Are you struggling with mental health issues? Are you planning to seek therapy? Have you been considering opting for online therapy over traditional face-to-face one? If you answered yes, then you’ve come to the right place.
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Once you’ve decided to avail online therapy sessions for your psychological well-being, the hardest part is deciding which platform to choose from. While it can be overwhelming, we are here to guide you so you can make a well-informed decision.
BetterHelp and Cerebral are among the two renowned platforms that offer online therapy. If you’re wondering which is better for you, here’s a detailed comparison to see what suits you best!
All You Need to Know About BetterHelp
BetterHelp has stood as a trusted online therapy platform since its inception. It has been a secure haven for individuals in pursuit of professional assistance for their mental health concerns.
Serving as a compelling alternative to conventional in-person therapy, it has risen to prominence as one of the foremost online therapy platforms today.
BetterHelp extends an array of comprehensive services to its members. These encompass counseling, psychotherapy, life coaching, and a well-rounded approach to addressing mental health needs.
And that’s not all; BetterHelp can offer you an extensive reservoir of resources, ranging from informative articles to engaging videos and insightful podcasts. By being well-equipped with these resources, it can empower your journey towards improved mental well-being and adeptly navigating life’s challenges.
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers therapy within the USA and globally. A relatively affordable therapy subscription. | Does not accept insurance. Offers one subscription option only. Does not provide management for medication. |
Get to Know Cerebral in Detail
Cerebral is an online therapy platform that stands out for leveraging the power of AI and digital therapeutics to create treatment plans tailored to each user.
The platform has several interactive tools and programs purposefully designed to empower individuals on their journey to improved mental health and overall well-being.
Cerebral has become an ideal choice for individuals who are struggling with mild mental health problems or those who are seeking for an alternative avenue for self-improvement. They also offer a variety of interactive resources that equip users with the means to proactively manage their mental well-being.
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers therapy and medication management across the USA. Accepts almost all insurance plans. Users may choose among 3 different subscriptions. | Does not offer live texting sessions. Controlled medications are unavailable. Not available globally. |
BetterHelp Vs. Cerebral: Which is Better?
Coping with mental health issues can be a challenge, but some people find it even more difficult to find the right professional who can help with their needs. A licensed therapist is well-equipped with the skills and expertise to understand mental health problems and provide relevant solutions.
While there are several online therapy services to benefit from, we have provided a comparison of the most essential factors to help you decide between BetterHelp and Cerebral’s mental health care.
| Aspect | BetterHelp | Cerebral |
| Cost | $60-$90 per week for a session and $240-$360 per month | Medication & Care Counseling Plan costs $259 for a month |
| Therapists | Licensed and experienced therapists | Mix of medical practitioners and psychiatrists |
| Signing Up | Easy sign-up with a free trial | Detailed sign-up survey with a discounted introductory period |
| Treatment Range | More diverse treatments covering all mental health issues majorly | Limited treatment range, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia |
| Therapy Modes | Audio & Video MessagingVideo & Audio CallsLive MessagesText Messages | Text MessagingAudio CallsVideo CallsMix of Healthcare Providers |
| Safety | Keeps information safe | May share your data |
| Support | Online surveyFAQ sectionEmail | Phone callEmailFAQ section |
Cost
The most important criteria for people is the cost of therapy. While both BetterHelp and Cerebral are the top online therapy platforms, they differ in terms of cost according to each plan they offer.
BetterHelp
There are four different mental health packages that you can choose from:
- Weekly Plan
If you’re looking for a weekly session without having to break the bank, BetterHelp’s $80 a week plan may be worth considering. This plan offers an in-person therapy session along with a messaging service whenever you have mental health concerns.
- Monthly Plan
The monthly therapy plans typically amounts to around $260, which is equivalent to $65 per week. These plans often include 4 monthly meetings and access to 24/7 messaging services.
- Quarterly Plan
The quarterly plan from BetterHelp is priced at $540 and bills you every three months. This plan will enable you to receive one therapy session per week and unlimited messaging, making it a preferred choice over other platforms.
- Annual Plan
BetterHelp’s yearly plan costs $1,820 and it includes all the benefits featured in the other plans. But you might be wondering, what makes this plan different? This plan is recognized as the most affordable one as it amounts to $35 per week.
Cerebral
Cerebral offers monthly therapy plans and the unique option to combine a bundle of services of various medical practitioners into a single package.
- Therapy Plan
Cerebal’s therapy plan costs $259 a month and provides weekly sessions with mental health experts.
- Medication and Therapy Plan
This is Cerebral’s most expensive therapy plan, priced at $339 per month. Despite its hefty price, it offers a great amount of benefits including weekly psychiatric and therapy sessions.
- Medication and Basic Care
This is an affordable Cerebral therapy plan, which costs $99 only. This allows you get get consultations from a licensed practitioner through audio or video calls. It also allows you to get access to a care provider to check on your progress and suggest psychotherapeutic solutions to help improve your mental state.
Therapists
When choosing an online therapy platform, it’s important to consider the availability of the professional and licensed therapists as they define your healing journey. Here we will discuss their time schedules and services from BetterHelp and Cerebral.
BetterHelp
BetterHelp maintains a high standard for their licensed therapists and mental health professionals. This also applies to their clinical social workers, and fully accredited counselors. Rest assured these professionals have not only excelled in their education, but have also undergone rigorous training, passed required exams, and obtained their licenses.
Before joining BetterHelp, their team of professionals have also accumulated a minimum of 1,000 hours in clinical practice and have three years of counseling session experience. This can ensure that you will be receiving top notch help that can meet your needs.
When it comes to mental health, BetterHelp therapists can tackle the full spectrum of mental health issues and assist you with whatever you are facing.
Cerebral
Cerebral takes a different approach from BetterHelp in regards to their counselors and therapists. The platform does not solely focus on having an abundance of licensed therapists. Instead, they have a mix of medical practitioners and psychiatrists that work hand in hand with their therapists. This approach offers users a combination of different types of support with a wide range of expertise.
Signing Up
When signing up for an online therapy platform, it’s ideal to choose one that is easy to sign-up to quickly start the process. Below we will compare the steps to sign-up on both platforms:
BetterHelp
- Visit the www.betterhelp.com website.
- Click on “Get Started.”
- Complete a brief assessment of your symptoms.
- Create your account.
- Provide your payment information and pay for your first month before your initial therapist match.
- After payment, review the therapist you’ve been matched with and click “Schedule” in the app.
- Choose a convenient date and time for your first session with your new therapist.
- If you find that your therapist isn’t the right fit for you, you can select a new therapist from a list provided by BetterHelp.
Cerebral
- Visit the www.cerebral.com website.
- Complete an initial assessment to determine your care needs.
- Choose the subscription suitable for your needs and make the first month’s payment.
- Select your therapist or medication manager.
- If you opt for a medication plan, you’ll need to answer additional symptom questions and provide government ID verification.
- Choose a prescriber and schedule a date and time for your first medication management appointment.
- Once you’ve completed the sign-up process, you can schedule your first therapy session or medication management appointment.
Treatment Range
Given the rise in mental health awareness, you may encounter different mental health issues and find that you need help with more than just one. Therefore, it’s beneficial to look for a comprehensive platform that can provide you with the right treatment for your needs.
BetterHelp
The platform offers online treatment for a wide range of issues like:
- Bipolar disorder
- Chronic impulsivity
- Chronic stress
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Educational issues
- Existential problems
- Family therapy
- Financial assistance
- General anxiety
- Grief
- Intimacy problems
- Loss of life
- LGBTQIA problems
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Parenting problems
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Psychosomatic disorders
- Sexual orientation issues
- Sleep disorders
- Spiritual issues
- Stress management
- Teen therapy
Cerebral
The platform is hyper-focused only on a few problems:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Depression
Therapy Modes
After finalizing the plan and treatment, you must decide which mode of therapy is more suitable for you. Both BetterHelp and Cerebral offer you the option to choose the mode you feel more comfortable with.
BetterHelp
- Audio & Video Messaging
With BetterHelp, you get access to their call-and-response principle for communicating through audio and video messages. This ensures your convenience and comfort compared to traditional in-person therapy sessions. You will also get one session per week and a messaging service to contact the therapists.
- Video & Audio Calls
Similar to messages, you will be able to connect with your therapist through video or audio calls if you think it will help you communicate better.
- Live Messages
This method of communication is through a chatbox, which enables you to engage in a real-time conversation with the therapist over text. You can have peace mind knowing that your mental health professional will be the only person to have access to your chat.
- Text Messages
In case you’re unable to call your therapist, you will be given the option to text them, and they will respond as soon as possible. This mode of therapy has become a top preference among young people.
Cerebral
- Text Messaging
Once you subscribe to Cerebral, you will have the option to send direct text messages to your therapist while you’re on the move or busy with other tasks. This is best suited for people with disabilities or those seeking a stress-free alternative to in-person communication.
- Audio Calls
The platform allows you to connect with licensed therapists through audio calls if you prefer talk therapy rather than being on video.
- Video Calls
In case you want a more personalized therapy, video calls allow you to reach a psychologist, psychiatrist, or another practitioner directly.
- Mix of Healthcare Providers
Cerebral allows you to interact with a psychologist and psychiatrist simultaneously or even separately at your convenience. This gives you more flexibility in choosing your professional for treating your mental health condition, whether it be depression, anxiety, insomnia, among others.
Safety
When it comes to online therapy, it’s natural to have concerns surrounding the safety and privacy of your information. Both online mental health service providers keep your personal information private as they are in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.
BetterHelp
BetterHelp ensures the security of user data by encrypting their databases and providing protection against third-party access. The platform also offers a secure live chat option for users, which prioritize confidentiality and privacy of their interactions.
Cerebral
Cerebral is generally safe, however they may share certain health information with their online therapist specialists, healthcare providers, or insurers in order to better cater your needs.
Support
The last factor on this comparison list is the quality of customer support offered by BetterHelp and Cerebral.
BetterHelp
If you encounter any performance issues with the therapists from BetterHelp, you can contact their customer service team by filling out an online form. The platform also has a conclusive FAQ section on their website that answers common questions. Otherwise, you can send them an email with your queries.
Cerebral
Cerebral is known for offering quick responses to resolve customer queries. A responsive support desk is available to assist individuals with issues such as finding the most suitable plan for certain mental health disorders, canceling monthly subscriptions, navigating the platform, or even subscribing to offers.
Talkspace: Another online therapy service that you should also consider
When it comes to online mental healthcare, there are a few big players you should know about: Cerebral vs. BetterHelp vs. Talkspace. All three are in the game of providing therapy to folks 18 and up in all 50 US states.
But Cerebral and Talkspace take it up a notch by offering medication management and even taking insurance, while BetterHelp doesn’t go down that road.
When we talk about costs, Talkspace lets you start therapy with an initial evaluation at $249, and follow-up appointments cost $125. Cerebral takes a different approach—they have a monthly subscription fee that covers medication delivery. Both Talkspace and Cerebral are open to insurance, which can make things more budget-friendly.
If you’re primarily after medication management, Cerebral’s Medication + Care Management Plan comes in at just $99 a month, making it a real bang for your buck. It also offers more value than BetterHelp or Talkspace.
Talkspace comes out as a better option if you don’t need a live session; however, BetterHelp is better suited if you know you will need live sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the CEO of Cerebral?
David Mou, M.D., is currently the CEO of the online therapy platform Cerebral.
Is BetterHelp legitimate?
Yes, BetterHelp is a legitimate and credible online therapy platform with licensed therapists.
Do BetterHelp and Cerebral accept insurance?
While Cerebral does accept insurance from major companies, BetterHelp does not.
Final Thoughts
BetterHelp and Cerebral are both excellent platforms, each offering its own set of pros and cons. Here, it all boils down to what your needs and preferences are.
If you’re unsure about online therapy, BetterHelp comes with a trial period that can help you decide. It also caters to a wider range of treatments and offers more diverse communication modes. On the other hand, Cerebral allows insurance, and it can prove to be relatively easier on your pocket.
In case you need hyper-focused therapy, opt for Cerebral, but if you need varied sessions, you can choose BetterHelp!