BetterHelp Review: My Therapy Experience – Is BetterHelp Worth It?
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I never thought I’d be someone who tried therapy.
For years, I convinced myself I was “fine” — just busy, tired, stressed like everyone else. But after a particularly rough patch that left me feeling completely overwhelmed and disconnected from myself, I realized I needed something more than venting to friends over coffee.
But the idea of traditional, in-person therapy felt intimidating, not to mention expensive and hard to fit into my schedule. That’s when I came across BetterHelp. It promised flexible, online therapy with licensed professionals, and something about that clicked. It felt like a low-pressure way to start something I probably should’ve done years ago.
So, I signed up. Read everything I learned after trying it below, or skip to:
What is BetterHelp?
How much does BetterHelp cost?
How does BetterHelp match you with a therapist?
Can I change therapists on BetterHelp?
Is BetterHelp suitable for couples therapy?
Does BetterHelp offer therapy for teens?
Can I get medication through BetterHelp?
Is BetterHelp covered by insurance?
How discreet is therapy on BetterHelp?
Does BetterHelp provide LGBTQ+ therapy?
What types of therapy are offered on BetterHelp?
Does BetterHelp offer any additional wellness tools?
How do I start therapy with BetterHelp?
Final Thoughts
What is BetterHelp?
BetterHelp is the world’s largest online therapy platform, offering users access to licensed therapists through convenient video, phone, and text-based therapy. It provides support for individuals facing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, stress, and other mental health challenges. BetterHelp aims to make therapy more accessible by offering affordable, flexible options for users without needing in-person sessions.
How much does BetterHelp cost?
BetterHelp offers a simple, affordable subscription that starts at $70 per week. Pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply. This price includes messaging with your therapist at any time and one live session per week. There are no hidden fees or premium upgrades required for core features. You can also apply for financial aid if you qualify, which can lower the cost further. And right now, BetterHelp is offering 20% off your first month when you sign up.
How does BetterHelp match you with a therapist?
BetterHelp matches you with a therapist based on a short questionnaire that asks about your needs, preferences, and any specific issues you want to work on. You can get matched in as little as 24 hours, and you have the flexibility to switch therapists at no additional cost if you feel the current match isn’t a good fit.
Can I change therapists on BetterHelp?
Yes, one of the key benefits of BetterHelp is its flexibility. You can change therapists at any time, for no extra cost. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request a new one through the BetterHelp platform without hassle.
Is BetterHelp suitable for couples therapy?
Yes, BetterHelp provides therapy for couples through its sister platform ReGain, which specializes in relationship counseling. If you and your partner are struggling with communication, trust, or other relationship issues, ReGain offers a flexible and affordable way to access therapy together.
Does BetterHelp offer therapy for teens?
Yes, BetterHelp offers therapy for teens as well, with a focus on addressing issues such as school stress, family conflicts, and social anxiety. Parents must provide consent, and teens can communicate with their therapist via discreet messaging or live sessions.
Can I get medication through BetterHelp?
No, BetterHelp is focused on talk therapy and does not provide psychiatric services or prescribe medication. If you are looking for medication management, you may need to visit a psychiatrist in person.
Is BetterHelp covered by insurance?
BetterHelp does not accept insurance. It operates on a simple subscription model, making it easy to understand upfront costs. However, you can use HSA or FSA funds to pay for BetterHelp services if your plan allows for it. BetterHelp also offers financial aid for eligible users, making it more affordable for those needing help.
Thinking about trying therapy?
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How discreet is therapy on BetterHelp?
BetterHelp uses end-to-end encryption and anything you send to your therapist is hosted on BetterHelp’s robustly secured AWS cloud and will be between you and your therapist. No information regarding a user’s activity when they are logged in and engaged in therapy is shared for advertising purposes. BetterHelp does not record therapy sessions or provide transcripts/messages from therapy sessions with any non-service provider third parties.
Does BetterHelp provide LGBTQ+ therapy?
Yes, BetterHelp offers therapy with LGBTQ+ friendly therapists who are experienced in handling issues specific to the LGBTQ+ community, including coming out, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. You can easily find a therapist specializing in LGBTQ+ issues by specifying your preferences during the therapist matching process.
What types of therapy are offered on BetterHelp?
BetterHelp provides various therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy. When you sign up, you can indicate your preferred therapeutic approach, and BetterHelp can match you with a therapist trained in those methods.
Does BetterHelp offer any additional wellness tools?
Yes, BetterHelp offers a range of wellness tools to support your mental health journey. These include journaling, goal tracking, and group webinars on mental health topics. These tools are designed to help you stay engaged and continuously progress in your therapy.
How do I start therapy with BetterHelp?
Getting started with BetterHelp is easy! Simply click on our link, fill out a brief questionnaire about your needs and preferences, and in as little as 24 hours, you can be matched with a licensed therapist. You can start communicating with your therapist immediately once matched through messaging or schedule your first live session at your convenience.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, starting therapy with BetterHelp was one of the most important decisions I’ve made for my mental health. It wasn’t always easy — opening up never is — but having consistent support, practical tools, and a space to process everything made a huge difference.
What surprised me most wasn’t just how accessible it was, but how deeply it helped me understand myself and break patterns I didn’t even realize I was stuck in. Whether you’re going through something heavy or just feeling a little lost, I genuinely believe therapy can be life-changing, and BetterHelp made taking that first step feel possible.
