As the world becomes more connected, therapy services are increasingly available online.
As the world becomes more connected, therapy services are increasingly available online. From marriage and family counseling to psychologists, counselors, and therapists, you can get in touch with a psychologist within minutes of signing up for BetterHelp’s flexible and interactive service.
BetterHelp’s online platform makes therapy more accessible to millions of people. With a quick test, video or chat capability, and an internet connection, you can connect with a licensed therapist to discuss what’s on your mind. Although BetterHelp has affordable rates and generous sessions, there are a few things to know about payments and insurance coverage.
Here are 5 things to know about the online therapy platform.
BetterHelp is a subscription service that enables subscribers to match and connect with a therapist.
Instead of paying per session, BetterHelp charges $60-$90 per week, depending on the plan chosen. You can take multiple sessions per week for the same price. With monthly billings averaging $240-$360, BetterHelp allows either PayPal or credit card payments.
BetterHelp currently has about 22,000 board-licensed therapists with either a master’s degree or doctorate and 3 years with over 1,000 hours of experience ready to assist over 2 million patients. BetterHelp’s therapists are also culturally sensitive to gender, racial, religious, linguistic, and social diversities.
If you’re looking to choose a subscription plan, all BetterHelp’s programs offer unlimited phone and live therapy sessions.
During your initial session, your therapist will likely want to hear an overview to get to know you and learn why you are seeking therapy. Therapists have experience in areas dealing with depression, anxiety, and relationship issues and respond to messages within 24 hours.
With BetterHelp, it’s easy to fit a therapy session around your busy schedule. Choose a live chat, a video call, or pick up the phone to talk to your therapist.
Most sessions average 30 minutes. The good news is that you aren’t required to attend a specific number of sessions. Take a few as one or two sessions or as many as forty.
Many people opt to have one session per week or every other week. It all depends on what works best for you.
BetterHelp also doesn’t require you to stick with the same therapist you matched. Instead, you can switch counselors anytime by contacting BetterHelp’s support.
Unfortunately, BetterHelp doesn’t currently take insurance. This includes employer-based insurance and Medicaid. Since the company can’t bill an insurance provider, there also aren’t any deductibles to meet.
BetterHelp’s online therapy platform runs on a subscription model, meaning they don’t submit for insurance coverage since you sign up and pay monthly to access its services.
The good news is that BetterHelp does offer some financial aid discounts for eligible patients. This eligibility may depend on what type of service you seek, such as couples’ therapy.
If you qualify for BetterHelp’s financial aid, you can receive their services at a 25-50% discount.
If you don’t qualify for a company discount and you’re on Medicaid, you may qualify for a reimbursement from Medicaid for an out-of-pocket payment since Medicaid does cover some mental health services.
If you don’t get a BetterHelp discount or aren’t on Medicaid, reach out to your insurance company. Some companies may reimburse you for mental healthcare services.
It’s more important than ever today to receive qualified mental health care. Licensed therapists can help with a bad mental health day, discuss strategies for dealing with relationships, or help you bring more clarity to your path in life.
While BetterHelp isn’t the immediate solution needed for a mental health crisis or domestic violence situation, it can offer regular, professional, and compassionate care from licensed professionals.
Don’t let the fact that BetterHelp doesn’t take insurance deter you from trying the online service if you think that it’s something that could help you. Checking for any discounts you may be eligible for, or insurance reimbursements can make a big difference.
