Why Is Betterhelp Expensive? (5 Reasons Why)

This article will look at the reasons as to why Betterhelp is expensive when it comes to providing counseling and therapy services online to people across the globe. The article will also identify the services of this company and explain what Betterhelp basically is in order to help the audience develop a better understanding of the topic question.

Why Is Betterhelp Expensive?

Betterhelp is expensive because of the following reasons:

• Customizable Services
• Costs of Setting Up An Online Platform
• Nature of Service
• Target Market is Global – Prepare Accordingly
• Counseling & Therapy Both At Betterhelp

Before we explain each of the reasons that likely contribute to the answer of why Betterhelp is so expensive, we will take a look at what Betterhelp basically is!

What Is Betterhelp – The Online Therapist

Betterhelp is one of the largest online platforms that provides multiple services for all types of people who are suffering from mental health problems and require counseling. 

Members and clients do not have to go anywhere but can sit at home and avail a multitude of services that are affiliated with this online platform. Hence they avoid traveling, save time and can avail services keeping in mind their limitations caused by their mental health problems; sometimes people are not in the condition to go outside the house for therapy or counseling, they need services at home!

With around 1700 licensed professionals onboard, more than 900,000 clients and having conducted at least 70 million sessions online, it would be insufficient to say it is just one of those online platforms that provide mental health services! The best thing about Betterhelp is that it is available to all people regardless of their background and ensures people can choose the medium of communication that is most appropriate for them such as chatting, calls or video sessions with their counselors.

Why Is Betterhelp Expensive?

There are a number of reasons why Betterhelp is expensive which we will look at in detail in this section.

Customizable Services

Usually when you visit your therapist at their office, there is only one medium of interaction which is the face to face one; you sit in an office and face your therapist in person while trying to open up about your problems. Although this medium has its own advantages, many people find it difficult to participate in such sessions especially when they are sharing sensitive and somewhat explicit information about themselves.

Betterhelp provides customized sessions; depending on your comfort level they allow you to take sessions with your counselor or therapists through chatting, audio and video calls. Hence, clients can choose what medium suits them and their needs the best while ensuring their comfort is not disturbed.

Costs of Setting Up An Online Platform

It takes a lot of resources to set up the perfect platform that provides services to you in an efficient and safe manner! Have you noticed the extra mile Betterhelp goes to ensure your comfort levels are maintained; they have services to allow for chatting, audio and video calls and the option to choose a preferred counselor.

Also, security is a huge issue nowadays and Betterhelp realizes that. This is why they have one of the best security softwares operating to ensure your confidentiality.

It takes a lot of effort to bring so many people to one platform, the marketing and human resource efforts as well as the finance required to make this platform would sure be immense!

Nature of Service

The nature of the service is such that it requires professional, licensed and educated individuals who cater to the needs of individuals that are suffering with problems in their daily lives. Mental health services are not like other businesses where you can increase efficiency to the extent that prices drop low enough. So yes, there are some ways to increase efficiency such as online sessions allow therapists to see more people in less time but you cannot decrease the session length considerably and still get great quality. People need time and effort.

Due to these reasons, some resources cannot be cut back to reduce costs; they need to be managed well and maintained because of people’s requirements. For example, if the therapist has realized the problem of the client he cannot end the session then and there if the client still wants to discuss the problem further. He needs to ensure the client is satisfied and this satisfaction varies from client to client.

Target Market is Global – Prepare Accordingly

It is important to recognize that the clients of Betterhelp are located across the globe; they are not limited to one demographic, ethnicity, religion or cultural or social backgrounds. If people wanted the same thing and had no differences that would affect their needs, it would be easier to provide the same thing instead of customizing services. 

So, keeping in mind they have a diverse target market, they need to recruit and train their service providers accordingly; this entails extra hassles in terms of finding the right people, determining what to pay them and what additional skill training they would require. Not to mention they would have to be trained on how to deal with diverse individuals who have different concepts of right and wrong.

To make this all possible and ensure the efforts of people affiliated with Betterhelp are compensated for their efforts, Betterhelp needs to charge a certain fee to ensure this is accomplished.

Counseling & Therapy Both At Betterhelp

Here it is important to understand the difference between counseling and therapy. Counseling is used to target short term problems people face in their daily lives. Although certifications exist for it, it is not the same thing as psychotherapy. Therapy entails dealing with mental health issues an individual faces, for these reasons, people who have the necessary degrees or qualifications can only practice as a therapist.

Betterhelp is an online platform that does not only have counselors but psychologists and therapists as well hence bringing them onboard and ensuring they are provided attractive compensation packages does require extra finance.

They have licensed psychologists, licensed social and clinical workers as well as licensed counselors and therapists onboard who are committed to providing the necessary services that people require.

Services At Betterhelp – There’s Something For Everyone

No one is without problems and every person, regardless of their age, gender, race and social, religious or cultural background face problems.

The following services are available at Betterhelp that make it valuable other than the usual services every online provider has:

• Group Sessions
• Easy To Switch Providers
• Messaging Any Time

Group Sessions

Betterhelp conducts group sessions that allow individuals to become part of group experience where people collectively discuss their experiences or problems; the session is led by a qualified expert 

Groups sessions are extremely useful because they allow people to open up and feel comfortable as they realize other people are also going through issues that they face too! Group sessions are however more difficult to manage and need more experienced trainers who know how to approach people turn by turn and make sure no one feels left out.

Also, sometimes group discussions can divert from the main topic so the trainer or counselor must be well aware of when this diversion is occurring and how to take corrective action.

Easy To Switch Providers

Ever notice how awkward it can get to request a clinic to switch your counselor – I won’t even get into the details. Nonetheless, online platforms make it easy to switch to new counselors. Why? Not only do they have enough options but you don’t have to go through an awkward transition phase or even give explanations.

Messaging At Any Time

Counselors are mostly available for a chat and this is an option available to clients because they pay per month and not per session. It allows them to avail sessions when they need them and not when they are allowed to avail them – huge difference!

Hence, whenever a client feels the need, they can send in a message to their counselor and check if they are available and have a chat; they don’t need to go through the long process of registering for a schedule.

Conclusion

This article looked at the reasons as to why Betterhelp is expensive as an online mental health service provider. It not only discussed each reason in detail but also highlighted their services which are one reason why they need to charge a certain fee.

References

https://www.verywellmind.com/counselor-or-psychotherapist-1067401