BetterHelp review

BetterHelp is the default name in subscription therapy, and its strength is speed and flexibility. After a short questionnaire it matches you with an available therapist, which it says can take a few hours or a few days, and you can ask for a new match if the fit is wrong. You can message your therapist at any time, schedule live chat, take calls by phone without sharing your number, or meet by video. Therapists must hold a relevant degree, have at least 3 years of experience and pass verification and background checks. Membership is billed every 4 weeks, can be cancelled any time, and its FAQ says the price depends on your location, preferences and therapist availability. The limits matter: therapists cannot diagnose or prescribe, the service is not for minors, and its FAQ page as fetched for this review did not list a US dollar price.

Who it is for

Adults paying out of pocket who want quick matching and many ways to talk with a therapist.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Matching to a therapist based on your goals and preferences
• Messaging, live chat, phone and video sessions
• Option to switch to a different therapist
• Therapists with at least 3 years of experience
• Secure messaging with 256-bit encryption

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Four ways to communicate, usable at different times
• Strength: Matching can take only a few hours
• Strength: Cancel the membership at any time
• Weakness: Therapists cannot diagnose or prescribe medication
• Weakness: Not for minors or court-ordered therapy
• Weakness: Price depends on location and preferences and is shown at sign-up

Key facts

• Billing: Every 4 weeks
• Formats: Messaging, live chat, phone, video
• Therapist experience: At least 3 years
• Security: HITRUST r2 certified

Where it ranks

BetterHelp is No. 4 in our Best Online Therapy Services verdict.