BetterHelp

BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that matches users with a licensed counselor based on a signup questionnaire, then lets them communicate through unlimited text, audio, or video messaging plus a set number of scheduled live sessions each month. It covers common issues like anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems, and grief, and operates on a flat weekly subscription rather than per-session billing, which is different from how most therapy is priced. Users can switch therapists at any time if the initial match isn't a good fit.

It's aimed at people who want therapy without the friction of finding an in-network provider, waiting for appointments, or traveling to an office, and it has become a common entry point for people trying therapy for the first time. The company operates a large network of therapists across the US and several other countries, and offers adjacent products like Teen Counseling and couples-focused services under related brands.

BetterHelp is not a fit for crisis situations or severe mental illness requiring psychiatric care, since it doesn't prescribe medication and isn't equipped for emergencies. It has also faced real criticism: an FTC settlement in 2023 over sharing user health data with advertisers like Facebook and Snapchat, plus recurring complaints about inconsistent therapist quality and aggressive marketing through paid influencers. Anyone considering it should weigh the convenience against that track record.