BetterHelp Alternatives: Exploring Therapy Options Beyond Online Platforms
Online therapy has revolutionized how we access mental health care. In particular, BetterHelp – the world's largest virtual therapy platform – has played a huge role in destigmatizing mental health treatment by making counseling accessible at the click of a button (Business Wire). In my practice, I’ve seen how services like BetterHelp helped people side-step stigma by allowing them to seek support privately from home. But as convenient and normalized as BetterHelp has made therapy, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at BetterHelp’s model (and the BetterHelp controversy you may have heard about) and then explore BetterHelp alternatives – including Talkspace, Grow Therapy, Amwell, and Thriveworks – to help you find the right fit. We’ll also discuss which online therapy platforms accept insurance (making therapy more affordable), and why returning to traditional private practice therapy can be a strong alternative to consider.
BetterHelp’s Rise and Role in DestigMatizing Mental Health
BetterHelp launched in 2013 with a mission to remove barriers to therapy and make mental health care available to everyone (Business Wire). The platform connects users with a licensed therapist via a subscription-based app, offering counseling through text, audio, or video sessions. By teaming up with celebrities and public figures (from Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps to NBA star Kevin Love), BetterHelp has brought therapy into the mainstream conversation. These partnerships underscore BetterHelp’s drive to destigmatize therapy and remind people that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness (Business Wire).
Thanks to aggressive advertising and social media campaigns, BetterHelp normalized phrases like “talking to my therapist” in everyday life. Suddenly, therapy became as accessible as ordering a rideshare – an innovation that has helped millions begin their mental health journey (Business Wire). This convenience and privacy have especially empowered those who might have felt hesitant walking into a therapist’s office. As a clinician, I applaud how platforms like BetterHelp have helped people overcome fear and shame around getting help.
However, popularity alone doesn’t make it the perfect choice for everyone. It’s important to understand the business behind BetterHelp, what using the service really entails, and why some therapists and clients alike have voiced concerns.
The BetterHelp Controversy and Potential Downsides
BetterHelp has faced significant controversy, particularly regarding data privacy. In early 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) accused the platform of improperly sharing sensitive user health data with advertisers like Facebook and Snapchat, despite assurances of confidentiality. While BetterHelp denied wrongdoing, it settled by paying $7.8 million in fines and agreeing to stop sharing health data for advertising. This breach of trust was a major blow for users who expected their therapy discussions to remain private. Beyond privacy concerns, BetterHelp’s entirely virtual model also has limitations—there are no in-person sessions, no psychiatric care or medication management, and specialized services like couples or teen therapy require separate platforms, adding extra hassle.
Exploring Alternatives to BetterHelp
Whether you’re concerned about the BetterHelp controversy or just curious what else is out there, it’s smart to explore other online therapy services. There are several platforms that offer comparable virtual therapy with their own spin on pricing, format, and services. Some of these BetterHelp alternatives even accept insurance, making online therapy that takes insurance a reality (and often a more affordable one). Let’s dive into four popular alternatives – Talkspace, Grow Therapy, Amwell, and Thriveworks – and see how they stack up in terms of pros and cons.
Talkspace: Insurance-Friendly Virtual Therapy
Talkspace is one of the top BetterHelp alternatives, offering a subscription-based model with therapy via messaging and live video. The main distinction is that Talkspace accepts insurance, significantly reducing costs for those with coverage. Many major insurers, including Premera, Optum, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, partner with Talkspace, allowing clients to pay only a co-pay instead of full session fees (PsychCentral).
Without insurance, Talkspace pricing is similar to BetterHelp, ranging from $69 per week for basic plans to $99 per week for higher-tier plans with more live sessions (PsychCentral). Clients can choose from different service tiers, such as unlimited text messaging plus one monthly video session or plans with up to four video sessions per month.
Pros:
Accepts insurance, significantly lowering costs.
Offers psychiatry services and medication management, which BetterHelp does not provide.
Covers couples and teen therapy in the same platform without requiring separate services (SonderMind).
Available in all 50 states and Canada (PsychCentral).
Cons:
Fully virtual; no in-person sessions available (PsychCentral).
