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If you’re a licensed therapist looking for a platform that can provide you clients and allow you to have a flexible schedule, BetterHelp can be an excellent option. The most attractive thing about BetterHelp is that you’re not its employee but an independent contractor providing counseling services. But this doesn’t restrain you from getting medical benefits. In addition, having an opportunity to set your own work schedule and work from anywhere in the world is the biggest convenience for many.
Pros
- Time and location flexibility
- No minimum or maximum amount of clients on caseload
- Medical insurance
- Focus on therapy and forget the customer acquisition and paperwork
Cons
- Relatively low pay
- You have to pay your own taxes
Jump to: Full Review
Compare to Other Gig Economy Jobs
DoorDash
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Make around $12 per hour + tips and create your own flexible schedule
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What is BetterHelp?
BetterHelp is an online platform that provides online mental health services. Customers can use the platform to access mental health services such as counseling and therapy via teleconferencing.
The company was founded in 2013 and has its headquarters in California, and it currently recruits over 22,000 therapists. It currently provides mental health services to over 2 million clients.
BetterHelp’s mission is to make professional therapy accessible, affordable, and convenient for anyone struggling with life challenges.
How Does BetterHelp Work?
If you are a qualified mental health professional, you can join BetterHelp as a counselor. As a BetterHelp counselor, you can decide how many hours you want to work each week. You will also be able to plan your schedule around your existing commitments, making the platform ideal if you are looking for a side hustle idea.
As a BetterHelp counselor, you will work as an independent contractor and not an employee. BetterHelp counselors provide counseling services to clients on the platform via different communication methods.
Some of the different ways you can communicate with clients include:
- Chat room
- Live chat
- Phone session
- Live video session
Who is BetterHelp Best for?
BetterHelp is best for any trained mental health professional who wants to earn some extra income on the side. The flexibility that the platform offers makes it easy for you to work whenever you have free time. Thus, you can still have a day job as a mental health professional.
However, note that you will only be able to work as a BetterHelp counselor if you are a qualified mental health professional.
How Much Can You Make With BetterHelp?
Your earnings as a BetterHelp counselor depend on how many hours you choose to work each week. In general, your annual earnings can range from $7,800 per year as a part-time counselor to $136,500 per year as a full-time counselor.
| Hours per Week | Estimated Annual Earnings |
|---|---|
| 5 – 9 | $7,500 – $15,800 |
| 10 – 14 | $16,900 – $25,220 |
| 15 – 19 | $27,300 – $36,600 |
| 20 – 24 | $39,000 – $49,000 |
| 25 – 29 | $52,000 – $63,440 |
| 30 – 34 | $66,300 – $78,780 |
| 35 – 39 | $81,900 – $96,460 |
| 40 – 44 | $100,100 – $114,660 |
| 45 – 50 | $118,300 – $136,500 |
You can expect to earn up to $70 per hour as a mental health counselor with BetterHelp.
BetterHelp Benefits: What Does BetterHelp Offer?
Reliable Income
Over 10,000 new clients sign up on BetterHelp each day. Thus, as a BetterHelp therapist, you will be able to find a reliable source of income as a therapist.
Health Benefits
If you work as a full-time therapist with BetterHelp, you will enjoy health benefits, including health, dental, and vision benefits.
Focus on Therapy
The platform helps you with getting new clients and managing your existing clients. Thus, you will not need to spend time trying to acquire new clients. Instead, you can focus your time and effort on providing therapy services to your clients.
Flexible Scheduling
When you work as a BetterHelp counselor, you will have the flexibility to choose your schedule. This allows you to choose how much you want to work and when you want to work. Moreover, you can also work from the comfort of your own home.
BetterHelp Requirements
BetterHelp only employs licensed counselors with proper qualifications. Thus, you will need to meet some strict requirements to become a BetterHelp counselor.
Some of the BetterHelp requirements include:
- Be licensed by a State Board (e.g., LCSW, LMFT, LPC, PsyD, or similar credentials)
- Have experience in therapy for adults, couples, and/or teens
- Have excellent writing skills
- Be currently residing in the US
- Have a reliable internet connection
BetterHelp Costs to Consider
As a BetterHelp counselor, you will be an independent contractor. Thus, this means that you will be responsible for any business expenses that you incur while performing your job duties.
Some of these costs that you may incur include the costs of teleconferencing equipment such as webcams and computers. You should also consider any additional specialized materials that you may require depending on the type of mental health services you provide.
BetterHelp Payout Terms and Options?
The company does not publicize its payment methods on any public channels. You will be able to arrange for your payments after your application to become a BetterHelp counselor is approved.
BetterHelp Reviews: is BetterHelp Legit?
BetterHelp is a legitimate online counseling platform that you can join as a mental health professional to earn an income. The website has received mostly positive reviews from its reviewers.
Many counselors praised the platform for offering flexibility and allowing them to earn extra income on the side. Some counselors were satisfied that the company helped them remove the need to do paperwork. This allowed them to easily start a private practice.
However, some counselors have complained that they do not receive any compensation if a client cancels an appointment or does not show up for it. Some counselors complained that the pay is low unless they have a full caseload.
What Are the BetterHelp Pros & Cons?
