Does BetterHelp offer malpractice insurance?

Easy to get started, no credentialing, minimal admin work, when there are incentives they are good, flexible schedule

It's unclear what documentation you should be doing since no insurance companies are involved and there's little guidance about how it differs and doesn't from insurance billed traditional therapy, very high client turnover rate, pay is okay

remote work, supposed flexible schedule, benefits promised but unattainable

This other therapist summed it up nicely: "Better Help is a terrible option for the telehealth therapist that wants to work virtually. Better Help essentially takes a 70/30 split in their favor. You can expect to make $22.5/hour for the first 7 clients you see in a week, because of the way their pay-scale is structured. They advertise as "starting at $30/hour" but fail to inform you that there are 45 minute session caps, and so you're actually making $22.50/session, not $30. They encourage constant messaging with clients in order to make more money "per word" sent/received, which enforces terrible boundaries and unhealthy therapist-client dynamics. They invest millions of dollars, it seems, in advertisements and celebrity deals, but fail to pay the people who are keeping them "in business" a livable wage. They are a tech company and their number one priority is to make money for themselves-- not for the hardworking, educated, credentialed therapist that keeps their clients "subscribed" in the first place. You're better off going to a different online platform that values therapists, that allows you to get credentialed with insurance companies, and to set your own cash rates. This job is not sustainable. You will burn yourself out if you try to make this your only source of income-- it's not doable. I have submitted feedback from 2021-2024 on every survery they provide pleading for better pay for therapists but nothing changes. Don't bother- don't contribute to their continued exploitation of therapists."

You can make as much as you choose to make and you are working virtually. Therapists do not need to worry about billing/insurance at all. Clients are vetted prior to you accepting them as a client. There are MANY helpful worksheets that therapists have at their fingertips to share with clients, and clients also have access to journal (private or shared with you), and classes/groups. Therapists also can get free CEU's as well! There are therapist forums with peer support, and you always can reach out to the Better Help team for other questions. You are paid weekly and don't have to wait on insurance companies to pay. Notes are easy and you have different template options. Your clients can text you in between sessions and vice versa. Better Help has been around a long time (2013) and seem to have worked out the kinks. I personally know that there are several other 'on line' therapy options out there, but I can honestly say Better Help is the Gold Standard.

I really don't have any cons to discuss/share at this time. I have have been working for this company for almost a year.

Flexibility with work schedule, can pause whenever you want, great clients, easy platform, free CEU opportunities, good flow of new clients

For as many clients as I saw a week, the income earned made life unsustainable. I would’ve stayed a lot longer had they paid me what I’m worth. Starting at $30 an hour is an insult for someone who went in with over 20 years experience. The income estimate they give you before starting is heavily inflated and unrealistic based on the way they compensate you. To get to a level where you can actually get health insurance is close to impossible unless you want to see 60+ clients a week. It is unethical to see that many clients a week. We cannot possibly be present for all clients when working so many hours. In addition, they really should look into providing insurance credentialing, because that would surely offer more flexibility and how much you get paid per client. Also, many of my clients paid a high rate, despite having health insurance that would have resulted in them paying less than $100 per month at one session per week if they used their insurance coverage There were so many pros, but the low income overall far outweighed the pros.

I've been working with BetterHelp for a while now, and I couldn't be happier with my experience. This platform provides a unique opportunity for therapists to practice independently, from home or remotely, allowing for a flexible and balanced work-life schedule. One of the standout features of BetterHelp is the freedom it offers. Unlike traditional settings, therapists here aren't bogged down by an overload of rules, regulations, or the hassles of dealing with insurance. This allows for a more client-focused approach, where we can devote our time and energy to truly helping our clients. Moreover, BetterHelp supports the growth of passionate and values-oriented clinicians. The platform provides ample opportunities for professional development and learning, fostering an environment where therapists can thrive and advance in their careers. I highly recommend BetterHelp to any therapist looking to expand their practice in a supportive and independent setting. It’s a game-changer for mental health professionals seeking flexibility and a rewarding career.

The only downside that I’ve experienced working here is the lower rate of compensation.

BetterHelp is a flexible and affordable alternative to using insurance for therapy. The platform offers access to many licensed therapists, and clients can choose video, phone, or chat sessions—giving them the variety and convenience to connect in the way that best fits their needs.

A major drawback of BetterHelp is that it pays therapists significantly below market value, often closer to what a client might pay as a copay. This not only devalues the time, expertise, and training of licensed professionals but also raises concerns about whether the platform truly honors the people who make its services possible - the therapists.

I have had many referrals on an ongoing basis so it's easy to feel as many spaces as you'd like very quickly. The interface is good and I found it reliable. They are moderately good in terms of speed of response to therapist and client concerns. The amount of referrals on an ongoing basis is one of its most outstanding features. On an insurance platform you're not always going to get this.You can probably get clients at all different times of the day whereas for many Insurance based platforms you are more limited toward the end of the day throughout the evening. Nothing is set in stone. I would recommend therapists who are new to doing therapy and especially teletherapy to give this a try. They pay every week and the pay arrival date is always clear as a bell as well as the amount. I know a weekend Advance when I'm going to be paid the following monday.

The compensation rate is very poor for license therapists. On average in a Telehealth platform you can at least be expect to get 55 to $60 as a low end figure and up to 90 to $100 and a higher in figure for General 90837. They have a tiered pay system on better help which is sort of tricky but in the long one you end up getting paid about $23 an hour for the first 5 hours. It is the major complaints of this platform. However the services they offer and the support they are for cost something in other platforms that are more Insurance based with higher fees they don't offer as much support

Easy to get started and build a caseload

They are unethical, taking clients money who don’t understand they can get mental health services for a lot less through their insurance. Betterhelp does not disclose this or encourage them to contact their insurance providers. I only wanted weekend work, the pay averaged $30/hr and was never worth my time. Poor communication from the company. They monitor you through an algorithm, it’s creepy and the scoring is not conducive for just wanting to work a few hours a week. They acted like I was failing.

BetterHelp has brought me a good flow of new clients so that I am able to work approximately the hours I want to work each week. There are excellent resources on the site for me to offer my clients: worksheets, groups, classes, journaling, goals. What I like most is that some of my clients text between sessions, and I am paid hourly for that.

BetterHelp has recently made it possible for clients to use their insurance for sessions. I understand the pay will be better under that program. My earnings per hour could be a bit higher than they are.

Make own schedule, and insurance bonus

Pay and constant communication with client