Mental health is a vital aspect of our overall well-being, yet it’s often underrecognized and not discussed enough. In today’s fast-paced world, stress, burnout, and various mental health issues are becoming increasingly common. Fortunately, technology has provided us with numerous resources to address these concerns.
One such resource is the BetterHelp app, an online platform that connects users with licensed therapists for video, phone, or text-based therapy sessions.
We strongly want to mention BetterHelp, as it’s the most popular online therapy providers and has the best reviews as well. The downside is that BetterHelp doesn’t take insurance, but the platform is still definitely worth taking a look at.
The Online Mental Health Reviews team is qualified to write about the BetterHelp app because we are dedicated to providing empathetic and informative content on online mental health services and resources.
Our expertise in comparing online tools, courses, and services is to help readers evaluate their options to find the best solutions for their unique needs.
This article will explore the BetterHelp online therapy app and other top mental health apps that can help you overcome life’s challenges and achieve personal growth.
1. BetterHelp App
The BetterHelp app is a leading online therapy platform that provides convenient access to professional mental health services. With a network of over 30,000 licensed therapists, BetterHelp offers personalized counseling sessions for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, trauma, relationship issues, and more.
- Apple App Store – 4.8 from 108,000+ ratings
- Google Play Store – 4.6 from 40,000+ reviews
Key Features:
- Access to licensed, accredited, and experienced therapists
- Personalized counseling based on your needs and preferences
- Convenient and secure video, phone, or text-based therapy sessions
- Platform available on iOS, Android, and web browsers
- Financial aid is available for those who qualify
2. Talkspace
Talkspace is another popular online therapy platform that connects users with licensed therapists for text, audio, or video-based counseling sessions. We bought and reviewed Talkspace, and now believe with a focus on convenience and accessibility, Talkspace allows you to receive high-quality therapy from the comfort of your own home.
- Apple App Store – 4.8 from 19,500+ ratings
- Google Play Store – 4.5 from 6,500+ reviews
Key Features:
- Over 5,000 licensed therapists to choose from
- Unlimited messaging therapy with a dedicated therapist
- Live video sessions are available
- Platform available on iOS, Android, and web browsers
- Offers specialized therapy for couples and teens
3. Headspace
Headspace is a mindfulness and meditation app designed to help users reduce stress, improve focus, and develop a healthier relationship with their thoughts. We bought and reviewed Headspace, and now conclude that with a variety of guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and sleep resources, Headspace can be an excellent supplement to therapy or a standalone tool for self-improvement.
- Apple App Store – 4.8 from 923,000+ ratings
- Google Play Store – 4.5 from 270,000+ reviews
Key Features:
- Guided meditations for various mental health concerns
- Mindfulness exercises to help you stay present
- Sleep resources, including guided sleep casts and relaxing music
- Platform available on iOS, Android, and web browsers
- Offers a free trial for new users
4. Calm
Calm is another highly-rated meditation and sleep app that offers a wide range of resources to help users improve their mental well-being. With guided meditations, sleep stories, and relaxing music, Calm aims to help users find balance and peace amidst life’s chaos.
- Apple App Store – 4.8 from 1,600,000+ ratings
- Google Play Store – 4.5 from 530,000+ reviews
Key Features:
- Guided meditations for stress, anxiety, sleep, and more
- Sleep stories narrated by celebrities like Matthew McConaughey
- Calming music and nature sounds to promote relaxation
- Platform available on iOS, Android, and web browsers
- Offers a free trial for new users
5. Moodpath
Moodpath is a unique mental health app designed to help users better understand their emotions and identify potential mental health issues. By tracking your mood and answering daily questions, the app provides personalized insights and resources to support your emotional well-being.
- Apple App Store – 4.7 from 29,200+ ratings
- Google Play Store – 4.5 from 45 reviews and 1+ million downloads
Key Features:
- Daily mood tracking and assessment
- Personalized insights based on your mood data
- Access to curated mental health resources, such as articles and exercises
- Platform available on iOS and Android devices
- Offers a free version with limited features
6. Sanvello
Sanvello is a comprehensive mental health app that offers clinically validated techniques and tools to help users manage stress, anxiety, and depression. With a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and self-care resources, Sanvello aims to empower users to take control of their mental health.
