BetterHelp Therapist Guide: How to Choose the Right Therapist and Understand Session Scheduling

While BetterHelp is known for its convenient online therapy services, many users may not realize they have the option to choose their therapist directly. BetterHelp’s standard procedure uses a questionnaire to match you with a therapist. However, for a more personalized approach, selecting your own therapist can be beneficial. This guide will show you how to navigate BetterHelp to find a therapist who meets your specific needs and preferences, and implicitly understand how this choice can influence your session schedule.

Why Choose Your Own BetterHelp Therapist?

Opting to choose your own therapist on BetterHelp offers several advantages. The standard matching process, while efficient, may not always align with your specific requirements. By taking a more active role, you gain greater control over who provides your therapy. This is particularly important if you have specific preferences regarding:

• Therapeutic Approach: Different therapists specialize in various modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, or trauma-focused therapy. Choosing allows you to find a therapist whose approach resonates with you.
• Specialty Areas: You might be seeking help for specific issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, or grief. Selecting a therapist with expertise in your area of concern ensures more targeted support.
• Personal Preferences: You may prefer a therapist of a particular gender, age group, or cultural background. Direct selection allows you to consider these personal factors for a more comfortable therapeutic relationship.

Ultimately, choosing your own therapist can lead to a stronger therapeutic alliance from the outset, which is a crucial factor in successful therapy outcomes. While BetterHelp aims to match you effectively, proactively selecting your therapist ensures a more intentional and potentially more beneficial therapeutic journey, indirectly impacting how your session schedule and therapeutic process will unfold with a therapist you’ve personally chosen.

Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting Your BetterHelp Therapist

BetterHelp provides a less obvious, but readily available, pathway to browse and choose your own therapist. Here’s how you can take control of your therapist selection process:

Step 1: Access the “Find a Therapist” Page

1. Start by visiting the BetterHelp website using this link: BetterHelp. This will open a new window and take you to the BetterHelp landing page.
2. Scroll down to the very bottom of the page. Look for the footer section of the website.
3. Locate the discreet link that reads “Find a Therapist.” This link is usually presented in a smaller font size and may not be immediately apparent.

Note for Mobile Users: If you are using a smartphone and cannot see the “Find a Therapist” link, you might need to request the desktop version of the website. In Safari, press and hold the refresh button and select “Request Desktop Site.” In Chrome, tap the three-dot menu and choose “Desktop site.”

Step 2: Browse Therapist Profiles in Your State

1. Once you click “Find a Therapist,” you will be directed to a page where you can select your state from a dropdown menu or a map.
2. After choosing your state, you will be presented with a directory of therapists licensed to practice in that state who are part of the BetterHelp platform.
3. Take your time to explore the therapist profiles. Each profile typically includes information about the therapist’s:
   • Credentials and License: Ensuring they are qualified and licensed professionals.
   • Areas of Expertise: Identifying their specialties and the types of issues they treat.
   • Therapeutic Approaches: Understanding their methods and how they conduct therapy.
   • Experience: Gauging their years of practice and background.
   • Personal Statement: Getting a sense of their personality and therapeutic style.

Step 3: Choose Your Therapist and Sign Up

1. After reviewing the profiles, select a therapist who seems like a good fit for your needs and preferences.
2. Click on their profile to learn more and proceed with signing up.
3. You will still be required to complete the BetterHelp questionnaire as part of the sign-up process. However, by selecting a specific therapist beforehand, the system will prioritize pairing you with your chosen therapist, assuming they are available and accepting new clients.

Step 4: Inquire About Financial Aid

1. During the sign-up process, particularly when you reach the payment page where you enter your credit card details, look for a small green link indicating “Financial Aid” or similar.
2. If you believe you might qualify for financial assistance, click on this link and complete the application. BetterHelp offers financial aid to make therapy more accessible.

Bonus Tip: Refresh for More Therapist Options

BetterHelp’s “Find a Therapist” page initially displays a limited number of therapists, often around 20. If you want to see a broader selection:

• Simply refresh your web browser. This action often loads a new set of therapist profiles, allowing you to explore more options and potentially find an even better match.

Conclusion

Choosing your own therapist on BetterHelp empowers you to take a more active role in your mental health journey. While the standard matching system is available, manually selecting a therapist allows for a more tailored and intentional therapeutic relationship. By following these steps, you can find a BetterHelp therapist who aligns with your unique needs and preferences, setting the stage for effective online therapy and a session schedule that works for you. Remember, BetterHelp also makes it easy to switch therapists if you feel your initial choice isn’t the right fit, ensuring you can always find the support you need.