What is the BetterHelp controversy? (+5 BetterHelp Limitations)
By
OptimistMinds
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Author bio
The Optimistminds editorial team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter. The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.
In this article, we will understand what the BetterHelp controversy is. We will also be checking some of the best features of BetterHelp that users have experienced in the past. In addition to this, we will be describing the various limitations of this particular mental health platform. While online therapy has its limitations, its popularity has been steadily increasing.
What is the BetterHelp controversy?
BetterHelp has been called out for unethical practices of therapy. Many therapists who have previously worked with BetterHelp have complained about the poor pay and the long hours that they have to put in. The Astroworld tragedy that involved Travis Scott has also brought up many more complaints of exploiting the mental health issues of traumatized attendees of the concert.
Best features of BetterHelp
BetterHelp offers a range of features that can be highly advantageous to users as well as therapists. Some of the best features of this platform have been explored in the points below:
BetterHelp can be used from anywhere
BetterHelp functions completely online and thus can be used from anywhere. All that the user requires is a stable internet connection and a compatible device and they are good to go. The platform can be used as it is through a web browser and even downloaded and installed as an app.
It is completely HIPAA compliant
The technology that BetterHelp uses is completely HIPAA compliant. The user and the therapist do not have to worry about the privacy and confidentiality of their sessions while on BetterHelp. BetterHelp has cleverly incorporated several security features to stay true to this, such as end to end encryptions, multi-step authentications and even firewalls.
It brings high levels of safety
In BetterHelp, the user and the therapist can experience high levels of safety as the technology does not require the client and the therapist to meet each other face to face. This can reduce the incidence of violence or assaults from either party. This blanket of physical safety can bring more comfort and peace to the user, thus increasing the effectiveness of therapy.
It provides a better client-therapist fit
There is also a better client-therapist fit that is guaranteed in BetterHelp due to the smart use of artificial intelligence. The algorithm in the platform uses the information provided by the user to match them with a suitable therapist, thus bringing a better rapport between the client and the therapist which is necessary for the success of the therapy.
It offers many formats for therapy
There are also various formats for therapy that are available in the platform that users can choose according to their conveniences and preferences. BetterHelp offers unlimited messaging between the user and their therapist. It additionally provides different modes of live therapy sessions like live chats, live audio sessions and live video sessions.
BetterHelp is easy to use
The process of therapy and mental health care itself becomes much easier through platforms like BetterHelp. BetterHelp in particular requires the user to put in very little effort when compared to in-person therapy. The user is just required to sign-up, provide their details and the platform takes care of the rest, thus making the process very simple and easily accessible.
It provides couples therapy
Couples therapy is a great feature that is offered in BetterHelp. Couples therapy is indicated for those pairs who are facing relationship issues and will help them communicate better through various exercises and skill sets. Couples therapy can also help those who are planning on getting married to each other by training them in different skills that are required for relationships.
It has teens therapy
Teenagers between the ages of 13 years to 18 years can also find comfort in BetterHelp as it offers therapy especially designed for adolescents. Therapy for teens is quite important, especially today, as this age group often deals with large amounts of stress and anxiety related to peer pressure, relationships, changing identities and education.
It also offers group therapy
Group therapy is another great feature that is offered in BetterHelp. These group sessions are free of cost for all the users of BetterHelp and are conducted once a week. The group therapy sessions cover more than 20 different topics related to mental health and mental illness and can be very resourceful in emotional support and coping strategies.
Limitations of BetterHelp
BetterHelp also has several limitations that users have experienced, such as:
- It does not provide psychiatry services and thus those who require medications for the management of their symptoms will have to look elsewhere
- The mental health professionals in this platform are legally not allowed to diagnose mental health conditions
- The professionals in the platform are also not allowed to provide certificates or letters that therapy-goers often need
- BetterHelp can be quite expensive since it does not allow insurance coverage. Also, the financial assistance is not applicable for everyone and only lasts for three months before it must be renewed again
- BetterHelp requires a stable internet connection to run, and those who experience troubles with their data may not be able to use the platform properly
Conclusion
In this article, we have understood what the BetterHelp controversy is. We have also checked out some of the best features of BetterHelp that users have experienced in the past. In addition to this, we have described the various limitations of this particular mental health platform.
If you like this article, please post your comments and questions below.
Citations
https://www.polygon.com/2018/10/4/17932862/betterhelp-app-youtube-sponsorship-controversy-explained
Travis Scott called out for partnering with ‘scam’ therapy app in wake of Astroworld
A Psychologist Weighs in on the Youtube + BetterHelp Controversy
https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/11/11/betterhelp-controversy/
https://www.inputmag.com/culture/travis-scott-betterhelp-astroworld-therapy-app-controversy
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