Online therapy platform BetterHelp is rapidly losing its paid subscriber base, according to financial filings from its parent company. The company reports a drop in average monthly paid BetterHelp subscribers, from 476,000 in the second quarter of 2023 to 425,000 in the fourth quarter. That’s a loss of more than 10% of its paid user base, despite significant marketing expenses aimed at growing the platform.
talkspace
Talkspace forces therapists to break rules. The rules may be the problem.
App-based therapy platforms may well represent the next evolution of psychotherapy practice. I praised Talkspace a few years ago for offering access to mental health care for many who otherwise would never find their way to a therapist’s office. But the platforms — Talkspace, Betterhelp, and the like — have run into controversy over their confidentiality policies. Therapists using these apps may have little to no ready access to the client’s full name, address, or other information necessary in an emergency.