In This Article
BetterHelp — Our Rating: 4.5/5
The world's largest online therapy platform. Best for: convenient, affordable therapy with a large therapist network and flexible scheduling.
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Our Verdict
After testing BetterHelp for 3 months, we found it to be the most convenient and accessible online therapy platform available. The therapist matching is solid, the app is well-designed, and the flexibility of messaging plus live sessions works well for most people.
However, it's not perfect. Insurance isn't accepted, costs can add up, and therapist quality varies. For severe mental health conditions, in-person therapy may be more appropriate.
What Is BetterHelp?
BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that connects you with licensed therapists via text messaging, phone calls, and video sessions. Founded in 2013, it's now the world's largest online counselling platform with over 30,000 licensed therapists.
How it works:
- Complete a questionnaire about your needs and preferences
- Get matched with a licensed therapist within 24-48 hours
- Communicate via messaging anytime, plus schedule weekly live sessions
- Switch therapists for free if the match isn't right
Pricing Breakdown
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | $65-90/week | Unlimited messaging + 1 live session/week |
| Monthly | $260-360/month | Same as weekly, billed monthly |
Pricing varies based on your location, therapist availability, and preferences. Financial aid is available for those who qualify — check during sign-up.
Pros & Cons
What We Liked
- Huge therapist network — 30,000+ licensed professionals means better matching
- Flexible communication — message your therapist anytime between sessions
- Easy to switch — free therapist changes if the first match isn't right
- No commute — therapy from anywhere with an internet connection
- Fast matching — connected with a therapist within 24 hours in our test
What Could Be Better
- No insurance accepted — must pay out of pocket
- Therapist quality varies — some are excellent, others average
- Not for severe conditions — not designed for psychosis, severe trauma, or crisis situations
- No psychiatry — cannot prescribe medication
- Cancellation could be easier — must go through settings, not immediately obvious
Our Experience
We signed up for BetterHelp to test the complete user experience. The sign-up questionnaire took about 10 minutes and covered our mental health history, preferences (gender, specialisation), and communication style. We were matched with a therapist within 18 hours.
Our therapist was attentive, qualified (PhD in Clinical Psychology), and responsive to messages within 24 hours. Weekly video sessions ran smoothly with good audio/video quality. The app interface is clean and intuitive.
We also tested switching therapists — the process was seamless and judgement-free. The second therapist was an even better fit, demonstrating the value of their large network.
BetterHelp vs Alternatives
| Platform | Price | Best For | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetterHelp | $65-90/wk | Overall convenience | 4.5 |
| Talkspace | $69-109/wk | Insurance coverage | 4.3 |
| Online-Therapy.com | $40-88/wk | Budget-friendly CBT | 4.2 |
Who Is It Best For?
BetterHelp is ideal for:
- People with mild to moderate anxiety or depression seeking professional support
- Those who prefer the convenience of remote therapy
- Anyone who wants messaging access to their therapist between sessions
- People in areas with limited local therapist availability
BetterHelp may not be the best fit if you need insurance coverage (try Talkspace), medication management (try a psychiatrist), or crisis intervention (call your local emergency services).
Complementing Therapy with Meditation
Research shows that combining therapy with meditation practice produces better outcomes for anxiety and depression than either approach alone. We recommend pairing BetterHelp with a daily meditation practice using apps like Headspace or Calm.
Additionally, yoga for anxiety can complement your therapy sessions by addressing the physical symptoms of stress that talk therapy alone may not fully resolve.
Ready to Try BetterHelp?
Start with a free questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist within 24 hours. Switch therapists for free at any time.
Get Started with BetterHelp →Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BetterHelp legitimate?
Yes. BetterHelp works exclusively with licensed, accredited therapists (psychologists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and licensed professional counsellors). All therapists must have at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of experience.
Can I cancel BetterHelp anytime?
Yes. There's no long-term contract. You can cancel your subscription through the app settings at any time. Your access continues until the end of your billing period.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
No. BetterHelp doesn't work directly with insurance providers. However, financial aid is available, and you may be able to submit receipts to your insurance for partial reimbursement.
