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 may be discounts. BetterHelp says discounts can affect your price, so check what you are offered during signup. This is not free.
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 says it offers financial aid to some eligible users based on income, for subscriptions that do not use insurance. It does not publish discount amounts. To apply, create an account and go to betterhelp.com/financialaid, or contact BetterHelp’s support team. Our guide to applying for BetterHelp financial aid covers what BetterHelp says about it.
Check insurance eligibility during signup. BetterHelp says it is in network with 125+ health plans, from carriers including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, Cigna, Optum, and UnitedHealthcare, but only in select states. It does not accept TRICARE, Medicare, or Medicaid. If your plan is in network, some members pay $0, and those with a copay pay about $23 per session on average, much less than out-of-pocket. Insurance covers one live session a week, without messaging between sessions.
Use HSA or FSA cards. BetterHelp accepts both. Pre-tax dollars effectively give you a 20-30% discount depending on your tax bracket.
Ask your employer about EAP. Many Employee 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.
Employee 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.
Warmlines and the NAMI HelpLine
If you need someone to talk to rather than ongoing treatment, warmlines are free, peer-run lines for non-crisis emotional support; search “warmline” plus your state. The NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-6264 offers free information, support, and help finding low-cost care. These are not therapy, but they are a safe first step.
You may see 7 Cups suggested as a free option. We don’t recommend it because of documented safety concerns. In its online therapy roundup (updated in 2026), ConsumersAdvocate reported that a tester finished the volunteer listener training and began chatting with users within 20 minutes, and that another tester was matched with a listener who made sexually suggestive comments. ChoosingTherapy no longer recommends 7 Cups after it connected the site’s team with therapists who were not licensed in their state.
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:
Open Path Collective. Directory of therapists offering sliding-scale rates ($40-$70/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? For some members. BetterHelp says some insured members pay $0, while members with a copay pay about $23 per session on average, and a deductible may apply. That is still 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? BetterHelp does not offer 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 look at any discounts you are offered.
The bottom line
BetterHelp is not free, but if you genuinely want to use it, financial aid is real, insurance covers select plans in select states, 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 campus counseling if you are a student. For low-cost licensed therapy, Open Path Collective’s directory ($40 to $70 a session) is usually the best option, and if you have insurance, Talkspace, Rula, or Headway may cost just a copay.
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.