5 Ups & 3 Downs Of Working For BetterHelp

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As a mental health professional, I’ve been a fan of BetterHelp for several years. After receiving a free trial and experiencing its benefits firsthand, I was convinced of its value not only for clients but also for therapists. The platform’s innovative approach to providing mental health services piqued my curiosity, and I couldn’t help but feel drawn to the possibilities it presented. 

Now that I’m in private practice, I’ve joined BetterHelp to supplement my income while I build up my caseload, and it has been mostly a positive experience, That’s been a godsend for me, as my practice isn’t yet making enough to be sustainable on it’s own.

If you’re a fellow mental health professional looking for either full or part time work, I encourage you to read about my experience working for BetterHelp. And if you find it helpful and want to check out BetterHelp for yourself, I ask that you take advantage of my referral link, which I’ll place here, and throughout the rest of the post. To do so benefits me and also you, as by doing so, you’ll be eligible to take advantage of a sign on bonus. 

In this blog post, I’ll help you with your decision by sharing what it’s like working for BetterHelp and the reasons why I enjoy it, along with some challenges that come with the territory.

Let’s get started. But first, just in case you’ve never heard of BetterHelp, let’s talk about what it is and why it might be of interest to you:

What Is BetterHelp?

BetterHelp is an online counseling platform that genuinely aims to bring mental health support closer to people, no matter where they are. It’s all about connecting clients with experienced, licensed therapists in a way that feels comfortable and convenient for both parties. 

The platform offers various services like individual therapy, group therapy, marriage/couples counseling, Christian counseling, and LGBTQ counseling, and caters to a broad range of needs and preferences.

The cool thing about BetterHelp is that clients can choose how they want to interact with their therapist—whether it’s through text, video, or phone calls. This flexibility allows people to engage in therapy in a way that suits their lifestyle and comfort level. 

Plus, the subscription-based plans mean you don’t have to deal with insurance or commuting to in-person appointments, which is a real game-changer for many.

For therapists, BetterHelp is an opportunity to expand their reach and help more people while enjoying the freedom of working from anywhere with an internet connection. It’s about striking a balance between making therapy more accessible and allowing therapists to maintain control over their schedules. 

In a nutshell, BetterHelp has changed how we think about and access mental health care, creating a win-win situation for clients and therapists alike.

How To Join BetterHelp as a Therapist

If you’re thinking about working for BetterHelp, the process is pretty simple and starts with making sure you meet their specific requirements. You need to be a licensed mental health professional, like a psychologist, counselor, or clinical social worker, and have a current license to practice in your state.

To kick things off, go to BetterHelp’s therapist sign-up page and fill out the application form. You’ll need to share your contact info, licensure details, and your education and experience. They’ll also ask you to complete a quick self-assessment about your background, how you approach therapy, and your areas of expertise.

After you submit your application, BetterHelp will take a look at your info. If you meet their criteria, they’ll invite you for an interview. This usually includes a video call where they’ll assess your clinical skills and how comfortable you are with technology and online therapy.

Once you get the green light, you’ll need to complete a few more onboarding tasks like a background check and providing proof of malpractice insurance. Once you’ve crossed those off your list, you can set up your profile, list your areas of expertise, and start accepting clients.

And here’s a little extra perk: depending on your state, you might be eligible for a sign-up bonus when you join BetterHelp. That’s a pretty sweet deal for mental health professionals interested in diving into the world of online therapy!

5 Things I Love About Being A Therapist At BetterHelp

As of this writing, I’ve been with BetterHelp for almost three months. That’s plenty of time to poke around the platform and to get a sense of what works and what does not. While BetterHelp is not perfect (and what is?), here are 5 positives that really stand out to me:

1. The Clients Are Engaged And Committed

When I joined BetterHelp, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the clients. But let me tell you, they’ve been a pleasant surprise. They’re just as committed, punctual, and responsive as clients I’ve seen in person. As you know, engaged clients make therapy more productive and enjoyable for both parties.

Honestly, I had my doubts. I thought that maybe the online aspect would make people less serious about therapy. I was wrong. My clients on BetterHelp have shown real dedication to their mental health journey and are fully engaged in the therapeutic process.

What’s more, I’ve had the chance to work with a diverse group of people from across an entire state. This has opened my eyes to different perspectives and experiences, helping me grow as a therapist and stay passionate about my work.

In short, I’ve been impressed by the clients at BetterHelp. Their commitment and genuine interest in therapy have made my job so much more fulfilling than I ever thought possible with an online platform. And as a bonus, they’ve reminded me that we’re all human, just doing our best to navigate this thing called life.

2. BetterHelp’s Platform Has Won Me Over

Initially, I was skeptical about conducting therapy through BetterHelp’s phone, video, and chat sessions, but they’ve been surprisingly problem-free, useful, and convenient. Sessions last either 30 or 45 minutes, which allows me to get creative with scheduling and actually see more people throughout the day. 

I also love the worksheet feature. BetterHelp partnered with a website called TherapistAid, which produces psychoeducational materials. BetterHelp has these materials embedded in their platform, so you can send clients homework or review educational materials with them in real time.

There’s a “Therapy Goals” worksheet I use with all my clients that I find particularly helpful. It encourages clients to identify the specific reasons they are coming to therapy, what their goals are, and what life will look like for them once they have achieved them.

