BetterHelp Review: An In Depth Look

[@ryanguest1073]

Honestly, this is deceptive and disappointing. I clicked on this video interested in what Dr. Marks (as a psychiatrist) had to honestly say about the BetterHelp platform. Dr. Marks should state at the BEGINNING of the video that this is a paid promotion so it ensures that all viewers understand, whether or not they read the caption or view the last few seconds of the video when she does. Her review notes the potential benefits of the platform but notes absolutely NO downsides, even though the comments on this video identify many. Clearly her judgment is impartial due to this paid promotion.

[@agniesiag]

Yes. Thought the same

[@xoxomaddie777]

Phew, thanks for pointing this out. How disappointing that she would not point this out to her viewers, especially considering she is a health professional!

[@tcr5241]

She said she gets a commission from better help for each referral. It's in the description.

[@ryanguest1073]

@@tcr5241 That's true, and I appreciate that fact. However, if you're watching KZbin on your phone (which most people do) you do not see the description unless you click on it. Regardless of how clear she is about whether or not she receives commission, I think it is unsettling that she is a psychiatrist being paid to promote a mental health company by disguising it as her opinion or judgment. I see other KZbinrs or podcasters advertise BetterHelp but they are not mental health professionals, so I'm fine with them. However, her judgment/opinion holds a different weight as she promotes herself as a psychiatrist.

[@Barb.u]

Thank you for pointing this out! Something felt off for me halfway through the video and I decided to look at the comments.

[@BottomShelfLive]

Almost had me signing up till the end where you informed us you are sponsored.. doesn’t exactly make this a non-biased review..

[@lbb2rfarangkiinok]

My first better help therapist recommended me this woman's channel. Before we had a session together. Seemed extremely presumptuos, but now it makes sense. Then I found this video promoting the site after...if my next therapist does the same, then consider me the reported 15% of unsatisfied clients.

[@sunnivs]

Why are you not stating initially that this is an advertisement? This is a huge dissapointment, and I am considering unsubscribing. As a liscenced health professional you should be very clear on when you have your scientist/psychiatrist hat on, and when you are waring the making money hat on.

[@willhall7777]

Based off the betterhelp advertisement I just watched it's trash and wouldn't be helpful. I just came here to see if anyone else caught on or if the majority is blind like the majority of the world seems to be right now. Now days what is really bad for a person is being called good and what is good for a person is being called bad. This is happening on all levels in society, in all categories, on all topics. We are in the middle of a mass brainwashing session.

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

This is so disappointing given their unethical business practices. Unsubbing.

[@rekit7351]

Difficultly unsubscribing from betterhelp, selling user data, betterhelp is a terrible service

[@scarygary4042]

Mental illness and psychiatry is a huge LIE, The DSM is SUEDOSCIENCE No way are tests reliable or fact based it's all BULLSHIT & all over the world they are WEAPONIZING THIS unproven form of medical science is BLACK MAGIK, MJ12/ PSUEDOSCIENCE/ WITCHCRAFT/ OR JUST ONE MORE WAY TO PUT YOU ON LOCKDOWN/ INCARCERATE/ IMPRISON/ DENIED ACCESS/DENIED A FAIR TRIAL/ DETAINED/ HARRASSED/ PASSED OVER/ OR EVICTED/ EXILED/ DISOWNED/DENOUNCED/ OR ACCUSED OF WRONGDOING/ OR A WAY TO GAIN CONTROL OVER YOUR CHILDREN OR YOUR AFFAIRS IN SOCIETY TO FURTHER THIER FORMS OF HARRASMENT. THERE ARE NO MENTALY ILL PEOPLE. CHEMICAL INBALANCE IS A LIE BI POLAR IS NOT PROVEN ITS A MEDICAL HOAX AND A TRAP FOR PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE MAKE BELIEVE SCIENCE OR SUEDO SCIENCE

[@scarygary4042]

Mental illness is fake and being weaponizsd to con everyone into thinking " you are loosing it " and that " you're crazy in the head" and it's not a PROVEN science, test are theoretical, not fact based, yet people are BUYING IT. DON'T ITS A LIF SCIENCE IS LYING TO YOU THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL IS LYING TO YOU, ITS A WAY TO LOCK PEOPLE UP OR SELL AS MANY DRUGS THEY CAN THAT ARE BEING MANUFACTED TO MAKE YOU SICK.

[@M255-n9z]

I’ve been trying to find a reliable non biased review. Got excited when I saw you made one, so disappointed by this.

[@TrAvi5link]

Right she praises them whole video then bam here's the referral link friggen joke this society is

[@socalbarbie1040]

You could’ve read the description

[@socalbarbie1040]

She really doesn’t, ever hear the phrase “chew the meat and spit out the bones.” She is telling you how to get the best out of this service that she uses.

[@M255-n9z]

@@socalbarbie1040 must be sarcasm

[@NutyRiver]

That’s such an issue!! You CAN’T reasonably find a non-biased review of this service!! If you Google it you’re hit with ads on top and ads on bottom, and everything in between is blog reviews with affiliate links that may or may not disclose their sponsorship. Their strategy seems to be to flood out the criticism with paid opinions. They’re the fucking mood pod of mental health!

[@MariamDawa]

You should've stated that it's an ad at the beginning...i'm immediately a skeptic because no brand will let you say anything bad about them in an ad

[@l.baughman1445]

The problem with this “review” is that it’s sponsored by BetterHealth itself which is a direct conflict of interest. As an aside: There are also opinions out there alleging sharing of personal data, HIPAA loopholes, or limited compensation to the therapist complicated by the out of session chat for which there may have been no compensation. Hmmm 🤔

[@sweetllamas2824]

This is my concern as well. After they promised me one price and then they prevented me from seeing a therapist to meet the promised cost, I also found out their customer service line won't even explain billing. I plan to report them to the State's Attorney or similar agency. They are shady.

