Apps and online care
Supportiv vs BetterHelp
They differ on 7 of 10 things we check. No winner here: the better one is the one that fits what you need and how you'd pay.
Supportiv
You type what is on your mind and are matched within minutes to a small anonymous chat with others going through something similar, kept on track by a trained moderator.
BetterHelp
You fill in a questionnaire, get matched with a licensed therapist, and meet by video, phone or live chat, with messaging in between.
Where they differ
- Kind of help
- Supportiv: Peer support or coaching
- BetterHelp: A therapist
- Good for
- Supportiv: People who want to talk to someone right now, anonymously, without signing up; People feeling isolated with a specific struggle (caregiving, grief, stress, loneliness)
- 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
- Cost
- Supportiv: $24 for a 24-hour pass, or free through some employers and health plans
- BetterHelp: $70–$100/week, billed weekly or every 4 weeks
- Where
- Supportiv: Web
- BetterHelp: iPhone, Android, Web
- Privacy
- Supportiv: Grade B
- BetterHelp: Grade D
- Sells your data
- Supportiv: No
- BetterHelp: Yes
- HIPAA
- Supportiv: Not stated
- BetterHelp: Yes
The same for both: probably not for (anyone in crisis: call or text 988), how you pay (i'll pay myself), research (limited research).
In crisis or thinking about suicide? In the US, call or text 988. This page is information from our reviews, not medical advice.