Find A Therapist With BetterHelp: Australia Online Therapy For Mental Health

Since the 1970s, people have been using the internet to address mental health concerns thanks to its ease and flexibility. Online therapy has only grown in popularity since then, with platforms like BetterHelp connecting millions of people with thousands of therapists worldwide—including in Australia. It may take more time to determine exactly how many Australians use BetterHelp, but more and more people are taking advantage of the benefits it offers that traditional in-person treatment might not. This post explores BetterHelp’s reach in Australia, its benefits, and how it works. It also outlines some of the challenges BetterHelp is working to resolve.

BetterHelp’s expansion into Australia

Founded in the US in 2013, BetterHelp officially launched in Australia in June 2024. The platform’s goal is to match Australians with local mental health professionals, offering users more flexible, convenient therapy options. Because it’s still relatively new to the country, BetterHelp’s pool of Australian therapists may be smaller compared to their US-based therapists, but it is growing. BetterHelp has been actively spreading the word in Australia, including through social media, influencer partnerships, and third-party advertisers.

The state of mental health in Australia

Like much of the rest of the world, Australia is experiencing a rise in the rates of mental disorders among its population. According to a 2020 to 2022 study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW): 

• An estimated one in five Australian residents aged 16 to 85 experienced a mental disorder within the previous 12 months.
• One in seven individuals aged four to 17 years experienced a mental illness.
• At 17%, the most commonly reported condition was an anxiety disorder.
• Teens and young adults ages 16 to 24 experienced the most significant increase in mental health disorders, going from 26% in 2007 to 39% in 2022.

The rise in mental health challenges among Australians

Several factors likely contribute to the rising prevalence of mental health challenges in Australia. Economic factors like financial hardship and socioeconomic disadvantage may have an impact. Research suggests that discrimination and structural racism continue to play a prominent role in rising mental health challenges, as do limited reachability to and utilization of schooling. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic intensified mental health challenges in Australia and contributed to increased demand for support. 

What are the impacts of unmet mental health care needs in Australia?

Rising rates of mental health challenges in Australia appear to be outpacing the capacity of the system, potentially leading to worsening mental health symptoms and poorer quality of life. Families and carers might face significant challenges due to the lack of support services. Individuals may adopt harmful behaviors as a means of coping with prolonged psychological distress (an estimated 3% of Australians had a substance use disorder between 2020 and 2022). Additionally, limited mental health resources have been linked to higher suicide rates, particularly in remote or rural parts of Australia. 

On a national level, strain on the overall healthcare system may lead to hospital overcrowding. It might also contribute to barriers to obtaining specialized services, leaving some people with untreated mental health difficulties that can become more complex and challenging to manage—further increasing stress on the healthcare system. Additionally, untreated mental illness may have economic consequences like lost productivity, welfare dependence, and increased healthcare costs.

Benefits of online therapy with BetterHelp for Australians

Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp can offer many benefits to people looking for mental health support. With virtual therapy, individuals can speak with a therapist from anywhere in the world via live chat, phone, and video sessions. Users can attend therapy on a schedule that suits their specific needs, allowing them to fit appointments into busy schedules and eliminating the travel time needed for traditional therapy. 

Additionally, BetterHelp has a system for matching users with therapists based on their needs and preferences, including those with specialized expertise, potentially improving the therapeutic relationship. If they aren’t satisfied with their initial match, individuals can switch to a new therapist anytime. 

Effectiveness of treatment via an online therapy platform like BetterHelp

Research repeatedly shows that virtual therapy, particularly internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT), can be as effective as conventional treatment for many mental health conditions. A study reviewing 12 randomized controlled trials published in The Journal of Medical Internet Research found that participants in online therapy programs experienced similar symptom reduction as those using traditional face-to-face care. 

Studies have also shown that some people engaged in online therapy show greater treatment adherence compared to conventional therapy. Additionally, an Australian study published in Frontiers in Psychology indicated that couples felt more comfortable and less judged in online therapy than those in face-to-face treatment. 

Helping people in remote regions find a therapist

In rural Australia, mental health statistics highlight a concerning trend: higher rates of suicide and substance use disorders. A shortage of professionals in such areas may compound the mental health crisis. 

