Have you ever considered seeking help for feelings of sadness, social anxiety, everyday stress, mental health challenges, or just general guidance through life’s ups and downs?
- You’re far from alone. In 2021, 1.6 million Brits found themselves being nudged towards mental healthcare services right here in the UK.
- Since 2020 (we’ve all got our stories, haven’t we?), there’s been a noticeable swell in folks choosing online therapy.
Mental health is becoming a central topic of conversation in today’s society. In the United Kingdom, online platforms like BetterHelp are attracting more attention.
But how do you know if it’s the right choice for you?
For many Brits who find local mental health services lacking—or simply prefer the convenience of accessing therapy from home—online therapy has proven to be a valuable alternative.
It offers a practical solution for those seeking help in a comfortable and familiar setting.
Is BetterHelp Available in the UK?
BetterHelp.com is available in the UK, with over 1,000 UK-based counsellors.
Getting started is easy, fill out this questionnaire and let them know you’re in UK.
BetterHelp UK offers a wide range of services and subscription plans, catering to various requirements from short-term counseling to long-term therapy.
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
✓ Subscriptions as low as 65 USD/week, billed every four weeks
✓ Financial aid available
✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime
✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers
Cost Comparison of In-Person vs. Online Therapy in the UK
In a comprehensive household survey conducted by McManus, it’s revealed that 1 out of every 4 individuals in the UK faces a mental health issue at some point each year.
In the UK, traditional in-office counseling typically costs between £90 and £180 for a 50-minute session with a clinical specialist.
In contrast, BetterHelp costs in UK range from £52 to £80 per week, billed every four weeks.
Below is a price comparison table outlining the cost differences between traditional in-office counseling and BetterHelp’s online therapy services in the UK:
| BetterHelp: UK | Traditional Therapy |
|---|---|
| GBP 52 to 80 per week | GBP 90-180 for 50 minute session |
| (One live session per week and ongoing messaging) | (No support in between) |
| GBP 208 to 320 per month | GBP 360-720 per month |
*Based on exchange rate of 1 GBP = 1.25 USD, which may fluctuate.
This comparison table is designed to clearly outline the pricing differences, helping you make an informed choice that fits both your budget and therapy requirements.
How Does It BetterHelp Subscription Work?
BetterHelp.com subscription includes one weekly live video, phone, or chat session lasting 30 or 45 minutes.
- For ongoing support in between therapy sessions, members can message their therapist anytime (no extra cost)
- Optional weekly group sessions led by a therapist on topics of anxiety and depression
- Industry-best customer support that aims to tailor your experience to your needs
Do note, however, that BetterHelp doesn’t prescribe medication in the UK.
Financial Assistance
Financial aid is also available to all applicants, increasing the chances of making it even more affordable. You can apply for this assistance directly on the intake & payment page.
Insurance
BetterHelp doesn’t accept insurance, including NHS coverage, which may be disappointing. However, they do provide a financial aid program that can lower costs by up to 40%, available to applicants during intake.
Contacting their customer service can help clarify eligibility for this aid.
For those with private insurance, check if your plan covers therapists, and confirm they’re accepting new clients.
Additionally, many insurance plans now offer partial or full reimbursement for online therapy, so it’s worth investigating.
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 credentialed professionals
✓ Subscriptions as low as 65 USD/week, billed every four weeks
✓ Financial aid available
✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime
✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers
Getting Started
Evidence suggests that going digital for a therapy session can be quite a rewarding experience.
Take, for instance, a study published in the tech-savvy Journal of Medical Internet Research.
It discovered that individuals who tried BetterHelp experienced a reduction in the severity of their depressive symptoms. Getting started with BetterHelp is simple.
Sign-Up
Signing up for Betterhelp is simple and quick. You must first fill out a short questionnaire on the website that will ask you a variety of different questions.
Questions on the survey cover current lifestyle factors (eating, sleeping, etc.) and mental health habits (feeling depressed, anxious, etc.)
The questionnaire also conveniently asks questions that will match you up with the perfect therapist.
- You will be asked about specific preferences you have for a therapist, such as the therapist’s gender, sexuality, or age.
- Customers may choose either individual, couples, or teen therapy options to better suit their needs.
- Customers choose the length of sessions of 30 or 45 minutes and their preferred method of communication.
Therapist Matching
After registering, BetterHelp’s matching algorithm pairs you with a therapist, and you’re free to switch at any time if needed.
Billing only begins you’ve been matched and subscribed.
