BetterHelp Reviews - See What Customers Are Saying

First things first: I had never tried counseling in my life before trying BetterHelp. So, I have no idea of how in-office counseling looks like.

I have read in many other reviews that the service might be stealing your money if you aren't careful. In my personal experience, I had read that they would charge my card automatically in case I didn't cancel my subscription, so that didn't surprise me, and honestly doesn't look any different to me than how many other online service providers work (Amazon Prime, Netflix, Spotify subscriptions, to name three).

Having the possibility to write to your counselor every day has been really useful to me. I was a bit skeptical at first, but I was having a lot of grief-related issues at the time of my subscription, and the counselor that was matched to me was clearly very professional and an expert on the matter. I was able to fix many things and to get a better perspective on my life in a very short time, finding the energy to take action every day in a moment when it looked like I was on the floor and would never get up again.

In short, BetterHelp has changed my life for the better. I don't know if I'll keep using it for a long time (I'm currently in my fourth month), but the results are so far convincing me that it is money very well spent.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Better Help, I can't imagine life without my counselor in my life!

I have an autoimmune illness; it is chronic, not curable. It causes such severe pain, attacking my spine and organs. I'm on crazy meds to try to control this beast of an illness. As you can imagine, this caused severe depression, and I decided it was time to get help, to be better for my loved ones. Thank God that BetterHelp connected me with my counselor. She is a chronic illness specialist. I now have someone to be there for me 24/7. She provides skills/tools on how to help along with any relationship difficulties or anything I may need help with.

BetterHelp has truly saved my life. I was in a very scary place. I love BetterHelp, don't hesitate!

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I've been using BetterHelp for a couple of weeks now. I got off to a bit of a rocky start trying to find a therapist that was a good fit for me, and that will happen, even when finding a therapist to work with face-to-face. However, after switching counselors a couple of times, I was matched with a therapist who has been immensely helpful to me! I like that there are different options like connecting with your counselor over chat, phone or video.

Each counselor is a little different in terms of how fast they respond to messages or what their availability is for sessions. The first counselor I connected with only had weekday mornings available because she worked part-time as a therapist at a clinic as well, but the new therapist I have has sessions all day and even in the evening because she does this full-time. So I find that to be really helpful too. My first therapist would respond once every couple of days; my new therapist usually replies in a few hours. All are different, so just let your counselor know up front what kind of response time you're looking for and when you're looking to have sessions. If their availability doesn't match up, it's okay to request a new counselor. You can do it at the click of a button on the app. You don't even have to deal with the uncomfortableness of explaining it to your current counselor like you would have to do in traditional face-to-face therapy.

I have not experienced the billing issues that others have stated here, but I am on the weekly billing plan. For financial reasons, I once had to cancel to take a week off, and I wasn't charged any further money. When I was ready to resume, I just reconnected my account and picked back up from there making my usual weekly payments. It clearly states that if you choose the monthly plan you will pay the month in full, so maybe the people on here just didn't read the billing information. They also offer financial aid to those who need it and are income-eligible, to lower your monthly bill. I only pay about $2 more per week for this unlimited counseling than my insurance copay is for one visit per week with an in-person therapist.

I have dealt with customer service a few times over email for account issues, and they've always been quick and friendly in their replies. All in all, I am thankful to have found this service, and I have actually found it more helpful than most of the traditional in-person therapy sessions I've attended over the years.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

BetterHelp has the most unique concept for therapy. I always feel that my information is handled with utmost confidentiality. They have helped me financially be able to afford therapy on a long-term basis. My therapist is wonderful! I can't say enough about how much they have helped me.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

So far and I'm going to continue, but I have been blessed by mom to be able to pay for this until I can get back on my feet. I've been sitting doing nothing for 8 months, didn't want to eat, got my calories from beer and got stoned all day long. After talking to my counselor for the last 2 to 3 weeks, I've cut my drinking down, I got a job, and I'm starting to contribute to the society I thought I was a burden and a waste of time for. I hope this helps someone else like me. No one is alone.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I am only a few weeks into counseling online. I prefer the email format. I can write my concerns at a time that is convenient for me, and not have to keep a physical appointment. My counselor always emails me back in a timely manner. She is able to pull the important pieces of information and ask relevant questions. If I don’t check in for a few days, she sends an email asking how I’m doing. This has been a very effective way of doing therapy, for me, even though I was skeptical at first.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I use BetterHelp for some months now. Since I am pregnant with kids already at home and chronicle depression, I wanted to try something else other than going to my therapist. Busy timeplan.

