4.7out of 5
Online Therapy review
BetterHelp Review
BetterHelp's massive therapist network (30,000+), flexible messaging format, and financial aid options make it the most accessible and comprehensive online therapy platform available.
BetterHelp at a glance
| Our rating | 4.7 / 5 |
|---|---|
| Best For | Best overall online therapy |
| Monthly Cost | $240–$360 |
| Therapists | 30,000+ licensed (LCSW, LPC, etc.) |
| Formats | Video, phone, chat, messaging |
| Insurance | Not accepted |
| Match Time | 24–48 hours |
What is BetterHelp?
BetterHelp is the largest online therapy platform, with a network of more than 30,000 licensed therapists, including licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) and licensed professional counselors (LPCs). That scale is why it tops our best online therapy platforms ranking.
A large network matters because finding the right therapist is the most important factor in therapy working. With so many clinicians, BetterHelp can match you to someone whose specialties, approach and availability fit your needs, and you can switch if the first match is not right.
Formats are flexible: video, phone and live chat sessions, plus messaging your therapist at any time between sessions. That between-session contact is a real advantage for people who process thoughts in writing or want support during the week.
BetterHelp costs $240 to $360 a month and does not accept insurance, but financial aid is available for those who qualify. Matching usually takes 24 to 48 hours.
It does not offer medication management — BetterHelp therapists provide talk therapy, not prescriptions — so people who need medication will need a separate prescriber.
Talk therapy is effective for many conditions; the NIMH’s overview of psychotherapies describes approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy that BetterHelp therapists commonly use.
BetterHelp suits people who want to start therapy without navigating insurance networks or waitlists. The questionnaire-led match is quick, and the subscription model means one predictable monthly bill rather than per-session charges.
Pros
- 30,000+ licensed therapists
- Message your therapist anytime between sessions
- Financial aid available
Cons
- No medication management
- Therapist matching can take time
BetterHelpMonthly Cost: $240–$360
Visit SiteHow BetterHelp works
- Questionnaire. Answer questions about what you want help with and your preferences.
- Therapist match. BetterHelp matches you with a licensed therapist, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
- Choose your format. Meet by video, phone or chat, and message between sessions.
- Switch if needed. Change therapists if the match is not right.
Safety and what to know
Online therapy is not for emergencies. If you are thinking about harming yourself or are in crisis, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) in the U.S., or call 911.
BetterHelp therapists cannot prescribe medication. If your symptoms are severe or you think medication may help, talk to a psychiatrist or your doctor alongside therapy.
Check your therapist’s license and specialties in their profile, and do not hesitate to switch if you do not feel comfortable after a few sessions.
Give a new therapist two or three sessions before deciding whether the match works; the first session is often mostly about history and goals.
BetterHelp pricing
| Monthly Cost | $240–$360 |
|---|---|
| Insurance | Not accepted |
| Financial Aid | Available |
| Messaging | Included |
BetterHelp is a subscription billed regardless of insurance. Apply for financial aid during signup if cost is a barrier.
Who BetterHelp is for
A good fit if
- Want the widest choice of therapists
- Like messaging between sessions
- Want flexible formats
- May qualify for financial aid
Look elsewhere if
- Need medication management
- Want to use insurance
- Are in crisis
How BetterHelp compares
BetterHelp FAQ
How much does BetterHelp cost?
BetterHelp costs $240 to $360 per month. It does not accept insurance, but financial aid is available for those who qualify.
How many therapists does BetterHelp have?
More than 30,000 licensed therapists, including LCSWs and LPCs.
Can I message my BetterHelp therapist?
Yes. You can message your therapist anytime between sessions, in addition to video, phone or chat sessions.
Does BetterHelp prescribe medication?
No. BetterHelp provides talk therapy only and does not offer medication management.
How long does matching take?
Matching usually takes 24 to 48 hours, though finding the right therapist can take longer.
Can I change therapists?
Yes. BetterHelp lets you switch therapists if your match is not a good fit.
Is BetterHelp good for emergencies?
No. Online therapy is not for crises. Call or text 988 or call 911 in an emergency.
Where does BetterHelp rank?
BetterHelp ranks first in our online therapy platform comparison and holds our Editor’s Choice badge.
How does BetterHelp compare with Talkspace?
BetterHelp has a larger therapist network and lower self-pay prices, with messaging between sessions, but no psychiatry or insurance. Talkspace costs more for self-pay users but accepts many insurance plans and offers medication management.
What kinds of therapists does BetterHelp have?
BetterHelp’s network includes licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors and other licensed therapists with a range of specialties, from anxiety and depression to relationships and stress.
Is BetterHelp private?
BetterHelp sessions are with licensed therapists who follow professional confidentiality rules. Review its privacy policy if you want to understand how your data is handled.
Our verdict: 4.7 / 5
BetterHelp is the most accessible online therapy platform, with 30,000+ therapists, flexible formats and messaging between sessions. It does not take insurance or prescribe medication, but for talk therapy it is our top pick.
BetterHelpMonthly Cost: $240–$360
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Affiliate links used. Not medical advice — consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.