BetterHelp therapists use proven methods like cognitive behavioral therapy to support healthier thinking and coping strategies, offering a variety of evidence-based therapies tailored to each person’s needs to help overcome mental health challenges.
Cancellation Policy
Members are free to cancel their subscription at any time for any reason, without needing to provide an explanation.
Who Does BetterHelp Work Best For?
There are numerous reasons why someone might choose to consult with a counselor through an online therapy platform like BetterHelp.
Often, people turn to therapists when they are dealing with:
- Feeling more down in the dumps than usual, or a tad more jittery (depression or anxiety)
- Hints of a personality disorder popping up
- Experiencing things tied to autism, ADHD, or dyslexia
- Struggling with a learning disorder
- Handling the kind of stress that feels like you’re keeping a kettle boiling
- Tangles in their love life or marriage
- Navigating the minefield that is parenting
- Major life switch-ups, like getting a new job or moving your life to a new city
- Dealing with grief and loss
- Physical health symptoms that are giving them the heebie-jeebies
- In need of some solid advice for navigating the winding road of life
- Receiving a medical diagnosis that’s as welcome as a wasp at a picnic
About BetterHelp
Founded in 2013 in Silicon Valley and acquired by Teladoc in 2015, BetterHelp has since broadened its therapist network to include specialists for LGBTQ+ individuals, teens, couples, and faith-based counseling.
This diverse range makes it easier for UK users to find the ideal support.
Is It Effective?
Numerous individuals have shared their positive experiences with online therapy for mental health.
For instance, a story featured in the New York Times highlighted Dale Love Callon, who attributed his improved insomnia management to virtual therapy sessions. “I’m sleeping much better now,” he reported.
A Few Examples of BetterHelp Therapists Located in the UK
Tony Gallagher, Psychotherapeutic Counsellor
Registered member of BACP. Experienced counselor and supervisor with a demonstrated history of working with suicidal ideation, bereavement, and traumatic stress. Qualified to CPCAB level 4 in person-centered therapeutic counselling, with knowledge of other modalities.
Vanetta Morrison, MACC MBACPAs
As result of my counselling and coaching, my clients feel at ease, empowered, and equipped to live their best lives from the inside out. I’m looking for clients ready to manage their mental health, reset their relationships, and practically pursue their purpose.
Sue Gibson BA (Hons) MNCS (Accred)
An empathetic, relatable, and compassionate individual committed to supporting others in finding their way forward. A warm, welcoming, and enthusiastic team member capable of working productively alone and under pressure with outstanding communication, organizational and self-presentation skills.
Daniel Gunn, Integrative Therapist PgDip (Psychopathology)
Understand Trauma through the lens of neuroscience. PTSD/Relational Trauma, Parental Trauma, Attachment Trauma, Shock and Developmental Trauma, Chronic Health Conditions.
Importance of Seeking a Therapist
A 2012 report from The King’s Fund, a UK health charity, found that 30% of folks with a long-term physical health hiccup also had a mental health issue.
In contrast, about 46% of people juggling a mental health issue were also lugging around a long-term physical health problem.
In the past couple of decades, we’ve seen a lot of initiatives coming into the spotlight to increase awareness of mental health and decrease the stigma surrounding it to nudge people to reach out for help sooner rather than later.
In the UK, initiatives like Time to Change aim to reduce mental health stigma, especially in minority communities.
Across sectors, efforts are underway to improve access and modernize services to support diverse needs.
Erica Barnes, Researcher
Addressing mental health can boost productivity, focus, and drive to tackle daily tasks and complete projects on time.
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 credentialed professionals
✓ Subscriptions as low as 65 USD/week, billed every four weeks
✓ Financial aid available
✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime
✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers
Comparing Online and Traditional Therapy
While traditional therapy often relies on face-to-face interactions, online therapy provides similar therapeutic services through digital means like messaging and live video.
The convenience and flexibility of scheduling are notable distinctions that appeal to users seeking remote therapy.
Does Online Therapy With a Counselor Help?
A study straight from the University of Zurich found that more than half of those using virtual therapy reported their depression symptoms easing up. The American Psychological Association unveiled similar findings.
One study touted the success of virtual counselling for folks dealing with the kind of stress that sticks around longer than a houseguest who’s overstayed their welcome.
Is BetterHelp Right for You?
To determine if BetterHelp is the right choice for you, consider your specific needs and whether online therapy can effectively address them.
BetterHelp makes professional online therapy wallet-friendly, convenient, and accessible.
