What Happens During Your First BetterHelp Session

Listen to this article

Beginning therapy can sometimes feel intimidating, especially through an online platform. BetterHelp has seen a 40% increase in new members in 2024, and many of these new members are simultaneously learning how to navigate the therapeutic process and digital mental health services.

BetterHelp’s approach to new sessions combines traditional therapeutic intake processes with digital mental health care delivery to ease the process for new clients and make the path smoother.

Steps to Take Before Your First Session

Your BetterHelp journey begins with the platform’s matching process, ensuring you are paired with the right counselor. After creating an account, the next step is to fill out a comprehensive questionnaire covering why you are seeking therapy. The questionnaire also covers previous mental health experiences, communication preferences, and specific preferences for therapists.

The process typically takes 48 hours to complete, after which you will be paired with the best counselor for your needs. Once matched, you can view your therapist’s profile, which includes their credentials, specializations, and background information, before the first session begins.

Scheduling and Format Options

BetterHelp sessions typically last 20 to 45 minutes and can be held via video calls, phone sessions, or live messaging, based on your comfort level. Many first-time users start with phone calls because they are less intimidating than video sessions, but it is always up to the client.

The unique scheduling platform also allows you to choose specific time slots based on the counselor’s availability, which can include weekend and evening sessions. A significant advantage of this approach is that you can join the session from anywhere that feels comfortable to you.

What Is Covered in the Sessions?

Your first BetterHelp session follows a structured approach designed to gather important information while helping you break the ice with your counselor. Your therapist introduces themselves, explains their background and therapeutic approach, and reviews their qualifications.

All BetterHelp therapists are licensed in their state of practice and have a minimum of 1,000 hours of hands-on clinical experience. Only about one-third of applicants are accepted to join the platform’s network of over 30,000 mental health professionals, underscoring the importance of finding the right fit for the client and the platform.

Exploring Your Reasons for Seeking Therapy

A large portion of the first session focuses on understanding the reasons you are seeking therapy and what you hope the outcome will be. The therapist will ask about specific challenges, symptoms, and life circumstances that led you to seek help on the platform. The questions vary, but can cover a range of topics, including the severity and duration of your symptoms, how the issues affect your daily life, and what coping strategies you have tried in the past.

Exploring these paths helps you and your therapist understand your current situation and start devising strategies for recovery. This recovery process may include support systems and previous therapy practices that have been effective for you. This experience also allows you to express any concerns you may have while having a supportive conversation with the therapist.

Background Information

Part of your therapist’s role in this process is to gather pertinent background data to better understand you as a person, including your history. Questions could include family history, education, work situation, and relevant details about your living situation.

Relevant details may include significant life events, traumatic experiences, medical history, and past experiences. These questions not only provide your therapist with context about your situation, but they also help them understand the patterns and influences that might be affecting your current situation.

Treatment Planning

Goal setting is an essential part of therapy, and, depending on the therapist, discussing goals could begin during the first session. Some therapists wait until future sessions because they prefer to build rapport with clients before this pivotal step. No matter when the goals are set, they will make your BetterHelp journey more focused and effective.

Goal-setting questions may pertain to specific changes you would like to see in your life, what success in treatment looks like to you, and the signs that indicate the sessions are practical. Answers to these questions help you and your therapist develop a viable plan of action for you to get the most out of your BetterHelp sessions. The platform includes assessments like the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 to monitor progress. Typically, they are given in 45-day intervals, and your therapist explains how they work and how the results will be used to adjust treatment if needed.

Communication and Contact Information

During your sessions, your therapist will explain how communication works through the platform outside of scheduled sessions. All BetterHelp subscriptions include messaging capabilities that allow you to reach your therapists in between sessions in case you are struggling or wish to provide feedback.

Part of this outside communication is setting parameters for communication and response timeframes, which your therapist will discuss with you beforehand. This communicative approach is a distinguishing feature of the BetterHelp platform, which aims to provide continuous support, even during unexpected events.

The tutorial also explains how to set appointments for future sessions, reschedule, and access other platform features, including worksheets and journals.

Technical Aspects and Platform Features

Another aspect covered in the first lesson is learning about BetterHelp’s technical features. The features include over 230 worksheets, assessments, and planning tools that can benefit your therapy work. You will also learn about the journal feature, where you can jot down thoughts and feelings in between sessions, and how to access specific group sessions based on different topics. Therapists can also recommend specific resources to help you along your journey, making BetterHelp a comprehensive therapy tool.

If you experience any trouble navigating the map or a technical issue, let your therapist know. They can help you troubleshoot the issue or recommend alternative methods of communication. Having a plan B is also a plus, even when the app is designed to be user-friendly.

Building Rapport and Comfort

Establishing a comfortable bond with your therapist is a crucial step for therapeutic success, and the first session plays a significant role in this process. Research indicates that the therapeutic alliance often matters more than the therapeutic methods used, underscoring the importance of this initial step. BetterHelp’s therapists work to ensure you receive a welcoming environment, with no judgment, so you feel at ease discussing what is on your mind.

Establishing this relationship can take time, and it is normal to be apprehensive at first. Your therapist is aware of this and strives to put you at ease during this first session, thereby opening the therapeutic process to you.

What Happens if the Match Isn’t Right?

BetterHelp understands that not every therapist-client relationship will be a good match, and you should be aware of this before the first session. If, for any reason, you do not feel comfortable with your therapist, you can request to be matched with another therapist at no additional cost. Therapy cannot progress as it should unless this relationship is formed, and BetterHelp understands this element of the therapeutic journey.

There are certain signs to watch for, such as not feeling heard or understood, that can lead to the decision to change therapists. Likewise, therapists also know what signs to look for and could recommend a change if it benefits the client. The ability to switch therapists is one of BetterHelp’s benefits, ensuring clients receive the best possible help.

Outcome Expectations

The therapist you choose will also explain to you that progress varies among individuals and is dependent on factors such as the nature of your concerns, your engagement, and personal circumstances. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, and this method is beneficial to the client. They will help you set realistic goals and set realistic timelines for progress so the process does not seem tedious or overwhelming.

After the First Lesson

Typically, therapists conclude the first lesson by summarizing the discussion, scheduling follow-up appointments, and providing immediate resources or assignments to be completed between sessions. The resources could include a journal, worksheets, or other helpful platform features.

It is advised to reflect on the first session and recall your level of comfort. This reflection can help you assess whether you and the therapist are a good fit and whether you feel confident in a positive outcome after therapy.

It is normal to experience mixed feelings after the first session, a combination of relief and emotional exhaustion. Record these feelings and thoughts so you can discuss them with your therapist at a later date and compare and contrast these feelings with those you feel during later sessions.

Making the Most of the BetterHelp Experience

Your critical first lesson sets the foundation for subsequent sessions, including the time between. Being honest about your concerns, goals, and feelings is a positive step that will help you along your therapeutic journey and also enable your therapist to recommend the most effective methods for you to use.

The flexibility of BetterHelp’s platform enables you to engage with therapy in ways that fit your lifestyle and personal preferences. There are many options to choose from to help you find the approach that best suits your needs.

Starting therapy is a significant step for many, marking a crucial move toward improved mental health and overall well-being. The first session is a crucial part of the overall process, and BetterHelp is here to help you achieve success.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.