BetterHelp is an online therapy service. You fill out a questionnaire, get matched with a licensed therapist, and then work with that therapist through messages and weekly live sessions by video, phone, or chat. It’s designed for adults with depression, anxiety, stress, or relationship issues who want therapy from home and are comfortable using their phone or computer. It does not prescribe medication and is not a good fit if you are in crisis, have severe symptoms (like active suicidal thoughts, psychosis, or severe substance use), or need very intensive, in-person support.
Talking with a licensed therapist online (by video or secure messages) can help many people with depression and anxiety in similar ways to in-person therapy, as long as their symptoms are not so severe that they need hospital-level care. BetterHelp follows this general teletherapy model. However, there are not yet large, independent randomized clinical trials specifically testing the BetterHelp platform.
BetterHelp is generally best for adults who:
BetterHelp works with licensed mental health professionals (for example, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists) who are authorized to practice in the user’s state or country. The exact credentials depend on your location and the professional you are matched with.
Evidence: Psychotherapy delivered by licensed clinicians has robust evidence for depression, anxiety, and related conditions when appropriately matched to severity.
You can send secure text, audio, or video messages to your therapist between live sessions. Therapists typically respond within a set time frame (often 24–48 hours on weekdays), though response frequency is not truly 24/7.
Evidence: Asynchronous messaging can supplement live sessions and increase feeling of support, but it is not a crisis service and response times vary.
Most plans include around one live session per week via video, audio, or live chat (exact frequency may vary). These sessions function similarly to traditional 45–50 minute therapy visits, but are conducted remotely.
Evidence: Video-based psychotherapy shows outcomes comparable to in-person therapy for many conditions when delivered by trained clinicians.
The intake questionnaire is used to suggest a therapist based on your preferences and concerns. If the match does not feel right, you can request a different therapist without starting a new subscription.
Evidence: A good therapeutic fit is a strong predictor of engagement and outcomes in psychotherapy.
BetterHelp periodically offers group webinars or psychoeducational workshops on topics like stress management, anxiety, and relationships at no extra cost for subscribers.
Evidence: Psychoeducation and skills workshops can support individual therapy but are not a substitute for one-to-one care when needed.
BetterHelp uses a subscription model billed every 4 weeks. Pricing can vary by location, therapist availability, and promotions.
$60–$90/week (billed every 4 weeks)
Most users seeking ongoing weekly therapy
Annual cost: Roughly $3,100–$4,700/year if used continuously
BetterHelp does not bill insurance directly. Some users may be able to use HSA/FSA funds or request out-of-network reimbursement with a receipt, but coverage is not guaranteed and varies by plan.
BetterHelp uses encryption and access controls to protect messages and account data, but has faced regulatory scrutiny for past data-sharing with advertising platforms. Grade: C+
BetterHelp states that it takes privacy and security seriously, but it is not a traditional HIPAA-covered entity like many hospital systems. A 2023 FTC order requires additional safeguards and prohibits sharing health information with advertisers. Users should read the current privacy policy and terms of service before using the platform.
Another large online therapy platform offering messaging and live sessions with licensed therapists. Pricing and formats are similar. Some users may prefer Talkspace’s interface or provider network; others may prefer BetterHelp.
Local or regional telehealth clinics that offer video visits with psychiatrists and therapists through hospital systems or medical groups. Often able to prescribe medication and coordinate with primary care, but may have longer wait times or more limited schedules.
Traditional, face-to-face therapy in your local area. Less convenient than online, but may be better for complex or severe conditions, crisis-prone patients, or people who prefer in-person rapport.
Individual psychotherapy (including CBT and related approaches) is a first-line treatment for mild to moderate depression. BetterHelp connects users with licensed therapists who may use these approaches via telehealth. The platform is generally appropriate for people with mild to moderate symptoms who are medically stable and not in acute crisis.
CBT and related psychotherapies are strongly supported for generalized anxiety disorder. BetterHelp therapists may provide CBT and other evidence-based approaches via secure video or messaging for adults with mild to moderate GAD symptoms.
Trauma-focused therapies (like TF-CBT, CPT, EMDR) can be delivered via telehealth when clinically appropriate. Some BetterHelp therapists may offer trauma-informed care, but the platform is not a substitute for specialized, higher-intensity care for severe or unstable PTSD.
Psychotherapy can help with coping skills, routines, and relapse prevention for bipolar disorder, but medication management and careful monitoring are essential. BetterHelp does not provide medication or emergency services and is best used as an adjunct for stable adults already followed by a prescriber.