How Much Does Better Help Membership Cost?

Last Updated on October 17, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Over the past few years, BetterHelp has emerged as one of the most popular and convenient options for accessing mental health counseling online. With busy schedules and rising therapy costs, many are turning to BetterHelp’s alternative model of providing affordable access to licensed therapists through messaging, chat, phone and video sessions.

But how much does BetterHelp actually cost compared to traditional in-person counseling? And what factors into pricing for your specific subscription plan? This guide will dive into BetterHelp’s pricing structure, discounts, additional services and tips for maximizing value. Read on for a detailed breakdown of what to expect from BetterHelp’s costs, so you can determine if it’s the right fit your therapy needs and budget.

Article Insights

For those considering therapy in the new year, understanding BetterHelp’s subscription costs, features and value can help determine if it’s the right telehealth platform for your mental health needs and budget. Here are some important insights on BetterHelp’s pricing:

• Subscriptions cost $260 to $400 monthly including messaging and live sessions.
• Plan costs depend on experience of counselor, location, and session frequency.
• Financial aid can reduce fees 60%+ for eligible users based on need.
• BetterHelp costs significantly less than traditional in-person counseling in most cases.
• Unlimited messaging and group therapy provide added value.
• Cancelling or switching counselors is easy anytime.
• Evaluate costs vs. your budget, preferences and therapy goals.

How Much Does Better Help Membership Cost?

BetterHelp employs a subscription-based pricing system, where users pay a recurring fee every 4 weeks to get unlimited access to BetterHelp’s full range of therapy services during that period. Here’s an overview of how it works:

• Weekly Subscription Fee: This ranges from $65 to $100 per week, depending on your plan.
• Billing Cycle: Fees are charged automatically every 4 weeks on the same day.
• Monthly Cost: Based on the weekly fee, you’ll pay $260 to $400 each month for BetterHelp access.

This subscription cost covers unlimited text messaging and live chat with your assigned counselor, plus scheduled video and phone sessions typically ranging from 30 to 45 minutes in length. Most plans include at least 4 live sessions per month, but messaging is available 24/7 outside those sessions.

BetterHelp offers both short-term plans and options to use their services long-term. You can cancel or pause anytime.

Here is a detailed pricing chart summarizing BetterHelp’s membership costs:

Plan Frequency	Weekly Fee	Monthly Cost (Billed every 4 weeks)
Basic	$65 to $80	$260 to $320
Standard	$80 to $90	$320 to $360
Premium	$90 to $100+	$360 to $400+

*Monthly cost range is estimated based on 4 week billing cycle

According to Choosing Therapy, the monthly cost for BetterHelp ranges from $260 to $360, which translates to approximately $65 to $90 per week. This pricing includes one weekly live session with a therapist, access to messaging, and participation in group webinars.

Another source, OpenCounseling, confirms that BetterHelp operates on a subscription model, billing every four weeks. They report that the cost typically falls between $65 and $100 per week, depending on factors such as location and therapist availability. The basic plan includes one live session per week, which can be conducted via video, audio, or chat.

As noted by Therapy Helpers, users can expect to pay between $260 and $400 per month for their services. They emphasize that this model allows for ongoing communication with therapists outside of scheduled sessions, which can enhance the overall therapeutic experience.

BetterHelp Pricing Factors

While BetterHelp advertises a general $260 to $400 price range per month, your actual subscription cost will vary based on:

Counselor Experience and Credentials

• More experienced counselors or those with additional certifications tend to have higher rates.
• Seeking out less experienced counselors can lower costs.

Location and Regional Pricing

• Pricing is adjusted based on geographic region and local cost of living.
• Therapy may cost more in high-demand urban areas vs. rural regions.

Session Frequency

• Upgrade for more sessions per week/month for an added fee.
• Sticking to the basic 4 sessions monthly saves money.

When signing up, BetterHelp gives users an estimated price range based on factors like preferred counselor experience level and desired session frequency per week. Remaining flexible on these preferences can help lower overall costs.

You might also like our articles about the cost of couples therapy, speech therapy, or feeding therapy.