- Apple App Store – 4.8 from 22,300+ ratings
Key Features:
- Evidence-based Techniques for managing stress, anxiety, and Depression
- Guided journeys and coping tools tailored to your needs
- Daily mood tracking and progress visualization
- Platform available on iOS, Android, and web browsers
- Offers a free version with limited features
A Brief Rundown on BetterHelp
BetterHelp (https://www.betterhelp.com/) is an online counseling service that connects users with licensed, board-accredited therapists. It offers a convenient way for people to access mental health services from the comfort of their own homes.
With over 30,000 therapists and 317 million+ counseling sessions, BetterHelp provides a wide range of options for those looking for help with stress, burnout, productivity, and mental health issues such as anxiety, PTSD, OCD, trauma, depression, marital challenges, and substance abuse.
The platform is user-friendly and designed to make it easy to find the right therapist or course for your needs. It also provides helpful resources such as videos and articles to help you understand symptoms and treatment alternatives.
A Brief Rundown on BetterHelp:
- Online counseling service connecting users with licensed therapists
- Over 32,000 therapists and 317 million+ counseling sessions
- Help with stress, burnout, productivity & mental health issues such as anxiety, PTSD, OCD, etc.
- User-friendly platform designed to make it easy to find the right therapist or course
- Helpful resources such as videos & articles to help understand symptoms & treatment alternatives
- Empathetic & informative brand voice focused on mental health awareness & online resources
Signing Up for BetterHelp
BetterHelp is an online platform that provides access to licensed therapists and counselors. With a sign-up process BetterHelp (https://www.betterhelp.com/get-started/), you can get matched with a therapist in as little as 24-48 hours and start your journey towards better mental health.
Benefits of signing up with BetterHelp include:
- Access to licensed professionals
- Personalized therapist match tailored to your preferences and needs
- Affordable pricing options
- LGBTQ-friendly, inclusive, compassionate service
- Ability to find the best online mental health product, service or course
How Does BetterHelp Connect You with a Therapist?
- BetterHelp, like Talkspace, is an online counseling platform that connects users with a licensed, experienced therapist for remote teletherapy sessions.
- With BetterHelp, you can access professional mental health services (but no medication management) from the comfort of your own home. You can connect with a therapist through your computer, smartphone, or tablet and have 24/7 messaging and full video therapy sessions.
- The app also offers a desktop version for Mac and PC users.
- BetterHelp provides access to thousands of trained, experienced, and accredited therapists who specialize in different areas such as anxiety, depression, stress management, relationship issues, trauma recovery, and more.
Verdict on Therapist Matching Process
Overall, BetterHelp is an effective tool for finding the right therapist for your individual needs.
It provides access to a wide range of therapists with different backgrounds and specialties, making it easier to find someone who fits your specific needs. Additionally, the app’s customer service team is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns you may have about the matching process.
However, there is less choice selection, as you are matched automatically based on your answers from an intake questionnaire.
How Therapist Matching Works at BetterHelp
First, you fill out a questionnaire so BetterHelp can figure out what you need and match you with one of their 32,000 licensed therapists based on your location, your tastes, and the therapists’ availability.
You can send a message to your therapist through our website or mobile app at any time and from anywhere.
Not satisfied with your counselor? You can always ask for a new doctor.
Therapy Session Format
- Betterhelp has time blocks of 30 minutes, but you can ask, and some therapists will let you talk for up to an hour if you plan.
- Most clients only come once a week or every other week, and only a few just show up when they want to.
- You can use the messaging tool to send chat or text messages to your counselor at any time.
- Every counselor is different in how often they will talk to you or reply, but most of us check it at least once a day during the week, and most will tell you in the first message how often you can expect to hear from them.
- Also, it’s important to remember that Better Help is self-pay.
Live Video Sessions
BetterHelp is an online counseling platform that offers live video sessions with licensed, experienced therapists. Through the app, you can access virtual therapy from your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
With BetterHelp’s desktop app for Mac and PC on WebCatalog, you can also run apps in distraction-free windows with many enhancements.
Live Phone Sessions
Live phone sessions are another part of BetterHelp’s online therapy platform. With this feature, you can connect with a licensed therapist over the phone for real-time conversations and support. This allows you to have more direct contact with your therapist and receive personalized advice tailored to your needs.
Therapy Services Through Text: In-App Messaging
With the BetterHelp app, users can receive therapy services through text messaging from their computer, smartphone, or tablet. The app also offers a desktop version for Mac and PC with many enhancements.
