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According to a March 2021 Pew Research Center study, the COVID-19 epidemic and its financial consequences have had a detrimental impact on the mental health of many Americans[1]. Around one fifth of American adults (20%) report feeling "high levels of psychological distress," with 28% saying the crisis has had a significant influence on their life.
The epidemic, according to a study from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), also produced new barriers for those who had substance abuse or other mental health issues. Simultaneously, due to public health concerns, resources for face-to-face mental health services were not readily accessible. As a result, many people seeking therapy went online to BetterHelp.
BetterHelp Cost
Each session costs between $60. Couples, teen, individual counseling, and marriage therapy are all available. Sign up for treatment within 24 hours of your initial search date.
BetterHelp Therapy
Usability: It's simple to get started with BetterHelp and partner with a therapist who has expertise in the issues you're looking for assistance on. Quality of care: All BetterHelp therapists have PhDs, as well as at least three years and 1,000 hours of experience. Billing and customer support: BetterHelp allows you to pay per week, monthly, or quarterly, while customer service is available and quick.
We liked that BetterHelp counselors are available via text messaging, live chat, video, and phone. If we weren't happy with our current counselor, we could easily change to another one until we found someone who better suits our needs. We also appreciate the platform's efforts to protect user privacy. Lastly, customer service was responsive and helpful.
BetterHelp determines who the best counselor is for you and automatically connects you with them. You may pick your own therapist, but without much research on the BetterHelp website, it's not obvious whether or how to do so.
What is BetterHelp?
BetterHelp is a California-based internet company that claims to be the world's largest online counseling service. It provides therapy through online messaging, live chat, and video and phone sessions. BetterHelp therapy services will be accessed via a smartphone, computer or tablet.
BetterHelp provides licensed clinical mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and board-licensed professional counselors for expert assistance. All BetterHelp specialists have a master's or doctorate in their field and at least 1,000 hours of experience.
The BetterHelp team ardently vets its providers through a process that takes four to five weeks. This includes checking licensure and making potential counselors take a case study exam which is then observed by a licensed clinician. Only approximately 15% of therapists who apply get accepted onto the BetterHelp platform, as stated on its site.
BetterHelp will be an excellent alternative if you want assistance in leading a more fulfilled existence or achieving your objectives.
How Does BetterHelp Work?
Find Your Therapist
With a BetterHelp monthly subscription, you get four weeks of unlimited messaging with your counselor in a discreet "room." You also get one 30-minute live phone, chat, or video session each week (longer sessions can be approved by your counselor). And if you ever need to cancel for any reason, you can. If you do cancel, they will give you a refund for any unused services that you've paid for.
The sign-up procedure for BetterHelp is simple, quick, and painless. First, you must provide answers to a number of questions regarding the purposes for therapy, your goals while receiving therapy, and any other information you want to share. With emails from the BetterHelp platform, you're generally assigned a therapist within a few hours to a few days of signing up.
To pick your own therapist on BetterHelp, go to the bottom of the homepage and click “Find a therapist.”
Communicate with Your Therapist
- Messaging
The "Messaging" feature allows you to communicate with your counselor in a fully out-of-the-way manner. Use the messaging function in your therapy room to send your counselor a discreet message at any time. This isn't a live chat, so your therapist may not respond right away. When you get a message, you and your therapist are emailed.
- Phone Call
Schedule a phone session with your therapist using the calendar tool in your therapy room, which displays your therapist's availability.
- Video Call
To schedule a video session, open the calendar in your therapy room and select an available slot.
How Much Does BetterHelp Cost?
BetterHelp counseling services range in price from $60 to $90 a week, depending on your location. You can choose a payment plan with weekly, monthly, or quarterly recurring payments. BetterHelp is not generally covered by health insurance providers like Medicare or Medicaid, but it never hurts to check with your provider to see if they offer any reimbursement for mental health coverage under your policy that could include BetterHelp. If you're struggling to afford the service fee, you can apply for financial aid directly through the Better Help website.
Does BetterHelp Take Insurance?
At this time, BetterHelp does not take insurance. However, some employers offer reimbursement for therapy services, and many people use their Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to cover the costs of therapy. You can also pay for therapy sessions with a credit card, debit card or PayPal.
BetterHelp Promo Code
If you're thinking about trying online therapy, we have a special offer for you! Use the promo code "REFERMATE" to get 20% off your first month of counseling.
Verdict!
I became comfortable sharing my thoughts and feelings in video counseling sessions once I realized that, although I was hesitant to embrace internet therapy rather than a face-to-face encounter, I quickly grew accustomed to doing so.
BetterHelp is a wonderful alternative for those looking for online therapy for specific mental health concerns. However, if you're suffering from deep sadness or suicidal thoughts, it's essential to see a qualified mental health clinician in person. If you are in crisis or experiencing an emergency, dial 911 for help.
