Stress has always been a part of our lives. While it can drive us to achieve our goals, extended periods of stress—especially when facing unfamiliar challenges beyond our control—may give rise to anxiety. Instead of being inspired, anxiety tends to leave us feeling worn out and defeated.
When the World Health Organization reports a 25% surge in anxiety levels, the repercussions are felt both personally and at a societal level. Anxiety can rapidly escalate into depression, substance abuse, sleep issues, conflicts within relationships, and even self-harm. From children dealing with fears stemming from a pandemic to older adults caught off-guard by economic hardships, it appears that heightened anxiety affects everyone across the board.
Online therapy offers accessible counseling options for those seeking support. It is both cost-effective and convenient, catering to everyone from busy professionals unable to schedule in-person appointments to individuals in rural areas lacking access to quality mental health services. One of the premier online therapy platforms is BetterHelp.
What is BetterHelp?
BetterHelp truly excels when it comes to providing certified counselors through communication methods that make you feel most at ease, facilitating openness and honesty. This means you can connect with qualified counselors via desktop computers, mobile devices, phone calls, and even through text messages. You also have the option to engage in private chat sessions with your licensed therapist. Personally, I appreciate this feature as my communication style can differ based on the platform I’m using, allowing you to express yourself from various perspectives, aiding your therapist in better understanding your needs and guiding you towards contentment.
Are the therapists qualified?
Absolutely, the answer is yes!
One of the primary challenges for telemedicine has been trust: can health and wellness advice offered online be reliable? Founded in 2013, BetterHelp promptly addressed this concern, ensuring that patients receive only the highest quality of care.
Out of its 20,000 therapists, each is certified and possesses the requisite credentials, along with a master’s degree or higher. This includes PhDs, PsyDs, clinical social work professionals, marriage and family therapists, and others. Most notably, every BetterHelp counselor has a minimum of three years and 1,000 hours of practical experience assisting clients.
What counseling services does BetterHelp provide?
Having 20,000 therapists is more than just a bragging right; it signifies a vast diversity of qualifications, interests, and specialties. Consequently, connecting you with the right therapist is a nuanced process.
You are matched to a therapist by your needs.
Issues like anxiety, depression, family disputes, PTSD, trauma, grief, and addiction often require specialized attention. BetterHelp matches you with a therapist who is ideally equipped to support you in your journey towards healing and happiness.
You are matched to a therapist by your individuality.
You are far more than just the issues you seek help for. Whether you identify as religious, spiritual, LGBTQ+, male, female, a senior citizen, or a teenager—your unique identity plays a crucial role in who you are. BetterHelp takes these aspects into consideration when pairing you with the best virtual care provider.
How does it work?
BetterHelp kicks off the process by asking a series of questions—around two dozen, to be precise. No need to worry; you’ll respond to these in multiple choice format within just a few minutes. These inquiries are designed to help you reflect on your identity and what you’re seeking, effectively serving as your initial step into therapy. And believe it or not, it’s quite enjoyable!
After that, BetterHelp will connect you with the most suitable therapist based on your responses. This process can take a couple of days, but often it’s completed within just hours.
You can then arrange weekly sessions via video or phone call. It’s genuinely that straightforward, enhanced by features like private chat rooms. In these spaces, you can pose questions, discuss your life, or talk about the challenges you are facing. It’s akin to having a weekly in-person therapy session with an ideally matched therapist, but with added convenience.
How much does it cost?
Plans begin at $60 each week. This is roughly half to a third of the cost of conventional therapy, while granting access to a wider range of specialized professionals. One downside is that Medicare and Medicaid do not cover these consultations. Insurance may offer limited coverage, varies by plan and provider, but is generally not comprehensive. Financial aid options are available via a form on BetterHelp. However, it would be wise to budget around $60 to $90 weekly to ensure access to care.
If you intend to self-fund quality mental health support, BetterHelp is likely your best bet. This is because BetterHelp:
- Is significantly more affordable than most in-person mental health services
- Offers a broader selection of practitioners
- Ensures more convenient access for users
- Delivers online help that isn’t typically available in traditional settings
Billing is conducted in four-week increments, allowing for easy cancellation should you find that you no longer require personalized mental health services.
Bottom Line: Is BetterHelp worth it?
BetterHelp has garnered a 4.8-star rating for its app for valid reasons. Years of experience as a pioneer in online therapy ensure that it offers only the most trusted remote therapists. An easy yet carefully crafted questionnaire guarantees that you are paired with the right providers across various dimensions, making BetterHelp both user-friendly and highly tailored.
The overall cost-effectiveness is also noteworthy, with professional mental health guidance accessible at your fingertips or just a phone call away. The significantly lower expenses coupled with convenience are substantial benefits. Many people who visit offices often cancel appointments for reasons such as illness or heavy traffic. With BetterHelp, you are more inclined to stick with the sessions you’ve already paid for.
Finally, the diversity of services available is impressive. By offering multiple forms of contact— including live video sessions, private chat rooms, and instant messaging—BetterHelp enables your therapist to learn about you from several perspectives.
This enriched understanding translates to superior care and support for you.