Here are some reasons why it can be a good choice for you:
- It offers financial aid for those needing it.
- Communication options include video, phone, live chat, or messaging – use what suits you.
- Easily access therapy from your device, and message your counselor anytime.
Stay as long or leave as you need. With reasonable costs and flexibility, BetterHelp removes obstacles to getting quality mental health support.
Professional Accreditation
BetterHelp maintains high standards of professional accreditation for its therapists.
All therapists on the platform are registered, certified, or accredited by their respective professional boards or organizations (BACP, NCS, or HCPC).
This assurance gives clients peace of mind knowing that they are working with qualified professionals who adhere to ethical guidelines and best practices in the field of mental health.
The platform’s commitment to quality and efficacy is reflected in its rigorous screening and vetting process for therapists, ensuring that clients receive professional and evidence-based support.
Continuity of Care
Online therapy offers the advantage of continuity of care, which is particularly crucial for individuals with ongoing mental health needs.
Whether traveling, moving to a different city, or preferring the consistency of working with the same therapist, online therapy ensures that you can maintain a therapeutic relationship regardless of geographical constraints.
Betterhelp Reviews and Testimonials from Real Customers
BetterHelp UK has garnered quite a fanbase, with many positive reviews on Trustpilot and BetterHelp website.
Many have found solace in its convenient, anytime-anywhere therapy sessions that fit snugly into their busy schedules.
Some have said that the flexibility and affordability of BetterHelp have made therapy more accessible than before.
However, it’s not all roses – there are a few who’ve had hiccups with matching with the right therapist or navigating time zone differences.
In these instances, it is essential to reach out to customer support and work to find a solution.
BetterHelp Customer Service Contact Options
If you are not satisfied with your experience at BetterHelp, you have the option to cancel your subscription.
Additionally, you can pause your membership if you’re unable to use the service or need a break.
For any concerns or to speak with a representative, you can reach out via the following methods:
Email: contact@betterhelp.com
Phone: 888-688-9296 (message and data rates may apply)
Website Contact Form: https://www.betterhelp.com/contact/
Pros & Cons of Using BetterHelp in UK
Pros
- UK-Based Counsellors: Discreetly connect to experienced and empathetic therapists in the same time zone.
- Consistent Support: Although there may be wait times for responses, the platform enables ongoing communication with a therapist, allowing for continuous support throughout the week, unlike traditional weekly sessions.
- Flexibility: The platform offers therapy sessions via messaging, phone calls, or video chats, accommodating different comfort levels and communication preferences. Great options for those who may be really shy about starting or attending therapy.
- Affordability: Even without NHS or private insurance coverage, BetterHelp offers competitive pricing, particularly with opportunities for financial aid and discounted rates for longer-term commitments.
Cons
From my research, here are the cons of BetterHelp services in the UK:
- No NHS or Private Insurance Coverage: Currently, BetterHelp doesn’t accept insurance coverage from the NHS or any private insurers in the UK.
- Not Suitable for Severe Mental Health Conditions: BetterHelp may not be the right platform for those dealing with severe mental health conditions, as it doesn’t provide the level of care that could be required.
- No Face-to-Face Interaction: Some people find in-person therapy more effective, which isn’t an option with BetterHelp.
- Wait Time for Responses: Even though you can send messages at any time, therapists might not respond immediately, so urgent help is not available.
- No Psychiatric Services: BetterHelp doesn’t offer psychiatric services, so those in need of medication management must seek those services elsewhere, like Talkspace or Cerebral.
Final Thoughts: Should I Use BetterHelp?
In summary, BetterHelp provides online counseling services in the UK aiming to make professional mental health support more accessible and convenient.
It can be more affordable than in-person private practice therapists.
However, online counseling has limitations and is not ideal for all situations. Individuals should evaluate their needs when considering BetterHelp or any counseling service.
Sam Abel, Sr. Researcher
While long-term in-person therapy may work better for some, BetterHelp expands reasonably-priced online options for those seeking mental health support in the UK and abroad.
Still, outcomes rely on each user’s commitment, so check our site often for updates. BetterHelp represents a shift toward more available and stigma-free mental healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of therapy services does BetterHelp provide in the UK?
BetterHelp offers a wide range of therapy services in the UK, including individual, couples, and teen therapy (through their sister company TeenCounseling.com).
They cater to various concerns such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma, and stress management.
How can I find reviews for BetterHelp’s services in the United Kingdom?
Reviews for BetterHelp in the United Kingdom can be found through various third-party review sites and forums, such as Trustpilot, where users share their experiences with the platform.
