BetterHelp

BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, connecting users with licensed therapists through text, phone, and video sessions. For actors whose schedules change weekly, the flexibility of online therapy can be a game-changer for maintaining consistent mental health support.

After completing an intake questionnaire, you are matched with a therapist based on your preferences and needs. If the fit is not right, you can switch therapists at no additional cost until you find someone you connect with.

The platform covers a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, career stress, and self-esteem. Many therapists on the platform have experience working with creative professionals and understand the unique pressures of performance careers.

Sessions cost between $65 and $90 per week, billed monthly. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify, which can significantly reduce the cost. Some insurance plans may also reimburse for BetterHelp sessions.

The convenience of scheduling sessions around auditions, rehearsals, and gigs makes BetterHelp practical for working actors. Consistent therapy can help you build the emotional resilience that a sustainable acting career demands. The platform also offers group therapy sessions and webinars on topics like stress management and self-esteem, providing additional support beyond one-on-one counseling. BetterHelp's mobile app allows you to message your therapist between sessions, so you can process audition outcomes or on-set challenges in real time.

BetterHelp charges between $65 and $90 per week, billed monthly at approximately $260 to $360 per four-week cycle, with the exact price depending on your location, therapist availability, and preferences. Financial assistance is available through an application process that considers income level, and approved applicants can receive significant discounts that bring the weekly cost down to as low as $40. The subscription includes one live session per week via video, phone, or chat, plus unlimited asynchronous messaging with your therapist throughout the week. There are no surprise fees for switching therapists, and the process of trying a new match is included in your existing subscription at no extra cost. Compared to traditional in-person therapy sessions that average $100 to $200 per hour, BetterHelp represents meaningful savings, especially for uninsured actors. However, BetterHelp does not accept insurance directly, which is a notable disadvantage compared to Talkspace, and you will need to submit receipts for potential out-of-network reimbursement on your own.

BetterHelp is best suited for actors who need consistent, flexible therapy access and are willing to pay out of pocket for the convenience of scheduling around an unpredictable performance career. It is particularly valuable for actors who relocate frequently between markets like LA, NYC, Atlanta, and Vancouver, as your therapist relationship continues regardless of where you are physically located. The financial assistance program makes it the most accessible paid therapy platform for actors during slow booking periods. However, if your health insurance covers mental health services, Talkspace's insurance acceptance may make it the more cost-effective choice. Actors dealing with severe depression, active substance abuse, or crisis-level mental health needs should seek in-person intensive therapy rather than relying on a weekly online session. For actors who only need occasional support rather than ongoing weekly therapy, a traditional therapist with a sliding-scale fee may be more economical than a monthly subscription.

Apply for financial assistance during your sign-up process even if you think you may not qualify, as the threshold is more generous than many actors expect and the discount can be substantial. Request a therapist with experience working with performers, creatives, or people in high-pressure careers, as this specificity dramatically improves the quality of your therapeutic match. Schedule sessions at consistent weekly times when possible, as regularity strengthens the therapeutic relationship even when your acting schedule is chaotic. Use the messaging feature to send your therapist a quick note before and after important auditions, as this creates a real-time record of your emotional patterns around performance stress. If your first therapist match does not feel right after two sessions, switch immediately and do not feel guilty, as BetterHelp has designed the system for easy transitions. Save your session receipts and submit them to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement, as many PPO plans cover a portion of online therapy costs even though BetterHelp does not bill insurance directly.