BetterHelp Philippines: What’s The Cost? Full Review [2025]

Written By

Ava Cheng

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A diverse group of people in the Philippines seek mental health support through BetterHelp, showing unity and resilience

Note: This post is supported by our readers and contains affiliate links, which will earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. Therapy Helpers does not accept money for reviews.

This article will examine how BetterHelp works in the Philippines, analyzing its offerings, upsides, cost, alternatives, and possible limitations.

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 and expats today are more actively seeking counseling to tackle mental health problems.

Key Insights

  • Searches for mental health services are rising in Southeast Asia, with the highest demand in the Philippines.
  • BetterHelp.com 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.



Cost Comparison: Online Therapy vs. Traditional Physical Therapy in Philippines

A patient in the Philippines compares costs of online therapy and traditional physical therapy, weighing options

BetterHelp offers online therapy by connecting clients to credentialed therapists through an online system, with pricing tiers based on your desired support.

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.

Therapy plan includes:

  • Weekly 30-45 min live therapy session by phone, chat, text, or video
  • Bills every 4 weeks
  • Cancel anytime
  • Message therapist anytime, get replies when available
  • Weekly group classes
  • A comprehensive array of proven treatments like CBT, EMDR, and more
  • Free counselor switches if needed

The estimated cost is ₱3,606–₱4,994 per week, billed every 4 weeks (₱14,424–₱19,976 monthly), with free messaging between sessions.

This offers savings compared to in-office therapy in the Philippines, which typically costs ₱8,300–₱12,500 monthly, plus you save on transportation and extra fees.

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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4.5 (7,802+) FROM TRUSTPILOT

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 Philippines: An Overview

A diverse group of people in the Philippines seek mental health support through BetterHelp, shown in a bustling cityscape with palm trees and a vibrant sunset

A key benefit of BetterHelp is its accessibility—allowing Filipinos and expats to access therapy from home, especially in areas with limited mental health resources.

The discreet nature of online sessions also appeals to those wary of the stigma around 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.

Sierra Lim, Sr. Researcher

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

With virtual sessions removing geographical barriers, people who can’t easily commute can still access professional mental health support, saving time and reducing stress—especially in traffic-heavy cities like Manila.

BetterHelp Cost Philippines

A group of people in the Philippines accessing BetterHelp on their devices, seeking mental health support

BetterHelp costs Filipinos around ₱3,606 – ₱4,994 weekly (USD 65-100), billed monthly at approximately ₱14,424 – ₱19,976 (USD 260 – 400), with flexible cancellation anytime.

While some services may be cheaper, BetterHelp stands out for its Western-credentialed counselors and specialized expertise.

Benefits of Using BetterHelp in the Philippines

A young professional in the Philippines finds relief while accessing BetterHelp on their laptop, surrounded by lush greenery and warm sunlight

BetterHelp makes online counseling practical for Filipinos and expats by offering key benefits:

  • Convenience: No need to commute—schedule sessions from any space, bypassing traffic.
  • Affordability: Competitive pricing and financial aid help make support accessible.
  • Comfort: Share openly from home, minimizing stigma-related barriers to care.

With these advantages, BetterHelp helps Filipinos access quality mental health support without the typical obstacles.

Getting Started

To begin using BetterHelp, simply visit the BetterHelp website.

  • Complete a quick questionnaire about mental health needs, background, communication preferences, and desired therapist qualities.
  • BetterHelp’s proprietary matching system connects you to professional western counselors whose expertise, specialty, availability, and style best fit your requirements.

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

Cultural Factors

BetterHelp may offer therapists familiar with Filipino culture, making them well-suited to address specific cultural needs.

Access to culturally informed support can be invaluable, especially for sensitive topics or complex issues unique to Philippines residents.

Many may also appreciate counselors fluent in Tagalog and English, as well as those who understand societal pressures and stigmas, fostering a non-judgmental, supportive environment.

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.

James Cam, Reviewer

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.

Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.

betterhelp logo
betterhelp review

4.5 (7,802+) FROM TRUSTPILOT

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

Common Mental Health Concerns Addressed

A diverse group of people in a supportive circle, discussing mental health concerns with empathy and understanding

Many in the Philippines are turning to online counseling platforms like BetterHelp for support with prevalent mental health issues.

These include challenges such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Relationship problems
  • Trauma
  • Stress
  • Addiction

By allowing Filipinos to access professional help for these well-being concerns conveniently, BetterHelp offers invaluable support to thousands struggling with inner turmoil amidst the demands of daily life.

Alternatives to BetterHelp in the Philippines

A diverse group of people in the Philippines seeking mental health support explore various local alternatives to BetterHelp, discussing options and comparing services

Getting therapy online in the Philippines is so much easier now, thanks to websites like BetterHelp, Talkspace, Regain, Online-therapy.com, 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
Online-therapy.com (Now 20% Off) ₱2242+ Professional therapy for wide range of concerns.
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 (Now 20% Off) ₱3606+ Relationship/intimacy experts.
TeenCounseling (Now 20% Off) ₱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.

Free or Low-Cost Local 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
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Reasons for Filipinos to connect with a BetterHelp counselor

Despite a perception that obstacles to mental health care have eased since the COVID-19 pandemic, a recent study found that affordability and stigma are still the main barriers for Filipinos seeking support.

According to providers, these challenges remain top-ranked, even though many assumed they had lessened 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.

Verdict: Should I use BetterHelp in the Philippines?

A person in the Philippines sits at a desk, contemplating while looking at a computer screen with the BetterHelp website open

In a nutshell, BetterHelp has made therapy more accessible for Filipinos needing support.

Their convenient online platform presents an affordable option for those struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, grief, relationships, and more.

It’s not ideal for everyone, but it remains a valuable, specialist-led resource amidst rising mental health demand in the Philippines.

By broadening access, BetterHelp fills a practical need for more culturally attuned care. While teletherapy has limits, it can also unlock doors for many.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A group of people stand around a large sign that reads "Frequently Asked Questions," pointing and discussing

Is BetterHelp worth the money in Philippines?

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 in Philippines?

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 in Philippines?

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/

Looking for more mental health tips? Make sure to follow our Mental Health Board on Pinterest!

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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

5 thoughts on “BetterHelp Philippines: What’s The Cost? Full Review [2025]”

  1. As a Filipino living in QC, was skeptical at first but their sliding scale payments helped a lot. My assigned therapist understood local family dynamics and even code-switching. Just check if it fits your budget after the trial – some plans might be pricey without insurance. Nice to have late-night sessions that work with our timezone.

    Reply
  2. Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.

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