It also would let me message them asynchronously whenever I wanted, which seemed intriguing.
So I signed up and gave the service a try for a month.
Here’s how it went.
BetterHelp at a Glance
Pros
Cons
How Much Does BetterHelp Cost?
BetterHelp does not accept insurance but does offer discounted services foreligible individualsfacing financial hardship.
Signing Up
Signing up for BetterHelp was straightforward.
On the homepage youll see options for individual, teen, and couples therapy.
If you press anything besides individual, you will be redirected to BetterHelps sister sites, ReGain andTeen Counseling.
I selected individual therapy, which led me to an intake questionnaire.
I was matched about a day-and-a-half later.
I was able to schedule my first live video session within the next couple of days.
BetterHelp allows you to switch your therapist at any time through the app.
Still, I decided not to switch right away and give her a shot.
My Therapy Sessions
Attending live sessions with my therapist was easy.
I experienced very few technical issues during my appointments.
This feature lets you talk with your therapist through typed messages, much like an instant messenger.
Though I think this had more to do with my therapist and less with the platform as a whole.
How Does BetterHelp Compare to Other Online Therapy Services?
BetterHelps thorough intake process stands out compared to other online therapy platforms Ive tried.
The detailed questions helped the company match me with a therapist who was a great fit.
Compared to other platforms Ive tried,BetterHelpis more upfront about what their services cost.
Another notable difference is the lack of psychiatry services with BetterHelp.
The platform only offers counseling, and its therapist can not diagnose mental health conditions or prescribe medication.
But my BetterHelp therapist offered me valuable insights and helped me think differently about my habits and thought patterns.
What if Im Having Thoughts of Harming Myself?
Frequently Asked Questions
No, BetterHelp therapists can not diagnose mental health conditions.
BetterHelp also does not offer psychiatry services or medication management.
Her reporting and essays have covered mental health, wellness, fitness, nutrition, and healthcare policy.
Outside of work, Erin enjoys reading fiction, listening to podcasts, running, and watching reality TV.
She lives in Kansas City with her husband and three children.
