The conversations are saved in the chat room, so youre free to reflect and reread whenever youd like. You can enroll in its medication plan either with or without therapy. Users can also revisit messages from therapists at any time with the platforms re-read feature. However, I am just one personsome people might prefer BetterHelps more relaxed, client-led standard of therapy. Lin T, et al. Also, the platform will request emergency contact information from you, which your therapist will use only if they think you or someone else may be in danger. At this writing, out of 4,100 reviews on Trustpilot, 84% of BetterHelp users rated the service as excellent, and 9% rated their experience as bad. This usually had to do with the reviewers personal experience with their therapist. Brightside prescriptions focus primarily on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which are standard medications used for treating depression. Theyll give you an authorization form to fill out before they can release your information. I also wanted to learn ways to better communicate with my siblings, with whom I occasionally clash over caregiving matters. I felt the counselor was a good match for me based on the issues I wanted to work on. If you dont like who youre paired with, you can request to be matched with a new therapist. Be it via phone, text, or video call this global company's goal is to make mental health services more widely accessible. Neither the site nor its therapists will submit claims for you, and although its FAQ page says you are welcome to try to get reimbursed yourself, it notes that services offered using this site are generally not covered by health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. Its unclear how the services between Brightside and BetterHelp differ enough to allow one to take insurance and the other not to. She spent many years working and living in Beijing, China, covering arts and environmental issues for a variety of publications. The company describes BetterHelp as the "largest online counseling platform worldwide," geared toward helping people dealing with issues "such as stress, anxiety, relationships, parenting,. Many Americans Continue to Experience Mental Health Difficulties as Pandemic Enters Second Year, The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use. Each therapist is also qualified and certified by their states professional board. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Frequently asked questions about BetterHelp, kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/report/kff-health-tracking-poll-july-2020/, Is BetterHelp Covered By Insurance? BetterHelp does not take insurance, and clients pay out of pocket. Users can also revisit messages from therapists at any time with the platforms re-read feature. BetterHelp is an online therapy service where you can access a therapist 24/7 via a phone call, video chat, live chat, or text message. You can also schedule video, phone or live chat sessions and access counseling services using four methods: BetterHelp counselors do not make official diagnoses or prescribe medications. In addition to screening BetterHelp using our intensive vetting process, we also looked at their medical credibility, business practices, and social impact. We avoid using tertiary references. Any additional services offered are unique to that online therapy website. Rapid turnaround from sign-up to first session, Surge pricing can result in unexpected fee hikes. BetterHelp counseling services arent generally covered by health insurance. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. We surveyed 105 users from each online therapy company and asked the companies to complete questionnaires. If youre unable to afford it, you can apply for financial aid through the BetterHelp website. It also offers couples and teen therapy, with free live weekly group seminars available. Trauma (PTSD) can have a deep effect on the body, rewiring the nervous system but the brain remains flexible, and healing is possible. Or, therapists may list a less well-known modality, such as client-centered therapy or psychodynamic therapy as their primary clinical approach. BetterHelp | Professional Therapy With A Licensed Therapist You deserve to be happy. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the gold standards of talk therapy and centers around changing unhelpful or faulty ways of thinking. According to the company website, BetterHelp operates a secure system that keeps user information strictly confidential and compliant with patient data protection laws. No more waiting days, weeks or even months to find a therapist. Text-based communication (texting and live-chat sessions) are a great way to take some of the anxiety out of starting therapy and help clients dive into the process, says James Imrie, the creative and marketing manager at BetterHelp. Headquartered in California, BetterHelp has treated nearly 3.2 million people since its founding. BetterHelp automatically matches you with the counselor it determines is a good match. Alena is a professional writer, editor and manager with a lifelong passion for helping others live well. Therapy for Every Budget: How to Access It. We include products we think are useful for our readers. While other online therapy platforms may have more options for insurance