BetterHelp is one of the popular subscription services that provide access to online therapy. If you signed up for its service, you could talk to a psychologist, licensed counselor, a marriage and family therapist, and a clinical social worker.
This online subscription service offers professional, virtual health therapy sessions. Beware that many private medical insurers do not cover the costs of BetterHelp, and the online therapy service provider does not accept insurance. On the bright side, you can be eligible for reduced rates if you cannot afford the therapy or you have a low income.
In this post, you will get more familiar with BetterHelp. We will explore the different online counseling costs, other affordable options, and more.
BetterHelp Overview
In a nutshell, BetterHelp refers to the online therapy platform connecting people with licensed therapists. It helps people access therapy in the comfort of their homes. Therapists at BetterHelp have experience treating various issues, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep or eating disorders. They also handle relationship disorders and other mental health issues.
If you sign up for BetterHelp, you have to complete a questionnaire, helping the company match a therapist to you. You can attend virtual therapy sessions via smartphone, tablet, or computer. If you think your current therapist is not suitable for you, you can request to find another one.
When it comes to confidentiality, you can rely on BetterHelp. Plus, you can remove any message from your accounts.
Who Doesn’t Need BetterHelp?
The therapy sessions provide by BetterHelp are not suitable for people who:
- Require psychiatric care or psychological supervision
- Have a severe mental health condition
- Need an emergency care
- Have thoughts of harming themselves or others
BetterHelp Costs
BetterHelp operates as a subscription-based online service. You can enjoy the service by paying a fee that ranges from $55 to $100 per week and is billed every four weeks. You can pay the fee via PayPal or credit card.
The monthly subscription includes:
- At least one video session per week with the counselor
- Unlimited audio messaging with the counselor
- Unlimited text messaging with the counselor
If you are not happy with the service or no longer need it, you are free to cancel the subscription.
BetterHelp Financial Aid
BetterHelp offers financial aid, and once you qualify for it, you can attend then online therapy costs at a lower price.
In the initial questionnaire, you are asked if you are experiencing financial difficulty, have a low income, or are unemployed. You can also describe your current financial situation. If BetterHelp grants you financial aid, you have to reapply every three months.
BetterHelp and Insurance
Beware that many private medical insurers, Medicaid, and Medicare do not cover the mental health services of BetterHelp. On the other hand, the online therapy provider provides more affordable online sessions than in-person visits.
Health-related services coverage varies depending on your location, insurance provider, and insurance plan. You should contact your insurance provider if you want to confirm the general mental health services coverage.
Checking Insurance Plan for Mental Health Coverage
Besides communicating with your insurance provider, you can also check the table of benefits of your insurance plan to figure out the mental health services coverage. If you have insurance through your insurance, you can ask for benefits confirmation from the HR department.
In some cases, out-of-pocket costs are applied to a insurance plan to cover your mental health service. So, it is critical to consider whether or not your insurance plan has deductibles, an amount you will pay out of your pocket before your insurance company will pay the claim.
Finding Therapists Covered by Insurance
Many insurance companies provide a list of participating or in-network doctors and healthcare professionals. You can check or call the mental care professional’s site to determine whether or not they work with specific insurers.
The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy’s Therapist Locator and the American Psychological Association’s Psychologist Locator help individuals find licensed therapists.
If you know what your insurance plan covers, your next step is to find a therapist. Below are some sources you can use to find a therapist:
- The insurance plan’s list of providers
- Local organizations, including non-profits, religious groups, advocacy groups, and colleges
- Referrals from family, friends, and healthcare professionals
- Trustworthy online databases
Other Affordable Therapy
Do not lose hope if your insurance plan does not cover your mental health services or therapists; you can try other options. Below are some affordable therapy options you might like to try:
Support Groups
The groups focus on a specific condition or problem, including stress, anxiety, depression, or addiction. Licensed mental care practitioners facilitate each session, where each group member will share their experiences. The National Alliance on Mental Illnesses also provides a family support group that hosts weekly and monthly sessions.
Mental Health Centers
Many mental health centers offer low cost to free therapy sessions. If you are unsure where to find a mental health center near you, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will help you.
College Mental Health Services
You can find many different colleges that offer reduced-cost or free counseling sessions for students. If you are a student suffering from mental health-related issues, your school will help you, and you do not need to look further.
Sliding Scale Therapists
If you go for sliding scale therapists, the fee varies depending on your income. For instance, if you have a lower income, the therapists will offer their therapy sessions for a lower cost.
Final Thoughts
BetterHelp is one of the trusted online platforms nowadays that offers virtual therapy sessions for teenagers, couples, and adults. The service provider does not accept insurance. However, it provides therapy sessions at lower costs than in-person visits.
This subscription-based service provider offers financial aid for individuals who experience financial difficulties. You may not take advantage of BetterHelp insurance, but you can try alternatives, such as sliding scale therapists, support groups, and more.
Once you feel that it’s time to get therapy, check your insurance and ask for professional help as soon as possible.