[@freya33]

Watch pewdiepies video on this from 3 years ago, back when all big KZbinrs were pushing it. Then it suddenly stopped after negative opinions, now it’s back in rotation I see.

[@socalbarbie1040]

Sounds like it’s a rundown on what the website is all about. You get what you’re getting into and you don’t have to spend money more it.

[@asuszenmare2724]

This woman should have her license revoked for this video. What she did is completely unprofessional.

[@rooster3103]

I was laughing my butt off at the end of the video when she explained being sponsored by betterhelp. The gal on this one. Unbelievable. This really is mental.

[@jackx7382]

I tried Better Help and the therapist couldn’t have sounded LESS interested. Generic responses to what I wrote. Having heard they are paid peanuts, it makes sense.

[@Ilovewyatt01]

It is not a good platform. Buyer beware.

[@miloradvlaovic]

If they need huge money to listen to people and counsel them they should have tried journalism and became talk show hosts, or pop stars. Scientists who keep making our lives bearable are paid way less per month, and they spend their lives in labs making our GPSs and vaccines. Everyone should know what they're going into when enrolling an university, and if they're out for the money, there are professions more suited for that.

[@jackx7382]

@@miloradvlaovic counselling is not a particularly lucrative career and usually attracts people who want to help others. Professional counsellors deserve financial recognition and compensation for the many years of study, placement, professional development, emotional burden and risk/responsibility they take on when dealing with people going through bad or traumatic times. Good counsellors change people’s lives. Listening is important but counselling is far more than listening.

[@Poultrychick]

Same. Only tried one therapist and wouldn’t discuss anything in between sessions and wouldn’t review the assignments I completed days in advance.

[@desireerichard2798]

The groupinars may be the only good feature, but definitely not worth the money. It was very strange to try to talk to someone on the phone, no video chat. The activities had nothing to do with what I seeking counseling for.

[@ravenswood118]

My experience with Better Help was atrocious. The "therapist" they gave me (who was a house painter and not a licensed therapist) handled my suicidal ideation in such a disgusting way that I thank God I didn't end up killing myself. I think less of a therapist or "doctor" that takes money from these people. Then again, I think very few pros who seek KZbin fame are to be trusted.

[@ud3mare]

How did you handle this thought??

[@HEALINGWITHCC]

I just got scammed by them As well. It’s absolutely disgusting. Sorry happened to you as well.

[@sammywonder4502]

I wanted a black Psychologist. I was asked my preference and I opted black but they kept matching me up with non black people. 3 weeks later I found a suitable match only for them to tell me to "man up" and that they'd been through worse in life. This was all in the first 30mins of the session. It took me a while to heal from this.

[@Silver_wind_1987_]

@@sammywonder4502 why did you want a black therapist??? Any skin colour should be fine...its the credentials that matter the most. Black...white or whatever it's a skin tone. So what. If the therapist Is good than use them. If not than there's many others.

[@gina4808]

House painter? What? Can you expand on this

[@NyanyiC]

So basically this is an ad.

[@siginotmylastname3969]

Thanks for commenting this, I thought there was going to be a decent video on its flaws 😑 going to script a video on it myself because I've read a LOT of employee, client reviews, reddit discussions of its unethical approach. And none of it is discussed because the people who went round calling it a scam were all dodgy right wing popular influencer types who missed all of the reasons.

[@siginotmylastname3969]

Like I don't watch pewdiepie or any of those shit heads so think there need to be anticapitalist takes on this.

[@regulargoat7259]

@@siginotmylastname3969 years ago pewds did call out betterhelp and the yters sponsoring it on their bullshit tho. Not the biggest shithead out there

[@ryanbyrne7745]

Love how this ended with “I directly benefit from promoting them”

[@JessieJoystick]

I just wish you could choose how many sessions you want each month and only pay per session instead of having a monthly cost with a set number of sessions. I could only afford one session per month (if that) and I'm sure some people would want to have more sessions and could pay more.

[@addysaw]

Just meet someone in real life and speak with them once a month in that case. It'll help more and be way more genuine

[@sweekley92]

Better help was designed for weekly sessions. With how much it cost it is cheaper than paying for a weekly session for traditional therapy. I believe when I looked into it itnwad around 250 a month. An average for one session of traditional therapy is 100-150. Betterhelp isn't a program to select how much therapy you want. Weekly therapy is optimal and it is set up that way for a reason. If someone wants to pay for once a month them traditional therapy is the best option. Lots of therapist have a telehealth option as well. Good luck

[@mona-checkoutmychannel7656]

But wait, it says on their website that it "includes unlimited text, video, audio messaging as well as weekly live sessions" So you can text then whenever you want and have a live session with them once a week if I'm understanding correctly Is that not true? So that's 4 sessions with unlimited communication... (so they say) how much was it if you don't mind me asking? I didn't even see the option online to choose one session a month, I just thought you get the weekly sessions

[@ASMRKay_]

Hey Jessie, I hope you’re doing well. Just an idea to try to help but maybe set aside the amount you would be paying for the sessions you can afford and then once you have a whole months worth saved then try it out? There’s lots of codes for 10% off the first month too (me included if you want to check it out) They also offer financial aid now which can be a huge help (first months and a half free) Hope you’re doing good ❤️

[@ASMRKay_]

@@mona-checkoutmychannel7656 you have weekly video sessions and you can text with your therapist any time threw out the week along with phone calls if you need to contact them outside of your weekly scheduled session. You pay monthly for their service but this includes everything I said above plus you’re able to switch therapist for free whenever you’d like. They also offer financial aid assistance now which can be a huge help on top of using a referral code for 10% your first month. Hope you’re doing well❤️

[@DrCartof]

As an European, the prices are insane.

[@Tashimi001]

And this is whats affordable here in the US :(

[@faye9731]

im irish 60-80 is normal price here? or are you talking about their non discounted ones?

[@DrCartof]

@@faye9731 well, where i live you can go to a psych in the hospital for free

[@faye9731]

@@DrCartof yeah actually i guess we have some free options but the public mental health system in Ireland is really bad so if you want actual help you have to go private

[@ZOEYANDFRIENDS673]

In Europe, everything is free (medical)?

