Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Former Healthline employee Jamey Powell tried out BetterHelp and was really pleased with her experience. BetterHelp had more users that had switched once22% compared to Brightsides 12%yet Brightside actually had more users that had switched two or three times; 22% of Brightside users had done this, compared to only 11% of BetterHelp users. Frequently asked questions about BetterHelp, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7829321/, journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1357633X17730443. However, for those who want to give web-based therapy a try, BetterHelp is a good option. Talkspace vs. BetterHelp: Which Online Therapy Is Best? Published March 13, 2019 Advertiser BetterHelp Advertiser Profiles Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest Products BetterHelp BetterHelp Membership Songs - Add Healthlines former senior market editor Jamey Powell found that this was one of her favorite benefits of BetterHelp. Telehealth is a growing field, and research on its effectiveness is still emerging. 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. The opinions expressed are the authors alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers. Powell was matched with a therapist within a day. Theyll give you an authorization form to fill out before they can release your information. The platform doesnt give its users control over the therapist it selects for them (though you can switch). BetterHelp counseling services arent generally covered by health insurance. On Google Play, the BetterHelp app received 4.7 stars from more than 26,000 reviews. At this writing, the platform says it has more than 24,000 licensed therapists and has hosted more than 202 million messages, live chats, phone calls, and video sessions. Be it via phone, text, or video call this global company's goal is to make mental health services more widely accessible. BetterHelp is part of Teladoc Health Inc.. Compared to other popular online therapy sites and the typical cost of traditional, in-person therapy, BetterHelp falls on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to price, which is important for those looking to find a more affordable form of therapy. Psych Central only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. It also. BetterHelp hosts sessions inside its portal (app or website), giving users more options as to the format of their session. Talkspace accepts insurance from a couple of insurance providers. The Better Business Bureau, a nonprofit organization that posts a companys consumer ratings online, showed a rating of 4.09 out of 5 stars for BetterHelp, with 387 reviews at the time of this writing. Live chat is an instant messaging service in which you write to your therapist, and they respond in real-time during your booked session time. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. When you sign up with BetterHelp, you dont have to enter your full name. Effectiveness of a multimodal digital psychotherapy platform for adult depression: A naturalistic feasibility study. Online therapy with a trained mental health professional is rarely free, but our picks for free mental health services can make it easier. I felt my therapist was an excellent counselor and a good match for the issues that brought me to therapy. A 2018 review study suggests that therapy sessions by phone or video were equally as effective for treating depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder as in-person therapy. If youre considering self-harm or suicide, help is available. Both begin with a short questionnaire about your background, your location, and why you are seeking therapy. BetterHelp markets itself as the world's largest online therapy service with nearly 2 million users, according to its website. For all of last year, Acadia reported $2.61 billion in revenue, a nearly 13% increase over 2021. It allows for more flexibility in scheduling, as clients have access to more specialists and can select the specialists who can work with their schedules.. Independent online reviews on BetterHelp are overall strongly positive. With Brightside, you can also message your therapist, but the messaging platform is intended for scheduling and service issues rather than therapy itself. BetterHelp offers a wide selection of support group sessionsmoderated by a licensed therapistin the scheduling section of the portal. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. A psychiatry session costs $249 for the initial visit, followed by $125 for each subsequent session. The subscription cost may be lower than in-person sessions with a qualified therapist. Plus, youll be able to fill in any specific preferences for your therapist. BetterHelp has expanded its services in recent years and now partners with businesses and universities. It also offers couples and teen therapy, with free live weekly group seminars available. BetterHelp, Medical Insurance, and Paths to Counseling. The system does not share your personal phone number with the counselor everything is done through the BetterHelp app. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. I didnt use messaging, live chat or phone sessions for counseling, but my therapist advised me during each session that those options were available and encouraged me to use them. Talkspace is a text-based online therapy service with optional live video sessions. Submit ONCE per commercial, and allow 48 to 72 hours for your request to be processed. The Forbes Health editorial team is independent and objective. One reason is that BetterHelp does not give official diagnoses or prescribe treatment. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers offers appear on the site. Commissions we earn from partner links on this page do not affect our opinions or evaluations. 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. Since theres no commuting for online therapy, it tends to be easier to fit into clients schedules than in-person therapy. To help get you started, heres a list of affordable mental health care options. People are using online therapy tools now more than ever. Learn more about how they compare. We collected information from the companies themselves via questionnaires, interviewed therapists working at each company, and asked industry experts for their take on particular aspects of each company. 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. 