Mixed bag and not particularly affordable I have used BetterHelp on a few occasions. I chose BetterHelp as it appeared to be reputable and had more reviews than other platforms of a similar nature. I liked that your sessions could be via IM. However, despite BetterHelp advertising itself as affordable, it is hardly any cheaper than regular therapy sessions with a more reputable therapist. I have found some online therapy charging £25 per weekly session which is almost half the price of BetterHelp. You also have to pay for a month advance which isn't fair value when your therapist may not be available for a full month of sessions. I haven't found this platform particularly helpful. Some therapists clearly use this as a side hustle so you don't get the level of care you want. The first therapist I used was my favourite. We sent messages back and forth rather than just having a single session a week. I felt like I had a therapist to hand on a regular basis. However, he did go on holiday for a little while and I was still charged the full month. As I was struggling to pay for this therapy, I ended up cancelling. When I re-joined I wasn't able to connect with him again and was matched to a different therapist. This therapist didn't respond to messages like the first therapist did so I only spoke to him during our weekly sessions. The sessions were not helpful. He kept telling me I felt and angry and rejected. I was fully aware of my feelings. I was looking for support on how to navigate and deal with them, which he did not provide me. I switched therapist, this one didn't even respond at all. I eventually cancelled and did some further research. I discovered that although all of therapists on the platform are qualified, they aren't all good. There are a lot who are inexperienced or disinterested and it's difficult to match with one who will provide the support you want. There are many reputable therapists and councillors who now offer therapy online in some form the price is equal/cheaper. I also think the way the subscription works needs to be changed. You pay for the month upfront but that doesn't guarantee sessions or communication from your therapist. If you pay for the month in advance, you should be in regular communication with your therapist or they should give you the option to pay per session.

Connection issues Connection issues, issues with therapists not turning up on time, triggering me, not caring and not supporting me out of it. £200 a month is apparently a reduced rate for someone not working and yet if the therapist is on holiday that week you are still charged. I tried with 5 different therapists and gave up. They gave some money back for not having sessions because of app issues/connection and so no therapy. But it wasn't enough. I also realised it was mainly one of the therapists connection that was the issue and she didn't seem to care. In hindsight she could have done a voice call instead rather than waste my time! I was refunded £60 after having spent £600 for 3 months of wasted time and money. Even the group session I got removed from I assume because I was 5 mins late because of connection issues. Today I cried in my session because she triggered me and then I was told its my filtering to why I'm upset. Pointing out im nervous too doesnt make me feel good. I'm done with betterhelp!! The idea is good the reality is much different

I wish I would have started this sooner I’d been putting off therapy for a long time because of thinking I wouldn’t be able to figure out how to work it out with my work schedule. I finally decided to try better help and it has been fantastic. I was matched with a great therapist and have different time options during the week to be able to have a session. It has helped me with tools to work through stressful/anxious moments especially with my job. I wish I would have started this sooner, but I’m thankful for the help I have received so far and look forward to the positive changes to come.

BetterHelp is Better than Therapy! BetterHelp has been a literal godsend. The ease with which I can access therapy, the quality of the therapists, and the easy to use platform is great! You also get access to group therapy and classes to help advance your mental health goals.

Making therapy easier, more flexible, and innovative using tech I love being able to talk to my counselor wherever I am. There have been times when I need to talk to my counselor the most while I have been out of town and a traditional session would not have been possible. From the app I can send messages to my counselor to mention something we should talk about in our next meeting or to reschedule last minute. The app also has a journal feature where you can share (or not share) a journal entry to give more insight to your counselor about a topic that you have been dealing with. I like having the option to have a video or phone call. Some days it's just nice to not have a face to face when you're feeling really down or don't want to get out of bed.