[@AthenaMarriesDionysus]

She. Is. Being. Paid. To. Say. This. I used betterhelp and could not find anyone equipped to deal with serious issues I was facing. They were of absolutely no help.

[@boredom4me877]

Yeah. I was really hoping that she would really take a deep look into it but it was all just paid advertising. I always feel like it’s a sketchy company I have no idea why specifically that might be.

[@BluBerryPi]

I also tried it with three different therapists. As someone who had traditional therapy first, better help was exponentially worse. I'm worried that people will try it and think that therapy sucks when betterhelp is what isn't helpful.

[@jazzyj2243]

Better Help did not sponsor her or pay her. She actually spent her own money to sign up and her time to speak with the therapist and watch the courses. The only thing she MAY get is a very SMALL commission if anyone actually clicks on the link and pays for their services. Dr. Tracy Marks is one of the most honest psychistrist/providers I have found on KZbin. Just cause you don't know how affiliate marketing works doesn't mean you should judge or try to blast her with misguided and incorrect information! Smh...

[@Neilukuk]

@@jazzyj2243 Wrong, They get paid $200 each person who joins.

[@blackpanter9572]

I tried it with one therapist. I didn't switch to another. I felt I did all this talking and she didn't give me any feedback. It was like I was expected to find my own answers. Lady I've been in my head thinking so much I need someone elses perspective! Plus I actually thought it was expensive for my own income. But I would have stuck with it for the right therapist and it does become a hassle having to switch out especially if you think your gonna end up with more of the same from the next one.

[@ChristopherGray00]

Don't feel bad about switching services or therapists, if it doesn't work for you, then it's in your best interest to look for other options, i used to just deal with my crappy psychiatrist that was being rude to me and not listening to what i was saying but i finally got a new one and couldn't be happier.

[@eliscanfield3913]

Switching can make all the difference, in whatever format. My husband needed to switch _badly_ once (in person). If she had been worried about his parenting solo sometimes because of his anxiety, she'd have a point, but no. It was because he's blind. As if we don't know a half dozen families where both parents have been blind since childhood and their kids are doing just fine. He'd been proud of doing a particularly good job somewhere unusual, told her, and she just wrecked his already shaky confidence about it. The next one wanted the explanations, too, but she listened and learned in one sitting. (People have a hard time understanding how one can use ears instead of eyes and it doesn't take eyes to tell if that diaper is dirty!)

[@addysaw]

Exactly! When they just listen, I find therapists super pointless. I'm here for guidance, not for some random person to listen quietly and taking XY dollars

[@jujuandwamwams165]

I’m a therapist and had clients that I knew We weren’t right for each other. I have no problem stating maybe I’m not the right therapist for you.

[@kayleedavis9308]

@@addysaw yeah I could be the one listening randomly the most likely I'd give better guidance than a lot of therapists you need to do it

[@Hubert_Cumbersnail]

Hmmmm a sponsored review. This removes a lot of credibility in my eyes

[@ilahmache]

The sessions are an hour and they can give you a discounted rate based off of your income. The first therapist I had was terrible, very disorganized, yawned through my sessions (excuse me, is my pain boring you?), and did not answer my questions in a timely manner. I complained and got a week free and I picked a different therapist. I love the therapist that I have now and she's very professional and helpful. Is this something that I'll do long term? Probably not but I find that it is helpful to me so far so I'll continue for now. All I have to say is, therapists are people and you have to be your own advocate for what you may need or are looking for.

[@nicolepeaslee5017]

I had my first session today and it WAS SO AWKWARD and horrible. She basically was just talking in circles, asked me questions I already answered in the questionnaire and we'd have long moments of silence. I was sweaty and anxious at the end of the call... not how you want to feel after therapy. Seeing your comment was helpful and I'm hoping I can find a decent person on the platform.

[@ilahmache]

@@nicolepeaslee5017 yikes I'm sorry you had that experience. It's difficult enough to talk to someone but even more so when it's not a good fit. I would mention something to better help about it and Make it to where you get to pick your own therapist. I read through a lot of their profiles before I chose the one I had and I just got a good vibe off of her picture when I picked her. I think better helpful probably work with you to compensate for the bad session. I hope everything works out for you 💜

[@hawkeyescoffee6399]

Re you still using them. You're the first I heard mention the discounted rate. I'm not looking to use them, I'm just curious how they work it because I had heard it used as a selling point in sponsored YT vids and saw a lot of people struggling to pay but none offered the financial assistance they supposedly have. How do you apply for it and how do they verify if you qualify? I'm glad you found someone that worked for you when you on picked your own... maybe that's the key to success with them as it seems that most people don't have a good experience when "matched" by the system.

[@ilahmache]

@@hawkeyescoffee6399 it's been about a year since I used them. I don't remember if they asked me based off my income or I had to contact someone to see if I would qualify for a discounted rate.

[@mariew5326]

I hope you were able to address any concerns and/or found the right fit for you! Mindful healing 💗

[@alexisasheep6554]

Maybe should have started by saying that this is an ad?? I thought it was gonna be an honest review so I'm pretty disappointed.

[@SenshiSunPower]

I was interested in getting a psychiatrist's take on this platform. Instead, I got an undisclosed advertisement. You should have declared the conflict of interest in the beginning of the video or in the title. KZbin does give the option to put a disclosure card on the video, but it's not enough for something like this. It could relate to a sponsorship for an unrelated product.

[@bellstotears]

How can you present this as a "review" without mentioning that you are paid for each person who signs up for the thing you are "reviewing"? This is duplicitous. I subscribed to your channel, saw this video's description, and promptly unsubscribed.

[@crownjules8434]

I tried BetterHelp and all I can say is RUN AWAY! My therapist seemed to be reading from a script, like when you call customer service for a tech problem and they run you through a set of standardized questions and responses. And most of my already short sessions were taken up by the therapist trying to figure out how to establish and keep our connection. Such a waste of time and money.

