What is Better Help ?
Established in 2013, Better Help is one of the world’s largest online therapy platforms, offering individual adult therapy across the United States and 200 countries. While it doesn’t provide psychiatry services, group, or family therapy, it offers specialized services through its sister sites ReGain (for couples) and Teen Counseling (for teens).
Better Help’s mission is to make therapy accessible and convenient, with an app-based format and chat sessions. It’s known for its diverse range of mental health services, including support for stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and more.
Acquired by Teladoc in 2015, BetterHelp stands out for its commitment to quality, accepting only about 15% of therapists who apply. Despite not accepting insurance, it offers financial assistance and unlimited messaging with therapists between sessions.
Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Better Help strives to make therapy affordable and accessible, providing support for individuals dealing with a variety of mental health challenges.
How does it work ?
To explore therapy options with Better Help, visit their website and select the type of therapy that interests you, such as individual, couples, or teen therapy. You can also begin the registration process by clicking the “Get Started” button on the homepage.
After completing a brief questionnaire, BetterHelp will match you with a therapist, usually within 24 hours. Once matched, you can message your therapist at your convenience. If you feel the match isn’t suitable, you can request a different therapist.
For live chat, phone, or video sessions, you’ll need to schedule a session and log in at the agreed-upon time.
BetterHelp’s homepage has a straightforward layout with a message at the top that reads, “You deserve to be happy,” and options to select the type of therapy you’re seeking.
During the sign-up process, you’ll be asked about your gender identity, sexuality, age, relationship status, spirituality/religious beliefs, and reasons for seeking therapy. You can also specify your expectations for your therapist, such as someone who listens, explores your past, teaches new skills, or helps you set goals. Additionally, there’s an opportunity to share in your own words why you’re seeking therapy, providing a personalized touch.
My Personal Journey with BetterHelp: Navigating Therapy and Finding Healing
A few years ago, while living abroad in Lisbon, Portugal, I found myself struggling during the challenging times of the pandemic. Seeking support, I decided to try therapy and came across BetterHelp, which was being widely advertised. I had tried in-person therapy before but was not satisfied, as it was expensive and didn’t feel like it was making progress. Additionally, being a man dealing with specific issues, I didn’t feel deeply understood by my female therapist.
Due to the affordability and variety of therapists available, I decided to give BetterHelp a try. After signing up, I was quickly matched with a therapist who seemed to fit my criteria from the questionnaire. The counseling was professional, and I felt understood. However, I soon felt that we were not making progress. There was a lack of follow-up on previous discussions, and my therapist seemed confused and distracted at times.
Feeling frustrated, I decided to change therapists. I was matched with a new therapist who contacted me via chat right away. This time, I felt much more connected to him. He had a spiritual approach that resonated with me, and I felt heard and seen. The questions were structured, and he seemed to genuinely understand and care. He provided me with worksheets to complete between sessions, which gave me a sense of consistent effort and goal-reaching.
I shared with him my plan to attend a 10-day Vipassana retreat, and he encouraged me to do it. After that powerful experience, my well-being improved drastically. My therapist and I agreed that I had made significant progress and decided to conclude our sessions. He emphasized the importance of using the tools I had learned and assured me that I could reach out to him if I ever felt the need to resume therapy.
Looking back on my experience with BetterHelp, I am grateful for the support I received during a challenging time. It was a journey of ups and downs, but ultimately, it helped me improve mentally and implement positive changes in my life.