3. Freedom to choose my focus and clients

A major perk of working for BetterHelp is the ability to specify the types of issues I want to treat and the treatment methods I prefer. This flexibility allows me to focus on areas I’m passionate about and feel most competent in. It also allows me to say no to clients with whom I’d either be operating out of scope or perhaps just not a good match. This leads to better outcomes for clients and a more enjoyable work day for me.

I have worked at a ton of different mental health agencies over the years, and BetterHelp has offered me way more autonomy and control than any of them ever offered me. I gotta say, this is a big deal for me. I’ll bet it’s a big deal for you, too. 

4. Bonuses for new therapists

When I joined BetterHelp, I got a $500 sign-on bonus after seeing my first client, and there was another $500 bonus for working my first 40 hours. That was nice. In my entire professional career, I don’t recall getting a sign on bonus anywhere, ever. Or a bonus for anything, for that matter. Bonuses aren’t exactly standard in this field.

But they are with BetterHelp. At least for now. I think the bonus varies a bit from state to state, but it should be somewhere between 350-500. And yes, you get it. You don;t have to stick around for a year or whatever before they send it to you. I got both of mine in my first month.  

Also, if you work 120 hours a month, you also get an extra $650 for healthcare, though you can use it for whatever you want.

Additionally, BetterHelp gives you access to free professional development courses you can use to maintain your license. The company they use is called Relias, and there are text-based and video-based CEU’s on a variety of useful topics.

5. My Caseload Blew Up In Record Time

I was concerned it might take a while to build my client base. To my surprise, I had over 50 clients within just two weeks. Now I work as much or as little as I want. That number has stayed pretty consistent, too. Once you get to a number that works for you, all you have to do is switch off your availability and BetterHelp will stop sending you referrals. If the time comes when you want to boost your numbers, you just switch it back on again. 

One of my takeaways from this experience is realizing just how huge the demand is for quality, affordable, accessible therapy. BetterHelp has quite the reach, too. I’m able to help clients from all over my state. I wouldn;t be able to do that in a traditional private practice.

3 Things I Don’t Like About BetterHelp

But as much as I have enjoyed working for BetterHelp, it’s not a perfect platform. There are a few drawbacks I’ve encountered. They aren’t deal breakers for me, though I do hope BetterHelp addresses these at some point. 

Here are 3 things I’m not too wild about:

1. The starting hourly rate is underwhelming

I’ll be honest, the starting hourly rate is disappointing. You begin at $30 per hour for the first five hours, then it increases to $35 for the next five hours, and $40 for the following five hours, and so on. If you’re only planning to work 5-10 hours per week, it’s not the most lucrative option. Basically, if you want to make $1000 a week, that’s 25 billable hours. For 30 hours, it’s $1250. You can decide whether that works for you.

2. A lack of support for progress notes 

Another thing I’ve struggled with at BetterHelp is their lack of progress notes. It’s nice not to be bogged down by paperwork, but it can be tricky to keep track of important information and remember session details without a structured system for documentation. This can impact the continuity of the therapeutic process.

To tackle this challenge, I’ve had to come up with my own way of documenting sessions while sticking to BetterHelp’s guidelines and policies. This means setting aside time after each session to write down key points and keeping a secure, confidential file for each client.

3. No phone support means relying on email and waiting for responses

One of the more frustrating aspects of working for BetterHelp is the lack of phone support for customer service. Instead, you have to rely on email, which can be a hassle, especially when you need immediate help.

As a therapist, there are times when you need quick answers or assistance, such as when you encounter technical issues, or have concerns about a client’s well-being. In those moments, having to send an email and wait 24-48 hours for a response can feel incredibly inconvenient and even anxiety-inducing.

Is working for BetterHelp Right for You?

If you’re a mental health professional considering online therapy jobs, BetterHelp might be an option worth exploring. However, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons to see if it aligns with your career aspirations and personal values.

If you’re aiming to supplement your income, hone new skills, or broaden your client base, BetterHelp could be a fantastic fit. On the other hand, if your main goal is to work limited hours while maximizing your income, you might want to look into other opportunities.

Online therapy also demands a certain level of tech-savviness, as you’ll be connecting with clients via video, chat, and phone sessions. If you’re open to embracing new tools and technologies, you might find the shift to online therapy to be smooth and enjoyable.

Ultimately, BetterHelp presents a chance for mental health professionals to offer valuable services to a diverse range of clients while enjoying the flexibility and support the platform provides. Although there are some drawbacks, the experience is fulfilling for me and rewarding for any therapists who are willing to invest the necessary hours and effort.

Final Thoughts

BetterHelp has really changed how mental health services work, making therapy more accessible and convenient for those in need, while offering therapists like us unique opportunities for personal growth and flexibility. It’s true that working on the platform comes with some drawbacks, but my experience on the platform has been largely positive.

As mental health professionals, our role in helping others navigate life’s challenges and overcome obstacles is vital. By embracing platforms like BetterHelp, we’re able to reach even more people who might not otherwise have access to quality mental health care. 

If you’re considering working for BetterHelp, there’s a $350-$500 sign-up bonus, which adds to the appeal for mental health professionals curious about online therapy. With the right mindset, dedication, and persistence, you can make a real difference in your clients’ lives, all while enjoying the flexibility and support that BetterHelp offers.

Online Therapy jobs with BetterHelp

Over 10,000 people sign up on BetterHelp every day looking for a therapist. BetterHelp can be your main source of income, or a supplement to your current work.

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