BetterHelp review
Large network of licensed therapists with messaging, chat, phone and video sessions. Adults who want a flexible mix of messaging and live sessions and the freedom to switch therapists easily. We rank it #1 of 7 in our online therapy comparison, with an editorial score of 9.3 out of 10.
BetterHelp scores highest on Session formats & flexibility, with messaging, live chat, phone and video, and on Ease of switching & cancelling because you can request a new therapist from your account. Cost & insurance transparency has improved now that its site lists in-network options with some health plans in some states, though features can be limited when you use insurance. It loses points on Privacy & safety because of a 2023 US Federal Trade Commission order over how it shared health data for advertising.
Visit site (BetterHelp, opens in a new tab)Quick facts
Overview
BetterHelp is one of the largest online therapy services in the US. After a short intake questionnaire, you are matched with a licensed therapist, and you can then message them at any time and book live sessions by video, phone or live chat.
You can pay through a recurring subscription, and BetterHelp's site now says it is in network with some health plans, with availability varying by state, plan and therapist. Its insurance page notes that some features, such as chat-based sessions and groups, may be limited when you use insurance. The service also says financial aid may be available. Prices and coverage change, so check the current terms on the site.
In July 2023 the US Federal Trade Commission finalized an order that bans BetterHelp from sharing consumers' health data for advertising and required it to pay $7.8 million for consumer refunds. The FTC had alleged that BetterHelp shared information such as email addresses and health questionnaire answers with advertising platforms despite promising to keep it private. Read the current privacy policy and sharing settings before you sign up.
If the first match does not feel right, you can request a different therapist from your account. BetterHelp provides talk therapy only; its therapists do not prescribe medication.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very flexible mix of session formats
- Straightforward to switch therapists
- Now lists in-network options with some health plans
- Simple app and web experience
Cons
- Insurance coverage depends on your plan and state, and some features may be limited when you use it
- No medication management or psychiatry
- Subject to a 2023 FTC order over sharing health data for advertising; review the current privacy policy
- Recurring billing until you cancel
Key features
- Messaging, live chat, phone and video sessions
- Matching based on an intake questionnaire
- Request a new therapist from your account
- In network with some health plans in some states (check coverage)
- Financial aid may be available (check eligibility on the site)
Who BetterHelp is for
A good fit if
Adults who want a flexible mix of messaging and live sessions and the freedom to switch therapists easily.
Look elsewhere if
Anyone who wants medication management, or who needs a guaranteed in-network option in their state.
How we scored BetterHelp
BetterHelp scores highest on Session formats & flexibility, with messaging, live chat, phone and video, and on Ease of switching & cancelling because you can request a new therapist from your account. Cost & insurance transparency has improved now that its site lists in-network options with some health plans in some states, though features can be limited when you use insurance. It loses points on Privacy & safety because of a 2023 US Federal Trade Commission order over how it shared health data for advertising.
Our online therapy score weighs clinician credentials & matching (25%), session formats & flexibility (20%), cost & insurance transparency (20%), privacy & safety (20%), ease of switching & cancelling (15%). See the methodology.
BetterHelp alternatives
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#2
Talkspace
Best for using insuranceTherapy and psychiatry by messaging and live sessions, in-network with some insurance plans.
- Messaging plus scheduled live video and audio sessions
- Separate psychiatry service (eligibility varies)
- Coverage check for some insurance and employer plans
- Option to change providers
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#3
ReGain
Best for couplesRelationship-focused online counseling for couples and individuals, part of the BetterHelp network.
- Couples or individual relationship counseling
- Shared account and therapist for couples
- Messaging, live chat, phone and video
- Part of the BetterHelp network
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#4
Cerebral
Best for therapy plus medicationOnline therapy and medication management in some states and plans.
- Therapy, medication management or both (varies by state and plan)
- Individual and couples therapy plans
- Video and phone sessions
- Messaging with your care team
Head-to-head
BetterHelp FAQ
Does BetterHelp take insurance?
BetterHelp's site says it is in network with some health plans, but availability depends on your state, plan and therapist, and some features may be limited when you use insurance. Check coverage on the BetterHelp site and with your insurer.
Can I change my therapist on BetterHelp?
Yes. You can request a different therapist from your account if the match is not working for you.
Can BetterHelp therapists prescribe medication?
No. BetterHelp offers talk therapy only. If you think medication may help, speak with a doctor or a psychiatric provider.
Sources and fact check
We checked the facts on this page against BetterHelp's own website on .