Discounts and Assistance Programs

BetterHelp offers financial assistance programs to significantly reduce costs for those who qualify based on financial need factors like:

• Employment status
• Household income level
• Number of dependents
• Monthly budget and expenses

Those approved for financial aid can receive discounted therapy for as low as $40 per week, or $160 monthly – a reduction of 60% or more.

BetterHelp also provides access to free counseling services for:

• First responders
• Select nonprofit workers
• Active school staff

Others may qualify for discounted group subscription rates through certain employers and organizations.

To find out if you’re eligible for financial assistance or special discounts, inquire during BetterHelp’s new user signup and questionnaire process.

BetterHelp vs In-Person Counseling

To understand if BetterHelp offers cost savings, it helps to compare their pricing model to traditional in-person therapy. On average, traditional counseling tends to cost:

• $100 to $150 per 50-60 minute session for individual therapy.
• $150 to $300 per session for specialty therapy like DBT, CBT or couples counseling.
• Total monthly costs of $600 to $1200 for weekly sessions.

For the same level of care, a BetterHelp subscription ranges from just $260 to $400 per month for most users based on typical plan pricing.

The table below compares costs more closely:

Therapy Type	Session Cost Range	Total Monthly Cost (Weekly Sessions)
Traditional In-Person	$100 to $300 per session	$600 to $1200+
BetterHelp Online Subscription	$65 to $100 weekly fee	$260 to $400

In addition to lower costs, BetterHelp offers other advantages, including:

• More flexibility scheduling live sessions.
• Ability to message your counselor anytime.
• No transportation time or costs.
• Easy access from home.

For quality care that fits your budget and lifestyle, BetterHelp delivers significant savings in most cases.

Breakdown of BetterHelp’s Features

BetterHelp provides an extensive platform of mental health resources all covered by the weekly subscription fee. Here’s an overview of everything included:

Unlimited Messaging with Your Counselor – You can message your personal counselor anytime via text, audio messages, or the BetterHelp app. This offers contact between sessions for quick questions or extra support.

Live Phone and Video Sessions – Most plans start with at least 4 live video or phone sessions per month, typically lasting 30-45 minutes. Options to add more sessions for an additional fee.

Group Therapy & Discussion Forums – Join moderated group video sessions covering topics like anxiety, self-esteem, and more. Everything is included with your subscription.

Couples Counseling – BetterHelp offers live couples therapy starting at $396 per month. Includes messaging, chat, and weekly video sessions.

Teen Counseling – For ages 13-18, BetterHelp teen therapy costs $260 to $400 monthly. Discounts may apply.

Worksheets & Assessments – Counselors can send clinical worksheets tailored to your needs. Assessments help track progress over time.

Changing Counselors – Switch your BetterHelp counselor anytime at no extra cost if your current match isn’t ideal.

No Additional Fees – everything on the platform is covered by your simple weekly or monthly subscription fee.

Cancellation Flexibility – Pause or cancel your BetterHelp plan through the dashboard anytime without added cancellation fees.

By covering unlimited messaging, live sessions, group therapy and more for one subscription cost, BetterHelp aims to provide complete mental health care at an affordable price.

Maximizing Value

If you join BetterHelp, here are some tips for making the most of the services for your budget:

• Review counselor credentials before selecting your match – This allows you to balance cost savings with the right experience level for your needs.
• Schedule sessions proactively – Sticking to a recurring weekly session ensures you get the most out of your plan.
• Join group therapy – Take advantage of this complimentary extra resource.
• Use unlimited messaging – Don’t hesitate to message your counselor for support between sessions.
• Apply for financial aid – If eligible, this can reduce costs by $100 or more per month.
• Set goals and track progress – Share goals with your counselor and use BetterHelp’s tools to monitor improvements.

Carefully considering your budget, preferences and therapy goals can help guide you to the right BetterHelp plan option.

Pros and Cons

BetterHelp makes it more convenient and affordable to access licensed therapy, but is it the right choice for your needs? Here are some key pros and cons to weigh:

Pros

• Lower cost – More budget-friendly than traditional in-person counseling.
• Convenience – Therapy from home on your own time.
• Flexibility – Reschedule sessions or switch counselors as needed.
• 24/7 messaging – Get support between sessions.
• Financial aid – Discounts can reduce cost by 60%+.

