How BetterHelp Therapists Can Help You Stick to Your New Year’s Goals

I will get over my anxiety and start dating again …

I will sharpen my focus and become a top performer at my job … I will start dieting and working out to look like Jennifer Lopez by March …

Every year, millions of people around the world make resolutions for the New Year, and, like clockwork, about 40% of those people abandon those plans by February.

But starting therapy with an online platform like BetterHelp can be an excellent way to help you stick with your goals — whether it’s getting in shape, getting better grades, or just getting along better with your friends and family.

Perhaps even more importantly, therapy can help you better understand yourself. Research suggests one of the biggest problems with keeping resolutions is that people continually set impossible goals, knowing full well they won’t achieve them. And those who stick with their resolutions tend to choose common, realistic goals. Working with a licensed BetterHelp mental health professional may be able to help you better learn what’s keeping you from improving your life.

BetterHelp therapists can help clients set achievable goals and develop good habits to replace unhealthy behavior patterns. Alas, you probably won’t look like Jennifer Lopez by March, but you can be on your way to a happier, healthier you.

Here are some of the basics.

How Long Are BetterHelp Sessions?

Many people feel they’d benefit from therapy but don’t pursue it because they don’t believe they have time in their busy schedules.

BetterHelp sessions typically run between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the therapist and the client. Unlike traditional in-person psychotherapy though, there’s no need to travel to and from the counselor’s office; you can have a live session anywhere you have a computer or smart device and an internet connection. Plus, many BetterHelp therapists offer more flexible appointments — often during the evenings and weekends — than traditional therapists. Scheduling is done online by simply choosing an available session that works for you.

What’s more, you can have your sessions in multiple ways — on the phone, over video chat, or live messaging — whichever works best for your situation.

How Many Sessions per Week for BetterHelp?

Typically, clients have one live session with their counselor per week, but depending on availability, you may be able to schedule additional live sessions with your provider for a small fee.

In addition, one of the things clients like most about BetterHelp is that all of its plans include the ability to message your therapist whenever you feel the need. Simply log into your BetterHelp therapy room, write a note to your provider, and they will respond at their earliest convenience. BetterHelp also offers additional tools like group therapy sessions and a personal online journal.

Features like these can be especially helpful for those trying to establish healthy patterns like New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps your goal is to quit smoking. Being able to interact with others, using a pseudonym if you prefer discretion, in the same situation during one of the many group sessions can be hugely beneficial. Or maybe your goal is to communicate better with your children, but you find yourself becoming short with them during the bedroom routine. Having the ability to message your therapist and receive feedback when the information is fresh can help keep you on track between weekly sessions. And recording patterns in your online therapy journal may give you the ability to discover certain triggers or stimuli that set off unwanted behaviors.

Is BetterHelp Actually Therapists?

Yes, BetterHelp counselors are all legit mental health professionals. They’re social workers, psychologists, therapists, and the like, and they’ve all completed the required training and are licensed to practice in their respective states. In addition, all BetterHelp therapists have at least 1,000 hours of practical experience.

BetterHelp currently has the largest database of counselors in the world — 32,000 — with a huge array of different specialties. Because BetterHelp is completely online, clients aren’t limited to providers within a commutable distance, which means you can work with someone uniquely positioned to help you meet your goals.

When signing up, BetterHelp clients answer questions to determine what they’re looking for from therapy and what type of therapist might be a good fit (someone faith-based or secular, for example). Then BetterHelp matches clients with an available provider. So whether your goal is to work through your social anxiety or to change your eating habits, BetterHelp can connect you with a provider who specializes in your needs. While matches are generally successful, clients can always ask to be matched with a new therapist.

How Much Does BetterHelp Cost?

Many people’s New Year’s resolution is to save more money or to better handle their finances — there’s no denying money is always an important concern. While only you can determine if therapy fits into your budget, many people are surprised to realize how affordable online therapy can be.

BetterHelp plans cost between $65 and $100 per week, depending on where you live and your plan of choice. This is often significantly less than in-person, traditional therapy, where sessions can cost between $100 and $250 (or more). Financial assistance is also available in some cases, and BetterHelp discount codes can shave the costs even more.

So this may be the year you let BetterHelp therapists help you reach your goals — even if you won’t look like Jennifer Lopez by March.

Healthcare disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.