Group Support
Group sessions cover a range of mental health topics and are led by experienced therapists. Grouping provides an opportunity to learn from experts, interact and communicate with your therapist and other members, and gain valuable insights to support your mental health journey.
However, BetterHelp has said about group therapy, “Although platforms like BetterHelp do not offer group therapy, speaking with an individual therapist remotely can also be beneficial”.
BetterHelp Cost and Financial Aid
With an online platform like BetterHelp, the cost of therapy is $60 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks), but it could be more depending on your needs, where you live, and the availability of therapy. You can also ask for financial assistance at BetterHelp.
a How Much Does BetterHelp Cost?
BetterHelp subscriptions range from $60 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks), so the monthly costs can be between $240 and $360.
If these costs are prohibitive, you may want to try 7 Cups, which provides free online listening and therapy.
Does BetterHelp Accept Insurance?
BetterHelp does not accept insurance directly, but you may be able to use your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for services. Additionally, some insurance providers offer reimbursement for out-of-network services. It is best to check with your health insurance or provider to determine if they provide coverage for BetterHelp services, but expect the answer to be “no”.
How Long Are BetterHelp Sessions?
BetterHelp sessions can range from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your BetterHelp therapist’s availability and your needs. Most sessions are weekly, but you can also schedule bi-weekly or recurring sessions. You can also request more than one session per week if needed.
Is BetterHelp Better Than In-Person Therapy?
In comparison to in-person therapy, BetterHelp offers cheaper pricing than in-person sessions if you do not have insurance. However, since BetterHelp does not accept insurance, if your healthcare plan includes online therapy other platforms or in-person will likely be more affordable.
Additionally, it’s important to note that not all mental health issues can be treated through online therapy apps alone.
Ultimately, the decision between online therapy and in-person therapy should be made after consulting with a qualified mental health professional.
BetterHelp Controversy
Psychiatrist.com reports BetterHelp was recently fined $7.8 million by the FTC for sharing user data with third parties without consent.
The FTC fined the mental health app BetterHelp $7.8 million for sharing user information with third parties like Meta and Snapchat.
The app said it would keep all information private, but the FTC said it sold the information to social media companies and third-party marketers who used it to show ads that were more relevant to the users.
The planned action says that BetterHelp has to give money back to people whose health information was stolen. It also says that the company can’t share personal information in the future to target anyone who has used the app or gone to its website, even if they didn’t sign up for its services.
Find In-Person Therapy Instead of BetterHelp with Zocdoc
Zocdoc is a good alternative to online therapy providers for people who prefer to talk to someone in person when they need help with their mental health.
- The site lets users quickly find nearby therapists and doctors who are part of their insurance network.
- This makes sure that they can get high-quality care that fits their needs and price.
- Zocdoc makes it easier to find and book appointments with local therapists by offering a large network of healthcare experts and an easy-to-use search tool.
In order to give a well-informed opinion about Zocdoc’s benefits, our team has bought and reviewed it. This shows just how important it is to find the best services for mental health.
The platform, which has a strong Trustpilot rating of 4.4 from more than 7,000 reviews, has received a lot of praise for its usefulness, effectiveness, and a large network of healthcare experts.
In our Zocdoc review, we focused on how the platform can make it easier for people to get the care they need by making it easier for them to find options for in-person treatment.
In conclusion, Zocdoc is a good choice for people who want an alternative to online therapy and want to talk to therapists and doctors in their area.
Betterhelp App Conclusion
Taking care of your mental health is crucial for personal growth and overall well-being. The BetterHelp app and other top therapy apps mentioned above can help you find the right online mental health pathway to overcome challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.
Remember, it’s essential to explore different options and choose the one that best fits your needs, preferences, and budget. Don’t be afraid to seek help and make use of other free valuable resources in your journey toward better mental health before going with any paid option, even one as highly regarded as BetterHelp.
We’d love to hear from you too! Leave a comment below if you have any questions about the BetterHelp app or you can also tell us what mental health service, app, or course you think Online Mental Health Reviews should review next. Your feedback helps us serve our readers better on their way to better mental health.
If You’re In An Emergency
In a crisis, waiting for an online therapy session might not be the safest option. If immediate assistance is required, dial 911. This includes instances where you or someone else is at risk of harm. If you’re contemplating self-harm, reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988 – help is accessible around the clock.
Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline can be contacted at 800-662-HELP (4357). This free, confidential service offers assistance and information on treatment options for individuals struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues, available 24/7, all year round.