Cons

• Limited physical cues – Harder to pick up on body language over video chat.
• Tech problems – Sessions can have glitches or connectivity issues.
• No insurance – Must pay full subscription cost out of pocket.
• Finding the ideal match – Can take time to get paired with the right therapist.

As with any therapy option, there are advantages and drawbacks. Assess your priorities, preferences and budget to decide if BetterHelp meets your needs.

Making the Decision

At subscription rates ranging from approximately $260 to $400 monthly, BetterHelp offers more affordable access to licensed therapy compared to traditional in-office counseling for most people.

However, determining if the investment is worthwhile depends on your specific situation and priorities. As you decide, consider:

• Current mental health challenges – Are you experiencing anxiety, depression or isolation that therapy could help improve?
• Relationship issues – Could couples counseling provide needed support?
• Personal growth goals – Do you want help achieving goals or overcoming inner obstacles?
• Financial situation – Can you currently fit therapy costs into your budget?

Scheduled live video sessions, unlimited messaging, group therapy and assessment tools provide a complete therapy experience online. If BetterHelp fits your budget and needs, it can be a great option for convenient access to professional mental health care and support.

Making the Most of BetterHelp

To gain more insights on optimizing your experience with BetterHelp, we asked the following mental health professionals to share their expert advice:

Dr. Adrian Larsen, Psychologist in Austin, TX

“Take time to deeply reflect on your core mental health needs and objectives. Identify two or three specific goals you want to achieve through online therapy. Clearly communicating these goals to your counselor allows them to tailor your sessions and tools for maximum results.”

Jeanette Davis, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago, IL

“Don’t be afraid to provide feedback to your counselor if the session topics or approach aren’t resonating with you. You want to feel fully heard and understood. At the same time, be open minded as your counselor challenges you with new frameworks and perspectives.”

Andre Boyer, Licensed Professional Counselor in Miami, FL

“For best results, treat BetterHelp sessions like you would regular in-office therapy. Ensure you have privacy and no distractions. Come prepared to each session ready to engage. Maintaining structure and consistency will go a long way in achieving your goals.”

What is the success rate of therapy?

Studies show therapy is effective for most people who give it a real chance. Some key statistics on therapy success rates:

• Up to 70-80% of people benefit from therapy, reporting reductions in psychological distress, better quality of life, and improved social functioning (APA).
• For CBT specifically, 60-70% of patients see significant improvement in their conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, eating disorders (APA).
• Relationship counseling has a 50% higher success rate than individual therapy, but both can greatly help partners communicate, problem-solve, and develop happier dynamics (Couples Institute).
• Group therapy has an excellent success rate of 90% for issues like addiction, grief, trauma, and mood disorders (GoodTherapy).
• Medication combined with therapy leads to higher success rates than medication alone for conditions like depression and anxiety disorders (NIMH).

While success looks different for everyone, most people experience significant progress and benefit within 10-20 sessions. Being open, putting in effort between sessions, and finding the right therapist style leads to the best results.

Should I go to therapy if I feel fine?

Therapy can provide immense value even for those not struggling with any serious mental health conditions. Here are some key reasons to consider therapy when you feel fine:

• Work on personal growth – Therapy is a great place to identify areas for self-improvement and work to reach your full potential.
• Develop emotional intelligence – Learn skills to better understand, process and communicate your emotions in a healthy way.
• Improve your relationships – A therapist can provide objective guidance on maintaining healthy relationships with romantic partners, family, friends and co-workers.
• Find more fulfillment – Explore any feelings of dissatisfaction and create an action plan so you can lead a more rewarding, engaged life.
• Receive unbiased advice – Get an objective perspective on problems at work, difficult life changes or unhealthy patterns that a friend may not point out.
• Prevent future problems – Address struggles early before they become bigger issues. Learn healthy coping tools you can apply throughout life.
• Work toward goals – A therapist can help you create and implement a plan to achieve personal or professional goals.

Therapy is not just for times of crisis. It can also help refine the good times. If finances allow, therapy may benefit anyone looking for growth.

Final Words

With convenient access to therapy, counselor support 24/7, and more affordable pricing, BetterHelp provides a telehealth option that matches many mental health seekers’ needs and financial situations. Consider your specific requirements as you decide if BetterHelp is the right virtual counseling choice this year.