BetterHelp Pros
- You have the flexibility to work whenever and wherever you want
- There is no minimum or maximum number of clients you can have
- You will get to enjoy free medical insurance
- The company assigns you clients and helps you manage them, so you do not need to do paperwork
BetterHelp Cons
- The pay may not be very high unless you have a full caseload
- You will be responsible for any business expenses you incur
How Good is BetterHelp Support and Knowledge Base?
BetterHelp has a comprehensive support and knowledge base that you can view on their website. Here, you can find the answers to many of the common questions that users of the platform have.
In addition, if you are still encountering any issues, you can contact the company via their support email address or by creating a support ticket on their website.
BetterHelp Review Verdict: is BetterHelp Worth It?
If you are a licensed mental health professional looking for a website that you can use to start a private practice, BetterHelp is one of the best platforms you can join. The platform allows counselors to have a flexible working schedule and earn some extra income as a counselor.
Alternatively, you can also work as a full-time counselor to earn a regular income. The platform helps counselors manage all the paperwork and client acquisition. This allows you to focus on providing mental health counseling services.
Although you will be working as an independent contractor with BetterHelp, the platform also provides you with free medical insurance. However, note that you will be responsible for any other business expenses that you incur.
How to Start Earning With BetterHelp?
Here are some steps that you can follow to start earning an income as a counselor with BetterHelp:
Step 1: Sign Up as a BetterHelp Counselor
To sign up as a counselor with BetterHelop, start by visiting the BetterHelp website and clicking on the Get Started button.
You will need to provide some basic information about yourself, including:
- Your license type
- Your current working arrangement
- The reason why you want to work with BetterHelp
- The amount of time you intend to spend working with BetterHelp clients
- Your name, email address, and license information
Step 2: Get Approved
After reviewing the information you provide, the BetterHelp team will review your application. If you meet the requirements to become a counselor with BetterHelp, your account will typically be approved within a few days.
Once your account has been approved, you can download the BetterHelp mobile app for iPhone or Android.
Step 3: Get Clients and Provide Counseling Services
You can use the BetterHelp mobile app to start getting clients. The platform will assign you clients, and you can choose how many clients you want to take on.
You can also set up your schedule within the BetterHelp app.
Sites like BetterHelp
| Comparison | BetterHelp | DoorDash | Grubhub | GoPuff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pay Per Hour | Up to $70 | $15 to $25 | Around $12 plus tips | Up to $21 |
| Schedule | Choose how many clients you want to take on | Schedule shifts up to 7 days in advance or work instantly | Schedule in advance or work any time | Flexible |
| Best For | Licensed mental health professionals | High-paying gig jobs | Daily withdrawals | Grocery delivery gigs |
BetterHelp vs. DoorDash
DoorDash Summary
- Choose your own flexible working hours
- Earn $25 per hour during peaks
- Get $150 when you refer a friend to join
- You get to keep 100% of all tips
DoorDash is a food delivery platform that you can join to look for on-demand jobs and gigs. Unlike BetterHelp, you do not need any professional licenses to become a delivery driver with DoorDash.
Moreover, DoorDash also offers some of the highest-paying gig jobs on the market. Thus, DoorDash is a good alternative gig economy platform that you can join to earn an income if you do not meet the requirements to become a counselor with BetterHelp.
BetterHelp vs. Grubhub
Grubhub Summary
- High average earnings of $12 per hour
- Instant cash out for your earnings
- Earn more from tips and peak periods
- Deliver with car, bike, scooter, motorcycle
Grubhub is an online gig economy platform that provides customers with on-demand food delivery services. Both platforms allow you to schedule work in advance and have a flexible working schedule.
However, your earnings as a Grubhub delivery driver will be lower than as a BetterHelp counselor. Nonetheless, BetterHelp does offer daily withdrawals. Thus, you can still look for gig-type jobs on Grubhub if you want to make money fast.
BetterHelp vs. GoPuff
Gopuff Summary
- Potential to earn up to $21 per hour
- Additional ways to earn extra cash
- Good side hustle even with a full-time job
- Work as much or as little as you want
GoPuff is a grocery delivery platform that you can join to find high-paying grocery delivery gigs. As a delivery driver with GoPuff, you can expect to earn up to $21 per hour. Although this may not be as much as a BetterHelp counselor, note that you will not need any professional qualifications to become a GoPuff delivery driver.
Working as a GoPuff delivery driver also gives you flexibility regarding your working hours, making it a great side hustle idea.
Other Sites Like BetterHelp
BetterHelp FAQs
Is BetterHelp HIPAA compliant?
BetterHelp complies with all HIPAA rules, providing the same service standards as a regular medical practice would.
Can BetterHelp prescribe medication?
Counselors on BetterHelp may be trained therapists, but they do not have the necessary qualifications to prescribe medications. If you need medication for a mental health condition, you will need to visit a licensed psychiatrist.
How long are BetterHelp sessions?
BetterHelp sessions generally last for 30 minutes each time. Nonetheless, if a client requires more time with you, they may request to extend the session for an additional cost.
Does BetterHelp sell your data?
BetterHelp uses your data to provide relevant counseling and mental health services. They do not sell any of the data that you provide them with.
Where is BetterHelp based?
BetterHelp is a US-based technology company, and its headquarters are in Silicon Valley in California.
