Reviews (1)

I signed up for BetterHelp hoping to get in contact with a counselor. They give you a questionnaire with a few basic questions such as age, gender (with nonbinary option included), what type of counseling you're looking for (LGBT+ issues, family issues, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, etc.), and if you have a preference for male or female counselors. After you answer those, you are sent to an open chat with an automated message requesting you type out a more detailed description of what's wrong and based on that description they will match you with "one of their 2,000 professional counselors."

I wrote about six paragraphs detailing my situation, and about an hour later another automated message came up requesting I write more. I added another paragraph, and again, an hour later I got another automated message requesting more info, so I wrote again.

I didn't expect to get a quick response that day because it was the Fourth of July when I applied. But the next day much later I get an automated email stating this:

"Hello Kristin,

Unfortunately, based upon the answers that you provided when signing up, we have determined that online counseling may not be the best resource for you. This decision reflects the ethical recommendations of the major counseling associations.

Online counseling is still a fairly new approach and is not considered the most effective form of care for everyone. In order to ensure that you receive the most appropriate and effective care possible, you may consider scheduling an intake with a licensed counselor who can provide you with in-person counseling in your area. You can find many available counselors by clicking here."

Honestly, this was very upsetting as especially because how unclear it was as to why I wasn't accepted. You approach a company and ask for help, which is their job to help you, and they turn you away without even explaining why. Simply "Our higher-ups decided this isn't for you.

If you have any questions or if you need assistance please contact us at contact@BetterHelp.com."

Personally, I would've wanted an explanation as to why these higher-ups decided to refund me because I REALLY need help. Since they seemed open to questions I did email that contact email asking what brought them to this decision. I received an automated email stating they would get back to me within one business day.

Three business days later I still haven't heard from them. I'm very stressed out and disappointed in this company. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone with actual problems.