How Much Time Do I Get With My Betterhelp Therapist?

If you’re thinking about starting online therapy with a platform like BetterHelp, one of the first questions you might have is how much access you’ll actually get to your therapist.

Traditional in-person therapy typically involves weekly or biweekly sessions lasting between 30 and 60 minutes, but BetterHelp offers a more flexible and often more comprehensive experience.

Unlike in-person therapy, where your interaction with a therapist is confined to scheduled sessions, BetterHelp counseling provides multiple ways to connect. Each subscription includes a live session every week, conducted entirely online.

The live session is akin to traditional therapy but without the hassle of commuting. You can join these sessions from anywhere with a reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

IMAGE: UNSPLASH

Live sessions can be conducted in three different formats:

Phone: A simple call with your therapist to discuss your concerns.
Video: A face-to-face conversation through your device’s camera.
Live Chat: Real-time text-based communication for those who prefer typing out their thoughts.

You’re not locked into a single format; you can choose what suits you best each week. Prefer video one week but feel like live chat the next? That’s totally fine. This adaptability is one of the many reasons people gravitate toward BetterHelp.

How Long Are Betterhelp Sessions?

Live sessions with BetterHelp typically last between 30 and 45 minutes. While the exact duration can depend on your therapist’s schedule, many providers offer some flexibility.

If you prefer a longer or shorter session, you can discuss this with your therapist and see what works best.

Booking a live session is straightforward. Once you’ve been matched with a licensed therapist, you can view their availability in your BetterHelp dashboard and select a time that aligns with your schedule.

If you feel the need for more than one live session per week, you might be able to arrange additional meetings for about $20 each, depending on your therapist’s availability.

However, what sets BetterHelp apart is that your interaction with your therapist isn’t limited to live sessions.

In-App Messaging: A Unique Feature Of Betterhelp

All BetterHelp plans include in-app messaging. You can leave notes for your therapist in your therapy room anytime, 24/7. For instance, you might send a message during a tough day at work or jot down thoughts that come to mind after your live session.

Your therapist will typically respond within 24 hours during the workweek, and many also reply on weekends.

These messages remain accessible in your therapy room, giving you the chance to revisit advice or guidance as needed. This feature offers ongoing support that traditional therapy often lacks, making it easier to stay on track between live sessions.

Extra Perks With Betterhelp

Beyond live sessions and in-app messaging, BetterHelp subscriptions include several other valuable tools to enhance your therapy experience.

Group therapy sessions, or Groupinars, are one standout feature. These therapist-led webinars cover various mental health topics, such as managing anxiety, coping with loss, and improving relationships. You can join these sessions anonymously and participate via live chat.

With more than 20 Groupinars offered each week, there’s likely a topic that resonates with your needs. Can’t attend live? No problem — BetterHelp provides recordings so you can watch later.

Another bonus is the platform’s built-in journal feature. This private space allows you to record your thoughts, track your progress, or explore guided prompts provided by BetterHelp. Journaling can be a powerful therapeutic tool, and you can choose whether or not to share your entries with your therapist.

BetterHelp also includes worksheets and activities tailored to your therapy goals, giving you extra opportunities to reflect and grow outside of your sessions.

What Does Betterhelp Cost?

BetterHelp subscriptions range from $65 to $100 per week, depending on your plan and therapist availability in your area. This is often more affordable than traditional in-person therapy, which can cost $100 to $200 per session.

Plus, BetterHelp discount codes and financial aid options can reduce the cost further.

With features like in-app messaging, flexible live session formats, and access to tools like Groupinars and journaling, BetterHelp delivers tremendous value for its price.

Why Betterhelp Stands Out

These added perks, combined with the convenience of online access and a network of over 30,000 licensed therapists, make BetterHelp a top choice for online therapy.

Independent organizations like HelpGuide.org have ranked BetterHelp as the leading online therapy platform for its accessibility, comprehensive resources, and user satisfaction.

For anyone curious about how online therapy works or worried about the limitations of virtual sessions, BetterHelp provides a model that goes beyond traditional therapy.

With the ability to message your therapist anytime and the flexibility of live sessions, it’s designed to fit seamlessly into your life, offering continuous support when you need it most.

If you’re ready to take the step toward better mental health, BetterHelp makes it easier than ever to get started. With a variety of tools and unlimited access to your therapist, you’re in control of your therapy journey every step of the way.