Experts estimate that, while 29% of the Australian population lives in rural and remote areas, only 14% of psychiatrists work in these regions. Due to its accessibility and flexibility, virtual therapy can play a key role in helping many Australians living in rural areas get the mental health support they need. 

Additionally, limited health literacy and stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in male-dominated communities, can hinder help-seeking behavior. Online therapy offers users the opportunity to attend sessions from home, which may be a more discreet way to receive mental health support than therapy in an office setting.

Pricing and affordability

Like other online therapy platforms, BetterHelp operates on a subscription-based model where users pay weekly or monthly for access to therapy, including weekly live sessions, in-app messaging with their therapist, educational webinars, and group sessions. 

In Australia, BetterHelp generally offers a lower cost for therapy compared to traditional in-person therapy sessions without insurance or Medicare rebates. BetterHelp is an American platform and, as such, is not covered by Australian Medicare or personal health insurance plans. This means users must pay the full cost out of pocket. However, BetterHelp does offer financial assistance to eligible individuals facing affordability challenges.

How to find a therapist on BetterHelp

To match you with a therapist, BetterHelp uses a questionnaire to assess your needs and preferences. To ensure the best possible match, it’s important to complete the questionnaire thoughtfully and honestly. Be sure to take your time and do some self-reflection during the process. If you have questions or aren’t sure about your symptoms or how to communicate them, the BetterHelp site offers resources on many mental health topics that might help. 

The system uses the information from your questionnaire to find a therapist who is likely to be a good fit. You may browse the therapist’s profile to learn about their background, experience, and credentials. When vetting therapists, consider what type of therapy you’re looking for and your needs, goals, and expectations. Also, be sure to check therapist availability and communication preferences. If you think the initial match isn’t right for you, BetterHelp allows you to switch to a different therapist at any time for no additional cost.

Things to consider as you find a therapist

Regardless of where you live in the world, there are some circumstances under which online therapy might not be an appropriate option. For example, people with conditions involving potentially severe symptoms, like schizophrenia spectrum disorders, severe bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorders, may require more intensive, in-person treatment. If someone is actively experiencing suicidal or self-harming thoughts, immediate in-person support is necessary. Additionally, BetterHelp therapists do not diagnose conditions or prescribe medications. If you require a diagnosis or prescription, you may need to speak with a medical doctor or psychiatrist in person. 

What are the online therapy platform security policies in Australia vs. the US? 

With BetterHelp’s expansion into Australia, some have expressed concern over potential security issues, as there are slight differences in how trusted service providers approach personal data in Australia and the US. While both Australia and the US emphasize security in online therapy, Australian law leans towards a more centralized approach with the My Health Record system and specific regulations for cross-border data transfers. The U.S. relies on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act as the core framework, with state laws potentially adding further layers of protection. 

Generally, explicit consent is not required for the collection and processing of personal data in Australia, except for sensitive information like health data, which requires consent. Covered entities must also provide a notice of security practices. 

Concerns over data sharing practices in Australia

In March of 2023, BetterHelp faced a US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) action in the US related to sharing user data with third-party advertisers. Directly after settling with the FCC in July of 2023, BetterHelp released an official statement clarifying that they “do not share and have never shared with advertisers, publishers, social media platforms, or any other similar third parties, information such as members' names or clinical data from therapy sessions.”

Although BetterHelp settled the charges and updated its policies regarding data sharing practices, this history has raised concerns for some users in Australia. In an article published in The Guardian, Kate Bower of the consumer advocacy group Choice said, “Australian consumers deserve to know what BetterHelp has been doing with their data here,” and urged the Australian information commissioner to investigate potential local security breaches. 

In response to these concerns, BetterHelp has implemented additional measures to enhance data security and provide clear information to users about how their data is used. Further, they’ve placed heavy priority on complying with Australian legal standards and prioritizing consumer protection, including offering an opt-out function.

Australia and US therapist accreditation requirements 

In the US, becoming a therapist or counselor generally requires individuals to earn a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field, complete clinical experience supervised by a clinical psychologist, and pass a state-level licensing exam. In Australia, practitioners typically need a minimum of six years of education and training, including a master’s degree in a specialized area of psychology, and registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA). Both countries have specific accreditation processes, but Australia places more emphasis on registration with a recognized body to practice as a psychologist.