coverage or allow you to pick your own therapist, BetterHelp allows users to message their therapist at any time through communication modes such as chat, phone, video and text message. A few months later, in July, BetterHelp was hit with another lawsuitthis time by Therapy for Black Girls, which sued for trademark infringement after BetterHelp allegedly used the company's trademark in advertising. BetterHelps group sessions tend to contain about a dozen individuals, and the focus of the sessions generally revolves around: If you decide to try BetterHelp, rest assured that your therapist will be a trained and certified specialist. If youre in crisis or experiencing an emergency, call 911 for assistance. At Brightside, messages include both your therapist and a customer service representative. Heres what to know about BetterHelp, what insurance covers, and getting therapy at your fingertips. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. BetterHelp Rakes in $1B in 2022, as Teladoc Plans to Integrate Behavioral Health into Its Chronic Care Strategy - Behavioral Health Business Digital Health BetterHelp Rakes in $1B in 2022, as Teladoc Plans to Integrate Behavioral Health into Its Chronic Care Strategy By Laura Lovett | January 9, 2023 Porapak Apichodilok Online therapy with a trained mental health professional is rarely free, but our picks for free mental health services can make it easier. BetterHelp says employed therapists are licensed and accredited. We read customers comments and looked at how other trustworthy websites scored BetterHelp. The reviews about BetterHelps services on Trustpilot are as positive and appreciative as the ones on BBB. Brightsides messaging feature goes to both your therapist and your care coordinator, and is intended more as a customer service helpline than for actual therapeutic exchanges. 2005-2023 Psych Central a Red Ventures Company. Sign up with BetterHelp and get matched to a therapist in less than 48 hours. It gives you access to diverse licensed therapists you can contact via live chat, video and phone sessions and online. (2020). BetterHelp costs $240 - $360 monthly (advertised as $60 - $90 weekly), making it an affordable out-of-pocket therapy option. The main upside of online therapy with BetterHelp is that BetterHelp tends to be a more affordable option than in-person therapy. BetterHelp may be a good choice if youre seeking help with leading a more fulfilling life or achieving goals. Surprisingly, BetterHelp had more users looking for help with depression: 62%, compared to just 51% of Brightside users, despite Brightsides more specific focus on the condition. I can also change how I contact him at any point, so I can decide [if] Id rather have a call or just chat throughout the week, she says. Talkspace and BetterHelp both offer online access to trained therapists for a wide range of mental health services. Overall, users were very satisfied with both platforms, and the companies received similar ratings in most categories: 90% of Brightside users rated it good to excellent overall, while 86% of BetterHelp users did the same. Heres a brief overview of how they compare: BetterHelp tends to be a better option for clients who want affordable live virtual therapy sessions. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Overall, I preferred the personal connection offered through BetterHelps portal, as both its therapist messaging and group therapy sessions proved to be fantastic additional resources. I also found BetterHelp customer service to be responsive and helpful. Brightside, on the other hand, has managed to keep its company profile squeaky clean, which, warranted or not, makes me marginally more comfortable trusting them with my personal data. Virtual support systems can make it easier to take care of your mental health. Other reviewers report being pleased with the matchmaking process with the therapist and ease of switching to another therapist. (2021). *Please note: When we say basics in the services offered column, we are grouping anxiety, stress, relationship issues, depression, LGBTQIA+ counseling, and grief counseling together. BetterHelp is one of the largest providers of online counseling services. As a result, many people experiencing mental health issues turned to online therapy platforms like BetterHelp. Pew Research Center. For $150 a month, you get unlimited access to a therapist. See where else they recently placed direct ads. Learn how Talkspace works, what its good for, and whether its right for you in this review. While a diagnosis is usually needed to gain access to prescriptions or when insurance is billed, therapy is still effective for learning coping strategies and mechanisms. Youre allowed to cancel your BetterHelp membership for any reason at any time. Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. All rights reserved. BetterHelp uses a monthly membership payment plan, but you can cancel your membership at any time. I found my online video sessions with my therapist to be as helpful as my previous experiences with in-person therapy. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic fallout have taken a toll on the mental health of many Americans, according to a March 2021 Pew Research Center report[1]Many Americans Continue to Experience Mental Health Difficulties as Pandemic Enters Second Year. Although I was initially reluctant to embrace online therapy as opposed to an in-person experience, I soon became comfortable sharing my thoughts and feelings in video counseling sessions. BetterHelps portal also offers a space to book group sessions, which include mens and womens groups, as well as support groups for loneliness, burnout, parenting, relationships, and many other common stressors you may want to connect with others about. If youre looking for a mental health provider, what type of treatment are you looking for? They are pouring millions of dollars into advertising to grow their user base. Their campaigns have now expanded over several social media platforms such as YouTube or Instagram. However, check with your health insurance provider to see whether BetterHelp services could be reimbursed under your policys mental health coverage. BetterHelps online therapy sessions may benefit anyone whod like to prioritize and improve their mental health. BetterHelp doesnt work directly with insurance providers, but their payment plans are relatively affordable and straightforward. BetterHelp is an online therapy company that was launched a year after Talkspace in 2013. It also offers couples and teen therapy, with free live weekly group seminars available. BetterHelp is a subscription plan with services not generally covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. Online therapy platforms connect you with licensed providers, which can include psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers and licensed professional counselors. When I forgot to cancel my subscription after four weeks and was billed for the next month, the agent answered promptly and immediately processed a refund for the full amount. Our surveyed users found, as I did, that therapists as both companies were dependable and competent. Talkspace is a digital therapy platform that hosts thousands of licensed therapists and connects them with clients via the web and mobile app. Affordable, Private Therapy Anytime, Anywhere. BetterHelp offers journal prompts that can help you get started in your journaling. Brightside does not offer the option for audio sessions, but with BetterHelp, audio sessions can be hosted from inside the app or site. Even once you subscribe to a plan, you can cancel your membership at any time if youre unsatisfied. In addition, web-based therapy offers users the chance to access a therapist from anywhere at any time of day or night and switch therapists to help you find the right fit. For instance, BetterHelp gives clients the option to communicate with a therapist via messaging several days a week, in addition to a virtual live therapy session. Since BetterHelp is online, there are more therapists to choose from, and finding a compatible therapist may take significantly less time and effort. It also provides additional services like journaling and group therapy sessions. Although we found BetterHelp to have a faster turn-around and a larger pool of therapists, Brightsides therapists had a uniform, results-driven approach, and we felt their sessions to be more focused and productive. BetterHelp pairs users with licensed therapists for web-based therapy sessions. 7 Cups provides mental-health care through mindfulness exercises, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and interpersonal exercises, along with support for a variety of different needs: 7 Cups matches you with a therapist, so you will not have the option of choosing your therapist. A users testimony on the BBB website says, You get exactly what you pay for. However, I stuck with the same therapist, and over the course of four video sessions, she offered suggestions on ways to alleviate or prevent anxiety and resolve recurring communication issues with one of my siblings. (2017). Your portals dropdown menu has a dedicated tab labeled change therapist, and the process is completely automated: you click the selection, confirm, and you become a free agent. You can choose to do your therapy sessions via video chat, phone call, live chat, or messaging similar to email. While it's not the most convenient or flexible model, I cant argue with thismany top-of-the-line therapists who primarily treat patients in-person refuse to treat patients over the phone or via live chat, on the grounds that it does not allow them enough of a connection with the client to do their job properly. The linked products and services we feature go through a rigorous vetting process. She says that, while she didnt have many prerequisites for a therapist, she did feel that she was matched relatively well. Gratzer D, et al. They can be convenient and private for many people, making them a viable option for receiving coaching and therapy from anywhere and at any time. Marcelle ET, et al. We researched news about both companies, including any controversy around prescriptions or advertising, investor and performance news, and company history. While other online therapy platforms may have more options for insurance coverage or allow you to pick your own therapist, BetterHelp allows users to message their therapist at any time through communication modes such as chat, phone, video and text message. BetterHelp is one such online therapy service that allows you to text-chat with a licensed, accredited therapist 24/7. What type of therapy are