[@DuiDrop]

Betterhelp is currently being monitored on recent legal issues. People are reporting therapists not showing up for promised appointment times / unproffessional behavior towards clients' struggles, etc. I feel like since they know who you are they made sure you saw the only best parts of it for the sponsorship.

[@journeymanproject1756]

They also got hit with a $7.8 million dollar fine earlier this year for sharing private health information for advertising purposes, a clear violation of HIPAA. I refused to sign up because I wasn’t guaranteed a no-risk consult with one of their “counselors” (in quotes because I am hearing that some of them are not licensed professionals) before paying any money. When they refused, I walked away. This is technically bad because I have serious issues with disordered eating and can’t work with any registered dietitian until someone helps get to the bottom of what is going on. BUT I am one of the maybe five people left in my city who is smart enough to know that if you don’t do your homework, you’re going to get taken. I suspect BetterHelp is still afloat only because most of society nowadays is brain dead and have no concept of what doing your homework means. Not you personally, thank the stars.

[@tayzonday]

Interesting. I would think a full BetterHelp roster still pays a therapist less than a full traditional roster after expenses. However, it might also be easier to build a full BetterHelp roster.

[@yoshikagekira3710]

Bruh

[@irmahill4987]

Chocolate Rain guy?

[@Robertthebeatable]

It pays only a fraction of what therapists normally make.

[@teriwhite4151]

I’m a PMHNP and yes, I have heard from therapy colleagues who have worked with Better Help part-time that they make significantly less than they do hour-to-hour in a traditional clinical setting. However this could be different than full time therapists with Better Help.

[@HealingSunHouse]

Less pay than in traditional therapy or private practice but the trade off is a flexible schedule and I can work as much or little as I like. That means the potential to make morw is there

[@baileyreed5139]

You’re confused. The therapy isn’t cheaper. If it were actually an hour the price would be the same

[@duck7237]

I don't think that it is healthy to have access to your therapist everyday. When does the client learn how to self soothe and be self reliant? There is good reason why there are strict boundaries set out with a therapeutic relationship. Couple this with the short sessions and the apparently underpaid therapists and I'm not sold on this business model at all. I am a big fan of Dr Marks, but honestly this promotion unsettles me. It just seemed to be conveniently biased.

[@TT-fn1xb]

Unsettled is the right word.

[@Shortkonner]

Im using bettet help. My sessions are 45 min long. Only issue i sre w video. Having more access to then builds resillience.

[@duck7237]

@@Shortkonner I'm really glad that it's working for you. I hear a lot of mixed reviews about the Betterhealth platform, so hearing your good experiences is a nice, positive change. Although I still don't agree that having constant access to your therapist encourages resilience. There is good reason why in a traditional therapeutic setting that strict rules are in place with regards to calling, texting and emailing between sessions. If you have constant access to them then you just don't learn to trust your own instinct or to self soothe. This is a proven fact. That said, there are rarer situations that require a higher level of care and commitment from their medical professionals. So I guess all that we can do is what is best for our personal situation. Good luck to you and I hope that Better health continues to be the answer for you!

[@samusandzeldafan]

@@duck7237 they aren't accessible 24/7 they do have an expected time to reply to your messages. So you can expect a reply in a day or two. typically the platform indicates that they have weekends off so you can't have access to them all the time. But I think it depends on which therapist you get. One therapist I had responded very quickly (but would be late to her sessions with me) and the one I have now responds 1-2 days afterwards but is on time for my sessions. So you don't have direct access all the time. They respond to you on their time. Whatever timeframe that is. Not trying to argue or anything, but just wanted to give a more rounded picture.

[@duck7237]

@@samusandzeldafan you've kind of missed my point. I know they won't reply instantly. You're being very literal in your response. The goal of therapy is to teach you to be more robust and resilient. Most psychologists have very clear limitations on client interactions between sessions so as not to impede your growth and recovery - whether they reply to you or not.

[@Rajaking1997]

FYI, this an ad. Not a review of the service.

[@namijbaily3480]

Thanks for the review, however, would be more appreciated if it was mentioned that this is promoted.

[@WhoYouTh1nkYouAre]

That is sad just very very sad. I just watched 6minutes of advertising. While I wanted to hear an honest opinion. I almost physically felt the scriptness of this video.

[@VanK782]

You should have disclosed more clearly that this is a biased review.

[@qaikodiateo8449]

Seems like a biased review if you are endorsing them- sadly you might be telling the truth- but these days I can't trust something this expensive when the video ends with "click the link below in the description and i can makes some money"

[@reas0nless]

Dr marks, you lost all credibility once you admitted you were being sponsored by them. I literally cannot find anything out there that doesn't seem like a sponsored review or objectively is. I feel like I cannot find impartial information on betterhelp. That is a gigantic frustrating red flag and you should reflect on how you are contributing to that.

[@Sarahlanzaable]

Yes

[@jessica-walt]

I had a therapist once. She kept on telling me she was going to use cognitive behavioral therapy but never actually used it

[@staybalancedn]

It's better than nothing. 30 minutes is not enough. I get the trend in our capitalistic societies, to reduce what you get while paying the same. Remember when therapy used to be an HOUR, then 45 minutes, now it's 30. It's just not enough.

[@marissamorris2530]

I use better help and my sessions are an hour

[@staybalancedn]

@@marissamorris2530 why say that if your case is an exception and not the rule.

[@sarahferguson6982]

I was like ok... ok... and then the shameless plug at the end had me screaming

[@juicy_cracker]

One more shameless plug, I just posted a video on my experience with BetterHelp. Check it out if you want a good laugh 😂

[@jujuandwamwams165]

Betterhelp doesn’t pay their therapist well. Open Path Collective therapist can get paid a max of $60 for individuals and $80 for couples for a 45-50 minute session. The therapist is accepting them under their practice. This may not work for every therapist but it works for me. I have no overhead. The potential client pays a one time membership fee for $59. You can change therapist as often as you need to. As soon as I receive a message from them through Open Path, I respond within the same day to set up a 15 minute free consultation.