I already worked a lot on myself, had some therapies and are all over good in managing the ups and downs.

BetterHelp is a positive thing for me; I had a chancellor that fits myself right away. She helps me staying on track and seeing the positive.

I would recommend this to everyone who knows already his problems or psychological illness. If you really want to work on yourself.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I’ll tell you; I’m a relapsed addict who has been clean for seven years. I lived a lie for almost three years. When my relapse came out, I was devastated, ashamed, and felt so much guilt and self-loathing. Oddly after my wife who said she could work through my relapse of drugs and infidelity but only if I sought counsel. So I did. I found BetterHelp and I was paired with Steve. I’m comfortable sharing with him. It isn’t always easy but I’ve been through a lot worse, and I can’t do a facility-based program, I've been there done it. This fits me, even if I can’t save my marriage. I’ll still talk to Steve on BetterHelp.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I've been in therapy for five years. In the first four years, I really struggled with my progress and didn't really flow with my therapist. BetterHelp asked me questions about my concerns and preferences, and I got matched to the most supportive and productive therapist I've had. She shares articles, seminars, worksheets, and videos that pertain to me and my situation. They even have group webinars you can participate in for various issues and traumas.

I have been using BetterHelp for 10 months now and I feel like I'm making so much progress, it's nuts! It is convenient, engaging, and most importantly effective! When I started, I paid about $32 a week for a full week of messaging and video chat sessions vs. a $25 copay for an hour of face-to-face therapy. Eventually, I had been a subscriber so long that I was offered a plan for $20. Customer service is super nice, by the way.

Obviously, I love BetterHelp. I'm so thankful for them and my therapist. 10 out of 10 I would recommend!

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I have been working with a counselor on BetterHelp for about a week now. So far communication is going well, and Katie is being very helpful. I like not having to make an appointment to add to my crazy schedule. Being able to correspond with someone through email is a much more efficient use of my time. Based on what I have experienced so far, I would recommend this website.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Thank you so much for creating an affordable support system that allows me, as a mum of six, to access professional help from my own home that is making a real difference in my life. I highly recommend it.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I've had good experiences with both my counseling experiences through BetterHelp. I think the quality of the counselors, their practices, level of communication and professionalism are as reliable as anything you can find "on the ground." I especially like that in both cases, we just jumped right into the issues. We didn't take a lot of time doing "intake" interviews and gathering information. We started talking and they gathered information as we went along. My problem with BetterHelp is that their scheduling system is confusing. You can't actually see when a counselor is available and you are only able to schedule an appointment with your counselor after you've finished your last session with them. So, the idea that you have "unlimited access" is not accurate. There is no way to know if you will be able to see your counselor regularly, and it is uncertain if you will be able to schedule a session with your counselor for the coming weeks. That makes it hard to feel stable or make plans.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

So far it's been two days and I wasn't able to talk to ANYONE, no empathy at all, no one cares AT ALL. I tried also emailing customer service, still no response at all. I don’t understand how they would advertise this as 24/7 service and it's been two days without any help for my issue.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I should be on my first scheduled appointment right now and no one is there. Is this a scam? I am very frustrated now and feel taken for a ride. I am homebound and this is the only way I can get counseling.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

BetterHelp is a very useful app. You can choose whom you'd like to be serviced by instead of being given to a random person. I like the fact that I get to choose whom can service me.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

My overall experience with BetterHelp has been positive because the customer care team is committed to making things right and they respond quickly.

The first time I got matched with a counselor, it was not a good fit. I also tried a second counselor on the platform and found that I was not benefiting from that either. Then I tried a third counselor and the match was amazing. Being able to connect to the right counselor for me was less difficult because when you do find that you need to change, it is a simple and fairly quick process.

I also like that your live sessions can be chat, phone, or video. So far I've tried the phone and chat. I was really nervous about using the phone, but it went really well and the call was very clear. I feel listened to and heard and I also feel like I'm getting the support I need to heal and live a more fulfilling life.

I highly recommend using this platform, just be honest about what you need and avail yourself of all the resources offered to help you get that. The more you put into the process, the better it works.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I started using BetterHelp because it was free with my insurance; however, it doesn't feel right or helpful.

In its defense, I have never received counseling of any type, but the two counselors with which I've interacted felt distant and superficially sincere. In a way, BetterHelp feels like a forum for providing counselors an opportunity to connect with clients for the counselor's benefit (I'm guessing monetarily) rather than a forum for patients to connect with counselors.

I realize the last sentence seems inherently problematic, but I stand by it. My first counselor was not available for phone of video chat. When I expressed my desire for those options I was told "I don't do that," and "my profile said that before you picked me". Which (for the record), I did not pick her. The website paired us up after I requested a gay, male, counselor with experiences in relationship and intimacy issues (this counselor was not male or a member of the Queer community or knowledgeable about male intimacy problems)...interesting...

My second counselor (picked by me) was available for phone and video communication, but had limited opportunities (scheduling more than a week out for any appointments, and 2 or more weeks for some times). Though she was also not gay, or male, or a member of the Queer Community, I picked her because she has a Ph.D. (one of my current struggles) and experience with "men's issues" (thinking this was a euphemism for Erectile Disfunction). Ultimately, I found out she "phoned-in" her Ph.D. by having a third party collect data for her, though she was proud to tell me she "didn't pay for [the third party] to do her data analysis". She also didn't have a clear grasp of qualitative research, which is my current area of focus.

Both of these last paragraphs are about the people, and not the service, but in many ways, they go hand in hand. BetterHelp is a platform that connects people. If the pool of possible applicants is rubbish, [spoken in best Yoda voice]...so too the service shall be.

It's important to know the platform on the computer and the phone look and work great! They send you notifications, you can schedule and discuss online, and journal your thoughts and feelings. Ultimately, it should be great. But if you're looking for a deep, and meaningful connection with someone who wants to understand you or provide additional support, this might not be the place.

For example, I have no idea how counselors are paid on this platform, but I received several "hallmark-esk" motivational greetings from both counselors which held no bearing on my current situation. One example was...

"Write in your journal every day. Focus on writing your story. Write down three things you are grateful for every day. The three things I am grateful for today are: my amazing family and friends, my love for writing, [and] my faith."

Seriously?! Which card/commercial did she take this from? Are you getting paid per text? Because I haven't talked to you in a week. Also, I requested a non-religious counselor. Not that my counselor can't be thankful for her faith, but she did use it as a lens through which to understand my relationship...which was ultimately problematic as we have differing views on open-relationships, polyamory, and marriage. The counselor was accepting of my beliefs and respectful, but our interactions required continual correction regarding the fundamental nature of relationships and marriage, etc.

My irritation with specific counselors aside, her message has nothing to do with me or my care. I objectively do not journal and have not talked to my counselor about journalling. I can extrapolate the expression "Write your story" to my life, but in the same way I can extrapolate any promotional slogan: "Just do it", "Dew the do", and "Have it your way". These sentences are effectively superficial pleasantries which make me feel I'm not unique in any way.

Overall, BetterHelp feels like a great opportunity for individuals looking to make some money on the said as a counselor, and therefore, the candidate pool of counselors is pretty shallow.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I fear for my counselor's involvement in people's lives. I confided in her for months and she pulled a total heel turn. I recommend staying away from her at all costs, particularly if you are prone to hurting yourself. I think her licenses should be revoked and she should not be allowed to be in a profession where sick people confide in her.

She was a great counselor for the first two months. Then she went to EMDR training. She came back and talked down about every other option from her profile (CBT, etc.) and became frustrated when I raised concern about the amount of privacy I was able to provide myself for such an intense practice. I told her over and over that I wanted to do it once I secured a safe space. But she did not hear that, instead accused me of resisting wanting to dig deeper about my issues and suggested that I stop taking therapy. She became accusatory, petulant, toxic, manipulatory, and she straight up ignored what I brought up as genuine concerns, spun it and attempted to passive-aggressively, and aggressive-aggressively belittle me. Her tone was exactly the same as toxic people from my life that I had confided to her about which makes me believe she had ill intent for much longer than I knew...at the very least, her neglect is a danger to me and others. She made my life much harder. I now trust people less because of her. I will need to spend more money now to heal from the damage she has caused. She was my only support system and she knew it and decided to attack me over and over for two days.

On top of it all, she used the session options (phone, video, etc.) to manipulate me too. She refused to do video sessions once I raised concerns about the amount of privacy I could create to do EMDR. She called me instead of video chatting on all but one occasion. When we did video chat, her backdrop was a messy bedroom and an unmade bed, a far cry from what BetterHelp shows you during its advertising.

I fear for the safety of her clients. She pushed me further down a dark path.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I really enjoyed BetterHelp. It allows you to contact your counselor at any time of the day and you can choose either video chat, phone calls, or instant chats with your counselor. My only con about it is the fact that they do not allow you to use health insurance and it’s just too pricey for me at this time. However, if you can afford the $180/month or $65/week, I highly recommend.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Now that we’re forced to sit with ourselves and our issues without the normal distraction that is no longer available, many people realize they need and want help to become better people and deal with reoccurring mental or emotional issues. BetterHelp is the ideal answer to these concerns. It could not be easier or more convenient to get a personal coach or therapist right into your home. Like a private confidante but with the goal of help getting through this time and coming out more alive, more secure as people than before.

Length of Use: 2+ years

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

The advice was helpful, but a monthly subscription for therapy seems flawed. It put a lot of time pressure on to write lengthy, detailed emails to unpack issues, but the weakness of a text-based platform is that the important stuff didn't always get emphasized and miscommunication or lack of context was a problem.

I had one phone conversation with a therapist over about 2 months of therapy. More got done in that 30-minute phone call than all the text communication. But, for cost-effectiveness, I think I would have gotten better value just paying by appointment and having real conversations rather than text-focused communication.

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

My experience with BetterHelp has given me a better outlook and more optimism regarding my overall health.

Here, I'm learning to find and express myself. There is no greater feeling than being able to let go of frustrations

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

BetterHelp is a wonderfully amazingly awesome service as a website for counseling for people who are struggling and may need help. I was matched up with a few counselors then had the option to change and that third time I found the right one. Now my counselor and I have been working together on my issues and I have gain some strength and empowerment because of her! She is amazing and I love her. I would definitely recommend her to anyone and also my friend's that includes the BetterHelp website also. Thank you so much BetterHelp!

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I signed up the night before for this application, and I got a match literally within 10 hours! It was so fast and thorough, and I really enjoyed the counselor they paired me up with. It was a great match, and the counselor's availability was amazing because she was able to fully accommodate my extremely busy and hectic schedule. My counselor made it a priority to adjust and be flexible with my schedule, and most importantly, checks up on me frequently throughout the week to make sure I'm genuinely ok.

The care, passion, and effort these counselors put in to make a positive contribution to their patient's lives are truly remarkable. BetterHelp truly saved my mental state of mind to allow me to find inner peace and happiness. Thank you BetterHelp!

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

My counselor is very attentive, kind, and helpful. What makes BetterHelp great is what you get for the price. You can reach out to the counselor at any time. During day hours, she responds to your post promptly. Unlike most counseling, you have got to schedule getting help, and that can be stressful. It doesn't replace face to face help, however, I find it to be a good supplement (when dealing with important issues) to traditional counseling.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I am very pleased with my experience with BetterHelp. I found the sign-up process to be efficient and transparent. There was also a free trial period during which you were given full site functionality.

Now that I have been a customer for about 7+ months, I can say that I am still pleased with the service and plan to keep using it. The counselor I was assigned is an LISW-S. I was at first skeptical if her experience met my needs, but whatever method the site uses to match customers to counselors proved accurate.

My counselor is very responsive to my messages. I receive thoughtful replies multiple times a day most all days of the week. Worksheets are provided for my use when appropriate, and various research articles are referenced when appropriate.

My counselor has been helpful, channeling my thinking, find behavior patterns in the things I describe to her and is always professional and polite.

I would recommend BetterHelp.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I finally reached out to someone when I was feeling so depressed I couldn't leave my bed. They matched me up with a good counselor who was easy for me to talk with. I have been talking with my counselor for a week now, and I am feeling better and being encouraged to go out and do something that I wouldn't have thought of. I know that I can talk with them about my issues and concerns and they will give good feedback and suggestions to make things better for me.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend