BetterHelp Philippines: Online Counseling Cost and Review in 2023

Written By

Ava Cheng

Updated:

Fact Checked

national flag of the Philippines waving outside hung up on pole against bright blue sky with clouds

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🇵🇭 In recent times, the need for mental health services worldwide has expanded immensely as awareness grows regarding the value of psychological well-being.

According to research, Filipinos today are more actively seeking counseling to tackle mental health problems. 💙

The online platform BetterHelp has become popular thanks to its 24-hour accessibility and affordability.

If you are eager to get started, simply fill out a quick questionnaire, and don’t forget to mention that you are in the Philippines. This ensures they match you with the ideal therapist tailored for your location and unique needs. ✅

Key insights

  • Searches for mental health services are rising in Southeast Asia, with the highest demand in the Philippines.
  • BetterHelp provides more affordable online counseling starting at ₱3,606/week, compared to ₱8,300+/session for traditional in-person therapy*.
  • BetterHelp therapists are U.S. and U.K.-based, so consider time zones. Therapy is conducted in English. Bilingual therapists may be available, but not guaranteed.

*Estimated cost in Philippine Peso is based on the exchange rate of 55.50 PHP to 1 USD. Rates may fluctuate.

Let’s examine how BetterHelp works in the Philippines, analyzing its offerings, upsides, cost, and possible limitations.

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official betterhelp logo
Star Rating 4.5 Of 5

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

Cost comparison: BetterHelp in Philippines vs. traditional physical therapy

BetterHelp offers online therapy by connecting clients to credentialed therapists through an online system.

  • Established in 2013, it has quickly grown as a top global supplier of online counseling, with diverse options like individual and couples therapy.

BetterHelp has pricing tiers based on how much support you want. Here’s what it costs in Philippine peso:

BetterHelp: Philippines Traditional Therapy
PHP 3606 to 4994 per week PHP 8300 to 12500 for 45-60 minute session
(One live session per week and ongoing messaging) (No support in between)
PHP 14424 to 19976 per month PHP 33200 to 50000 per month
Get 20% off on BetterHelp.com

*Estimated cost in Philippine Peso is based on the exchange rate of 56.62 PHP to 1 USD. Rates may fluctuate.

Membership includes:

  • Weekly 30-45 min live therapy session by phone, chat, text or video
  • Bills every 4 weeks, renews automatically
  • Cancel anytime
  • Message therapist anytime, get replies when available
  • Attend anxiety & depression webinars
  • A comprehensive array of proven treatments like CBT, EMDR, and more
  • In-app journal
  • Free counselor switches if needed

The estimated cost is about ₱3,606 to ₱4,994 per week, varying based on your preferences and location.

  • Payment is charged every 4 weeks, so monthly it would be ₱14,424 to ₱19,976. Messaging your therapist between appointments is included at no extra cost.

Compared to typical in-office therapy in the Philippines, which averages ₱8,300-₱12,500 monthly, BetterHelp provides savings. You also avoid transportation expenses and hidden fees.

Accessibility of BetterHelp in the Philippines

One major advantage is the accessibility BetterHelp provides. Filipinos can use services remotely from home without traveling, helpful in areas with limited mental health resources.

Stigma around mental illness remains, so inconspicuousness attracts users hesitant about in-person therapy.

Stats: Mental illness is the third most prevalent disability in the Philippines. An estimated 6 million Filipinos suffer from depression and/or anxiety.

This gives the Philippines the 3rd highest frequency of mental health issues in the Western Pacific region.

The accessibility and flexibility of online therapy can be invaluable for those struggling with mental health issues like:

By removing geographical barriers, those unable to commute to regular in-office sessions can still access professional support and tools for managing mental health.

BetterHelp’s model lets clients in remote regions or with mobility challenges get care from the comfort of their homes.

Considering traffic congestion in major cities like Manila, the option to attend sessions virtually can save considerable time and stress. Virtual therapy also provides accessibility for busy people juggling family or work obligations.

How much is BetterHelp for Filipinos?

For Filipinos accessing BetterHelp, the pricing ranges from around ₱3,606 – 4,994 per week, billed every four weeks, depending on the plan you choose.

In dollars, that’s translated to USD 65 – USD 90 per week. While the pricing is advertised weekly, the subscription plans are billed every four weeks.

→ The monthly cost of the plan ranges from USD 260 – 360 per month, or around PHP 14424 – PHP 19976, based on preferences. Plans can be canceled anytime.

BetterHelp aspires to make professional counseling reasonably priced and easily accessible for people worldwide.

  • The platform offers a wide array of features allowing customized mental health support.
  • Users also get matched with therapists from a large pool of credentialed providers to find the best fit.

Competitors in isolated markets could potentially offer lower rates. However, BetterHelp aims to provide holistic value by emphasizing factors like credentialed counselor choice, specialized expertise, and worldwide accessibility.

The company continuously improves its tools and therapist network so people globally can find affordable mental healthcare suitable for their unique needs and priorities.

