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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 & Cons
Pros
- 30,000+ licensed therapists
- Message your therapist anytime between sessions
- Financial aid available
Cons
- No medication management
- Therapist matching can take time
How 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 & 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 you
- Want the widest choice of therapists
- Like messaging between sessions
- Want flexible formats
- May qualify for financial aid
Look elsewhere if you
- Need medication management
- Want to use insurance
- Are in crisis
How BetterHelp Compares
Talkspace adds psychiatry and accepts many insurance plans, and MDLive offers faster same-day access. BetterHelp leads on network size and flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Verdict
★ 4.7 out of 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.
See the full Best Online Therapy Platforms ranking →
Reviewed by
Dr. Lisa ChenHealth & Wellness Editor
Dr. Lisa Chen holds a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from UCSF and has 8 years of clinical experience in patient care and health education. She specializes in reviewing digital health platforms, wellness products, and nutrition services. Dr. Chen consults with a panel of MDs and registered dietitians to ensure all health content meets clinical accuracy standards.