Therapy Near Me Mental Health Articles

BetterHelp is an online platform providing mental health services through professional therapy. Founded in 2013, it aims to make mental health care more accessible and convenient by offering online counselling and therapy sessions. This article explores the services, benefits, limitations, and scientific evidence supporting BetterHelp, with a focus on its relevance to Australians seeking mental health support.

BetterHelp’s mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and convenient mental health care. By leveraging technology, BetterHelp connects individuals with licensed therapists via the internet, eliminating traditional barriers to accessing therapy, such as geographic limitations and scheduling conflicts (BetterHelp, 2023).

BetterHelp offers a variety of mental health services, including:

• Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions with licensed therapists.
• Couples Therapy: Relationship counselling for couples.
• Teen Counselling: Therapy for teenagers, provided with parental consent.
• Group Therapy: Online support groups facilitated by therapists.

These services are delivered through various communication methods, such as video calls, phone calls, live chat, and messaging, allowing clients to choose the mode of communication that best suits their needs (BetterHelp, 2023).

One of the main advantages of BetterHelp is its accessibility. Clients can access therapy from anywhere with an internet connection, making it particularly beneficial for those living in rural or remote areas where mental health services may be limited. Additionally, the platform offers flexible scheduling, enabling clients to arrange sessions at times that fit their schedules (Topolovec-Vranic & Natarajan, 2016).

BetterHelp offers a subscription-based model, which can be more affordable than traditional in-person therapy. The cost of therapy through BetterHelp ranges from AUD $80 to $120 per week, billed monthly. This pricing includes unlimited messaging with therapists and weekly live sessions, making it a cost-effective option for many individuals (BetterHelp, 2023).

The platform provides a level of anonymity and privacy that can be appealing to those who may feel uncomfortable seeking therapy in person. Clients can communicate with their therapists without revealing their full identity, which can reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health support (Eysenbach, 2004).

While BetterHelp connects clients with licensed therapists, the quality of care can vary. The effectiveness of online therapy depends on the therapist’s experience with digital communication and their ability to build rapport and trust through virtual means. Some clients may find it challenging to establish a strong therapeutic relationship online compared to face-to-face interactions (Backhaus et al., 2012).

BetterHelp may not be suitable for individuals with severe mental health conditions that require intensive, in-person intervention. Conditions such as severe depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder often need comprehensive, multi-disciplinary care that includes medical treatment, which may not be adequately addressed through an online platform alone (Andersson et al., 2014).

Access to BetterHelp requires a stable internet connection and a device capable of supporting video calls, which may not be available to everyone. Additionally, older adults or those unfamiliar with technology might face challenges navigating the platform (Topolovec-Vranic & Natarajan, 2016).

Research has shown that online therapy can be as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy for various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. A meta-analysis by Andersson et al. (2014) found that internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) produced comparable outcomes to in-person CBT.

Studies have also indicated high levels of client satisfaction with online therapy. A survey by Topolovec-Vranic and Natarajan (2016) reported that clients appreciated the convenience and accessibility of online therapy and felt that it met their needs effectively.

Online therapy has been particularly beneficial for specific populations, such as those living in remote areas, individuals with physical disabilities, and those who prefer the anonymity of online communication. These groups often face significant barriers to accessing traditional mental health services, making online therapy a valuable alternative (Eysenbach, 2004).

In Australia, mental health issues are prevalent, with one in five Australians experiencing a mental health disorder each year (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2018). Access to mental health services, especially in rural and remote areas, remains a significant challenge.

BetterHelp can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing accessible and affordable online therapy options. Its flexibility and convenience make it an attractive option for Australians seeking mental health support, particularly those who may have difficulty accessing traditional services.

Our practice is a Registered NDIS Provider specialising in providing affordable and comprehensive NDIS psychology services:

1. Private clients (non-NDIS funded) can get sessions as cheap as $75 p/s when not on a Mental Healthcare Plan. Clinic locations available in all major CBDs.
2. We are a Registered NDIS Psychology Service Provider and we take on all NDIS participants, including NDIA managed.
3. Our NDIS session rate is around 25% less than the recommended NDIS billing rate for psychology ($165 vs $214.41 p/s). Leaving participants with more funding for additional services.
4. We treat all age groups and presentations.
5. Our 24/7 Telehealth service is available to everyone, anywhere in Australia, no matter how remote or what time of day it is.
6. We provide a home visit service for all metropolitan areas in capital cities around Australia, for the convenience of our NDIS participants.
7. Our experienced psychologists have guaranteed immediate (same week) capacity for new NDIS clients.

BetterHelp has revolutionised access to mental health care by providing convenient, affordable, and accessible online therapy services. While it offers numerous benefits, including flexibility, anonymity, and cost-effectiveness, it also has limitations, particularly for those with severe mental health conditions or those who struggle with technology. Nonetheless, the scientific evidence supporting online therapy’s effectiveness and the high levels of client satisfaction highlight its potential as a valuable tool in the mental health care landscape. For Australians, BetterHelp represents a promising option to bridge the gap in mental health services, ensuring more people can access the support they need.

• Andersson, G., Cuijpers, P., Carlbring, P., Riper, H., & Hedman, E. (2014). Guided internet-based vs. face-to-face cognitive behaviour therapy for psychiatric and somatic disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World Psychiatry, 13(3), 288-295.
• Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2018). National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results. Retrieved from https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-survey-mental-health-and-wellbeing-summary-results
• Backhaus, A., Agha, Z., Maglione, M. L., Repp, A., Ross, B., Zuest, D., … & Thorp, S. R. (2012). Videoconferencing psychotherapy: A systematic review. Psychological Services, 9(2), 111-131.
• BetterHelp. (2023). About BetterHelp. Retrieved from https://www.betterhelp.com/
• Eysenbach, G. (2004). The law of attrition. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 6(1), e11.
• McGorry, P. D., Tanti, C., Stokes, R., Hickie, I. B., Carnell, K., Littlefield, L. K., & Moran, J. (2007). Headspace: Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation—where young minds come first. Medical Journal of Australia, 187(S7), S68-S70.
• Topolovec-Vranic, J., & Natarajan, K. (2016). The use of social media in recruitment for medical research studies: A scoping review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 18(11), e286.

How to get in touch

If you or your patient/NDIS clients need immediate mental healthcare assistance, feel free to get in contact with us on 1800 NEAR ME – admin@therapynearme.com.au.