This article will explain if BetterHelp is indeed confidential. We will also be looking at the various situations where confidentiality can be broken in the client-therapist relationship. In addition to this, we will be discussing some of the best features of BetterHelp that can bring a wide range of benefits and advantages to the users of this platform.

Is BetterHelp confidential?

Yes, BetterHelp is completely confidential. The platform takes the confidentiality and security of its clients very seriously and thus has incorporated strong security features in its technology. The confidentiality is only even more assured since all the therapists and counselors in this platform are licensed and strictly adhere to local and federal laws related to privacy.

When can client confidentiality be broken?

While confidentiality is undoubtedly guaranteed in a therapeutic relationship, there are several situations where a therapist may break this. These conditions are often included in the informed consent provided by the therapist. Some of the situations where confidentiality may be breached are:

When it is required by a judge presiding over a certain court case
When the client requires it while switching therapists or consulting another mental health professional
When the client wants the therapist to communicate with a family member or a friend about their treatment
When the therapist suspects child abuse or elder abuse
When there have been mentions of homicidal ideations. This can also include an intent to harm other persons
When there have been mentions of suicidal behavior

Best features of BetterHelp

BetterHelp has many features that can be of vital importance to clients as well as therapists. The best features of this online therapy platform have been discussed in this section:

It makes therapy accessible

Through BetterHelp, therapy itself becomes a lot more accessible for everybody. In-person therapy requires the client to seek out the therapist by themselves. This is not required in online therapy platforms like BetterHelp. Since everything is conducted online, this can be even great for those who live in remote areas where there are no licensed therapists.

It provider affordable care

The subscription to BetterHelp can be availed at a very low price. In addition to this, the platform also offers financial assistance or financial aid for those who are finding affordability an issue. This financial assistance is reserved for those who are unemployed or furloughed due to COVID-19 and lasts for a period of 3 months before it can be renewed again.

It has many therapists

BetterHelp has a large network of therapists that can cater to the various mental health needs and requirements of the clients. These licensed and certified therapists are matched with the client through artificial intelligence and thus the success rate of the client-therapist fit is pretty high. The large number of therapists also makes the process of switching professionals much easier.

It has safe technology

The technology that BetterHelp uses is pretty safe and secure. BetterHelp has been equipped with security features such as end to end encryptions, strong firewalls and even multi-step authentications and thus is fully HIPAA compliant. This high level of security protects the identity and confidentiality of the clients pretty well.

It offers unlimited messaging

BetterHelp allows its clients to send an unlimited number of messages to their therapists. This is also available in various formats such as text messages, audio messages and even video messages. Messaging therapy itself offers plenty of benefits for clients such as expression and reflection while also providing a great deal of convenience at the same time.

It has various forms of live sessions

There are also many types of live sessions that are available in BetterHelp that clients can choose from according to their needs and preferences. The live sessions include live chats, live audio sessions and even live video sessions. Clients can schedule any of these in advance according to their needs and preferences.

It has couples therapy

The platform additionally offers couples therapy for those families who are going through a rough patch in their relationship. Couples therapy equips the pair with the right communication strategies and coping skills. This can be even helpful for those who are struggling to cope with mental illness in the family setting.

It has group sessions

BetterHelp has group sessions that are conducted about once a week. These sessions cover more than twenty different topics related to mental health and mental illness. Group therapy can bring a great deal of emotional support and motivation to the users. This feature is provided free of cost to the users of BetterHelp.

It has teens therapy

The platform also offers teens therapy for adolescents between the ages of 13 years to 18 years. Teenagers often need therapy to help them navigate the choppy waters that is adolescence. Since many mental illnesses also show their initial signs in these age groups, therapy becomes even more mandatory.

Best alternative to BetterHelp

If you are looking for a great alternative to BetterHelp, you can easily choose Talkspace. This platform has many similar features and also offers psychiatry services. Furthermore, the platform has insurance coverage which can greatly increase its affordability to its users.

Conclusion

This article has explained if BetterHelp is indeed confidential. We have also looked at the various situations where confidentiality can be broken in the client-therapist relationship. In addition to this, we have discussed some of the best features of BetterHelp that can bring a wide range of benefits and advantages to the users of this platform.

If you like this article, please post your comments and questions below.

Citations

https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/client-confidentiality

https://www.apa.org/topics/ethics/confidentiality

https://www.simplepractice.com/blog/therapist-break-confidentiality/

When You Have to Break Confidentiality as a Therapist

https://www.icanotes.com/2020/10/19/client-confidentiality-best-practices-behavioral-therapy/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BetterHelp

https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/betterhelp

https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/101072-26

https://www.owler.com/company/betterhelp