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. Teletherapy was found to be just as effective as in-person therapy, so it can be a good option when an in-person meeting with a therapist is not possible. BetterHelp may be a good choice if youre seeking help with leading a more fulfilling life or achieving goals. Learn more about what to ask and what to expect in therapy. The efficacy of synchronous teletherapy versus in-person therapy: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. 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. Second, we also include links to advertisers offers in some of our articles; these affiliate links may generate income for our site when you click on them. Overall, we preferred Brightside for its consistent, highly specific care from a team of well-qualified therapists. Knowing hes there is really comforting.. BetterHelp has a 4.6 out of 5 stars rating on Trustpilot from more than 4,100 customer reviews. As an online portal, BetterHelp connects individual consumers with online counseling and therapy services. However, BetterHelp should not be used if youre in immediate danger or need critical mental health services. Founded in California in 2013 by two ad-tech professionals, BetterHelp's goal is to remove some of the challenges related to traditional in-person therapy, including convenience, cost and stigma, and make remote counseling available to anyone, anywhere, anytime. Online therapy can serve as a source of connection and support, especially during a time (in light of the pandemic) that feels otherwise isolating, says Sheava Zadeh, PhD, LEP, BCIM, a psychologist and the founder of Pamper Your Brain. The importance of cost to users of each platform was similar: 29% of Brightside found cost to be important, compared to 31% of BetterHelp users. Q1. BetterHelp and Talkspace are both online therapy providers. You can choose whether you would like: Finally, youll fill in some basic information, like your country, state, and how you heard about BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes professional therapy available anywhere through a computer, tablet, or smartphone. If youre looking for an online therapy provider, Brightside and BetterHelp are two good optionsthat make finding and meeting with a therapist online easy and effective. BetterHelp says employed therapists are licensed and accredited. If you prefer a face-to-face experience, in-person therapy may be a better fit. Only Brightside can prescribe medication. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Health. BetterHelp specifically is a low-cost option that many universities and organizations partner with to provide counseling to large communities. However, BetterHelp does not accept insurance, so you may find there are other more cost-effective options. BetterHelp is an affordable, convenient option that offers solutions for people who prefer to talk on the phone or via video call. 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. Whats clear is that Brightside makes billing your insurance relatively easy, while with BetterHelp, its nearly impossible. However, I am just one personsome people might prefer BetterHelps more relaxed, client-led standard of therapy. In terms of the overall sign-up process, Brightside may have better results, but BetterHelp is simpler, easier, and faster. Brightside and BetterHelp are both Silicon Valley startups, as their slick, well-designed, easy-to-use websites demonstrate. If you're feeling stressed, drinking a hot (or cold) cup of tea may help. The privacy policies at both Brightside and BetterHelp, as well as most online therapy companies, leave something to be desired. We researched news about both companies, including any controversy around prescriptions or advertising, investor and performance news, and company history. It also provides additional services like journaling and group therapy sessions. All rights reserved. Learn about the benefits and costs of Headspace versus Calm, plus how to choose the best app for. Insurance companies need these details before they can cover the cost and for record-keeping. We reached our decision by looking at the companies reputation among therapists and users, the ease of use of the platform, accessibility, additional resources offered, level of care, and professional and ethical integrity. Surprisingly, BetterHelp had more users looking for help with depression: 62%, compared to just 51% of Brightside users, despite Brightsides more specific focus on the condition. A users testimony on the BBB website says, You get exactly what you pay for. 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. We avoid using tertiary references. Behavioral Health: Patient Access, Provider Claims Payment, and the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic. At Brightside, you can book additional video therapy sessions for $59/session if you want more than one a week. Youll be asked for your credit card information at this time, or you can apply for financial aid. According to BetterHelp, users privacy and confidentiality are of utmost priority. You may connect with them through text-only messaging in your private chat room. 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. Theres often a reduced fee for qualifying clients, which might include: Health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid dont generally cover the cost of therapy from BetterHelp. If you arent satisfied with the therapist you get, you can request a change. Im actually in another country and time zone as my therapist, and she makes it work.. BetterHelps site was also more intuitive, while with Brightside, I was occasionally left wondering where to find resources I needed. As a result, youre free to message your counselor at any hour of the day. It offers counseling through online messaging, live chat, and video and phone sessions. Gratzer D, et al. The company states that its therapists can help with issues such as: The service provides counseling for adults but not minors, though BetterHelps sister site, Teen Counseling, is available for teens 13 to 17. Sign up with BetterHelp and get matched to a therapist in less than 48 hours. If youre looking for a mental health provider, what type of treatment are you looking for? On the other hand, you may not find BetterHelp useful if you: If youre having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, you can access free support right away with these resources: Yes, BetterHelp connects users with licensed mental health professionals who can provide psychotherapy through online channels. Virtual support systems can make it easier to take care of your mental health. Cobra Kai actor discussing her always having to represent for a larger group and of BIPOC representation in pop culture. Brightside is covered by insurance, and is in-network with several large insurance companies. Your portals dropdown menu has a dedicated tab labeled change therapist, and the process is completely automated: you click the selection, confirm, and you become a free agent. Lastly, if youre experiencing life threatening thoughts or conditions, online therapy is not the best option for you. (2019). The BetterHelp app received 4.8 stars from more than 67,300 reviews on the App Store. McLean SA, et al. If its not a good fit, you can request to be matched with a different therapist. Just log on at your appointment time and your counselor will prompt you to start the video chat. 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. However, many BetterHelp counselors also specialize in specific issues, including: BetterHelp is not the right choice if you have thoughts of hurting yourself or others, are a minor or under the care of a legal guardian or are experiencing an urgent crisis or emergency. BetterHelp automatically matches you with the counselor it determines is a good match. In contrast, Talkspace may be a better option for those interested in messaging their therapist daily and want the ability to have medication prescribed to them. I can also change how I contact him at any point, so I can decide [if] Id rather have a call or just chat throughout the week, she says. Brightside also gives you the option of adding prescription medication to your plan for an extra $50 a month, while BetterHelp does not. Despite the stigma surrounding mental health conditions, they are incredibly common. Amwell is a telehealth company that connects people with healthcare professionals through a virtual care platform. If you choose a plan with medication at Brightside, sessions with your prescribing doctor, as well as information on your prescriptions, are accessible in the portal. Its available in the United States and the United Kingdom. Topics of the groupinars vary from sleep to self-care to anxiety and depression. The company describes BetterHelp as the "largest online counseling platform worldwide," geared toward helping people dealing with issues "such as stress, anxiety, relationships, parenting,. Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. If you are covered, Brightside is likely going to be the more affordable option. Learn more about. Download the 2023 Super Bowl TV Ad Report from iSpot Today. With over 20,000 trained, experienced, and accredited therapists covering a wide range of areas - from depression and anxiety to family and couples therapy - it's never been easier to receive personal, professional help when you need it. They also appreciate the efficiency of their therapist, the improvement in their mental health, and constant checking in from BetterHelp on their progress and relationship with their therapist. We can help! Also, in-person therapy sessions are a more appropriate fit for managing severe mental health conditions. We read customers comments and looked at how other trustworthy websites scored BetterHelp. Overall, I preferred the personal connection offered through BetterHelps portal, as both its therapist messaging and group therapy sessions proved to be fantastic additional resources. No more waiting days, weeks or even months to find a therapist. Therapeutic contact is limited to your weekly video sessions. Here Are 9 Questions To Ask. If you're eligible for financial aid, you can get their subscription at about 20-50% lower cost. Note that an online counselor will not be able to make any official diagnoses, fulfill any court orders, or prescribe medication. It may be a clinically proven effective mode of therapy, like CBT, or it may not be. Brightside stays fairly traditional with its session format, and requires video attendance via Zoom for all therapy sessions. Youll be billed monthly. I had a hard time finding a therapist in my city, and I decided to give BetterHelp a try after seeing advertisements. KFF health tracking poll July 2020. You can choose your own therapist, but this option isnt obvious without extensive exploration of the BetterHelp website. Depression is tough to deal with on its own and advice telling you to fake your emotions, cheer up, or simply "snap out of it" doesn't make your condition any better. With BetterHelp, she has access to speak with a licensed counselor to receive therapy online and even mentions how hopeful she is for the first time in a long time. Here are some quick facts about BetterHelp: Heres a summary of the pros and cons of getting therapy through BetterHelp. You can anonymously sign up on the platforms. Psych Central does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Our user survey demonstrates a similar opinion: 66% of BetterHelp users described the process of looking for a therapist to be easy or very easy, while only 57% of Brightsides users felt the same way. BetterHelp, on the other hand, takes the opposite approach. In addition to screening BetterHelp using our intensive vetting process, we also looked at their medical credibility, business practices, and social impact. They invest in premium ad units and advertised on over 250 different Media Properties in the last year across multiple Media formats. According to BetterHelp, counselors are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, or licensed professional counselors. 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. 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. Combined with the anytime messaging feature, it does make it much easier to contact your therapist, and gives you more options for scheduling when youre busysuch as if you need to squeeze in a phone session while commuting or a live chat session during your childs soccer practice. More cost-effective options the compensation we receive for those placements affects how where! Researched news about both companies, including any controversy around prescriptions or advertising, investor and performance news, why. 5 stars rating on Trustpilot from more than 67,300 reviews on BetterHelp are both Silicon Valley startups, their... 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