Cultural factors

BetterHelp may have therapists experienced with Filipino and similar cultural contexts, ensuring suitability for clients in the Philippines, although therapist availability varies.

This can be invaluable for users wanting counselors who grasp their unique cultural needs and difficulties.

Having providers familiar with Philippine culture allows for therapy that is attuned to the specific challenges and nuances clients face within their communities.

🫶 A culturally informed approach is key when addressing sensitive topics or complex issues tied to cultural background.

Filipino clients may understandably prefer counselors who speak Tagalog and English. Therapists with insider knowledge of societal pressures or stigmas can help clients navigate mental health concerns without feeling judged.

All BetterHelp therapists are fluent in English and while it is possible to get matched with a Filipino therapist who speaks Tagalog, this varies depending on availability and is not guaranteed.

A qualitative study on the stigma experienced by Filipinos with mental health problems suggests that current approaches to lessening stigma may have restricted success across different cultural contexts. Therefore, some can truly benefit from online therapy.

Sponsored, keeps our community free. Therapy Helpers does not accept money for reviews.

official betterhelp logo
Star Rating 4.5 Of 5

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 to start?

Registering is straightforward – the BetterHelp site has users submit their mental health history and therapist preferences.

Users can then pick from recommended providers based on variables like language (availability varies), therapeutic approach, and specializations.

  • To begin using BetterHelp, simply visit the BetterHelp website.
  • After creating an account, users fill out a quick questionnaire about their mental health needs, background, communication preferences, and desired therapist qualities.
  • BetterHelp’s proprietary matching system connects them to accredited counselors whose expertise, specialty, availability, and style best fit the client’s requirements.

After being matched with a counselor, clients can schedule an initial consultation session via video chat, phone call, or instant messaging.

Following the intro session, users can start booking recurring appointments for ongoing therapy.

Features and tools

BetterHelp aims to give users in Phillippines flexibility, ease of use, and personalized support through online therapy features such as:

  • Phone sessions for vocal discussions when desired
  • Video chat capabilities for virtual face-to-face appointments
  • Message your therapist anytime in between sessions and they will respond when they are available
  • Journaling tools to organize thoughts and emotions
  • Surveys to track progress over time
  • Convenient booking for scheduling video or phone sessions
  • Mobile app for messaging your counselor anywhere

BetterHelp provides on-demand options like journaling when users need immediate support. Structured features like progress tracking and scheduling also facilitate consistent sessions and growth monitoring.

The range of communication channels gives users choices in accessing care suited to their needs.

Advantages of BetterHelp therapists

A major bonus of teletherapy is convenience. Traffic-ridden areas are where clients can take advantage of scheduling sessions without traveling. Those without easy access to offices will also benefit from this expansion.

  • The advantages of BetterHelp make online counseling more enticing for Filipinos needing psychological help. Personal space offers flexibility and convenience when it comes to scheduling calls through video chatting or phoning.
  • Clients can now easily manage their mental health without being held back by travel time or work/family commitments thanks to this convenience.

Because of restricted mental health coverage in the Philippines, BetterHelp presents budget-friendly rates and financial aid, thereby making therapy practical for extra persons and kinships.

At home, clients have the freedom to discuss their innermost thoughts without anxiety. By providing virtual support, stigma obstacles surrounding mental health care can be overcome.

Additional mental health resources available in the Philippines

Getting therapy online in the Philippines is so much easier now thanks to websites like BetterHelp, Talkspace, Regain, Calmerry, and RecoveryHub PH.

They match you up with credentialed counselors based on your needs for texting, video chat, or phone sessions whenever it works for your schedule and aligns with their availability.

Here is an overview of specialized services accessible:

Service Weekly Cost Key Considerations
Calmerry ₱3411+ Professional therapy for the LGBTQ community.
BetterHelp ₱3606+ Financial aid available. Live video chat. You can message your therapist anytime.
Talkspace ₱3680-5380+ Messaging & video, medication management & psychiatrists available. Adults & Teens.
Regain ₱3606+ Relationship/intimacy experts.
TeenCounseling ₱3606+ Specialized online counseling for teens.
RecoverHub PH ₱2500-3500 Initial assessment, live video chat, licensed psychiatrists.

In-office counseling remains an option through various mental health clinics located in major urban areas across the Philippines. This can be preferred by those wanting face-to-face therapy or who have access to clinics nearby.

Free or low-cost local mental health and crisis support services:

  • Philippine General Hospital provides Free Psychiatric Consultation and Counseling. Contact by phone: (02) 554-8400 loc 2436 or 2440(02) 554-88470, (02) 526-0150, and (02) 554-8469 Address: Taft Avenue Ermita, Brgy. 670 Zone 72, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila. Book an appointment: https://pghopd.up.edu.ph/
  • National Center for Mental Health, NCMH Crisis Hotline. Services provided: 24/7 Free Basic Counseling, Psychological First Aid, at Suicide Prevention. Free Online Psychiatric Sessions, Free Psychosocial Support. Contact Number/s: (02) 79898727 or 09178998727 ; NCMH Hotline: 1553 Nationwide landline-toll free. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ncmhcrisishotline Book an appointment: https://ncmh.gov.ph/#e-konsultasyon
  • E-konsultasyon program link: bit.ly/ncmhkonsulta

Today in the Philippines, real online therapy has become more accessible thanks to services such as BetterHelp, Talkspace, and RecoverHub. 

