BetterHelp review

BetterHelp is a self-pay membership. Its FAQ says the cost is a weekly price billed every 4 weeks and that the exact figure depends on your location, source, preferences and therapist availability, so the price you see comes after the sign-up questions; from our location the range did not display, so the price check is pending. In return you get four ways to work with a therapist: messages at any time, live chat, phone sessions where the system calls you and hides your number, and video. BetterHelp says it matches you from a pool of over 31,000 providers, that each therapist has a relevant degree and at least 3 years of experience, and that you can switch with one click. Members also get 150+ worksheets and 20+ weekly group seminars. The trade-offs are clear in its own FAQ: therapists cannot make an official diagnosis or prescribe medication, and no insurance billing is offered.

Who it is for

self-pay adults who want messaging plus scheduled live sessions

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Messaging at any time plus scheduled live chat, phone and video sessions
• Matching from a pool of over 31,000 providers based on needs and preferences
• 150+ digital worksheets and modules
• Free access to 20+ weekly live group seminars
• Switch to another provider with one click

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Four ways to talk to a therapist, including phone sessions that hide your number
• Strength: Therapists need a relevant degree and at least 3 years of experience
• Strength: Cancel the membership at any time
• Weakness: Price depends on location, preferences and therapist availability and is shown only after sign-up
• Weakness: No insurance billing option on the FAQ
• Weakness: Therapists cannot diagnose, prescribe medication or fulfill court orders

Key facts

• Providers: Over 31,000, per the vendor
• Billing: Weekly price billed every 4 weeks
• Group seminars: 20+ weekly, included
• Medication: Not available; therapists cannot prescribe

Where it ranks

BetterHelp is No. 2 in our Best Online Therapy Services verdict.