BetterHelp is not free — it is a paid subscription at $70-$100/week. It does not offer a traditional free trial like meditation apps do. However, BetterHelp offers real financial aid (based on income), accepts insurance in some states, and takes HSA/FSA cards. If you genuinely cannot afford BetterHelp, there are free and low-cost alternatives — the honest options are covered below.
If you have been searching whether BetterHelp is free or has a free trial, here is the honest answer and what your realistic options are.
Is there a BetterHelp free trial?
No traditional free trial. BetterHelp does not offer a “try before you buy” free trial in the way meditation apps like Calm or Headspace do. There is no 7-day or 14-day period where you can use the platform for free.
However, there are promotional discounts. New users often receive 10-20% off the first month — search “BetterHelp promo code” or “BetterHelp discount” before signing up to find current offers. This is not free, but it reduces first-month cost meaningfully.
What BetterHelp actually costs
The specific price varies by location, preferences, and therapist availability. Most users see prices in the $70-$100/week range, or $280-$400/month.
For the full breakdown, see our BetterHelp cost guide.
Ways to reduce BetterHelp cost
If BetterHelp is what you want but the cost is a barrier, these are the real levers:
Apply for financial aid. BetterHelp offers genuine financial aid to users who qualify based on income and circumstances. This is not a small discount — some users report 20-40% off their weekly rate. To apply: log into your account after signing up, go to your dashboard, and look for the financial aid application. You will be asked about your income and circumstances. Decisions typically come within a few days.
Check insurance eligibility during signup. BetterHelp’s insurance coverage expanded in January 2026. It is now in-network with Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Optum in about 21 US states. If your plan is in-network, average copay is approximately $23/session — much less than out-of-pocket.
Use HSA or FSA cards. BetterHelp accepts both. Pre-tax dollars effectively give you a 20-30% discount depending on your tax bracket.
Look for promotional discounts. First-month discounts of 10-20% are common. Search for current codes before signing up.
Ask your employer about EAP. Many employer Assistance Programs cover mental health services. Sometimes BetterHelp is directly covered; sometimes there are free sessions through the EAP that you can use first.
Genuinely free therapy alternatives
If BetterHelp is genuinely not affordable — even with financial aid — here are the honest alternatives that cost nothing or very little:
Community mental health centers
Most US counties have community mental health centers that accept Medicaid, offer sliding-scale fees for uninsured users, and often accept private insurance. For low-income users, fees are often $0 or a few dollars per session.
How to find one: search “[your county] community mental health center” or ask your primary care physician for a referral. SAMHSA’s national helpline (1-800-662-HELP) can locate services near you.
When this fits: if you have Medicaid, are low-income, or prefer in-person care alongside telehealth options.
Employer Assistance Programs (EAPs)
If you work at a company with more than about 50 employees, there is a real chance your employer offers an EAP — free short-term counseling as a benefit. Coverage typically includes 3-8 free sessions per year with licensed counselors.
How to check: ask your HR department or check your benefits portal. EAPs are underused because employees often do not know they exist.
When this fits: if you have an EAP available and your therapy needs are relatively short-term.
7 Cups (free tier)
7 Cups offers trained peer “listeners” available 24/7 for free emotional support conversations. This is not therapy — it is emotional support from trained volunteers, not licensed clinicians. But it is real, free, and some people find it genuinely helpful.
When this fits: for talking through a difficult moment or feeling less alone. Not appropriate as a substitute for therapy if therapy is what you actually need.
University counseling centers
If you are a college or university student, your school likely offers free counseling as part of student services. Coverage varies (usually short-term) but is worth using if available.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
For crisis specifically: call or text 988 to reach trained crisis counselors 24/7, free. This is not a therapy alternative — it is for crisis moments.
Low-cost licensed therapy alternatives
If free is not possible but BetterHelp is too expensive, some low-cost options:
7 Cups paid tier — $150/month. Licensed therapy at less than half of BetterHelp’s cost. See our cheapest online therapy guide for detail.
Open Path Collective. Directory of therapists offering sliding-scale rates ($30-$80/session) for qualifying users. $65 one-time membership fee.
Talkspace Messaging tier — $69/week. Slightly cheaper than BetterHelp for messaging-only therapy. See Talkspace pricing guide.
Brightside psychiatry — $95/month. If you specifically need psychiatric medication rather than therapy.
For the full comparison, see our BetterHelp alternatives guide and cheapest online therapy roundup.
Common questions
Is BetterHelp free with insurance? No — even with insurance, you will pay a copay (average $23/session). But this is dramatically cheaper than the $280+/month out-of-pocket rate.
Can you use BetterHelp without paying? No. There is no free tier, no free trial, and no way to use the platform without either paying out-of-pocket or having insurance coverage.
Is BetterHelp cheap? Compared to in-person therapy ($120-$220+/session), BetterHelp is generally more affordable per week. Compared to community mental health or free alternatives, it is not cheap.
Are there any free BetterHelp promo codes? Legitimate promo codes typically offer 10-20% off, not free service. Be skeptical of “free BetterHelp” offers online — these are usually referral schemes or misleading.
What is the cheapest way to try BetterHelp? Apply for financial aid after signing up (real discounts based on income), check insurance eligibility during signup, and search for first-month promotional discounts.
The bottom line
BetterHelp is not free, but if you genuinely want to use it, financial aid is real, insurance coverage is expanding, and HSA/FSA cards work. Combined, these can reduce costs significantly.
If BetterHelp is genuinely not affordable, the honest free alternatives are community mental health centers (best for Medicaid or low-income), employer EAPs (best if you have one), and 7 Cups’ free peer support (not therapy, but real emotional support). For low-cost licensed therapy, 7 Cups’ paid tier at $150/month or Open Path Collective’s sliding-scale directory are your best options.
Whatever you choose, please do not skip getting help because of cost. Real free and low-cost options exist. For the full picture, see our cheapest online therapy guide.
One important note: if you are in crisis or considering harming yourself, please reach out now — in the US, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Cost is not a barrier to that support. You are not alone.