Betterhelp is an online therapy service that advertises on many of the podcasts I listen to. Like most of the companies that advertise on podcasts, I think they are somewhat sketchy, overpriced and predatory.
Similar to other scammy advertisers including toothbrushes, razors, meal delivery and the like, Betterhelp has a “monthly membership” to lock-in subscribers. Why? Because subscribers tend to be sticky. They often won’t cancel even if they aren’t using your service.
So none of that is new.
What I find particularly appalling is Betterhelp’s marketing tactics. Their commercials include lines such as:
- You deserve to be happy.
- It’s not too late to get back on track with your New Year’s Resolution (played in late January).
- Having problems falling asleep?
- Need to better manage your time?
- Want to switch therapists any time?
- You can talk to your therapist via text or phone, no need to ever go on video or face-to-face
Apparently, Betterhelp via its “uber” model of online therapy that connects patients with subcontractor therapists, can solve all of your problems.
Um – I doubt it.
I’m not going to criticize the efficacy of online therapy because I’ve never tried it. I know, for me, the in-person connection with my therapist made a huge impact on my progress during the two periods in my life when I was in therapy.
I have already written about the overprescription of therapy.
Betterhelp is just the latest corporation to take advantage of unsuspecting listeners by using marketing dollars and influencers to turn therapy into another consumer product.
I do not approve.