BetterHelp

BetterHelp is the largest online therapy platform by user volume, connecting patients with licensed therapists for individual, couples, and teen counseling via messaging, phone, and video. As of 2026, BetterHelp accepts insurance through select in-network plans, including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, and regional Blue Cross Blue Shield plans; BetterHelp states an average copay of $23 per session for eligible members, and availability depends on your state, plan, and whether an in-network therapist is available, so confirm coverage during signup. Medicaid, Medicare, and TRICARE are not accepted. Without insurance, sessions run approximately $70-$100 per week on a subscription basis. BetterHelp operates in 12 states through VirtualCareFinder and offers therapist matching based on preferences and availability. The key limitation for patients seeking psychiatric care is that BetterHelp provides therapy only — the platform cannot prescribe medication, diagnose ADHD, or provide psychiatric evaluation. Patients who need medication management alongside therapy will need a separate psychiatry provider like Talkiatry or Cerebral. For patients who want accessible, flexible therapy — with select in-network coverage or a predictable flat cash rate — BetterHelp delivers consistent availability and a large therapist network. For patients who need integrated therapy plus medication, a full-service platform is a better fit. an average copay of $23 per session for eligible members, and availability depends on your state, plan, and whether an in-network therapist is available, so confirm coverage during signup. Medicaid, Medicare, and TRICARE are not accepted. Without insurance, sessions run approximately $70-$100 per week on a subscription basis. BetterHelp operates in 12 states through VirtualCareFinder and offers therapist matching based on preferences and availability. The key limitation for patients seeking psychiatric care is that BetterHelp provides therapy only — the platform cannot prescribe medication, diagnose ADHD, or provide psychiatric evaluation. Patients who need medication management alongside therapy will need a separate psychiatry provider like Talkiatry or Cerebral. For patients who want accessible, flexible therapy — with select in-network coverage or a predictable flat cash rate — BetterHelp delivers consistent availability and a large therapist network. For patients who need integrated therapy plus medication, a full-service platform is a better fit.

Who it suits

Patients who want flexible, accessible therapy — whether using one of BetterHelp's select in-network plans (availability varies by state and plan) or paying a flat weekly cash rate. Not ideal for patients who need medication management or psychiatric evaluation, or who rely on Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE.

How BetterHelp compares

BetterHelp is the world's largest therapy platform with over 30,000 licensed therapists and multiple communication formats including video, phone, chat, and asynchronous messaging — offering more flexibility than any competitor. The matching system and ability to switch therapists at any time removes friction from finding the right fit. As of 2026, BetterHelp accepts insurance through select in-network plans (Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, and regional Blue Cross Blue Shield plans), though availability varies by state and plan, and Medicaid, Medicare, and TRICARE are not accepted. The remaining tradeoffs: BetterHelp does not offer psychiatric medication management, and the subscription model means ongoing costs regardless of session frequency — patients who need medication alongside therapy, or whose plan is not in BetterHelp's network, should consider Talkiatry, Headway, or Grow Therapy.

Care offered

• Mental Health & Psychiatry

Included

• Therapy / Counseling
• Peer / Community Support

Convenience

• Async Messaging with Provider

Cost

$70-100/week self-pay; ~$23 avg copay with eligible insurance

$70-100/week subscription. Insurance accepted through select in-network plans.

Insurance

Plans listed: Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Coverage varies by plan. Confirm yours with the provider before booking.

Self-pay is also accepted.

HSA/FSA accepted.

As of 2026, BetterHelp accepts insurance through select in-network plans, including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, and regional Blue Cross Blue Shield plans (Anthem, CareFirst, Highmark). BetterHelp states an average copay of $23 per session for eligible members. Availability depends on your state, plan, and whether an in-network therapist is available, so confirm coverage during signup. BetterHelp does not accept Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE. HSA and FSA payments are accepted. Without insurance, subscription pricing runs $70 to $100 per week. Insurance details verified against betterhelp.com/insurance on July 31, 2026.

States served by telehealth

12 states

• TX
• CA
• FL
• NY
• IL
• WA
• GA
• CO
• OH
• PA
• AZ
• NC

Telehealth providers must be licensed in the state where you are during the visit.

How visits happen: Messaging, phone, and video via BetterHelp app and website.