- All therapists fluent in English
Cons
- No India-based counselors
- Not ideal for extreme cases of mental health illness
- Time difference with BetterHelp therapists, who are based in the U.K.
- Possibly but not guaranteed to match with an Indian or language-specific therapist
Final Verdict on BetterHelp for Indians
While virtual counseling has its limitations compared to in-person therapy, the unique benefits are incredibly valuable in a country like India.
For many BetterHelp has been a total game-changer in conveniently accessing stigma-free mental health support that fits our needs and budgets.
Here are the key advantages I see in using BetterHelp in India:
- Proven effective remote therapy from properly credentialed people
- Super flexible scheduling and ongoing messaging support
- Less embarrassment around mental health help
- Way more counselors to choose from
- Cost-effective
If you’re an Indian dealing with challenges like depression, anxiety, addiction, or anything else, I sincerely recommend giving online counseling a try, or if you are still unsure check out our full BetterHelp review.
You deserve to find the same happiness, balance, and peace that therapy has brought me. Feel free to reach out if any questions at all about getting started or check out this guide!
Wishing you much health and healing.
FAQ’s
How much does BetterHelp cost in India?
BetterHelp for those living in India has different payment plans to fit the needs and budgets of its customers, with weekly prices starting at USD $65 and the highest weekly plan costing USD $90 (billed every four weeks).
The prices change based on the preferences selected during the sign-up process.
How to sign up for BetterHelp in India?
The process of signing up for Betterhelp is straightforward and can be done online.
If you are located in India, then head to the main Betterhelp website to make an account and fill out a short questionnaire about your mental health goals.
Your responses will be used to match you with a therapist who is best able to assist you.
Can I use my insurance to pay for BetterHelp in India?
BetterHelp does not accept any type of insurance in India, therefore the costs are out-of-pocket.
Sources
[1] Harrer, M., Adam, S. H., Baumeister, H., Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Auerbach, R. P., Kessler, R. C., Bruffaerts, R., Berking, M., & Ebert, D. D. (2019). Internet interventions for mental health in university students: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. International journal of methods in psychiatric research, 28(2), e1759. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30585363/
[2] Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of psychiatric illness. David Gratzer and Faiza Khalid-Khan, March 01, 2016. https://www.cmaj.ca/content/188/4/263
[3] BetterHelp Website. https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/are-online-therapy-sites-effective/
[4] The efficacy of a brief app-based mindfulness intervention on psychosocial outcomes in healthy adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0209482
[5] Mindfulness on-the-go: Effects of a mindfulness meditation app on work stress and well-being. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0209482
I appreciate the insights on the variety of therapists available and the affordability compared to traditional therapy. It’s also comforting to know there’s a focus on mental health awareness in India.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! I’m glad you found the insights on therapist variety and affordability helpful. It’s great to see a growing emphasis on mental health awareness in India, and I hope more people can access the support they need.
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