Therapists generally respond during business hours, which may not suit those needing weekend or late-night availability.
Without insurance, costs are comparable to BetterHelp and still require a subscription (PsychCentral).
Past concerns over privacy and chat transcript reviews, though Talkspace remains HIPAA-compliant (PsychCentral).
Talkspace closely mirrors BetterHelp in offering subscription-based unlimited messaging and weekly video sessions. Crucially, Talkspace accepts many major insurance providers, potentially lowering client costs significantly.
Pros:
Insurance acceptance reduces out-of-pocket expenses dramatically.
Offers psychiatry services and specialized counseling (e.g., couples, adolescents).
Nationwide availability, extensive therapist network.
Cons:
Completely virtual; no option for in-person meetings.
Subscription fees without insurance can become costly.
Predominantly text-based therapy may not meet all therapeutic needs.
Grow Therapy: A Hybrid Approach
Grow Therapy offers a flexible, insurance-friendly model that connects clients to licensed therapists in private practice. Unlike subscription-based platforms, Grow Therapy allows users to book virtual or in-person sessions, with many therapists accepting insurance (Kindbridge Behavioral Health).
Pros:
Works with major insurance plans, reducing therapy costs.
No subscription required; pay-per-session model provides financial flexibility.
Offers both in-person and virtual therapy options (Kindbridge Behavioral Health).
Cons:
Without insurance, session costs range from $75 to $250+ per visit, potentially more expensive than BetterHelp.
Users must manually search for and book therapists, which can take longer than automated matching systems.
Primarily serves U.S. clients; BetterHelp may be a better option for international users (Kindbridge Behavioral Health).
Grow Therapy provides a distinctive approach, connecting users directly with licensed therapists operating independently. Clients can select therapists accepting their insurance, with sessions conducted either virtually or in person.
Pros:
Extensive acceptance of insurance plans, dramatically reducing session costs.
Pay-per-session structure, offering financial flexibility.
Flexibility to choose between virtual and face-to-face sessions.
Cons:
Sessions without insurance can be relatively expensive ($75-$250 per session).
Requires manual searching for therapists, potentially lengthening the matching process.
Amwell: Comprehensive Telehealth Therapy
Amwell is a telehealth platform that provides therapy, psychiatry, and general medical services, making it a convenient option for those seeking holistic care. Unlike BetterHelp, Amwell accepts most major insurance plans, significantly lowering costs for insured clients (PsychCentral).
Pros:
Extensive insurance acceptance, reducing therapy costs.
Pay-per-session model without subscription commitments.
Integrated healthcare services, including medical and psychiatric care (PsychCentral).
Cons:
No in-person therapy options.
No unlimited messaging; only scheduled sessions.
Availability of therapists and specialists varies by location (PsychCentral).
Amwell offers integrated therapy, psychiatry, and general healthcare in one comprehensive telehealth platform. This model is particularly appealing for clients seeking coordinated healthcare solutions alongside mental health services.
Pros:
Extensive insurance acceptance, reducing costs significantly.
Pay-per-session pricing offers flexibility in scheduling.
Integration with broader healthcare services, supporting holistic care.
Cons:
No options for in-person therapy.
Traditional session structure without unlimited messaging support.
Limited specialty providers compared to dedicated therapy-focused platforms.
Thriveworks: A Hybrid Therapy Model
Thriveworks blends in-person and virtual therapy through its network of physical clinics across the U.S. Unlike online-only platforms, it allows clients to choose between face-to-face or video sessions while accepting many major insurance plans (Healthline).
Pros:
Accepts insurance, reducing out-of-pocket costs.
Offers both in-person and virtual therapy.
Provides specialized services, including couples counseling and psychiatric care (Thriveworks).
Cons:
Charges an additional monthly membership fee of around $39.
Self-pay rates are higher than BetterHelp, ranging from $135 to $200 per session.
Service quality and availability may vary by location (Thriveworks).
Thriveworks operates as a nationwide network of physical clinics offering both in-person and virtual therapy options. It bridges traditional practice benefits with modern telehealth conveniences.
Pros:
Accepts various insurance plans, reducing therapy costs significantly.
Offers both online and face-to-face sessions.