[@hawkeyescoffee6399]

So, am I understanding correct, that the client pays Open Path Collectiveonly $59, and then future sessions pay $60 direct to the therapist? In other words you pay only for what you use after that initial $59?

[@outofthebox183]

I am terrified of therapy so many doubts of me getting better. Atleast there is programs for people out there. Today's world needs them.

[@Anna_Crossing]

This video is the reason KZbin should bring back the dislike button. Sat through this whole thing bc I really need a new therapist and was considering BetterHelp. I wanted to see the genuine criticisms of the site but all I got was word vomit praise from a "doctor" on KZbin being paid by the company she's "reviewing."

[@ZOEYANDFRIENDS673]

messaging between sessions is really difficult for your counselor, to stop what they are doing (already working/session). if they want to send a thoughtful response, this requires some thinking/reflection on how to assist you, and this takes more energy, than typing it out. nothing wrong with this platform of therapy, but the concerns is how they underpaid or value therapists. like the Dr. mentioned, these counselors are not just coming out of school, some have Phds. or advance graduate degrees/expertise. If I see an MD for 15mins they want to charge $200.. Better Help exploit therapists, and counselors who get paid nothing. please hire your local therapists, use your insurance. maybe you'll pay a copay but the quality goes up!!!

[@NutyRiver]

This!! It also breaks down the boundaries between therapist and client if you can expect counseling at any time. Unless you’re in a crisis (at which point you shouldn’t be using an online service like this) the point of therapy is to help you build coping skills you then go out and use, not to vent to your therapist any time you want.

[@kh8591]

I didn't get round to even getting a therapist on better help, I came through advertising when I was down, clicked a few buttons about my issues thinking it was just going go show me some therapists I might be interested in. Then it quickly asked for me to register payment and I closed the window. I was emailed saying 'limited therapists' were available and to book now. Even though I didn't reply, was assigned a therapist. Then told I had messages from a therapist and to sign on. I went on to unsubscribe from their mailing list and honestly the wording is atrocious. Just to get off their mailing list you have to click a big 'QUIT THERAPY' button. Then give a reason, etc. I hadn't even paid. I can only image how someone vulenrable might feel using that language. Honestly I can't attest to the therapists as I didn't get that far, but the experience was like a very aggressive marketing programme (and I should know I work in marketing, trying to get off their mailing list made even me uncomfortable). My advice - seek out a therapist through accredited counselors/psychologists and research them independently. Most do online now anyway post-covid if you're anxious about face to face.

[@als8401]

I'm unsubscribing, this is a sponsored ad, not a video, and she doesn't disclose this until the end. Too bad

[@Jalentheuntold]

Dam I should have did my research before buying better help! I just did it last night on a whim. I hope despite the many negative feedback I’ve seen, I hope I have a positive experience

[@juicy_cracker]

How was it??

[@alimoore589]

I eventually found a brilliant therapist in the UK. I'm didabled and chronically ill so it's difficult for me to get out. She's incredible. The ability to messaging and journalhas really helped because I've been able to get support and understanding of how I'm feeling during the week. Also with my disability I easily lose my train of thought and forget what I want to say so being able to write it down in-between sessions enables me to get erm better help. I get a whole hour for my sessions. One drawback, it took me a long time to find a good therapist, but it easy to change. You can't do that on the NHS.

[@stephenkosacz1893]

As a "patient" I will state that everything Dr. Marks states is true BUT what she and BetterHelp fail to disclose is that, like Netflix and many businesses these days, BetterHelp is a subscription or retainer-based model: you are not paying for each session and you can only schedule 1 session per week; therefore if you feel you can take a "break" for a week or two for whatever reason, you are still paying the same amount for the month and can't "make up" for a missed weekly session.

[@joelrivardguitar]

That is huge. Doesn't seem like it's "hard to find cons" at all.

[@marshill88]

everytime i see a "betterhelp review" i automatically assume its corrupt and biased. Betterhelp spends countless money stacking reviews for themselves, censoring negative feedback...they are bullies and liars.

[@lnaph]

They censor on KZbin or?

[@milcky16]

The monthy cost of BetterHelp is equivalent to half of average monthly pay in my country so.. like.. I'm happy there are people who can afford it and get help :) I've tried regular therapy and after 5 different therapists who weren't able to help me (or actually discover my problem) I gave up on therapy. Turns out I can do better with self-help using free resources on the Internet + good books :) getting better every day! It saddens me that my current view of psychotherapy is so negative, but given my experience I don't blame myself. There is no one-size-fits-all.

[@milcky16]

@@123litera4 thank you for your concern. As I've stated before, I have been to psychiatrists and psychologists and psychotherapy multiple times. Doing the same thing and expecting different results is called madness :p getting diagnosis is not helpful in resolving my issues. I have a few ;) doctors don't know everything. They can only serve in their capacity.

[@andreamoore5158]

It’s a scam they cost more than a therapist 360 a month and 100.00 a week and won’t take my insurance so I’m better off finding a therapist here

[@addysaw]

My experience with Betterhelp was horrible. Couldn't click with therapists, changed them. One of them cut the session to just 15 min because he was overwhelmed (I had a bad case of GAD). Also, the therapy style is WAY too American: it entails all the unauthentic friendliness and fakeness, which we are not used to seeing in Europe. The quality of therapy is low. And the responses to daily messages are so generic. Honestly, you're better off just writing a friend than a stranger who really doesn't care about you ultimately.

