In the last year, we identified 28,239 new product launches overall. The chat room is accessible at any time, as long as your device has reliable internet. And to go one step further, one of our own chose to do a hands-on review for this service. The Forbes Health editorial team is independent and objective. She listened to my issues without judgment or criticism. In the event of a mental health emergency if youre thinking about harming yourself or someone else call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. One is not better than the other, but the experience can be quite different. Theyll give you an authorization form to fill out before they can release your information. It does not prescribe any controlled substances such as Adderall or Xanax. A subscription ranges from $60 to $90 a week, billed monthly. Heres a brief overview of how they compare: BetterHelp tends to be a better option for clients who want affordable live virtual therapy sessions. BetterHelp evaluates its providers in a four to five-week process that includes verifying licensure and requiring potential counselors to take a case study exam thats reviewed by a licensed clinician. However, some note that their insurance didnt cover their BetterHelp subscription cost. Here are the biggest benefits, as well as who are good candidates for the. You can choose your own therapist, but this option isnt obvious without extensive exploration of the BetterHelp website. BetterHelp is an online therapy company that was launched a year after Talkspace in 2013. However, more of BetterHelps users sought help for non-depression related issues than Brightsides as well: 20% of BetterHelp users sought help with abuse, compared to only 13% of Brightside users, and 30% of BetterHelp users wanted help with family issues, compared to only 22% of Brightside users. BetterHelp says employed therapists are licensed and accredited. Net loss per share is . For $150 a month, you get unlimited access to a therapist. Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. Both policies use loose language that leaves a lot of room for them to use your information basically however they want, as well as allowing them to make whatever changes to the privacy policy they want, whenever they see fit. This is similar to office sessions with a qualified therapist. Amwell is a telehealth company that connects people with healthcare professionals through a virtual care platform. Also, in-person therapy sessions are a more appropriate fit for managing severe mental health conditions. It also. Overall, we preferred Brightside for its consistent, highly specific care from a team of well-qualified therapists. You get unlimited messaging with your therapist. BetterHelp is an excellent option for people seeking online counseling for certain mental health issues. BetterHelp - Get Started & Sign-Up Today Help us match you to the right therapist Please fill out this short questionnaire to provide some background information about you and the issues you'd like to deal with in therapy. Overall, Acadia reported a total of $675.3 million in revenue in the fourth quarter, a 13.8% increase year over year. Headquartered in California, BetterHelp has treated nearly 3.2 million people since its founding. Our sessions were tightly runthey got straight to the point and stayed focused for the full 30 minutes. BetterHelp is known for its extremely widespread, ethically questionable advertising techniques, which have played an important and controversial role in getting BetterHelp the large market presence it enjoys today. Online therapy offers a safe, secure way to interact with licensed therapists. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic fallout have taken a toll on the mental health of many Americans, according to a March 2021 Pew Research Center report[1]Many Americans Continue to Experience Mental Health Difficulties as Pandemic Enters Second Year. McLean SA, et al. Clients who live in remote areas or who have limited mobility or limited access to transportation may be more motivated to participate in online therapy, Zadeh says. Although we found BetterHelp to have a faster turn-around and a larger pool of therapists, Brightsides therapists had a uniform, results-driven approach, and we felt their sessions to be more focused and productive. BetterHelp counseling. If youre dissatisfied with your counselor, you can change therapists as many times as you like until you find one that better suits your needs. Betterhelp has notably used intermediary platforms such as Popular Pays to recruit massive amounts of influencers interested in participating in the campaigns. If you miss a session at Brightside, you are billed a missed session fee of $20, but your missed session remains unused and can be rescheduled. You also get the comfort that comes with being in your own personal space and you dont have to worry about running into anyone you know in the waiting room. If youre unable to afford it, you can apply for financial aid through the BetterHelp website. Heres everything you need to know. Your counselor will reply with questions, guidance, homework, or feedback. Video therapy has been proven to be just as effective as in-person therapy. BetterHelp has an average of 4.07 out of 5 stars on Better Business Bureau (BBB) from over 330 customer reviews. The cost ranges depending on your location and what treatment plan you opt for, but you can expect somewhere between $60 to $90 a week, billed every 4 weeks. *Please note: When we say basics in the services offered column, we are grouping anxiety, stress, relationship issues, depression, LGBTQIA+ counseling, and grief counseling together. The app and website are easy to navigate. (2016). Brightside accepts a wide range of insurance: Cigna, Aetna, Optum/UnitedHealthcare, Anthem CA, and Allegiance are all considered in-network, and it also accepts health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) card payments. However, I am just one personsome people might prefer BetterHelps more relaxed, client-led standard of therapy. Last medically reviewed on February 2, 2022. This means that everything discussed during appointments is strictly confidential unless theres a case of immediate harm to the user or someone else. Heres what to know about BetterHelp, what insurance covers, and getting therapy at your fingertips. (2020). Facing obstacles . Psych Central does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. My counselor made suggestions without pushing me to follow them and offered ways I could cope with anxiety, such as breathing exercises and journaling techniques for perceiving fears or worries in a more realistic and logical way. Founded in 2013, BetterHelp is the largest online therapy platform in the world, offering virtual therapy with licensed and accredited therapists via chat, phone calls, and video calls. If you prefer to choose your own therapist, you can do so by navigating to the bottom of the BetterHelp homepage and clicking Find a therapist. However, this choice isnt explained in BetterHelps FAQs page. You can access BetterHelp counseling services via a smartphone, computer or tablet. It also provides additional services like journaling and group therapy sessions. It found that 37.8% of participants had improved significantly, 62% had a partial response, and 19.8% were classified as being in remission after receiving therapy from BetterHelp for 3 months. BetterHelp offers a wide selection of support group sessionsmoderated by a licensed therapistin the scheduling section of the portal. Here are six types of therapy and the benefits of each. Mary X. Dennis is a Singapore-born, New York-raised, bilingual and biracial science reporter. I did a one-month trial at both BetterHelp and Brightside to get a sense of how the platforms worked and the level of care they provided. Her expertise in mental health comes primarily in the form of a whole lot of therapy. Headspace and Calm are two popular meditation apps. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Brightside sessions are 30 minutes. Pew Research Center. While it's not the most convenient or flexible model, I cant argue with thismany top-of-the-line therapists who primarily treat patients in-person refuse to treat patients over the phone or via live chat, on the grounds that it does not allow them enough of a connection with the client to do their job properly. We have identified 7 decision makers for you to contact at BetterHelp, including Executives, Strategists, Media Buyers and Agency contacts. Because BetterHelp is a strictly online platform and does not have the ability to connect you with a therapist for in-person or face-to-face evaluations, official diagnoses or confirmation of diagnoses cannot be given, according to the company. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. BetterHelp is also not appropriate if youve been diagnosed with a severe mental illness, are seeking therapy under a court order or dont have a reliable internet connection. The 8 Best Free Online Therapy and Mental Support Services for 2022, 10 Tips to Help the Therapist Help You Get the Most Out of Sessions, Podcast: Cobra Kai Actress Discusses BIPOC Representation in Pop Culture, Sex, Love, and All of the Above: Mourning the Loss of My Sex Drive, The Science Behind PTSD Symptoms: How Trauma Changes the Brain, Looking For A Psychologist Whos Right For You? She took the initiative to lead the session and outline what we should accomplish, both that day and in the course of our work together, while still giving me plenty of time to talk. Although they appear similar, there are a few functional differences between the two sites, particularly in the member portals. Answer a few questions about your therapy goals to get started. A few months later, in July, BetterHelp was hit with another lawsuitthis time by Therapy for Black Girls, which sued for trademark infringement after BetterHelp allegedly used the company's trademark in advertising. She described her therapist as being qualified, empathetic, thoughtful, and a great listener.. All rights reserved. Both sites have adequate yet basic FAQ pages, scant additional resources, and no way to browse therapist bios prior to sign-up. While other online therapy platforms may have more options for insurance coverage or allow you to pick your own therapist, BetterHelp allows users to message their therapist at any time through communication modes such as chat, phone, video and text message. Only about 15% of therapists who apply are accepted to the BetterHelp platform, according to its website. If youd like to share your information with a third party, you first have to notify your therapist. If you want to communicate with your therapist outside your scheduled therapy sessions, you can message them, and they will message you back. Still, according to a 2021 Consumer Reports article, this HIPAA compliance may only start once you have created an account. Only Brightside takes insurance, which 30% of its users listed as an important factor for choosing the company. If you prefer a face-to-face experience, in-person therapy may be a better fit. She specializes in aging, long-term care, caregiving, retirement and a variety of other health and retirement topics. You can anonymously sign up on the platforms. If you arent satisfied with the therapist you get, you can request a change. In general, BetterHelp says its services can work well for people looking to improve their quality of life. (2019). At the same time, resources for face-to-face mental health services werent readily available due to public health concerns. The BetterHelp platform was easy to navigate, and I enjoyed my therapy experience. If you dont like who youre paired with, you can request to be matched with a new therapist. You may also begin registration by clicking the Get Started button in the top right corner of the site. Their campaigns have now expanded over several social media platforms such as YouTube or Instagram. BetterHelp also allows you to book extra sessions, but will not give a price until you actually try to book the session. Brightside was founded by Brad Kittredge in 2017, and is based in Oakland, California. We include products we think are useful for our readers. We also reviewed results from a survey of 105 users across 55 online therapy companies, including BetterHelp and Brightside. BetterHelp offers professional counseling from accredited psychologists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists and board-licensed professional counselors. Read more about BetterHelp insurance coverage. Both platforms provide you with your own portal and do the therapist matching for you, and both companies have apps available for iOS or Android. You can remain anonymous with your therapist. The efficacy of synchronous teletherapy versus in-person therapy: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. I was hooked up with an amazing therapist, and she is so intelligent and kind-hearted. BetterHelp makes professional therapy available anywhere through a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The privacy policies at both Brightside and BetterHelp, as well as most online therapy companies, leave something to be desired. BetterHelp therapists will not diagnose conditions. Insurance companies need these details before they can cover the cost and for record-keeping. While we work hard to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. BetterHelp is a major online therapy provider that may help you access quality therapy from home. At BetterHelp, you may get a therapist who uses CBT, or you may get someone with more of an eclectic approach, as I do not insist on using any particular modality for each client, but rather, I like to tailor my approach and methods, as one of my BetterHelp therapists described herself in her bio. BetterHelp doesnt work directly with insurance providers, but their payment plans are relatively affordable and straightforward. Brightside also gives you the option of adding prescription medication to your plan for an extra $50 a month, while BetterHelp does not. Our editorial content is based on thorough research and guidance from the, Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. Varker T, et al. Overall, both services provided high-quality therapists that fit my needs very well: both were women of color who were fully licensed, and both had over 10 years of experience. She opted for a video call, which she notes was very straightforward to use and similar to any other Zoom or G-Chat room Ive been in., For her initial appointment with her therapist, they met for an hour. When looking for a therapist, asking the right questions will help you find the best fit. The exact price depends on a person's location and preferences . BetterHelp is a reputable online teletherapy platform thats been vetted against our business and medical standards. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. However, BetterHelp should not be used if youre in immediate danger or need critical mental health services. Learn more about what to ask and what to expect in therapy. Brightside is covered by insurance, and is in-network with several large insurance companies. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Once youve paid for your first month, week or quarter, BetterHelp assigns you an online room where you can exchange private messages with your counselor. Covid19 Support: 25% off your first month of counseling.. experienced journalists and medical experts, Users can be matched with a therapist within 48 hours, Communicate via phone, video, or messaging whenever you feel it's needed, Access to licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors. Brightsides messaging feature goes to both your therapist and your care coordinator, and is intended more as a customer service helpline than for actual therapeutic exchanges. Can BetterHelp Diagnose Mental Health Conditions? Commissions we earn from partner links on this page do not affect our opinions or evaluations. They have a number of concerning privacy and security practices that we and others have reported like sending data to Facebook and sharing data widely with third parties. All have a masters or doctoral degree in the area they specialize in. Youll be billed monthly. You only need to enter your first name or nickname at this stage. BetterHelp counseling services arent generally covered by health insurance. Most online reviews of BetterHelp appear to be positive. The company operates through thousands of therapists who can. Here are the best places for guided meditation online in, If youre considering meeting with a psychiatrist but prefer remote visits, online psychiatry may be right for you. We tried BetterHelp and found it to be a great online therapy option for convenience and getting matched with the right therapist. You can sign up using your email, or you can choose to use your Facebook or Google account. BetterHelps sign-up process is quicker all around. It may not be as effective as a video session, but it is a realistic option. However, check with your health insurance provider to see whether BetterHelp services could be reimbursed under your policys mental health coverage. 2005-2023 Psych Central a Red Ventures Company. BetterHelp requires all prospective therapists to submit official documentation of credentials and identity as well as completing a case study and video interview, the company states. At $60 to $90 per week, BetterHelp could be a more convenient and affordable option for some. BetterHelp also offers a 25% discount off your first month of therapy on its COVID-19 support page. BetterHelp is part of Teladoc Health Inc.. BetterHelp is an entirely online therapy service, so there are some key differences to keep in mind when comparing online and in-person therapy. Lin T, et al. I received counseling through BetterHelp for four weeks, seeking short-term counseling for stress and anxiety over caregiving and concerns about my mother, who has health issues and lives in another state. Founded in 2013, BetterHelp is the largest online therapy platform in the world, offering virtual therapy with licensed and accredited therapists via chat, phone calls, and video calls. With Brightside, you know what you are getting, while with BetterHelp, there is much larger variety in techniques and experience levels. MediaRadar calculates estimated spend for the digital, print and national television campaigns that we identify using proprietary algorithms based on medium and advertisement type. BetterHelp and Brightsides portals both feature rooms you can use to message your therapist, but BetterHelps room primarily functions as a space to ask your therapist therapy-related questions. BetterHelp pairs users with licensed therapists for web-based therapy sessions. Therapeutic contact is limited to your weekly video sessions. Whats more, 75% of Brightside users said they would be likely or very likely to recommend the service to a friend, while 77% of BetterHelp users said the same thing. Therapists often rely on their clients body language to assess their emotions. If its not a good fit, you can request to be matched with a different therapist. Brightside does not offer the option for audio sessions, but with BetterHelp, audio sessions can be hosted from inside the app or site. For emergency care or a crisis, call 911, as BetterHelp cannot handle such situations. The platform does not accept insurance. Talkspace Review: Features, Benefits, Costs, and More, What Is Video Therapy? No more waiting days, weeks or even months to find a therapist. BetterHelp did have an easier-to-use platform with more therapists and quicker response times, but the quality of care at Brightside won out over instant gratification for us. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. BetterHelp has a wide array of counselors who are specialized in specific concerns and needs, like: BetterHelp also offers individual counseling, couples counseling, and teen counseling with a focus on the services above. Personsome people might prefer BetterHelps more relaxed, client-led standard of therapy in-network... And stayed focused for the links on this page do not affect opinions! Good fit, you can access BetterHelp counseling services via a smartphone, or. An online therapy companies, leave something to be matched with a party. Didnt cover their BetterHelp subscription cost few functional differences between the two sites, particularly in campaigns... 28,239 new product launches overall isnt obvious without extensive exploration of the site partner links on this do. From a survey of 105 users across 55 online therapy provider that may help you access quality from... 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