What is the cost associated with subscribing to BetterHelp in the UK?
The cost of subscribing to BetterHelp in the UK varies depending on the plan selected, ranging about £52 to £80 per week.
BetterHelp provides fully transparent upfront information on pricing after completing a brief questionnaire tailored to match individuals with the right therapy plan.
How do I pay for BetterHelp?
BetterHelp accepts Paypal and major credit/debit cards.
Any potential inter-currency conversion is taken care of automatically by your credit card company.
Is BetterHelp the best online therapy in the UK?
BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Woebot all have their strengths and weaknesses.
It is wise to compare them thoroughly to find the best for your unique needs.
Which professional BetterHelp counselor in the UK is right for me?
Consider your needs and preferred therapy approach. Browse therapist profiles to get a feel for specialties and philosophies.
If your current match isn’t a good fit, you can easily switch counselors anytime.
References
- New statistics released on talking therapies in England https://digital.nhs.uk/news/2021/new-statistics-released-on-talking-therapies-in-england
- Online therapy is here to stay https://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/01/trends-online-therapy
- Adult Psychiatric Morbidity in England – 2007, Results of a household survey https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/adult-psychiatric-morbidity-survey/adult-psychiatric-morbidity-in-england-2007-results-of-a-household-survey#highlights
- Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey: Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, England, 2014 https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20180328140249/
- https://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB21748
- Psychotherapy via internet as good as if not better than face-to-face consultations https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130730091255.htm
- How well is telepsychology working ?https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/07/cover-telepsychology
- Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Stress: A Randomized Controlled Trial https://karger.com/pps/article-abstract/87/5/296/294290/Internet-Based-Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy-for?redirectedFrom=fulltext
- Long-term conditions and mental health: The cost of co-morbidities https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/long-term-physical-conditions-and-mental-health
- Effectiveness of a Multimodal Digital Psychotherapy Platform for Adult Depression: A Naturalistic Feasibility Study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6364202/
Started BetterHelp in the UK after waiting 4 months for NHS therapy. Been using it for 2 months now – the convenience is brilliant since I can message my therapist between night shifts. £292/month isn’t cheap but beats private therapy prices in London. Had to switch therapists once (super easy process btw) but my current one is a Brit and really gets British culture, which I was worried about with an international platform. Worth trying if you can’t wait for NHS!
After I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the identical comment. Is there any manner you may remove me from that service? Thanks!
I really like your writing style, great information, thanks for posting : D.
Terrific work! This is the kind of info that are meant to be shared around the internet.
My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find many of your post’s to be what precisely I’m
looking for.I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write
concerning here. Again, awesome site!
I found this article on BetterHelp UK. Can you tell me if BetterHelp provides any specific services for anxiety and depression? Also, are there therapists who specialize in dealing with issues related to living abroad, as I’m an expat currently residing in the UK? Thanks!
Thank you for reaching out with your questions! BetterHelp offers a wide range of services for anxiety and depression, with many therapists specializing in these areas. Additionally, they have therapists experienced in dealing with the unique challenges faced by expats, including those living in the UK. When you sign up, you can specify your needs and preferences to ensure you’re matched with a therapist who best suits your situation. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best on your journey to better mental health!
Could you clarify whether BetterHelp offers specialized support for stress and trauma?
Absolutely, I’d be happy to clarify! BetterHelp offers specialized support for individuals dealing with stress and trauma. They have therapists who are trained in various therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed therapy, to help clients manage and recover from their experiences. When setting up your profile, you can specify your preference for a therapist skilled in these areas to ensure you receive the most appropriate support.
Hi,
Can you please state whether you were paid for this review?
Thank you for your question. I can confirm that we were not compensated for this review, as is the case with all our articles. We do not get paid for writing reviews, period. We are committed to creating content independently, adhering strictly to our editorial policy to ensure transparency and integrity. For more detailed information, our editorial guidelines and complete methodology are always publicly accessible at the bottom of our site.
Terrific article by the way!
Thank you for leaving a comment and participating in our community. Wishing you the best!