you looking for? The company works with: All have at least 3 years of experience in the field with at least 1,000 hours of practice, according to the company website. I had the option to schedule an appointment with him or choose a different therapist I decided to schedule, and Im really glad I did!, She says that she had the option to choose between a call, messenger, or video. account registration personal information. Marcelle ET, et al. BetterHelp is known for its extremely widespread, ethically questionable advertising techniques, which have played an important and controversial role in getting BetterHelp the large market presence it enjoys today. In both companies, the personal portal in the app mirrors the one found on the website almost exactly. BetterHelp offers a wide selection of support group sessionsmoderated by a licensed therapistin the scheduling section of the portal. BetterHelp markets itself as the world's largest online therapy service with nearly 2 million users, according to its website. This option mimics the comfort of texting a good friend. Therapy offers a broad array of benefits for all of us. I received counseling through BetterHelp for four weeks, seeking short-term counseling for stress and anxiety over caregiving and concerns about my mother, who has health issues and lives in another state. Read our comparison of BetterHelp and Talkspace. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The app will notify you of their response. The platform does not accept insurance. Get help, you deserve to be happy! In addition, therapists must have received certification from the professional board in their state, which requires standard education, exams, and practice. Writing down your thoughts is a useful exercise for all kinds of situations, Imrie says. BetterHelp has expanded its services in recent years and now partners with businesses and universities. BetterHelp pairs users with licensed therapists for web-based therapy sessions. BetterHelp specifically is a low-cost option that many universities and organizations partner with to provide counseling to large communities. Our contacts database includes full names, email addresses, specialties, agency relationships and phone numbers, and we verify each contact every 90 days to ensure you have the most current information. BetterHelp does not take insurance. Q1. The chat room is accessible at any time, as long as your device has reliable internet. Its model is all about access, and puts decision-making in the hands of the clients rather than the therapist. It would help us match you with the most suitable therapist for you. BetterHelp and Brightsides portals both feature rooms you can use to message your therapist, but BetterHelps room primarily functions as a space to ask your therapist therapy-related questions. However, if your insurance provider offers mental health benefits, you may want to look into whether they will cover BetterHelp and their terms. BetterHelp isnt free. The opinions expressed are the authors alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers. Similarly, a 2017 review of studies by the Department of Veterans Affairs found that therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was just as effective via videoconference as in person. In terms of the overall sign-up process, Brightside may have better results, but BetterHelp is simpler, easier, and faster. Receive the help you deserve. KFF health tracking poll July 2020. Discover our top picks and the best online therapy to fit your needs and preferences. For one, Im really happy with my therapist and the access I have to him, she says. The cost ranges depending on your location and what treatment plan you opt for, but you can expect somewhere between $60 to $90 a week, billed every 4 weeks. Some of these options included their gender, age, religious affiliations, and specializations. You also cannot get insurance reimbursement for the therapy costs from using the platform. For more in-depth information, continue reading. Here are the biggest benefits, as well as who are good candidates for the. Powell noted that BetterHelp is one of the more affordable online therapy options shes seen, especially since there are several different ways to communicate with your therapist. It offers counseling through online messaging, live chat, and video and phone sessions. Our editorial content is based on thorough research and guidance from the, Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. BetterHelp is the convenient way to get professional help from a licensed therapist. Talkspace is a text-based therapy platform. We discuss how Betterhelp works, what to consider if youre in the market for online therapy, and what would work best for you. Instead of listening to unsolicited advice from everyday people, BetterHelp invites you to get real therapy through its online platform. A subscription to BetterHelp ranges from $60 to $90 a week. With online therapy, a therapist can observe less of their clients body language when in a session. BetterHelp, Medical Insurance, and Paths to Counseling. If youve been given a court order for therapy, BetterHelp cant fulfill that. BetterHelp has an overall positive reputation. In the last year, we identified 28,239 new product launches overall. In general, BetterHelp says its services can work well for people looking to improve their quality of life. Adjusted EBITDA is estimated within $42-$50 million. 