Apps and online care
BetterHelp vs Cerebral
They differ on 4 of 10 things we check. No winner here: the better one is the one that fits what you need and how you'd pay.
BetterHelp
You fill in a questionnaire, get matched with a licensed therapist, and meet by video, phone or live chat, with messaging in between.
Cerebral
You sign up for a monthly plan, then meet a prescriber or therapist by video or phone and message your care team between visits.
Where they differ
- Kind of help
- BetterHelp: A therapist
- Cerebral: A therapist, Medication
- Good for
- BetterHelp: Adults with mild to moderate depression, anxiety or stress who want weekly talk therapy from home; People who want to message a therapist between live sessions
- Cerebral: Adults with anxiety or depression who want non-controlled medication managed online; People who want therapy and medication in one monthly plan
- Cost
- BetterHelp: $70–$100/week, billed weekly or every 4 weeks
- Cerebral: Copay with insurance; self-pay therapy + medication about $365/month
- Research
- BetterHelp: Limited research
- Cerebral: Early research
The same for both: probably not for (anyone in crisis: call or text 988), how you pay (i'll pay myself), where (iphone, android, web), privacy (grade d), sells your data (yes), hipaa (yes).
In crisis or thinking about suicide? In the US, call or text 988. This page is information from our reviews, not medical advice.