I think it’s brilliant that the platform provides financial assistance and discounted plans based on your situation. Therapy has always been portrayed as something only those with expendable income can afford. So while I can’t say yet if BetterHelp will work for me personally, I appreciate their mission to increase accessibility through technology. No two people’s needs are the same, but options like this meet the world we live in today with decentralization and flexibility valued by many clients. I forwarded the article to a few friends as something to look into if the thought of in-office visits holds you back but you know you need support. Kudos to BetterHelp for disrupting norms and empowering people to invest in mental health.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for forwarding the article to your friends! It’s encouraging to hear your appreciation for BetterHelp’s efforts to make therapy more accessible and affordable through their sliding scale options. It’s true that therapy shouldn’t just be for those with expendable income, and BetterHelp’s model does a great job of addressing this by offering flexibility and meeting the diverse needs of today’s world. We hope that it proves to be a valuable resource for you and anyone else who is considering online therapy as a viable option.
The costs of online therapy from a qualified practitioner are exaggerated in this article. A weekly session is on average £70, which is pretty much the same as BetterHelp
Thank you for your feedback. It’s important to us that our information is accurate and helpful to our readers. We strive to present a clear comparison of costs, which do change with time. Thank you for pointing this out, and we’ll take another look at our data to ensure it reflects the current pricing accurately. If you have any more insights or updates, please feel free to share them with us. Wishing you the best!
As online therapy becomes more commonplace, transparency around practitioner qualifications is crucial for public trust. Providing credential verification and client reviews allows users to make informed decisions when seeking care.
Thank you for emphasizing such an important aspect of online therapy. You’re absolutely right—transparency regarding the qualifications of practitioners is vital to building trust with users. Credential verification and accessible client reviews are essential to ensure that individuals can make well-informed decisions about their mental health care providers. I appreciate your insight and will continue to highlight the importance of these factors in our discussions on online therapy.
I appreciate having detailed profiles and credentials available when searching for an online therapist. It makes me feel more confident selecting someone that seems competent and trustworthy before our first session. I’m hopeful tools like this will continue improving access to mental health support.
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear that detailed profiles and transparent credentials are making a positive impact on your confidence in selecting a therapist. Access to such information is crucial in helping individuals find the right support, and we’re hopeful, too, that these tools will continue to enhance the accessibility and quality of mental health services. Your feedback is incredibly valuable as we continue to discuss and advocate for improvements in online therapy.
BetterHelp provides an interesting way to connect with therapists online. I can see the advantages for people who want more flexibility or have trouble finding providers near them. However, I want to add that the therapeutic relationship is so important so I hope providers on this platform and others still focus on building rapport and trust with their clients which it appears that they do.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! You’ve highlighted a key benefit of platforms like BetterHelp—increasing accessibility for those who might not have suitable options locally. You’re absolutely right about the importance of the therapeutic relationship. It’s essential that even in an online setting, therapists prioritize building a strong rapport and trust with their clients. It’s encouraging to hear that your experience reflects this commitment, and it’s something we’ll continue to monitor and discuss in our coverage of online therapy services. Your insights are greatly appreciated as they help inform our understanding and reporting on these evolving digital health tools.
I recently tried the online therapy platform you offer in the UK. The process for taking the questionnaire and generating a therapist match seemed straightforward and functioned as described on your website.
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear that the questionnaire and matching process were straightforward and met your expectations as described. Your feedback is invaluable to us and our readers, helping to provide real-world insights into how these platforms operate. If you have any more thoughts or suggestions as you continue using the service, please feel free to share them. We’re always interested in hearing about user experiences to better understand and convey the effectiveness of such platforms.
I found your article quite useful, though still in the early days, these online tools may increase accessibility and convenience around accessing therapy services, if user experience validates their utility. More analysis over time will further establish the impacts and reception of this emerging approach for connecting patients and practitioners.
Thank you for your insightful feedback! You’ve touched on an important aspect of online therapy platforms—while they show great promise in increasing accessibility and convenience, their long-term effectiveness and user satisfaction are indeed areas that require ongoing evaluation and analysis. We appreciate your perspective on the need for continuous study to better understand the impacts of these digital health solutions. We aim to keep our readers updated with thorough analyses as more data becomes available and these platforms evolve. Your engagement with the topic is invaluable to us, and we look forward to offering more in-depth coverage in the future.
I was surprised at the selection of therapists on the platform. So far, it has been helpful.
The website makes it pretty easy to do some initial research when you’re looking for a new therapist. It’s straightforward to get going and check out your options. But actually connecting with the therapist you end up choosing will show if they’re really a good fit for you or not. Overall though, getting started with therapy through them was simpler than I expected.
Being able to read profiles, credentials, and reviews helped give me confidence in selecting a practitioner that seems well-suited for me. I’m sure that more analysis over time will further establish the impacts and reception of this emerging approach for connecting patients and practitioners.