Comprehensive mental health services, including individual, couples, and psychiatric care.
Cons:
Additional monthly membership fee of approximately $39.
Higher costs without insurance coverage.
Quality of care and availability can vary between locations.
The Case for Private Practice Therapy (The Personal Touch Alternative)
After weighing all these online options, you might be wondering: what about good old-fashioned private practice therapy? As a clinician running a group practice at Brentwood Therapy Collective, I firmly believe that seeing a therapist in a private practice setting is a gold-standard option that shouldn’t be overlooked. While apps and online platforms are convenient, private practice therapy offers a level of personalized care that is hard to match in a high-volume digital service.
When you work with a therapist in private practice (whether independent or part of a local collective), you’re typically getting a dedicated professional whose entire focus is on providing you quality, individualized care – not juggling thousands of users. The therapy is truly tailored to you. Scheduling is flexible to your needs, not constrained by subscription periods. Sessions can often be longer or more in-depth if needed, and you set the cadence (weekly, biweekly, monthly, etc.) collaboratively with your therapist. There’s no feeling of being on a “timer” of a subscription that’s ticking away.
The Value of Traditional Private Practice Therapy
Private practice therapy offers significant advantages over online platforms by providing a personalized and confidential experience tailored to individual needs.
Greater Personal Connection
Meeting a therapist face-to-face fosters trust and deeper therapeutic engagement. Whether in-person or through telehealth, private practice therapy ensures your sessions remain confidential without corporate oversight.
Privacy and Insurance Benefits
Private practice therapists adhere strictly to HIPAA regulations, ensuring your data remains secure. Many accept insurance, making therapy more affordable, and those who don’t often offer sliding scale fees for accessibility.
Specialized and Consistent Care
Unlike online platforms that use automated matching, private practice allows you to choose a therapist specializing in your specific needs—whether trauma, anxiety, couples counseling, or other modalities. Additionally, private therapists provide long-term continuity, reducing the frequent therapist turnover seen in subscription-based platforms.
EMpowerMent and EngageMent
Traditional therapy encourages a proactive approach to mental health. Scheduling and attending sessions in a structured, personal environment fosters deeper reflection and commitment to growth.
While private practice therapy may not offer 24/7 messaging or instant availability, its depth, privacy, and individualized attention make it a compelling alternative to online platforms.
Private practice therapy remains an excellent alternative to online platforms, providing numerous critical advantages:
Personalized and Tailored Care
Private practice therapists often deliver highly personalized treatment, explicitly tailored to individual needs without platform-imposed limitations.
Flexible Scheduling and Personalized Attention
Clients can adjust session frequency and duration as needed, fostering responsiveness to changing circumstances and evolving therapy goals.
In-Person Connection
Face-to-face therapy often provides richer, more meaningful interactions. Nonverbal cues, the shared physical environment, and in-person dialogue significantly contribute to therapeutic rapport.
Enhanced Privacy
Private practice therapists are strictly regulated by HIPAA privacy laws, significantly reducing concerns around data sharing or breaches, unlike larger platform models.
Insurance CoMpatibility and Cost Reduction
Many private therapists accept insurance, significantly reducing costs per session. Even when therapists don't accept insurance, they often provide flexible sliding scale rates and / or provide superbills that can be submitted to insurance providers for reimbursement.
Continuity of Therapeutic Relationships
Private practice therapists typically provide a more consistent therapeutic experience, maintaining long-term therapeutic relationships without high turnover.
Making Your Best Choice
Ultimately, choosing the right therapy involves assessing what matters most to you—affordability, privacy, personalized care, the ability to use insurance, or convenience. Whether you choose online platforms like Talkspace or Thriveworks, or opt for the depth and individualized approach of private practice therapy, the goal is finding a therapeutic path aligning genuinely with your unique needs.
At Brentwood Therapy Collective, our team blends the convenience of telehealth with deeply personalized care, offering professional, compassionate, and individualized support. We're here to provide the dedicated care your mental health journey deserves.
If you're ready to move beyond apps and explore personalized therapeutic care, reach out to Brentwood Therapy Collective. Together, we'll find the therapy approach that fosters lasting growth and healing.
