Britons are increasingly turning to digital solutions for mental health support, with the online counselling service BetterHelp receiving significant praise for its ability to connect users with the right therapist. The platform is being celebrated for its user-friendly approach and effective matching system, offering a vital lifeline for those seeking help from the comfort of their homes.
Overcoming Barriers to Mental Health Care
Accessing traditional therapy in the UK can be challenging. Long NHS waiting lists, the high cost of private treatment, and the persistent stigma around mental health often prevent people from getting the help they need. According to the mental health charity Mind, one in four people in England will experience a mental health problem each year. However, evidence shows that talking therapies work; NHS statistics from August 2025 revealed that 67.6% of referrals who finished a course of treatment showed reliable improvement in their symptoms of depression and anxiety.
User Experiences: Finding the 'Perfect' Match
BetterHelp, which holds a 4.1 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot from over 9,000 reviews, is being singled out for its successful therapist matching process. One satisfied user shared, "I found the perfect therapist for me. I was worried about who would reach out to me in case they didn't work out. But I was clear about what I was looking for and I got matched to the perfect therapist. He gets all my references and offers spot-on insights."
Another user echoed this sentiment, stating, "Great experience, my therapist is wonderful and I feel really helped and heard in my healing process. Highly recommend." The platform's extensive resources were also highlighted, with one person noting, "Therapy sessions, classes, and Zoom meetings through BetterHelp have helped me immensely during a very stressful time."
How BetterHelp Works and Current Offer
The service provides a large directory of UK-accredited counsellors and therapists, with the platform claiming it can match a user with a professional in as little as 48 hours. Once matched, users can connect via weekly live video, phone, or chat sessions, with unlimited messaging in between. To assist users this winter, BetterHelp is currently offering a 20% discount on the first month's subscription.
With this discount, the first month costs between £36 to £56 per week, compared to the standard subscription range of £45 to £70 per week. This fee includes access to over 100 live group sessions and digital resources. All counsellors on the platform are required to have at least three years of experience and verified UK credentials. Crucially, if a user feels their therapist isn't the right fit, they can switch at any time or cancel their membership.
While most feedback is positive, some users noted minor technical issues, though they reported that customer service was quick to resolve them by compensating for missed sessions or extending memberships.
