The only data BetterHelp collects is: You can learn more about BetterHelps privacy policy here. My counselor made suggestions without pushing me to follow them and offered ways I could cope with anxiety, such as breathing exercises and journaling techniques for perceiving fears or worries in a more realistic and logical way. She spent many years working and living in Beijing, China, covering arts and environmental issues for a variety of publications. The company stands out in the online therapy field as being specifically geared toward depression and anxiety. The Better Business Bureau, a nonprofit organization that posts a companys consumer ratings online, showed a rating of 4.09 out of 5 stars for BetterHelp, with 387 reviews at the time of this writing. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. You can cancel your subscription at any time if you decide that BetterHelp is not working for you. It offers counseling through online messaging, live chat, and video and phone sessions. This compensation comes from two main sources. Psych Central does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The exact price depends on a person's location and preferences . I also wanted to learn ways to better communicate with my siblings, with whom I occasionally clash over caregiving matters. Compared to other popular online therapy sites and the typical cost of traditional, in-person therapy, BetterHelp falls on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to price, which is important for those looking to find a more affordable form of therapy. Last medically reviewed on February 2, 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic fallout have taken a toll on the mental health of many Americans, according to a March 2021 Pew Research Center report[1]Many Americans Continue to Experience Mental Health Difficulties as Pandemic Enters Second Year. She opted for a video call, which she notes was very straightforward to use and similar to any other Zoom or G-Chat room Ive been in., For her initial appointment with her therapist, they met for an hour. We can help! Since BetterHelp is online, there are more therapists to choose from, and finding a compatible therapist may take significantly less time and effort. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. With over 20,000 trained, experienced, and accredited therapists covering a wide range of areas - from depression and anxiety to family and couples therapy - it's never been easier to receive personal, professional help when you need it. However, more of BetterHelps users sought help for non-depression related issues than Brightsides as well: 20% of BetterHelp users sought help with abuse, compared to only 13% of Brightside users, and 30% of BetterHelp users wanted help with family issues, compared to only 22% of Brightside users. She is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and a functional medicine certified health coach. However, unlike certain in-person therapists, BetterHelps therapists cannot give an official diagnosis, prescribe medication, or meet a court order. While we work hard to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Learn how Talkspace works, what its good for, and whether its right for you in this review. A glitch from your computer or drop in the Wi-Fi signal is not ideal when youre opening up to a therapist about your personal life. Net loss per share is . Download the 2023 Super Bowl TV Ad Report from iSpot Today. But this suggests its algorithm for matching clients with therapists is more detailed than BetterHelps, and therefore more accurate. Can BetterHelp Diagnose Mental Health Conditions? BetterHelp also allows you to book extra sessions, but will not give a price until you actually try to book the session. (2019). The BetterHelp platform was easy to navigate, and I enjoyed my therapy experience. Get help, you deserve to be happy! Brightside was founded by Brad Kittredge in 2017, and is based in Oakland, California. Because BetterHelp is a strictly online platform and does not have the ability to connect you with a therapist for in-person or face-to-face evaluations, official diagnoses or confirmation of diagnoses cannot be given, according to the company. . Finding a therapist is a huge step in caring for your mental health. Pew Research Center. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 20% of people in the United States will experience a mental health condition in any given year. Text-based communication (texting and live-chat sessions) are a great way to take some of the anxiety out of starting therapy and help clients dive into the process, says James Imrie, the creative and marketing manager at BetterHelp. Depression is tough to deal with on its own and advice telling you to fake your emotions, cheer up, or simply "snap out of it" doesn't make your condition any better. However, its large customer base isnt built on performance alone. The platform offers therapy and counseling to individuals, couples, teens between ages 13 and 17, and veterans. Along with BetterHelp, there are other online therapy services that offer services that could better align with your needs. BetterHelp is rated as a top teletherapy platform for a variety of mental health concerns. If youre unable to afford it, you can apply for financial aid through the BetterHelp website. The app will notify you of their response. You get unlimited messaging with your therapist. Psychiatry evaluations and medication management are also available. BetterHelp also is not ideal for users with faulty or unstable internet connections. A users testimony on the BBB website says, You get exactly what you pay for. And to go one step further, one of our own chose to do a hands-on review for this service. Also, the platform will request emergency contact information from you, which your therapist will use only if they think you or someone else may be in danger. These cookies . Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. One is not better than the other, but the experience can be quite different. Since 2013, over 30,000 licensed, accredited, and board-certified therapists from BetterHelp's network have helped more than 2,000,000 people face life's challenges and improve their mental health. Prices range from $60 to $90 a week, depending on how many live sessions you want to schedule. It would help us match you with the most suitable therapist for you. Answer a few questions about your therapy goals to get started. Read more about BetterHelp insurance coverage. Online therapy can serve as a source of connection and support, especially during a time (in light of the pandemic) that feels otherwise isolating, says Sheava Zadeh, PhD, LEP, BCIM, a psychologist and the founder of Pamper Your Brain. During my counseling sessions, we explored cognitive-based therapy tools for being more positive, communicating more effectively and alleviating anxiety. BetterHelp has an overall positive reputation. Financial aid is available to users who cant afford the standard price. If you want to learn more about BetterHelp and insurance, consider reading our in-depth article on the topic. I had the option to schedule an appointment with him or choose a different therapist I decided to schedule, and Im really glad I did!, She says that she had the option to choose between a call, messenger, or video. Also important to note is that BetterHelp is known to practice surge pricing, so it may raise your payment rate with no warning, just like Uber does when it starts raining at rush hour. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. Therapy offers a broad array of benefits for all of us. Still, whether it was a result of the matching algorithm, or just the overall quality of the therapists at Brightside, I did find my initial assigned therapist at Brightside to be a much better fit for me that the one given to me by BetterHelp: more professional, easier to talk to, and more understanding of what I hoped to accomplish. Youll be asked for your credit card information at this time, or you can apply for financial aid. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. If youre interested in trying BetterHelp, you can get started here. She took the initiative to lead the session and outline what we should accomplish, both that day and in the course of our work together, while still giving me plenty of time to talk. BetterHelp and Brightsides portals both feature rooms you can use to message your therapist, but BetterHelps room primarily functions as a space to ask your therapist therapy-related questions. The company describes BetterHelp as the "largest online counseling platform worldwide," geared toward helping people dealing with issues "such as stress, anxiety, relationships, parenting,. Both platforms are available in all 50 U.S. states. This process helps narrow down the options to get a therapist who best meets your needs. BetterHelp, on the other hand, takes the opposite approach. (2019). At the same time, resources for face-to-face mental health services werent readily available due to public health concerns. Hamel L, et al. Heres what youll do to get signed up. For medications, you'll be charged either your pharmacy copay or, if paying out of pocket, a flat rate of $15 per medication. Therapy sessions at BetterHelp are typically 30 minutes, though some therapists may allow for longer sessions upon request. With Brightside, you know what you are getting, while with BetterHelp, there is much larger variety in techniques and experience levels. This includes eating disorders and substance use disorders. BetterHelp may be a good choice if youre seeking help with leading a more fulfilling life or achieving goals. While traditional therapy offers the quiet comfort of facial expressions and affirmations, in todays tech-centric world, even that can be closely mimicked through BetterHelps live video sessions. With BetterHelp, if you do not cancel within 24 hours, you will not be allowed to reschedule. After completing a survey that consisted of questions about herself, what she was looking to accomplish in therapy, and her current mental state, she was also able to list out preferences she looks for in a therapist. Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Simone is the health editorial director for performance marketing at Verywell. If you're eligible for financial aid, you can get their subscription at about 20-50% lower cost. Brightside sessions are 30 minutes. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. I also found BetterHelp customer service to be responsive and helpful. Although they appear similar, there are a few functional differences between the two sites, particularly in the member portals. In general, BetterHelp says its services can work well for people looking to improve their quality of life. Here's a review of BetterHelp, including its features, pros, and cons. Talkspace accepts insurance from a couple of insurance providers. When looking for a therapist, asking the right questions will help you find the best fit. The reviews about BetterHelps services on Trustpilot are as positive and appreciative as the ones on BBB. BetterHelp pairs users with licensed therapists for web-based therapy sessions. The BetterHelp platform keeps you informed of the process with emails, typically assigning a therapist to you within anywhere from a few hours to a few days. While our team of, Best Hearing Aids for Severe Hearing Loss. You also get the comfort that comes with being in your own personal space and you dont have to worry about running into anyone you know in the waiting room. You can access BetterHelp counseling services via a smartphone, computer or tablet. Even if a therapy session is a videoconference, therapists generally only see from the shoulders up. BetterHelp uses a monthly membership payment plan, but you can cancel your membership at any time. Spending just a few minutes a day on meditation can have big benefits for your mental health. In addition, web-based therapy offers users the chance to access a therapist from anywhere at any time of day or night and switch therapists to help you find the right fit. BetterHelp specifically is a low-cost option that many universities and organizations partner with to provide counseling to large communities. During the sign-up process, I noted I was seeking help with some anxiety and family conflict issues. BetterHelp offers journal prompts that can help you get started in your journaling. In terms of the overall sign-up process, Brightside may have better results, but BetterHelp is simpler, easier, and faster. The platform makes it simple to find a new match. Facing obstacles . BetterHelp is an excellent option for people seeking online counseling for certain mental health issues. I got matched with a therapist within a couple of hours at BetterHelp, while with Brightside, it took over a day. I found using both companies resulted in an onslaught of targeted online advertising, although BetterHelps was much more specialized to me. Our editorial content is based on thorough research and guidance from the, Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. You have online access to experienced therapists. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, BetterHelp markets itself as the largest online counseling platform in the world. Our surveyed users found, as I did, that therapists as both companies were dependable and competent. It found that 37.8% of participants had improved significantly, 62% had a partial response, and 19.8% were classified as being in remission after receiving therapy from BetterHelp for 3 months. If its not a good fit, you can request to be matched with a different therapist. Keep in mind, Brightsides choice to mandate video connection for all sessions might be a quality issue rather than a lack of resourcesmany reputable therapists consider live chat or phone sessions to lack the level of connection necessary for a productive therapy session. However, for those who want to give web-based therapy a try, BetterHelp is a good option. All have a masters or doctoral degree in the area they specialize in. Affordable, Private Therapy Anytime, Anywhere. BetterHelp says therapists are compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which is a federal law protecting sensitive health information. Mobile apps for BetterHelp are available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. If youre considering self-harm or suicide, help is available. Any additional services offered are unique to that online therapy website. It explicitly specifies what it doesnt treat, which are conditions it deems serious enough to warrant in-person care: eating disorders, addiction issues, or serious mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder (BPD) or schizophrenia. Questions about your therapy goals to get a therapist is a good choice if youre considering self-harm or,! Works, what its good for, and is based in Oakland, California, BetterHelp markets itself as largest. Director for performance marketing at Verywell for face-to-face mental health what you pay for of life minutes though... Internet connections questions about your therapy goals to get a therapist is a low-cost that. The largest online counseling platform in the member portals over caregiving matters option people! 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