How many sessions per week for BetterHelp? This question comes up frequently for those exploring online therapy options. Unlike rigid treatment models with fixed schedules, BetterHelp offers a more adaptable approach to session frequency that can be tailored to individual needs, preferences, and therapeutic goals.
Standard Session Frequency
BetterHelp subscription plans typically include one live session per week with a credentialed therapist. This session can be conducted through video conferencing, phone calls, or live text chat, depending on the client’s preference. This weekly cadence provides regular therapeutic support while allowing time between sessions for reflection and implementation of therapeutic suggestions.
This standard frequency aligns with common practices in traditional therapy settings, where weekly sessions are often recommended to maintain momentum without overwhelming clients. Research suggests that weekly therapy provides sufficient frequency to build therapeutic rapport and address ongoing concerns without creating scheduling burden for many clients.
However, the platform’s approach to therapy extends beyond traditional weekly meetings. The combination of scheduled sessions and additional communication options creates a more comprehensive therapeutic experience that adapts to each client’s unique needs and circumstances.
Between-Session Support
What sets BetterHelp apart from traditional therapy models is the availability of support between scheduled sessions. All subscription plans include messaging capabilities, allowing clients to write to their therapists whenever they need to, not just during formal sessions.
When clients send messages outside of scheduled sessions, therapists will respond when they are available. This ongoing communication helps maintain therapeutic momentum between formal meetings and provides support during challenging moments that might arise unexpectedly.
Many clients find this continuous access particularly valuable, as it allows them to express thoughts or concerns when they’re freshest in mind, rather than having to wait until the next scheduled appointment. Clients can also review previous messages from their therapists at any time, helping them reflect on guidance and insights whenever needed.
Recent platform data shows that 69% of users actively engaged with these additional self-care features, suggesting that many clients value the ability to continue therapeutic work between formal sessions.
Flexible Scheduling Options
For those who may benefit from more frequent live interactions, additional sessions may be available for a supplemental fee, depending on the therapist’s availability. Some clients may find that more intensive support is helpful during particularly challenging periods or when beginning therapy.
For example, someone experiencing acute anxiety might temporarily benefit from twice-weekly sessions to develop coping strategies more rapidly before transitioning to a weekly maintenance schedule. Conversely, someone who has made significant progress might eventually shift to biweekly sessions as they begin to taper therapeutic support.
BetterHelp therapists often offer flexible appointment times, with many providing evening and weekend sessions. Since the therapists are also working remotely, they frequently have more scheduling freedom than those maintaining traditional office hours.
Clients can view their therapist’s available time slots in their BetterHelp account and select the ones that work best for their schedule. This ease of scheduling helps eliminate many of the logistical barriers that sometimes prevent people from consistently attending therapy.
Supplementary Support Resources
Beyond direct therapist interactions, BetterHelp offers additional resources that extend therapeutic support:
- Group sessions: The platform provides weekly group therapy sessions on various mental health topics
- Journaling tools: An online therapy journal where clients can record thoughts and feelings
- Worksheets: Therapeutic exercises suggested by therapists to work on between sessions
- Goal tracking tools: Features that help clients monitor progress toward specific therapeutic objectives
- Educational resources: Materials that provide information about mental health conditions and coping strategies
These additional resources create a more comprehensive therapeutic experience that continues between scheduled sessions, helping clients make progress even when they’re not actively engaged with their therapist. They also provide supplemental support that can enhance the effectiveness of formal therapy sessions, regardless of their frequency.
Adapting Frequency to Therapeutic Phases
Many BetterHelp users find that their ideal session frequency changes over the course of their therapeutic journey. During initial assessment and treatment planning, weekly sessions help establish rapport and develop an understanding of presenting concerns. During active treatment phases, maintaining weekly sessions often helps build momentum and practice new skills consistently.
As clients begin to make progress, some may transition to maintenance phases where biweekly sessions combined with messaging provide sufficient support. This gradual adjustment helps clients develop greater independence while maintaining access to therapeutic guidance when needed.
Finding the Right Balance
Finding the right session frequency is ultimately a personal decision that can be discussed with your therapist. Some people benefit from weekly sessions, especially when beginning therapy or going through particularly challenging periods. Others may find that biweekly sessions combined with regular messaging provide sufficient support for their needs.
The platform’s quality data shows that this flexible approach works—72% of clients experienced symptom reduction in their first 12 weeks of therapy, with 69% achieving reliable improvement and 62% reaching symptom remission. These outcomes are tracked through standardized assessments administered approximately every 45 days to ensure consistent progress monitoring.
The flexibility of BetterHelp’s approach allows therapy to adapt to each person’s unique situation, making mental health support more accessible and sustainable for those who might struggle with the rigid structure of traditional therapy models. This adaptability has helped millions of people worldwide access professional mental health support on terms that work for their lives and preferences.