Thriveworks vs Betterhelp: Which One is Better? 

Are you looking to take control of your mental well-being by receiving online therapy from licensed mental health professionals? If so, Thriveworks and BetterHelp are two of the most popular online therapy platforms available today. Both offer a range of mental health services including individual, couples and family therapy. However, both platforms offer different features, making one more suitable than the other depending on what you’re looking for. 

Thriveworks is a pay-as-you-go platform that offers both online and in-person therapy sessions. They have a network of brick-and-mortar clinics across the United States, as well as an online platform that allows you to connect with licensed therapists from the comfort of your own home. On the other hand, BetterHelp is a subscription-based platform that provides all therapy services online. They offer unlimited messaging and video sessions with licensed therapists for a flat monthly fee.

To further understand each online therapy platform, we will take a closer look at their pros and cons of Thriveworks and BetterHelp in order for you to make the best decision for your needs and preferences.

Get to Know Thriveworks

Thriveworks is a mental health platform that offers online and in-person counseling services. They have a team of licensed professionals who provide therapy for a variety of mental health concerns. Thriveworks was founded in 2008 and has since expanded to over 240 locations across the United States.

Services Offered

Both BetterHelp and Thriveworks offer robust therapy and counseling resources, however the biggest difference is that Thriveworks can provide psychiatry services and medication prescriptions while BetterHelp only offers therapy. Thriveworks therapists may be able to provide a diagnosis with the management of mental health conditions and other concerns such as:

• Autism
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Addiction
• Trauma/PTSD
• Grief/Loss
• Relationships
• Eating disorders
• Anger
• Coping skills
• Stress
• Life transitions
• Postpartum/pregnancy
• Sexual abuse/issues
• Self-esteem
• Sleep/insomnia
• Other psychiatric conditions 

Thriveworks also offers a wide range of mental health services including: 

• Individual counseling
• Couples counseling
• Family therapy 
• Child therapy

Their licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help clients overcome their mental health challenges. Some of these include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Christian counseling, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), play therapy, emotionally-focused therapy, family systems, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), among others. 

Pricing Structure

Thriveworks operates on a pay-as-you-go basis, meaning that clients pay for each session as they go. The cost of each session varies depending on the therapist’s level of experience and the type of service provided. However, clients can expect to pay between $100 and $250 per session. Thriveworks does not offer a subscription-based model like BetterHelp.

Insurance and Coverage

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna and United Healthcare. They also offer a sliding scale fee for clients who do not have insurance or who cannot afford therapy. Clients can check their insurance coverage and verify their benefits on the Thriveworks website.

Get to Know BetterHelp

BetterHelp was founded in 2013 to remove traditional therapy barriers and make mental health care more accessible to everyone. It is an online therapy platform that provides mental health services to individuals, couples and teenagers. The platform offers therapy worldwide through video, phone and messaging.

Services Provided

BetterHelp provides counseling for couples and teenagers. They offer therapy services for a wide range of mental health concerns including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Grief
• Anger management
• Eating disorders
• Sleeping disorders
• Workplace stress
• Interpersonal relationships
• Self-esteem
• Dissociation

BetterHelp’s licensed therapists use evidence-based practices to help clients manage their mental health concerns. Some of these include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, trauma therapy, exposure therapy, eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), among others. 

Subscription Costs

BetterHelp operates on a subscription basis, with clients paying a weekly or monthly fee for access to therapy services. The cost of therapy on BetterHelp ranges from $60 to $90 per week, depending on the subscription plan chosen. Clients have the option to cancel their subscription at any time.

Insurance Acceptance

BetterHelp does not accept insurance directly, however some insurance companies may reimburse clients for therapy services received on the platform. Clients are advised to check with their insurance provider to see if they are eligible for reimbursement.

Comparative Analysis

Thriveworks and Betterhelp both offer online therapy services, but they differ in terms of accessibility, therapist qualifications, user experience and privacy and confidentiality measures. 

Thriveworks Therapy Buddy app has a 3.3 rating in the Google Play Store and a 2-star rating on Trustpilot, which is found to be underwhelming. On the other hand, BetterHelp has been ranked among the best online mental health providers by Forbes, Healthline and more publications. As the darling of the Apple App Store, it has a rating of 4.8 stars from 100,000 reviews. It has also scored 4.6 stars on Google Play Store and 4.5 on Trustpilot. 

Client Testimonials and Reviews

Thriveworks Reviews

Thriveworks has received mostly positive reviews from clients. Many clients appreciate the flexibility of being able to schedule appointments online and the ability to choose between in-person or virtual therapy sessions. Clients also appreciate the professionalism and expertise of the therapists.

One client mentioned in a review on Choosing Therapy that they appreciated how their therapist “was able to help [them] identify [their] negative thought patterns and develop coping mechanisms to work through them.” Another reviewer on Verywell Mind mentioned that their therapist was “empathetic and non-judgmental” and “provided [them] with helpful tools to manage [their] anxiety.”

BetterHelp Reviews

BetterHelp has also received mostly positive reviews from clients. Clients appreciate the convenience of being able to access therapy from the comfort of their own homes and the affordability of the service. However, some clients have expressed concerns about the quality of therapy they received.

One reviewer on Trustpilot mentioned that they “loved the convenience and the price” but felt that their therapist was not very helpful. Another reviewer on Sitejabber mentioned that they had a “positive experience” with their therapist but felt that the platform itself was “clunky and difficult to navigate.”

Overall, both Thriveworks and BetterHelp have received positive reviews from clients, but it’s important for individuals to do their own research and choose the platform that best suits their needs.

Advantages and Disadvantages 

Thriveworks 

Thriveworks follows a similar model to BetterHelp, however the noticeable difference is that the platform offers a choice of virtual and in-person appointments. Members are able to choose from more than 380 offices in the United States, although in-person visits with therapists are only available in certain states. 

BetterHelp 

As the world’s largest online therapy platform, BetterHelp has paved the way to making therapy 100% accessible virtually. Over 3 million members have already used the platform to connect with licensed and accredited professionals. 

Final Recommendations

After analyzing the features, pros, and cons of both Thriveworks and Betterhelp, it is clear that both platforms have their own strengths and weaknesses.

If you are looking for in-person therapy, Thriveworks is a better option as it offers pay-as-you-go services and in-person therapy sessions. However, if you prefer online therapy, Betterhelp would be a better choice as it is an all-online platform that offers subscription-based therapy services.

In terms of pricing, Thriveworks is more expensive than Betterhelp. But despite its cost, Thriveworks offers a wider range of services including in-person therapy, which can be a significant advantage for some users.

When it comes to therapist qualifications, both platforms have licensed and experienced therapists, although Betterhelp has more therapists available, making it easier to find a therapist that suits your needs.

Overall, the choice between Thriveworks and Betterhelp depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prefer in-person therapy and are willing to pay a higher price, Thriveworks is a good option. However, if you prefer online therapy and want a wider range of therapist options, Betterhelp is a better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions