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betterhelp Reviews

The largest online therapy platform - subscription talk therapy with weekly live sessions and messaging in between

Last updated: Oct 26, 2026

9.6/10Exceptional - our rating
Francheska Capistrano, Medical Content Reviewer

Reviewed for medical accuracy by Francheska Capistrano, RMT, MPH

Reviewed · How we review

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We may earn a commission from links on this page - it never affects our rankings (how we stay objective).

Licensed therapists
Video, phone & chat sessions
Financial aid available

The bottom line

betterhelp is the default choice for subscription talk therapy for a reason: the network is huge, matching is fast, and the weekly-session-plus-messaging format suits how most people actually engage with therapy. It now takes insurance too - copays cited from around $23/session for covered members - which removes its old biggest weakness.

The remaining honest trade-offs: no medication management, location/plan-based pricing you should confirm at signup, and a privacy history worth reading up on. If you expect to need psychiatry, Talkspace fits better.

And therapy platforms are not crisis services - if you're in crisis in the US, call or text 988.

betterhelp is the biggest name in online therapy - a subscription platform that matches you with a licensed therapist for weekly live sessions (video, phone or live chat, your choice) plus messaging between sessions. betterhelp itself reports 31,739 therapists on the platform and more than 6.6 million people helped - those are its own numbers, but the scale is real, and it shows in how fast matching and re-matching work. On Trustpilot it holds 3.9 across 9,652 reviews - solid, but the mixed band, not the stellar one; praise for accessibility and therapist quality runs alongside fit and billing complaints.

It's talk therapy only - no psychiatry or medication management - but the old no-insurance knock is out of date: betterhelp now accepts insurance, with copays cited from around $23/session for covered members, alongside self-pay subscriptions (commonly with a first-month discount) and a financial-aid questionnaire. Self-pay cost still varies by location and we haven't verified current rates, so confirm your number - covered or not - at signup.

One more thing an honest review can't skip: in 2023 betterhelp settled with the FTC over sharing user data with advertisers - the company has since updated its practices, but if data privacy is a top concern for you, read its current privacy policy before signing up.

betterhelp logo

betterhelp reviews on

Trustpilot
(9,652 reviews)
Oct 29, 2026

User friendly, pick your therapist

“It easy to navigate. User friendly. I love being able to read over each therapist and the ability to switch therapist. The first one I chose didn't click with me how I needed to be. The second one has been absolutely awesome. I'm seriously so thankful for her because she has helped me so much in my life.”

S

Samantha Paschke

US

Oct 29, 2026

I have had a wonderful experience with BetterHelp

“The platform is incredibly user-friendly, easy to navigate, and makes accessing therapy so convenient. One of the things I appreciate most is how affordable it is, especially considering the quality of care and accessibility it provides. My therapist has been absolutely wonderful! She is consistently punctual, thoughtful, compassionate, and genuinely attentive during our sessions.”

K

Kayla Merideth

US

Oct 28, 2026

I love betterhelp

“As crazy as it may seem, seeking therapy or having mental issues isn't seen as normal in my family. It's almost as if my parents don't believe in it. Finally being able to get therapy and also at an affordable price has changed my life for the better. Being able to basically facetime with a therapist is really, extremely convenient. Especially for me since I travel A LOT.”

B

Brielle Cameron

US

Oct 27, 2026

discontinued texting service

“I'm really disappointed that the messaging service is no longer an option. I really appreciated that I could shoot out a message to get my therapist thoughts and opinions on how to approach things during a yard year. I truly believe that this will have a huge negative impact on so many people who struggle.”

C

Chad Larsen

US

Oct 27, 2026

BetterHelp made help accessible for me.

“Finding a therapist that matched my background and personality was easy, and being able to talk through my experiences and concerns has been incredibly helpful. I probably would never have sought help from a local practitioner, but being able to visit my therapist on-line is a perfect solution for me.”

P

Pete Hanlin

US

Oct 24, 2026

For those who are wondering

“BetterHelp has an extensive, comprehensive questionnaire at the beginning of the process that, once completed, will offer you an array of therapists that specialise in the type of therapy you desire. Don't click with your initial therapists? No problem, as BetterHelp allows you to change therapists easily without making it an awkward situation. This is my second time using BetterHelp and both times the therapists I've been paired with have been exactly what I've needed when I've needed it.”

