How Long are BetterHelp Sessions? All You Need to Know

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Discover in Find a Therapist the length of BetterHelp therapy sessions in 2023. Read on to learn more about session duration and how it can benefit you.

Imagine a world where accessing mental health support is just a few clicks away. No more waiting for appointments, no more commuting to a therapist’s office, and no more high costs associated with traditional therapy sessions.

This post explores the ins and outs of BetterHelp platforms, sessions, prices, pros and cons, and how to make the most of your experience. So let’s dive in and answer the question: “How long are BetterHelp online therapy sessions ?”.

Short Summary

  • BetterHelp provides cost-effective and flexible access to professional mental health support, with weekly live sessions, direct messaging opportunities, and experienced counselors.

  • Financial aid and discounts are available for individuals facing financial hardship, making BetterHelp therapy services more accessible.

  • Maximize your experience by utilizing features such as longer session lengths & communicating openly with your therapist.

Understanding BetterHelp Sessions

People talking to a therapist Image by Freepik

BetterHelp is an online therapy platform. It connects individuals with licensed therapists for mental health support. With 77% of users likely to recommend a BetterHelp therapist to a friend, it’s evident that the platform is making a difference in people’s lives.

But what sets BetterHelp apart from traditional in-person therapy?

Online Therapy Platform

Explore emotional well-being with BetterHelp – your partner in affordable online therapy. With 30,000+ licensed therapists and plans starting from only $60 per week, BetterHelp makes self-care accessible to all. Complete the questionnaire to match with the right therapist.

Find-a-therapist readers get 15% off their first month of BetterHelp membership.

BetterHelp offers mental health services with professional therapists from the comfort of your own home. Gone are the days of sitting in a waiting room or driving across town for an appointment.

With BetterHelp, clients can access therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat, making it an incredibly convenient and flexible option for family therapists and those seeking mental health support.

Session Formats

BetterHelp offers various session formats, including live video calls, chat, and phone sessions. Live sessions typically last 30 to 45 minutes, providing clients ample time to discuss their concerns and work with their therapist. Scheduling a live video session or phone session is as simple as scheduling a chat or live video session appointment on the BetterHelp app.

The variety of session formats ensures clients can choose the best method that suits their needs and preferences.

Duration of BetterHelp Sessions

Image by Freepik therapist online in a live session

Regarding the duration of BetterHelp sessions, live sessions are 30 minutes or 45 minutes.

On the other hand, messaging between group sessions can be conducted over a week, providing ongoing support and communication throughout the therapy process.

Live sessions

Live sessions on the BetterHelp platform can be conducted via live chat, phone call, or video call. These sessions typically last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the client’s and therapist’s needs and the therapists availability and preferences.

The audio and video quality during video sessions was excellent, with minimal disruption. The flexibility in scheduling sessions with my therapist was also a significant advantage, as we could arrange sessions in the afternoon or evening, even as late as 11 pm or midnight, depending on our daily commitments.

Messaging Between Sessions

Besides live sessions, clients can message their previous therapist again at any time through the messaging room in the app or web portal. While there’s no guaranteed response time, this feature allows for ongoing communication and support from previous therapists outside of scheduled live sessions.

The messaging platform also will enable users to leave text, audio, and video messages for their therapist, who will respond asynchronously.

Although messaging between sessions offers flexibility and convenience, it’s important to note that conveying emotion and tone through text can be challenging. Nevertheless, the messaging feature is a valuable tool for clients and therapists to maintain contact and collaborate on the client’s mental health journey.

Costs and Subscription Options

BetterHelp Cost

When considering the cost of BetterHelp, it’s essential to factor in the value of the services provided. BetterHelp subscriptions include weekly live sessions, message your therapist anytime, and access to a network of other licensed therapists and experienced counselors.

BetterHelp also allows users to pause their subscriptions whenever they wish, providing flexibility and control over the therapy process.

Users can also cancel their subscriptions at any time, although there is no refund for unused sessions at the end of the billing period.

BetterHelp subscription costs range from $60 to $90 per week, making it a more affordable option than traditional therapy sessions that cost $60 to $200.

Although BetterHelp does not accept health insurance plans, the platform offers financial aid and discounts for various groups, making therapy for mental illness and health conditions more accessible for those in need.

Financial Aid and Discounts

Financial aid and discounts for BetterHelp subscriptions are available for low-income individuals, students, veterans, people with disabilities, and those affected by COVID-19.

These discounts make behavioral therapy much more accessible for those who may not have the financial means to afford traditional therapy sessions.

It’s essential to research and takes advantage of any available financial aid and discounts when considering BetterHelp therapy services. By doing so, clients can reduce the overall cost of therapy and gain access to valuable mental health support without breaking the bank.

Pros and Cons of Using BetterHelp

pros, and, cons

When choosing a therapy platform, weighing each option’s pros and cons is essential.

BetterHelp offers several advantages and disadvantages that potential clients should consider before contacting the customer service team.

Advantages of
BetterHelp
Disadvantages of
BetterHelp
Convenience: clients can access therapy sessions from the comfort of their own homesSome clients may find online sessions impersonal or less practical than in-person sessions
Cost-effectiveness: the platform is typically more affordable than traditional therapyLive sessions typically last only 30 to 45 minutes, which may not be long enough for some clients
Access to certified mental health professionals everywherePotential lack of face-to-face interaction, leading to a perceived decrease in intimacy and connection
Ability to switch therapists with ease

Comparing BetterHelp to Other Online Therapy Platforms

compare, comparison, options

To understand BetterHelp’s offerings comprehensively, it’s helpful to compare the platform to other online therapy services, such as Talkspace, Teladoc, and Brightside. Each online counseling platform also has its strengths and weaknesses, with some offering additional features or services that set them apart from the competition.

For example, Talkspace offers medication management services in addition to therapy sessions, while BetterHelp focuses solely on individual therapy. Regarding user satisfaction, Talkspace provides a broader selection of services and more accessible customer support, whereas BetterHelp is more budget-friendly and has higher therapist satisfaction ratings.

When comparing the video session experience on BetterHelp and Talkspace, I found that BetterHelp had smoother audio and video quality with minimal issues. In contrast, Talkspace’s video sessions suffered from crackling and lagging, distracting and hindering the overall therapy experience.

Summary

Explore emotional well-being with BetterHelp – your partner in affordable online therapy. With 30,000+ licensed therapists and plans starting from only $60 per week, BetterHelp makes self-care accessible to all. Complete the questionnaire to match with the right therapist.

Find-a-therapist readers get 15% off their first month of BetterHelp membership.

BetterHelp is an innovative online therapy platform that offers convenience, affordability, and access to online counseling only to licensed professionals. With various session formats, flexible scheduling, and financial aid options, BetterHelp makes mental health support more accessible.

While there are potential drawbacks, such as limited session length, the platform’s many advantages make it a viable option for those seeking therapy in the digital age.

Additional Resources

Prioritizing our mental well-being is paramount in today’s fast-paced world. The digital age has redefined therapy and psychiatric care, making support more accessible than ever. To guide you towards a healthier state of mind, we’ve partnered with pioneering names in mental health.

Online Therapy

Discover a path to emotional well-being with BetterHelp – your partner in convenient and affordable online therapy. With a vast network of 30,000+ licensed therapists, they’re committed to helping you find the support you need. Take advantage of their Free Online Assessment, and connect with a therapist who truly understands you. Begin your journey today.

Relationship Counceling

Whether you’re facing communication challenges, trust issues, or simply seeking to strengthen your connection, ReGain’s experienced therapists are here to guide you and your partner toward a healthier, happier connection from the comfort of your own space. Get started.

Therapist Directory

Discover the perfect therapist who aligns with your goals and preferences, allowing you to take charge of your mental health. Whether you’re searching for a specialist based on your unique needs, experience level, insurance coverage, budget, or location, our user-friendly platform has you covered. Search here.

About the author

Teresita Rios

Dr. Teresita Simonne Rios, a 30-year-old physician from Colombia currently living in Germany, is an expert in General Medicine and Surgery, and Master in Neuroscience, with a deep research focus on pain and mental health disorders. Since her graduation in 2015, she has accumulated a wealth of experience in various medical disciplines and demographics.

Her belief in the paramount importance of mental health fuels her passion for understanding and treating depression and anxiety. Embracing an open-minded approach, she also values knowledge from different fields, such as music and arts, and always harbors a passion for learning new things.

Characterized by her commitment, willingness to learn, and focus on mental health, Dr. Rios stands as a multifaceted professional and advocate for holistic healthcare.

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Information on our website is for educational and informational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute, nor does it replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a mental healthcare professional.