BetterHelp vs Brightside Health
Both BetterHelp and Brightside Health compete in therapy & depression. Here's how they differ on the things that actually matter.
BetterHelp
BetterHelp — 35,000+ licensed therapists, message any time
Brightside Health
Brightside — therapy + psychiatry for anxiety & depression
At a glance
| Feature | BetterHelp | Brightside Health |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $260/mo$95/mo | |
| Rating | ★ 4.4★ 4.4 | |
| Reviews tracked | 78k6.2k | |
| State exclusions | NoneNone | |
| Category | Therapy & DepressionTherapy & Depression |
Which one fits?
Choose BetterHelp if…
- · From $65-90/week (billed monthly)
- · Switch therapists anytime, free
- · Unlimited messaging + 4 live sessions/mo
Choose Brightside Health if…
- · Therapy from $299/mo, psychiatry from $95/mo
- · Combined plan (both) from $349/mo
- · Crisis care included
Frequently asked
Is BetterHelp or Brightside Health better for therapy & depression?+
Both BetterHelp and Brightside Health are US-licensed telehealth programs for therapy & depression. BetterHelp: BetterHelp — 35,000+ licensed therapists, message any time. Brightside Health: Brightside — therapy + psychiatry for anxiety & depression. The right pick depends on whether you want insurance handling, brand availability, async vs sync clinical model, and cancellation flexibility — see the side-by-side comparison above.
How much do BetterHelp and Brightside Health cost per month?+
BetterHelp starts at $260/month. Brightside Health starts at $95/month. Stated prices are subscription fees; the actual cost depends on whether the medication is included, whether insurance applies, and current promotions. Compare the full pricing breakdown in the side-by-side table.
Can I switch from BetterHelp to Brightside Health?+
Yes — telehealth programs can be cancelled and the same prescription often re-routed through a new provider. The new provider will typically require their own clinical assessment, and you may pay for two months of subscriptions during the transition. Document your cancellation in writing.
Do BetterHelp and Brightside Health accept insurance?+
Insurance acceptance varies. Some programs file prior authorizations on your behalf as a concierge service; others operate cash-pay only. Check the comparison rows for "insurance handling" — that's usually the biggest differentiator.