[@imaginareality]

I quite liked the "American" style compared to the much more distant and cold therapists I've had before (in Germany). I found it much easier to open up to the therapist on betterhelp and I think part of the reason was because she was more willing to show a bit of herself as well. But I agree that it seems BetterHelp therapists are often unable to help with complex problems. I've had mixed experiences on the platform. Edit: It's really cool that I'm not the only one who noticed a difference in therapy style between American and European (German) culture :)

[@hawkeyescoffee6399]

*He* was overwhelmed? Omg 🤦. I can just see it now, "you're really struggling now and that's too much for me as your therapist, so I'm cutting your sessions down...but you'll still pay the same amount because money" . If he'd said he thought it would be easier on you in shorter sessions that would have made sense, but then you either pay less or you get 2 x 15min sessions a week instead. Damn, I knew some of them were terrible but that just takes the cake. Wonder if he was even a licensed therapist or just a glorified life coach. Hope you found help elsewhere.

[@Mrs.Jekyll]

as an American, I like friendliness. but my past therapists I really struggled with were the opposite when I vented some things that I shouldn't, and lost trust in them. they weren't friendly, just entitled (these were in person therapists) edit: changed a word too make it more sense

[@irmahill4987]

My first therapist session with betterhelp was on a treadmill talking to me. Didnt ask me anything just multitasking during my paid session. Picked a second one and saw this wasn't for me.

[@imaginareality]

My first therapist just kept talking about himself and then one session the connection was bad and he thought I couldn't hear him and he just started cursing at his computer really aggressively. Then I switched to another one.

[@irmahill4987]

@@imaginareality hot mess!!

[@addysaw]

@@imaginareality YES! One of the therapists I had kept talking about himself exclusively! I guess there's a reason why these people end up being online therapists

[@amourtoujours779]

These stories are horrifying.

[@ZOEYANDFRIENDS673]

better help doesn't pay counselors well. see your local therapists. use your insurance, is affordable.

[@HealingSunHouse]

1. The live chat is an option for the member to have the session versus just a phone call or video session; some people prefer to write than talk. It has to be scheduled just like a regular session

[@rosaliakasolo2315]

You must be a doctor to figure that out... thank you for clearing this out sweetheart.

[@HealingSunHouse]

@@rosaliakasolo2315 I’m not a doctor but have been a clinician on Betterhelp since 2018

[@rosaliakasolo2315]

@@HealingSunHouse that is great. How are you ?

[@marti220]

Then what she said on the video was misleading. I’m not saying intentionally misleading, but misleading all the same.

[@HealingSunHouse]

@@rosaliakasolo2315 I’m fantastic 😊🙏🏾 thanks for asking! Hoping you are well during these times

[@0oohnegative]

This is a HUGE PROBLEM! 300$/ month for the bargain mental health help?! I cannot afford this and I can’t imagine many working class Americans can, how heartbreaking is our system? So wild.

[@zxcvbnm6669]

This is absolute garbage as a private practice therapist you don't need better help you can actually provide better Services doing it independently there other platforms that allow you to do this

[@katrinaamirs9246]

Isn´t constant messaging feature (potentially) creating a lack of boundaries between the therapists and their clients? That sounds kind of unhealthy to me.

[@lashandarankin]

All money is not good money Dr. Marks. This is disappointing. Please look at how this company is really treating people and how these “therapists” are really supporting clients overall.

[@hawkeyescoffee6399]

So...this was an ad.

[@rebaseymour1810]

Better Help saved my daughter. I’d recommend it to anyone!

[@nyjaharris190]

My appointments are 50mins and most times we go over time.

[@ZOEYANDFRIENDS673]

Better help exploits therapists. please keep this in mind.

[@kayleedavis9308]

@@ZOEYANDFRIENDS673 what do you mean it exploit therapist please explain

[@xbatman9649]

I’ve had a therapist before and I explained that I didn’t feel I was getting anything from it. He asked what I wanted and I said feedback and help. He told me to journal and reflect…….. thanks, guess I’ll go back to hating myself with affirmation that I’m not worth discussing. Further confirmation was when I was told the business was closing and I couldn’t get any information on how to find my therapist in the future, nor did he bother to call. I know, boo-hoo me, time keeps moving. Just felt motivated to share….

[@asda5910]

So was this an ad? Dr. Can you sign up as a provider and tell us if you think their pay structure would pay you livable wages?

[@stich1960]

I wish you would have said it was sponsored at the beginning, I wouldn't have bothered watching the ad

[@siagats835]

It was a completely fresh out of school optometrist that saved my eye. She caught my CSR. Where as years earlier the experienced optometrist didnt bother listening to me trying to explain to him what was wrong.

[@mobwatch8119]

You don't get weekly sessions, actually (many people get 2 or one a month, because counsellors are always overbooked). Read the BBB complaints. Also, the messaging service is pretty much useless - they have a rule of not compensating if the counsellor writes twice as many words as the client or vice versa. That's how counsellors don't care about messaging. No one tells the client that. Plus a hundred other reasons to not choose that company.

[@jaynayyar7115]

I’ve been using this a couple of months and I can say it’s more than 30min it’s really an hour and love talking mine he helps me a lot.

[@fujoshipeanut5074]

Thought this was an unbiased review until i started getting ad vibes. Turns out it's sponsered. Bad move to not announce that from the start 😒 feels deceptive

[@matthewframpton8737]

I am REALLY uncomfortable that you did not state RIGHT AT THE START of this video that this "Review" was in association with a payed commission partnership. I don't think you're lying - but I will be going elsewhere to find a more objective review.

[@bountifulcurls4456]

I never comment but i would not recommend better help. I've had traditional therapy as well sometimes it is just a bad match. BUT My experience was they kept recommending ppl that were not my preferences which were a black woman, non religious. A white man who only provides Christian counseling def doesn't fit those preferences. Once i finally found a black woman she was VERY religious. I later found out from my doctor I was suffering from postpartum depression. When I would express how i felt and my concerns she kept telling me how i was feeling was completely "normal" and every woman feels that way after giving birth.

[@sparklypri]

this is not a review, this isan advertisement

[@elisenieuwe4649]

Honestly, shady to 'review' it while earning money per referral. You don't even say that until after your review! Disappointed in this.