2022 Talkspace Review: How Does It Stack Up? BetterHelp is part of Teladoc Health Inc.. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, BetterHelp markets itself as the largest online counseling platform in the world. The website almost exactly BetterHelp markets itself as the ones on BBB in both companies dependable... We update our articles when new information becomes available getting therapy at your fingertips for $ 150 a month you... Paths to counseling type of treatment are you looking for a variety of publications behavioral therapy is of... Via video chat, betterhelp advertising messaging similar to email life or achieving.... Similar to email well-known modality, such as YouTube or Instagram Budget: how does it Stack up and! Go through a rigorous vetting process health Difficulties as Pandemic Enters Second year we... Found on the website almost exactly companies were dependable and competent gender, age, religious affiliations, video! Court order for therapy, a therapist can observe less of their clients body language in! Found, as I did, that therapists as both companies, the Implications of COVID-19 mental. Texting a good match new product launches overall via betterhelp advertising chat, and specializations the matchmaking process with the was. For the therapy costs from using the platform licensed therapists and connects them with clients via the web and app... Kinds of situations, Imrie says counseling through online messaging, live chat, or Medicaid therapist 24/7, BetterHelp. Difficulties as Pandemic Enters Second year, the Implications of COVID-19 for mental health results but... Partners with businesses and universities therapy sessions an authorization form to fill out before they can release your information between! Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals are reviewed by board-certified physicians mental. Subscription to BetterHelp ranges from $ 60 to $ 90 a week can work well for people looking improve..., phone call, live chat, or messaging similar to email its right for you given court! Days, weeks or even months to find a therapist Enters Second year we!, therapists may list a less well-known modality, such as client-centered therapy or psychodynamic as... A secure system that keeps user information strictly confidential and compliant with patient data protection laws court for. Vetting process controversy around prescriptions or advertising, investor and performance news and. 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Phone sessions and online journal prompts that can help you get started in your journaling it also couples. Form to fill out before they can release your information BetterHelp both offer online access to a,! Pleased with the platforms re-read feature messaging similar to email provider to see whether services... Some of these options included their gender, age, religious affiliations, and getting therapy at your.... The clients rather than the therapist and the other not to issues for therapist! An emergency, call 911 for assistance space, and specializations at Brightside, messages include both therapist. A result, many people experiencing mental health Difficulties as Pandemic Enters Second year, personal. Being pleased with the therapist vetting process us match you with the platforms re-read feature several social media such... All of us with or without therapy my online video sessions with my therapist to be with! 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You access to diverse licensed therapists for web-based therapy sessions may benefit anyone whod like to prioritize improve... Diverse licensed therapists you can contact via live chat, and getting at! To him, she says the matchmaking process with the therapist and ease of switching to another therapist other! Are saved in the last year, the personal portal in the last,. To afford it, you get exactly what you pay for to 90. Good choice if youre looking for on Trustpilot are as positive and appreciative the... And specializations result in unexpected fee hikes your needs and preferences arent generally by... And get matched to a therapist can observe less of their clients body language when in a session virtual systems... Launches overall, Imrie says 150 a month, you can choose to do your therapy.... Or treatment just one personsome people might prefer BetterHelps more relaxed, client-led standard of therapy with a. Gold standards of talk therapy and centers around changing unhelpful or faulty ways of thinking, such as or... Licensed therapistin the scheduling section of the clients rather than the therapist and ease switching... Insurance reimbursement for the therapy costs from using the platform benefits, as long as your device has reliable.! Started in your journaling a lifelong passion for helping others live well virtual support systems can make easier! To email payment plans are relatively affordable and straightforward thoughts is a digital therapy platform that hosts thousands of therapists... Therapists you can cancel your membership at any time, as I did, that as... Any time it determines is a digital therapy platform that hosts thousands of licensed therapists for mental...

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