Abroad, access to counseling support through various options is really remarkable. If you feel overwhelmed while living abroad, definitely look into this!

Sponsored, keeps our community free. Therapy Helpers does not accept money for reviews.

official betterhelp logo
Star Rating 4.5 Of 5

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

Reasons for Filipinos to connect with a BetterHelp counselor

Even though there has been a perception of reduced obstacles and stigma surrounding mental health care since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, a recent study found affordability and stigma are still the primary barriers to Filipinos accessing services.

This above-referenced study, conducted by Harvard Humanitarian Initiative’s Resilient Communities program, along with the Philippine Psychiatric Association and Psychological Association of the Philippines, surveyed local mental health providers.

The results showed cost and stigma-related reasons remain the top-ranked challenges preventing people from obtaining mental health support according to providers, despite assumptions that these barriers decreased during the pandemic.

To add, a comprehensive survey observed an increase in mental health concerns in the help-seeking population in the Philippines primarily in anxiety (97.9%) and depressive disorders (97.2%).

Potential limitations to consider

While online therapy offers many positives, there are some potential drawbacks or considerations to keep in mind:

  • Interruptions – might occur due to technical issues on either end.
  • Being remote – it can be harder to detect subtle cues like body language, tone, and facial expressions.
  • Crisis – Not designed for emergencies or severe mental illness that may need urgent psychiatric care.
  • Home distractions – hinder our ability for peaceful chat.

A good match between client and therapist allows the rewards to overshadow any drawbacks. Realistic expectations should come first when starting therapy online.

Conclusion: Should I use BetterHelp in the Philippines?

In summary, BetterHelp has expanded convenient, affordable therapy access in the Philippines. Though not ideal for everyone, it presents a practical option for Filipinos needing at home, culturally sensitive mental health support. The platform remains a valuable resource for the country amidst growing demand.

BetterHelp has had a notable positive impact in the Philippines by broadening access to mental health services through its therapy service online platform.

While teletherapy has its limitations and is not a fit for all situations, BetterHelp offers a practical means for many Filipinos to obtain convenient, reasonably priced treatment.

BetterHelp provides an accessible venue for those struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, relationship problems, trauma, and other concerns to get specialist care.

As mental health awareness grows in the Philippines, services like BetterHelp will likely continue serving a vital role in improving well-being.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is BetterHelp worth the money?

BetterHelp is worth the money for individuals seeking online counseling. It offers convenient access to credentialed counselors at a very competitive rate compared to the cost of in-person therapy.

Is BetterHelp a virtual counseling service?

Yes, BetterHelp is a virtual counseling service. It provides an online platform for individuals seeking counseling services without needing to attend in-person sessions.

Can I choose a new therapist if I’m not satisfied with the one assigned to me?

Yes, if you’re not satisfied with your current therapist on BetterHelp, you have the option to switch and find a new therapist that better suits your needs.

How do I find the right therapist on BetterHelp?

BetterHelp offers a matching process to help you find the right therapist for your specific needs. During the sign-up process, you’ll be asked questions to assess your requirements and preferences.

Is BetterHelp the world’s most popular online counseling service?

BetterHelp is indeed one of the world’s most popular online counseling services. It is trusted by individuals worldwide who are seeking convenient and accessible mental health support.

Time differences to consider when using BetterHelp?

When using BetterHelp, it’s important to keep in mind that the time difference between the Philippines and the location of your therapist may vary. Adjustments in scheduling may be required to accommodate this difference.


References

  1. Affordability and stigma hinder Filipinos from seeking mental health care—HHI study https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/affordability-and-stigma-hinder-filipinos-seeking-mental-health-care-hhi-study
  2. COVID-19-related mental health challenges and opportunities perceived by mental health providers in the Philippines https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876201823001338
  3. Filipino help-seeking for mental health problems and associated barriers and facilitators: a systematic review https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00127-020-01937-2
  4. A qualitative study on the stigma experienced by people with mental health problems and epilepsy in the Philippines https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-018-1902-9
  5. Mental health and well-being of children in the Philippine setting during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8501475/
  6. Filipino help-seeking for mental health problems and associated barriers and facilitators: a systematic review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7578164/
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH!

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About the author

Ava Cheng

Ava Cheng

Hey there, I'm Ava Cheng—an inquisitive soul originally from Hong Kong now based in Singapore. As a physiotherapist, I have a passion for understanding women's health and the crossroads of medicine and psychology. Living in the heart of Singapore, I'm on a constant journey to explore the latest trends in these fascinating fields. The human body and mind never fail to amaze me, and I'm determined to unravel their mysteries one discovery at a time. Let's embark on this intellectual adventure together! Social

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