[@youseebiggirl9694]

is this an ad or something?

[@shavaunscott3206]

Programs like this are budget -- by the time the organization takes their 50% cut you are getting a therapist who is working VERY cheap. Why would they do that if they could have their own clients, either cash or with health insurance? A decent therapist wouldn't work for a service like this. Now that therapists are working through telehealth, there is very little overhead. Great therapists often offer sliding fee scales for the uninsured. I am not interested in a 30 minute appointment with a newby who is working for close to nothing because he/she doesn't have the skills and experience to maintain a normal practice.

[@davidshakil1985]

It is disappointing how platforms like Better Help and Talk space use these internet figure to do their dirty marketing. As someone who used better help I am very disappointed with my experience. You want real therapy? Go to a traditional therapist. They also provide in person and video sessions. Don’t fall prey to these companies.

[@lnaph]

30 minutes for $150??????? Highway robbery.

[@fl1606]

So sad that you’re now doing paid advertisements. I have loved your videos because I felt I could trust you for good science-based information. But with paid advertisements, I just don’t know what I can trust. I prefer impartial, objective information. Sorry, but this is a big turn off from your videos.

[@therealreal7206]

She is a professional and has to get paid someone. But I see your point

[@fl1606]

@@therealreal7206 she has a psychiatry practice. That is how she gets paid. Paid advertisements when it comes to scientific and medical information is… not something I am interested in.

[@kayleedavis9308]

@@fl1606 I don't think you could quite get the gist of her review it's a review not in advertisement she was curious herself about it so she explored it and this is what she found. Get it got it good move on

[@fl1606]

@@kayleedavis9308 she said in the description of the post that she receives payment for referrals to the app that come through her and this post. So, if she gives it a good review, people will sign up via her link. Then she gets paid. If she gives it a bad review, no one signs up, and she doesn’t get paid. So, she has every incentive to ONLY give it a good review. The review is not unbiased - it is an advertisement. It’s biased by the fact that, if she says it’s not worth it, she doesn’t get any money. Once you add money in to the mix, and it’s not just about the science, I can’t trust her. Which is sad, because she’s had so much good info over the years. I really hope Dr. Marks goes back to the science, and stops making ads.

[@jamesjdm]

as a fellow clinician I am disappointed that you do not point out in this video that you are PAID by betterhelp. this is basically a 10 min commercial. I see you put it in the caption but FCC law requires you verbally disclose your relationship to this company. Also you should point out that as a psychiatrist you are not actually trained in therapy. It is not part of your medical training . you are trained in MEDICNE to treat mental health. I did work with betterhelp for a year as a therapist and I will never rec them to anyone. as a company they operate in absolute shady ways.

[@jeannewitter8419]

I’m a licensed therapist working with BetterHelp. Thank you for your positive remarks. I have more than 30 years of experience doing counseling. I was very skeptical if online counseling would work. I have been very favorably impressed and many of my clients have had wonderful improvement! By the way, all of my sessions are 50 minutes long. Again, thank you for this positive review

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Wonderful! Thanks Jeanne for sharing your experience!

[@deesimmons1301]

I appreciate your honesty in review of BetterHealth. I was skeptical of the quality of service too, but trust you and plan to go back to it in to find a therapist. Peace❤❤

[@heatherrogers548]

Going to take the plunge and check into it.

[@jakemiles1427]

I can't afford this, i guess I'll neved get therapy. I can't just come up with $300, why can't we just pay per session.

[@asda5910]

The “negatives” are all directed to the therapist! They pay extremely low and it exploits therapists not to mention it cheapens out the services therapists provide. Also, if the 30 minute session will cost $60-$70 that means they’re charging around the same for a therapist in Atlanta.

[@TheSuicidalUnicorn]

What about better help selling client info? Data mining people's mental health issues and treatment? Problematic much? And better help only paying therapist $30/hour? That's too low.

[@PaulHolmesJr79]

Same I got to the end after entering information to the site dammit I don't like the 4 week surcharge. I wanna do once a month not 4 visit a week.

[@littlequeen22]

A colossal waste of my time and my money! $700. for absolutely nothing. I felt like I was forced to understand her problems. No help from BetterHelp.

[@joshd265]

Having a promo code in your descriptions discredits your review

[@lovelesscosplay7864]

Their ads really really concern me and is a very big reason why I would never trust them with my mental health. They put out totally unnecessary and triggering content as advertisements. And by triggering no I don't mean it offended me, I mean it compelled me to imitate the behaviors portrayed in the ad or go step on a scale. It reminded me of the times where I was the one doing this action. It was triggering for me, so I can't imagine how it looked to someone with a severe ED.

[@sockpuppet2415]

ED? What does that mean? Sounds like an ad for viagra.

[@lovelesscosplay7864]

@@sockpuppet2415 eating disorder...wtf

[@sockpuppet2415]

Sorry. My bad

[@tgtg6147]

Didn’t like better help much

[@imaginareality]

I would have liked if you had disclosed your affiliation with BetterHelp at the start of the video not at the end! Feels a bit manipulative.

[@lovebeer5691]

I’ve used BetterHelp for 2 months now and I was assigned a great therapist with over 20 years experience, she’s been the best therapist I’ve ever worked with. Your review was spot on about BetterHelp!

[@lesterpace5625]

Talk about making money by convincing someone they need what they all ready have. Your asked questions then what is your answer and what does it mean. Give me a brake there is no difference than writing down all the questions you have on a thing you need help on looking up the answer you like and going with it. And your paying hundreds of dollars for something you can do yourself because laying down is alot easier than thinking. The brain is not just for memories it can actually do something with the knowledge it has kind of like a computer.

[@frosty3693]

My biggest concern with finding a therapist is know their political position (not democrat vs republican). I am pretty sure that is something a therapist is taught not to do but may be difficult sometimes. Also is the risk. I have several security clearances, and other things, so a therapist could have a significant negative effect on my life. So I would have to do a cost benefit analysis of the threat to the benefit before cosidering it reguardless of public stigma. A "trust" issue? You bet! Which reminds me of the line, "Just because your are paranoid does not mean someone is not out to get you."

