How Can I Choose The Right BetterHelp Therapist?

When starting to use BetterHelp, you will find that there are many therapists available to provide support through theplatform. You have the option to browse providers to look for a potential therapist you're interested in working with. Or, you could simply fill out the onboarding questionnaire and get matched with a licensed therapist that fits your needs and preferences. You may be able to request a certain therapist through their BetterHelp profile. However, whether you'll be able to work with this therapist or counselor depends on their availability. Nevertheless, BetterHelp makes it easy to find a therapist and switch if you do not find the right fit right away.

What is a brief history of online therapy?

Online therapy has existed in various forms for decades, with some tracing its origins back to a simulated therapy session presented at the 1972 International Conference on Computers. From there, individuals were able to find informal mental health support via online self-help groups, bulletin boards, and eventually, a service providing online mental health advice titled “Ask Uncle Ezra.” 

It wasn't until the mid-1990s that fee-based mental health services became available, allowing individuals to attend one-on-one sessions with a licensed professional counselor via the internet. Later, in 2013, BetterHelp was founded. It’s now the world’s largest online mental health service, with a network of over 30,000 licensed mental health professionals and more than five million users have gotten help since. 

Why do people choose online platforms to find a therapist?

According to a poll by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), nearly 38% of Americans used telehealth services to consult with medical doctors or therapists in 2020, due in large part to a lack of availability of traditional in-person services during the beginning of the pandemic. The same poll shows that telehealth users come from all walks of life; however, younger adults (between 18 and 29) are most likely to use online therapy. Regardless of the demographic, individuals may choose online treatment for several reasons.

How can I choose the right BetterHelp therapist?

Online therapy platforms enable individuals to connect with mental health providers like:

• Licensed clinical social workers
• Psychologists
• Counselors
• Marriage therapists
• Family therapists

This may be particularly helpful for those who live in remote or otherwise underserved areas. Additionally, people with physical disabilities or for whom commuting to in-person appointments may be difficult for any other reason can receive therapy without the challenges associated with attending in-office sessions. 

Plus, as we’ll discuss more below, BetterHelp can match you with a therapist according to the preferences you outline in a questionnaire, which can be an easier process than personally researching and contacting therapists in your area.

What is the convenience and flexibility of online therapy?

Online platforms typically offer a wider variety of appointment times, often including evenings and weekends. This can make it easier for individuals with busy schedules to fit therapy into their lives. Eliminating the need to commute to a therapist's office can also save a person time and money on things like transportation, parking, and childcare or other caregiving expenses.

Is there increased affordability in online therapy?

Online therapy platforms can often be a more affordable option compared to traditional in-person care, since it involves reduced overhead expenses for therapists. Your health insurance company, if applicable, may cover online therapy. If not, out-of-pocket costs for virtual care can be less than those associated with in-person therapy without insurance. 

If you have insurance but it does not cover online therapy, for now, however, note that many HSA/FSA plans can be used to pay for BetterHelp sessions with most therapists.  Nevertheless, therapy may still be prohibitively expensive for some. To address these concerns, BetterHelp offers financial aid that may allow qualifying individuals to pay an income-based rate.

What is the potential for reduced mental health stigma and greater comfort in online therapy?

Attending sessions from the comfort of one's own home can help create a more relaxed atmosphere for care. This may facilitate greater openness during therapy and improved treatment adherence. 

Being able to attend therapy from home may be especially important for those who are affected by mental health stigma, such as those in smaller towns who may feel nervous about visiting their local mental health clinic.

Is online therapy an avenue for effective treatment?

Research suggests that online treatment using evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), or psychodynamic therapy can often be as effective as traditional, in-person treatment for a variety of mental health conditions. For example, consider the following research findings:

• One 2023 Frontiers in Psychiatry trial suggests that, compared to in-person CBT, clients who participated in online CBT “demonstrated comparable significant improvements in depressive symptoms and quality of life from baseline to post-treatment.” 
• Consider also a review of 12 trials on online treatment of less-common mental health conditions like eating disorders and substance use disorder. It suggests that “there were no significant differences” between telehealth and face-to-face therapy in terms of symptom reduction after treatment, quality of therapeutic alliance, or client satisfaction.
• A study published in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that a strong therapeutic alliance can be established in online therapy sessions as well as in-person sessions, which can be a significant factor in successful treatment. 

What should I consider when preparing to search for a mental health professional via online therapy?

Are you experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition? Do you have past trauma to address? Do you need support in coping with a significant life change, managing challenges in everyday life, or achieving a particular goal? Regardless, gaining a clear understanding of your needs, goals, and preferences can be integral to finding the right therapist. 

When may it not be appropriate to find a therapist on BetterHelp?

Although it can be effective for addressing a variety of mental health challenges, online counseling isn’t appropriate for every case. For example, it’s generally not recommended for those experiencing challenges like active psychosis, active suicidal ideation, or severe addiction that may require more intensive, in-person support. Additionally, technological limitations, difficulty building trust, and lack of in-person support can make online therapy less effective for some individuals. 

How can I choose the right BetterHelp therapist? What is the matching process like?

To sign up with BetterHelp, you’ll need to fill out a brief questionnaire that aims to understand your needs and preferences in a therapist. For best results, try to answer these questions as honestly and thoroughly as possible. They lay the foundation for getting matched with a therapist who understands your needs and challenges and has the expertise and approach you may need.

Are there other ways of choosing a therapist on BetterHelp?

You also have the option to view therapist profiles on BetterHelp to manually find a professional you’d like to work with. Note, however, that a prospective therapist you find this way may or may not have availability to take on new clients or work with clients in your area. 

However you find a provider on BetterHelp, you’ve always got options. If a professional you’re matched with doesn’t feel like the right fit, you can switch therapists at any time and for any reason, for no additional cost. Finding someone you feel comfortable with can be key for effective care, so BetterHelp makes it easier to find your match.

Deciding on your communication preferences

With BetterHelp, you can meet with your therapist via phone call, video call, or live chat. The method you choose is up to you and your comfort level. For example, if the thought of being face to face with a new therapist, even virtually, makes you nervous, you may feel more at ease connecting via phone call than video call. Considering your needs and preferences before you schedule your first session may be helpful. 

Can I get started with BetterHelp today?

Again, getting started with BetterHelp can be as simple as filling out the onboarding questionnaire and waiting to get matched with a therapist. If you need mental health support, it’s available online.

If you have further questions about how online therapy with BetterHelp works, you can visit the Frequently asked questions page or contact the customer support team. You’re not alone, and you can get the help you deserve.