. Submissions should come only from actors, their parent/legal guardian or casting agency. Our Story BetterHelp makes professional therapy available anywhere through a computer, tablet, or smartphone. 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. Youll be asked to fill out a questionnaire to check your eligibility. All have a masters or doctoral degree in the area they specialize in. However, check with your health insurance provider to see whether BetterHelp services could be reimbursed under your policys mental health coverage. However, while browsing therapist bios, I did find the average years of experience to be higher at Brightside than at BetterHelp. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, BetterHelp markets itself as the largest online counseling platform in the world. We use our own and third-party cookies and web beacons to deliver a faster and safer experience, to monitor and analyze usage, to comply with laws, and for advertising purposes. It does not prescribe any controlled substances such as Adderall or Xanax. BetterHelp uses a monthly membership payment plan, but you can cancel your membership at any time. Therapeutic contact is limited to your weekly video sessions. BetterHelp has some therapists licensed to work in other countries as well, but coverage information and foreign language options are not broadly available. Theres also an option for group therapy, known as groupinars. At the same time, resources for face-to-face mental health services werent readily available due to public health concerns. You can enroll in its medication plan either with or without therapy. Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. (2021). If youre someone who enjoys face-to-face conversation, you can also schedule a video session with your counselor. However, if youre experiencing deep depression, suicidal thoughts or symptoms of a serious mental illness, its important to seek in-person therapy with a qualified mental health professional. Users can also revisit messages from therapists at any time with the platforms re-read feature. As an online portal, BetterHelp connects individual consumers with online counseling and therapy services. 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. 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. Commissions we earn from partner links on this page do not affect our opinions or evaluations. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the gold standards of talk therapy and centers around changing unhelpful or faulty ways of thinking. Marcelle ET, et al. BetterHelp also states on its FAQs page that all of its providers are fully licensed and in good standing.. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. 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. Last medically reviewed on February 2, 2022. See where else they recently placed direct ads. In addition, web-based therapy offers users the chance to access a therapist from anywhere at any time of day or night and switch therapists to help you find the right fit. Brightside vs. BetterHelp: Types of Therapy, Brightside vs. BetterHelp: How Therapy Sessions Work, Brightside vs. BetterHelp: Therapist Qualifications, Brightside vs. BetterHelp: Switching Therapists, Brightside vs. BetterHelp: Privacy Policies, Brightside vs. BetterHelp: User Satisfaction, Daily Tips for a Healthy Mind to Your Inbox, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry. According to BetterHelp, counselors are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, or licensed professional counselors. Along with BetterHelp, there are other online therapy services that offer services that could better align with your needs. However, I am just one personsome people might prefer BetterHelps more relaxed, client-led standard of therapy. Its also important to consider what you want included with your plan, if you intend to supplement your sessions with additional support. 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. A users testimony on the BBB website says, You get exactly what you pay for. Heres everything you need to know. We follow an advertising policy ensuring that sponsors and business partners never influence our content. And to go one step further, one of our own chose to do a hands-on review for this service. Many Americans Continue to Experience Mental Health Difficulties as Pandemic Enters Second Year, The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. 'Show more' : 'Show less' }}. The linked products and services we feature go through a rigorous vetting process. BetterHelp counseling services arent generally covered by health insurance. Lin T, et al. The app will notify you of their response. 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. Not too far behind, 69% of Brightside users felt the same way. The system does not share your personal phone number with the counselor everything is done through the BetterHelp app. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Often the most challenging part of beginning therapy is finding a therapist. 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. 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. 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. She listened to my issues without judgment or criticism. Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Adjusted EBITDA is estimated within $42-$50 million. Brightside also gives you the option of adding prescription medication to your plan for an extra $50 a month, while BetterHelp does not. Another report from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) found the pandemic also created new barriers to help for people who already faced substance abuse or other mental health issues[2]The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use. 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. Instead, you can choose a nickname your therapist can call you. Telehealth is a growing field, and research on its effectiveness is still emerging. BetterHelp allows customers to change therapists at any time and as many times as they find necessary. We dont publish any health content until our. Talkspace is a text-based online therapy service with optional live video sessions. 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. 