R

R Saubole

GB

Oct 24, 2026

BetterHelp is such a blessing

“When you're depressed- the last thing you want is to get dressed and drive to a formal appointment. Many times i have done sessions in my pajamas and even in bed! I do weekly video calls with my counselor or a phone if thats better for me. There are various tools I can use to improve my mental health such as mood diary, journaling, goal setting, and group session on various topics. If you need to you can pause your subscription at any time.”

P

Patricia Zimmerman

US

Oct 24, 2026

matched fast and messaging between sessions helps

“signed up for BetterHelp after my old therapist moved and they matched me within a day. the messaging is what I use most, I can drop a note midweek instead of holding it all for the appointment. had to ask for a different counselor once and that took a couple days.”

E

Erika Williams

US

Oct 20, 2026

Great Therapist

“It is a great service, but you definitely need to find the right therapists for you. But I finally found the right therapist that has helped me tremendously over the past two years.”

G

Gia R

US

Oct 16, 2026

BetterHelp has been great but expensive

“BetterHelp has been great. I got a wonderful therapist recently Rachael and she's challenged me in all the right ways. So glad I found her. Downside of BetterHelp is that it's very expensive. We're paying about $600 combined for my husband and myself.”

R

Regina Linsley

US

Oct 2, 2026

Online counseling

“I suffer from major depressive disorder. I've done counseling off and on over the years in person. I was skeptical at first about using an app, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I like doing my counseling online now. I can stay in my home, in my comfortable clothes and get real with my counselor. They give you choices on how often you want to talk to your counselor which helps with the budgeting.”

T

Terri Murray

US

Sep 28, 2026

I'm very pleased with BetterHelp

“It's a terrific platform with great therapists at an affordable cost. I use the written platform, as it gives me time to think in the morning, and then I get my therapist's response later in the day. They also have a great customer service department. Life is short. Ask for help. You are not alone.”

B

Barb

US

Sep 26, 2026

Vast variety of types of group therapies.

“This app and service has so many varieties of groups at various times of the day abd night, making it extremely convenient and they are beneficial as well. I tried 5 groups in my 1st month, and they all had something different to offer. As far as individual therapy, not as plentiful opportunities as the groups but has also been beneficial and professional.”

S

Stacey Young

US

Aug 25, 2026

Affordable, Accessible Mental Health Care

“BetterHelp makes good-quality mental health care accessible and affordable. You can receive therapy online in whichever way you'd prefer, and financial aid is available. I have been using it for a few months, and it has really helped me. I have attended webinars, used wellness tools, and attended weekly therapy sessions with an excellent therapist. I highly recommend BetterHelp.”

J

Joan K.

US

Aug 18, 2026

Wonderful community

“It was very easy to get my first appointment and to find a qualified and amazing therapist. The connectivity is easy, the sessions are wonderful, my therapist is the best and has helped me tremendously, and I think that BetterHelp is definitely a wonderful place to find the help that you need when you're looking for a therapist. My therapist is in Florida and I live in Maryland and I'm so glad that I was connected with her.”

A

Anonymous

US

Aug 18, 2026

BetterHelp has been a wonderful resource

“BetterHelp has been a wonderful resource for me. It has helped me through many different situations by providing support, guidance, and useful tools. The classes are excellent and have given me valuable insights and strategies to improve my well-being and handle life's challenges more effectively.”

D

Donna Alexander

US

Is betterhelp legit?

Yes - betterhelp is a legitimate online therapy platform, not a scam. Every therapist is a licensed, accredited professional, the service has been operating for over a decade, and it is now accepted by many insurance plans. The honest caveats are real too: a 2023 FTC settlement over past sharing of user data with advertisers, a mixed 3.9 Trustpilot average, and no psychiatry or medication - all covered below rather than skipped.

