I’ve been going to therapy on and off for over 10 years. I’ve sat on the leather couch, sipped the free sparkling water, and listened to the hum of a sound machine drowning out the session happening next door
For a while, I thought I had it down: daily meditations, beta blockers for high-stress days, restorative yoga, and breathing techniques to reel myself back in.
But at 28, a new kind of anxiety hit, and suddenly my usual tools weren’t cutting it. Finding a new therapist the traditional way felt overwhelming: intake forms, referrals, insurance hoops. Around that time, I kept hearing ads for BetterHelp on one of my favorite podcasts.I was hesitant, but with my schedule packed and a constant layer of impending doom hanging over me, I knew I needed support fast.
Why I decided to try BetterHelp
When I moved in with my partner last year, my anxiety shifted into new territory. Suddenly, every normal life hiccup turned into a catastrophic what-if. If she took too long to find her keys, I convinced myself she had fainted in the kitchen. If she twitched in her sleep, I spiraled into diagnosing incurable neurological conditions. Before I knew it, I was crying along with widows on GriefTok as though I’d already lost her—while she sat next to me, wondering if I’d lost it.
After a few sleepless nights obsessing over her very normal sleep twitching, I knew I needed to talk to someone ASAP. Traditional therapy didn’t feel accessible in the moment, but BetterHelp promised an easier, faster way to get started.
Getting matched with the right BetterHelp therapist
I’ll admit it: I love an online quiz. And the BetterHelp intake quiz did not disappoint. It was thorough enough that I felt confident about my match, but quick enough that I didn’t abandon it halfway through.
Because I’d worked with different therapists before, I had a sense of what I was looking for. I requested someone with a more direct approach, who had experience with anxiety and the LGBTQIA+ community.
What made me feel even more at ease was realizing how large the BetterHelp network actually is—tens of thousands of licensed therapists, each with real-world experience. It gave me peace of mind that I’d find someone who could meet me where I was.
Within 36 hours, I was matched with a therapist who met my criteria, and she had availability the very next day.
My first session with BetterHelp
To be completely honest, my first session didn’t go perfectly. I accidentally scheduled it on a day I had to be in the office, which meant trying to join from a nearby park, and of course, my headphones didn’t work.
But instead of it being awkward, my therapist was incredibly kind and offered to reschedule for the next day when I’d be more comfortable at home. That flexibility alone felt different from my past therapy experiences.
I was nervous at first: Would video therapy feel impersonal? What if I didn’t click with her? But once we started talking, I knew I had nothing to worry about. My therapist—an older woman with silver hair and the warmest energy—immediately put me at ease. She asked me a few intake questions, explained her approach (a mix of mindfulness and tangible daily practices), and even sent me resources and a worksheet before our next session.
Joining the video call was seamless. BetterHelp works from both desktop and mobile apps, so I could log in from wherever I was.
What surprised me about BetterHelp
When I first signed up, I assumed BetterHelp would be a temporary solution until I found an in-person therapist. But after a month, I realized I prefer it. Here’s why:
- Flexibility and convenience: I can schedule sessions around my day—whether it’s between meetings, while traveling, or in the evenings from my couch. And on days when I’m not up for a video call, I can switch to a phone or chat session instead of skipping altogether.
- The ability to change therapists: In the past, I’ve stuck with therapists who weren’t a great fit because I dreaded the awkward “breakup” conversation. With BetterHelp, I could switch providers in the app with just a few clicks, no guilt attached.
- Affordability: My previous in-person sessions cost around $150 each, which meant I sometimes skipped weeks I couldn’t afford. With BetterHelp, the pricing is clearer and more flexible. I know exactly what I’ll pay, and I can adjust the frequency of my sessions depending on my budget.
- Effectiveness: I honestly didn’t expect online therapy to feel as impactful as in-person, but the tools and strategies my therapist has already given me have been helping me feel more grounded when anxious thoughts come up—something I wasn’t getting from just journaling or meditating on my own.
Beyond just the personal experience, BetterHelp also makes therapy feel accessible and convenient. The platform has over 30,000 licensed therapists across a range of specialties—from anxiety and depression to relationship support and career guidance—so it’s easy to find someone who fits your needs. Plans start as low as $65 a week, depending on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability, and any applicable discounts or promotions (billed weekly or every four weeks). Subscriptions include weekly video or phone sessions, asynchronous in-app messaging with your therapist, and tools like a shared journal, goal tracking, and a built-in scheduling system. You can also join group sessions or browse live classes focused on everything from stress management to self-esteem—making it feel like support is always within reach.
Three things to keep in mind if you want to try BetterHelp
Starting therapy, especially online, can feel a little intimidating at first. But with a few small steps, you can make the experience feel more personal, more effective, and a lot more comfortable. Here’s what to keep in mind before your first session:
1. Be specific in your intake quiz
This is your chance to be honest about what you’re looking for, whether it’s managing anxiety, working through a breakup, or simply wanting someone to talk to. The more details you share, the better your therapist match will be.
2. Don’t be afraid to switch therapists
If it doesn’t feel like a fit, it’s OK to try someone new. BetterHelp makes it easy (and judgment-free) to switch therapists at any time. This is your space, and finding the right person matters.
3. Create a space that feels safe and quiet
Since sessions happen virtually, a little prep goes a long way. Set up in a personal, calm spot where you feel comfortable speaking freely, whether that’s your bedroom, a parked car, or a cozy corner with your laptop and headphones.
Why BetterHelp works for me
Of course, BetterHelp may not be the right fit if you’re looking for in-person support or prefer long-term, specialized care. But for me right now, BetterHelp makes more sense. In-person therapy is great, but it’s slow to start, harder to access, and more expensive. BetterHelp, on the other hand, is convenient, flexible, and easier to fit into my life when I need extra support. Unlike past experiences where I waited weeks just to get an intake appointment, I was able to start within days.
I know therapy itself can feel intimidating—whether you’ve never tried it before or, like me, you’ve bounced around a few different counselors. BetterHelp made the process less overwhelming, and just starting was half the battle.
Instead of spiraling alone, I finally feel like I have support, structure, and a plan again. It hasn’t “fixed” everything overnight, but it’s helped me feel more grounded and less like I’m battling my thoughts by myself.
Paige Cushman, Branded Content Editor
From small community newspapers to country music marketing, Paige has found the most fulfillment in finding and sharing the uniquely human stories that compel an audience. As a Branded Content Editor at The Everygirl, she is able to combine her excitement about women’s issues and pop culture with her editorial skills to create quality content for our brand partners.
This post is sponsored by BetterHelp but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. 25% off your first month is only available to users who have never received therapy with BetterHelp.
The post I Tried the Therapy App Everyone’s Using—Here’s Why I Prefer It to In-Person Sessions appeared first on The Everygirl.
Source: Cosmo Politian