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. However, BetterHelp should not be used if youre in immediate danger or need critical mental health services. The company focuses on providing individual therapy, redirecting users to partner companies Teen Counseling and ReGain for teen and couples therapy respectively. This way, you can refresh your memory about any advice or insights youve discussed. Marcelle ET, et al. For $150 a month, you get unlimited access to a therapist. It also provides additional services like journaling and group therapy sessions. You can try the service for free for 7 days. Brightside does not offer the option for audio sessions, but with BetterHelp, audio sessions can be hosted from inside the app or site. She is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and a functional medicine certified health coach. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Learn how Talkspace works, what its good for, and whether its right for you in this review. A psychiatry session costs $249 for the initial visit, followed by $125 for each subsequent session. 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. BetterHelp isnt free. You can choose your own therapist, but this option isnt obvious without extensive exploration of the BetterHelp website. My therapist complained to me that connectivity issues at BetterHelp were not that uncommon. The reviews about BetterHelps services on Trustpilot are as positive and appreciative as the ones on BBB. Since BetterHelp is online, there are more therapists to choose from, and finding a compatible therapist may take significantly less time and effort. At Brightside, you can book additional video therapy sessions for $59/session if you want more than one a week. 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. Lastly, if youre experiencing life threatening thoughts or conditions, online therapy is not the best option for you. Plus, get 20% off your first month. Accessed 6/29/2021. Most online reviews of BetterHelp appear to be positive. Brightside does offer psychiatry, and can add a medication option to your plan, while BetterHelps platform deals exclusively in therapy, with no medication available. Published March 13, 2019 Advertiser BetterHelp Advertiser Profiles Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest Products BetterHelp BetterHelp Membership Songs - Add 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. With Brightside, you know what you are getting, while with BetterHelp, there is much larger variety in techniques and experience levels. 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. Therapists often rely on their clients body language to assess their emotions. BetterHelp, Medical Insurance, and Paths to Counseling. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. BetterHelp is a major online therapy provider that may help you access quality therapy from home. The conversations are saved in the chat room, so youre free to reflect and reread whenever youd like. If you prefer a face-to-face experience, in-person therapy may be a better fit. However, if your insurance provider offers mental health benefits, you may want to look into whether they will cover BetterHelp and their terms. BetterHelp has an overall positive reputation. BetterHelp pairs users with licensed therapists for web-based therapy sessions. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. BetterHelp includes an online journal thats yours and yours alone. Prices range from $60 to $90 a week, depending on how many live sessions you want to schedule. Mobile apps for BetterHelp are available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. 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. Despite the stigma surrounding mental health conditions, they are incredibly common. If youre in crisis or experiencing an emergency, call 911 for assistance. 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. Some people may prefer the experience of working with a therapist in person. A 2022 review of 20 clinical trials comparing teletherapy to in-person therapy shows the promise of telehealth. BetterHelp is a subscription plan with services not generally covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. 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. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional. 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. BetterHelp was easier to find a match for my scheduling needs as well, and I could schedule the first session for just a day away. Brightside and BetterHelps sign-up processes are similar, although Brightsides is more thorough. 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. BetterHelp specializes in stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders, sleep disorders, and parenting and family counseling Cerebral $17.25-$81.25 per week BetterHelp is not a substitute for emergency services. (2021). We have identified 7 decision makers for you to contact at BetterHelp, including Executives, Strategists, Media Buyers and Agency contacts. 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. Depending on what youre looking for, BetterHelp offers counseling for individuals, couples, or families. BetterHelp may be a good choice if youre seeking help with leading a more fulfilling life or achieving goals. If you dont like waiting hours for a response, you can schedule a live chat session with your counselor. The therapists credentials and experience level determine how much you pay for your visits. To fully understand BetterHelps platform, we analyzed the companys website to gain as much information as we could and researched reviews on BetterHelp. BetterHelp therapists will not diagnose conditions. Once verified, the information you provide will be displayed on our site. Mary X. Dennis is a Singapore-born, New York-raised, bilingual and biracial science reporter. That being said, since online therapists are distant from the client, it may be difficult to respond immediately or effectively when a crisis situation or tragedy happens. In addition, you can choose to request financial aid from BetterHelp, according to anecdotal sources. Therapy offers a broad array of benefits for all of us. Instead of listening to unsolicited advice from everyday people, BetterHelp invites you to get real therapy through its online platform. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. We follow an advertising policy . Brightside uses Zoom to host all therapy sessions, and sends a Zoom link to your portal. Brightside sessions are 30 minutes. If youd like to share your information with a third party, you first have to notify your therapist. The chat room is accessible at any time, as long as your device has reliable internet. Efficacy of synchronous telepsychology interventions for people with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and adjustment disorder: A rapid evidence assessment. (2016). . Neither the site nor its therapists will submit claims for you, and although its FAQ page says you are welcome to try to get reimbursed yourself, it notes that services offered using this site are generally not covered by health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. Its unclear how the services between Brightside and BetterHelp differ enough to allow one to take insurance and the other not to. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers offers appear on the site. Two things we care about almost as much as the issue we're seeking therapy for: our precious time and money. BetterHelp matched me with a therapist with more than 25 years of counseling experience who specialized in depression, anxiety and family conflict, as well as other areas of mental health and wellness. You can anonymously sign up on the platforms. Learn 10 tips to make therapy really. While in-person therapy provides only live sessions, generally once a week, BetterHelp provides more frequent communication options. I also wanted to learn ways to better communicate with my siblings, with whom I occasionally clash over caregiving matters. 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. Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. BetterHelp Learn More My Doubts About Online Therapy One reason is that BetterHelp does not give official diagnoses or prescribe treatment. Your insurance may not cover the costs of BetterHelp. Our website services, content and products are for informational purposes only. However, BetterHelp does not accept insurance, so you may find there are other more cost-effective options. With Brightside, you can also message your therapist, but the messaging platform is intended for scheduling and service issues rather than therapy itself. 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. We use our own and third-party cookies and web beacons to deliver a faster and safer experience, to monitor and analyze usage, to comply with laws, and for advertising purposes. For $109 to $129, you can receive counseling for a variety of different services: Amwells therapy services are not subscription-based, meaning you have to pay for each therapist visit. We surveyed 105 users from each online therapy company and asked the companies to complete questionnaires. An algorithm will pair you with a licensed therapist based on your answers. Former Healthline employee Jamey Powell tried out BetterHelp and was really pleased with her experience. However, some note that their insurance didnt cover their BetterHelp subscription cost. Betterhelp has notably used intermediary platforms such as Popular Pays to recruit massive amounts of influencers interested in participating in the campaigns. In one-on-one counseling, therapists offer common mental health therapies, including: The therapeutic approach is up to you and your therapist. 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. By using iSpot.tv, you accept our. Have questions about this ad or our catalog? That missed session will count as your session for the week. BetterHelp last advertised a new product in December, 2021. To help get you started, heres a list of affordable mental health care options. With online therapy, therapy is made more accessible for many people. This includes eating disorders and substance use disorders. BetterHelps sign-up process is clear, fast and straightforward. Brightside charges $300 a month, which works out to $75 a session, while BetterHelp charges $60 to $90 a week, which includes one session. They spent over $100 million on advertising in digital, print, and national TV in the last year. BetterHelp markets itself as the world's largest online therapy service with nearly 2 million users, according to its website. Both begin with a short questionnaire about your background, your location, and why you are seeking therapy. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Spending just a few minutes a day on meditation can have big benefits for your mental health. BetterHelp counseling. Check out our FAQ Page. Telehealth is web-based healthcare in which a healthcare professional and a person seeking treatment interact remotely via voice or video chat, or text. Even if a therapy session is a videoconference, therapists generally only see from the shoulders up. Behavioral Health: Patient Access, Provider Claims Payment, and the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic. MediaRadar helps advertising sales teams reach the key decision makers at brands. Effectiveness of a multimodal digital psychotherapy platform for adult depression: A naturalistic feasibility study. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connecting users to licensed therapists. Since theres no commuting for online therapy, it tends to be easier to fit into clients schedules than in-person therapy. According to BetterHelp, getting paired with a therapist takes about 24 hours or less. 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. Many Americans Continue to Experience Mental Health Difficulties as Pandemic Enters Second Year. BetterHelp runs on a subscription model. Brightsides sign-up process is more in-depth than BetterHelpsit gives you a second, more detailed questionnaire that is just for matching purposes after youve already signed up, entered your portal, and chosen your plan. BetterHelp has an average of 4.07 out of 5 stars on Better Business Bureau (BBB) from over 330 customer reviews. 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. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Q1. At first glance, Brightside and BetterHelps price points are similar. The company offers a secure, easy-to-use platform and qualified therapists. BetterHelp has expanded its services in recent years and now partners with businesses and universities. Still, according to a 2021 Consumer Reports article, this HIPAA compliance may only start once you have created an account. Frequently asked questions about BetterHelp, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7829321/, journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1357633X17730443. Ultimately, how BetterHelp measures up against its competitors will depend on your personal needs, preferences and what you hope to get out of your therapy experience. Hamel L, et al. 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. These cookies . In addition, therapists must have received certification from the professional board in their state, which requires standard education, exams, and practice. By Mary X. Dennis See which other premium units they bought. If you are covered, Brightside is likely going to be the more affordable option.