  • Licensed, accredited therapists - credentials verified before matching
  • Matching in as little as 2 days, with free therapist switching
  • Insurance now accepted - copays from around $23/session for covered members
  • Video, phone or chat sessions plus messaging between sessions
  • Rated 3.9/5 across 9,652 Trustpilot reviews

Read the full legitimacy check, with the scorecard and scam red flags

“Legitimate” here means a real, licensed telehealth operation - not a guarantee of results. Therapists are licensed state by state. Always confirm current details, coverage and eligibility with the platform.

Key Features

  • Weekly live session - video, phone or live chat
  • Unlimited messaging with your therapist between sessions
  • Group sessions, webinars and digital worksheets included
  • Therapist switching at any time, at no extra cost
  • Financial-aid pricing adjustment via questionnaire

Treatment Options

  • Individual talk therapy (subscription)
  • Couples and teen counseling via sister platforms

Pricing

We haven't verified this platform's current published pricing yet - subscription rates, per-session fees and insurance arrangements change, so check the platform's site for current numbers. This page will carry exact verified prices once we've confirmed them.

How betterhelp Works

  1. 1
    Day 1

    Answer the intake questionnaire

    A few minutes on what you're dealing with, your preferences for a therapist, and - new - your insurance details for a coverage check.

  2. 2
    Within ~2 days

    Get matched with a licensed therapist

    betterhelp proposes a therapist licensed in your state. Not the right fit? Switching is free and takes a couple of clicks.

  3. 3
    Week 1

    First live session

    Choose video, phone or live chat. Messaging with your therapist is open between sessions.

  4. 4
    Ongoing

    Weekly sessions, plus tools

    Group webinars, digital worksheets and journaling sit alongside the weekly session. Cancel or switch any time.

Pros

  • Largest therapist network in online therapy - matching is fast
  • Flexible session formats: video, phone or chat
  • Messaging between sessions is included
  • Easy therapist switching

Cons

  • No psychiatry or medication management
  • Insurance coverage and the ~$23/session copay are plan-specific - verify yours before counting on them
  • Self-pay pricing varies by location and isn't published as a single rate
  • 3.9 Trustpilot average (9,652 reviews) - solid but mixed, with fit and billing complaints alongside the praise
  • 2023 FTC settlement over past data-sharing practices - review the current privacy policy

Interested in betterhelp?

Visit their site to check eligibility and current pricing.

Visit betterhelp

Who It's Best For

  • People who want talk therapy started quickly - matching in as little as 2 days
  • Anyone who values switching therapists easily until the fit is right

What Reddit says about betterhelp

betterhelp threads on Reddit are full of people comparing notes before trying it - here's how real commenters describe the messaging, the matching, and the tries it takes to find the right fit.

r/u/Opnes123·2y ago

Reading your BetterHelp review makes me want to give it another try. I used it last year when I was going through a rough time, and it helped me build better habits around managing stress. My therapist would send me worksheets to work on between sessions, which gave me something tangible to focus on. To be honest, it did take a couple of tries to find someone I clicked with, but once I did, it felt like a real breakthrough.

1
r/u/jeanvicheria·2y ago

I never thought online therapy would work for me since I was used to in-person sessions, but I needed something more flexible. My schedule back then was all over the place (and it still is to this day), so having the option to message my therapist anytime was the thing that I needed.

1
r/u/SoryusKozmos·2y ago

I've been looking into online therapy and reading different BetterHelp reviews to see if it's a good fit. The ability to switch therapists easily is such a great feature because finding the right match can be tough. It's reassuring to hear that your sessions felt as personal as in-person therapy. I might give it a try, especially for the flexibility!

1
r/u/Monosql·2y ago

I've seen mixed BetterHelp reviews, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Your experience makes it sound like a great option for those of us who need therapy but struggle with scheduling in-person visits. The messaging feature between sessions seems like a game-changer!

1

The takeaway: The flexibility case dominates: messaging your therapist anytime and scheduling around a chaotic life is why these commenters chose online over in-person. The honest notes are just as useful - one commenter says outright it took a couple of tries to find a therapist they clicked with, and another opens with having seen mixed reviews. That's the real betterhelp experience: matching is a process, and the easy-switching feature exists precisely because of it.

Excerpts from public Reddit posts, lightly trimmed; vote and comment counts shown as captured at the time of review. Reddit is a trademark of Reddit, Inc. and is not affiliated with this site.

Final Verdict

betterhelp is the default choice for subscription talk therapy for a reason: the network is huge, matching is fast, and the weekly-session-plus-messaging format suits how most people actually engage with therapy. It now takes insurance too - copays cited from around $23/session for covered members - which removes its old biggest weakness.

The remaining honest trade-offs: no medication management, location/plan-based pricing you should confirm at signup, and a privacy history worth reading up on. If you expect to need psychiatry, Talkspace fits better.

And therapy platforms are not crisis services - if you're in crisis in the US, call or text 988.

Visit betterhelp

betterhelp Review: FAQs

Is betterhelp legit?

Yes - betterhelp is a legitimate online therapy platform, not a scam. Every therapist is a licensed, accredited professional, the service has been operating for over a decade, and it is now accepted by many insurance plans. The honest caveats are real too: a 2023 FTC settlement over past sharing of user data with advertisers, a mixed 3.9 Trustpilot average, and no psychiatry or medication - all covered below rather than skipped.

How much does betterhelp cost?

We haven't verified this platform's current published pricing yet - subscription rates, per-session fees and insurance arrangements change, so check the platform's site for current numbers. This page will carry exact verified prices once we've confirmed them.

What treatments does betterhelp offer?

betterhelp offers Individual talk therapy (subscription), Couples and teen counseling via sister platforms.

Who is betterhelp best for?

betterhelp is best for People who want talk therapy started quickly - matching in as little as 2 days; Anyone who values switching therapists easily until the fit is right.

Is betterhelp worth it?

betterhelp is the default choice for subscription talk therapy for a reason: the network is huge, matching is fast, and the weekly-session-plus-messaging format suits how most people actually engage with therapy. It now takes insurance too - copays cited from around $23/session for covered members - which removes its old biggest weakness. The remaining honest trade-offs: no medication management, location/plan-based pricing you should confirm at signup, and a privacy history worth reading up on. If you expect to need psychiatry, Talkspace fits better. And therapy platforms are not crisis services - if you're in crisis in the US, call or text 988.

What are the best alternatives to betterhelp?

It depends on why you are switching. Talkspace is the closest like-for-like alternative and adds psychiatry plus broad insurance billing, with self-pay plans from $69 to $109 per week. headspace fits if what you really wanted was a daily stress and sleep practice rather than weekly sessions. If cost is the issue, employer EAPs, community clinics and sliding-scale therapists are the genuinely low-cost routes. Our betterhelp alternatives guide walks through each.

Is betterhelp a scam?

No. betterhelp is a real, licensed telehealth operation with accredited therapists, a large network and insurance acceptance. The reasons the question comes up - aggressive advertising, a 2023 FTC settlement over past data sharing, and a mixed 3.9 Trustpilot average - are worth knowing, and our review and 'is betterhelp legit' guide cover them in full.

More on betterhelp

The questions people ask before signing up - answered in depth.

Sources & methodology

We built this review of betterhelp from the provider'sown published pricing, plans and policies, cross-checked against regulatory and peer-reviewed medical references, and read alongside real customer feedback. Prices and plan details were verified against the provider's published information; we do not take providers' word for their own claims without checking.

Provider information

Pricing, plans, shipping and policies, checked against each provider's own site.

  • betterhelp - pricing, plans & policies as published on its own site

Provider data checked October 2026

Customer & community feedback

Third-party signals shown on this page and in our full reviews: verified Trustpilot ratings, public Reddit discussions, and independent YouTube reviews. We report what these sources say - we never fold their ratings into our own scores.

Medical & regulatory references

  1. 1.Psychotherapies - overview of evidence-based approaches - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH
  2. 2.Understanding psychotherapy and how it works - American Psychological Association (APA)
  3. 3.Depression - symptoms, treatments and evidence - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH
  4. 4.Anxiety disorders - symptoms, treatments and evidence - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH
  5. 5.988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988, free, 24/7) - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
  6. 6.SAMHSA National Helpline (free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral) - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Last reviewed October 2026. We revisit comparisons when providers change their pricing or policies. This page is information only and is not medical advice - always consult a licensed clinician before starting treatment.