BetterHelp is the biggest name in online therapy. Here's whether that matters.
Everyone's heard of it. But the largest network doesn't automatically mean the best fit — especially when you're paying out of pocket.
We've tested 34+ platforms. This review reflects hands-on experience, not marketing copy.
BetterHelp at a Glance
BetterHelp
Best for fast matching with the widest therapist selection
BetterHelp is the largest online therapy platform in the world, with over 29,000 licensed therapists and more than 278 million sessions delivered. Their matching algorithm connects most users with a therapist within 24–48 hours, and the platform offers video, phone, live chat, and asynchronous messaging. The tradeoff that defines BetterHelp: you get unmatched speed and selection, but you're paying $65–100/week out of pocket — they don't accept insurance. For people who want to start fast and have the budget, it's hard to beat. For everyone else, keep reading.
Pricing & Plans
BetterHelp bills on a 4-week cycle, not monthly, which is worth knowing when you're comparing costs. The platform charges $65–100 per week depending on your location and plan tier, which works out to roughly $260–400 per billing cycle. Every plan includes the same core features — the price difference comes from regional pricing, not feature tiers.
What every plan includes:
One live session per week (30–45 minutes) via video, phone, or live chat. Unlimited asynchronous messaging with your therapist between sessions. Access to 4 group therapy sessions per month (called Groupinars). A digital journal for tracking thoughts and progress.
How it compares to in-person therapy:
In-person therapy averages $150–250 per session without insurance. At BetterHelp's rate, you're getting weekly sessions plus messaging for roughly the cost of one in-person session. That's the math that makes BetterHelp work — but only if you don't have insurance that would cover in-person or another platform.
Financial aid:
BetterHelp offers reduced-cost memberships for users who qualify based on financial need. During signup, there's an option to request financial assistance — this can bring the weekly cost down significantly. The exact discount varies, but users have reported reductions of 25–50% off the standard rate. If cost is a barrier, it's worth applying — the process is straightforward and doesn't require extensive documentation.
Session Formats
BetterHelp gives you more ways to communicate with your therapist than most platforms. This flexibility is one of its genuine strengths — you can switch between formats depending on what you need that week.
Video sessions
Face-to-face through the app or browser. 30–45 minutes per session. This is the closest to traditional therapy and where most of the deeper work happens.
Phone sessions
Audio-only calls for days when you don't want to be on camera. Same session length. Some users find they open up more without the visual component.
Live chat
Real-time text conversation with your therapist during a scheduled session. Useful if you process better through writing or can't talk aloud where you are.
Async messaging
Send messages anytime through your dedicated therapy room. Your therapist responds during business hours. Think of it as ongoing support between live sessions.
Insurance Coverage
If your insurance covers online therapy, you could be paying $15–30 per session instead of $65–100 per week. Check before you commit.
This is the biggest thing to know about BetterHelp: they do not accept insurance directly. There are no copay options, no in-network benefits, no direct billing to your carrier. You pay BetterHelp out of pocket, period.
That said, some users successfully submit BetterHelp receipts to their insurance for out-of-network reimbursement. Whether this works depends entirely on your specific plan — many PPO plans offer partial reimbursement for out-of-network mental health providers. BetterHelp provides session receipts (called superbills) that you can submit to your insurer. But this is you doing the work, not BetterHelp billing on your behalf.
If insurance coverage matters to you — and for most people it should — Talkspace is the platform to consider instead. They accept Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and more, with average copays of $15–30 per session. That changes the math dramatically. See our insurance-specific guides for details on what your plan covers.
What We Like
Where It Falls Short
Who Is BetterHelp Best For?
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
How BetterHelp Compares
| BetterHelp | Talkspace | Online-Therapy.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $65–100/week | $69–109/week | $60–120/week |
| Insurance | No | Yes — Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UHC+ | No |
| Therapist Network | 29,000+ | Not disclosed | Smaller, curated |
| Formats | Video, Phone, Chat, Messaging | Video, Messaging | Video, Chat, CBT tools |
| Psychiatry | No | Yes | No |
| Best For | Fast start, wide selection | Insurance users, therapy + meds | Structured CBT programs |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.8/5 |
Our Verdict
BetterHelp earns its reputation through sheer scale and speed. If you don't have insurance, want the widest therapist selection, and value getting started fast — it's a strong choice. But if your insurance covers online therapy, or you need medication management, or you want a structured CBT program, other platforms serve you better. The right choice depends on your situation, not the biggest name.
Coming Soon — Check BackAbout Our Editorial Process
DTS Research Team Editorial
Anxiety Disorders · CBT · Trauma-Informed Care
Every recommendation on this page was independently researched, cross-referenced against current clinical literature, and verified for accuracy by the DTS editorial team. Platforms are re-evaluated monthly.
We're not therapists — we're researchers who spent hundreds of hours comparing these platforms so you don't have to. Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you sign up. This never influences which platforms we recommend or how honestly we report their limitations. For professional guidance, please consult a licensed mental health provider.
Pricing reflects our most recent research as of March 2026 and may vary by location. Financial aid availability depends on qualification. We update monthly, but confirm directly with BetterHelp before signing up.