[@South_paw330]

It’s all about the money, no one really cares about your problems. So heartbroken at the end😢. What a country we live in ..

[@emmaleechase613]

In terms of choosing a therapist, I think it’s important that therapist specialize or have fields of interest. Nobody is an expert in everything.

[@Poultrychick]

Wasn’t a good experience. The therapist sent homework 1 hr before session, then had to prompt for the additional homework. Wouldn’t review before- just regurgitation. She would not provide additional guidance when discussing things that were going on. Would not respond with any guidance or insight in between sessions. Just- we’ll discuss it later and didn’t even cover those items. Crickets. Awful first time experience with therapy.

[@KatCanDoRNMCB15]

what about privacy!? …no guarantees that ‘anything’ put onto the internet wont come back to bite ya! …or be hacked!!!

[@michigan_616]

I'll pass on the paid promo link. But what about talking about how to find a suitable doctor for my own personal needs

[@KhalerJex]

THis was a promo video, not a real review.

[@ryurc3033]

This shouldn't be a paid service. Total crap that there is no way to get help if you don't have any money. People need help. And this paid advertisement is totally self centered crap. Therapy is robbery

[@oliviagreen7423]

Thanks for this review Dr Tracey💯 I appreciate your honesty admitting you had some automatic bias towards it, but investigated and found it was more than you thought, and sound. I have a regular therapist but was considering something like this in addition. Was hesitant for all the reasons you mentioned, but now considered it a valid option. Thank you again, was so helpful!👍😊

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thanks a lot Olivia. That’s a great summary of exactly my impressions 😊

[@NyanyiC]

@@DrTraceyMarks as a doctor I think its reckless of you to make such an ad

[@DrTraceyMarks]

@Nyasha Chifamba It's not a prescription, it's a review. I disclose my financial benefit.

[@M13C7]

I tried better help for about half a year. Even though the therapist i gotten was generally nice, i didnt feel like they were really able to help me wiht my problem. I felt like they werent realistic about what they can and cannot do. I wished they would have clearly analysed my situation and my probems and forwarded me to someone more experiences with these issues. They kept saying "this isnt my expertese but lets try" and in retrospect that should have been a red flag. I didnt wish to switch, even though i could have, because they promised we are going to get through this. The moment i told them that i will not subscribe for another month, they cancelled all our appointments that we had left for the month. I expected to kept talking to them until the very last day, since i DID pay for that month after all. But they pretty much straight forwardly told me its pointless because we wont get anything "big" done in a few sessions. It really made me feel like i meant absolutely nothing to them, and wasnt seen as a person suffering that needed help. The live chat feature is great. But the therapist i been connected with has not used it as an ADDITION to sessions. If i wanted to have a live-chat conversation i had to make an appointment and it was an alternative to a session. Maybe you re lucky, but if you arent, you still have to wait a week until your next session. The sessions were sadly not as helpful either. Since i have trauma it has helped me to talk to someone about my trauma and be "heard" but in regards to input, there was barely any. I wasnt told anything new, not provided new insight or anything of value. Beside talking to someone, which was its own value. I could probably talk to a stranger and it would have been equally helpful. I seen therapists in person too. In comparison to that betterhelp wasnt worse, but you have to pay for it yourself and your insurance doesnt cover it. I live in Europe, and insurance is free for me as it is paid by my employer. So for me having to pay out of pocket was significantly more costy than just going to an insurance-covered therapist. For me betterhelp was an alternative because i already seen therapists IRL but none helped, and it is hard to find someone available in your area that is covered by insurance and will take you in. At betterhelp you pay and you receive sessions guaranteed. But just like IRL therapists come in all qualities from shitty to meh to ideally good. Have yet to find the good ones though. But I think there should be a better alignment of clients and therapists. I will probably try again IRL and if that fails betterhelp would still be an option once i have enough money to afford it. But i will make sure to demand someone who DOES specialize in what i need.

[@kathrynturnbull990]

It sounds like you may benefit from seeing a therapist who specializes in trauma-focused issues. There have been a lot of advancements recently in the treatment of trauma, which means many therapists who have been practicing for some time might not have the expertise that matches your problems. For example, if you've never tried EMDR before (even though it's been around for awhile), that might help you. But EMDR is not the only effective treatment model: there are certainly others. It's not usually realistic to expect issues related to trauma (especially, but not necessarily, multiple traumas) to resolve quickly. A therapist who has expertise in this form of treatment should discuss expectations for treatment with you. I don't know where in Europe you are: I'm in North America and the types of areas therapists specialize in can be very different, depending on what area of the country/state/province/territory you find yourself. Good luck.

[@Goose-pic]

Are you kidding me? Do you really, truly believe that you're doing the right thing?

[@gmwillow]

Interesting! I have used this platform for a while, and my therapist gives me 50 minute sessions. I credit her for a lot of my healing from trauma.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

That's great Erin. My therapist also said she will go longer than 30 minutes. I didn't know if that was just her or not. Since the website says 30 minutes, I stuck to that with this review just in case not all the therapist do longer sessions.

[@oliviac5125]

Do the therapists have the ability to diagnose through better help?

[@faye9731]

@@oliviac5125 no they dont

[@Jenatorre]

@@oliviac5125 My therapist cannot diagnose me since she is not a doctor. She has her Master's degree in Psychology. I do not think providers can diagnose when services are not provided in person. If you require a diagnosis, a psychiatrist or psychologist could do this for you in an office and clinical setting. I have a diagnosed mental illness. My BetterHelp therapist has recommended I see a local in-person therapist and medical doctor alongside her.

[@MyNameThe1st]

I hoped for an unbiased review, got paid promotion.

[@darkodimeski497]

Didnt this get exposed as a scam 3 years ago 😂

[@sarahserenity3872]

@Jasmine M What scandal was that?