BetterHelp launches Therapist Match Commitment and Therapist Impact Fund to ensure people get the professional care they deserve
SAN JOSE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–When life gets overwhelming, nearly half of Americans do what comes naturally: they turn to friends and family for support. But according to a new survey from BetterHelp, one of the world’s largest online therapy platforms, a significant majority (64%) reported that loved ones weren’t always able to help them cope with their challenges.
“While our loved ones provide invaluable emotional support, this data reveals a clear gap between the support people need and what even the most caring friends and family can realistically provide,” said Fernando Madeira, President of BetterHelp. “That’s why connecting our clients with the right therapist match is so foundational to driving real outcomes. We’re proud to share that we’ve been able to meet over 93%* of client preferences, reflecting our commitment to making care not only accessible, but deeply personal.”
The Path to Professional Care – And What Stands in the Way
Even when friends and family do encourage their loved ones to seek therapy, many still don’t follow through.
- Nearly half (44%) of those advised to seek therapy didn’t take that step.
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Affordability was cited as the primary barrier with finding the right therapist as another major hurdle:
- Nearly three quarters (75%) of respondents said that difficulty finding the “right” therapist prevented them from getting mental health support.
- 74% reported that they skipped or stopped therapy altogether because they couldn’t find a good match.
This gap highlights the need for care that’s not only accessible, but matched to each person’s unique needs. For those who do receive care, the outcomes speak for themselves: 72% of BetterHelp clients report symptom reduction within 12 weeks. What drives those results? Finding the right therapist match.
BetterHelp Does the Matching Work for Clients
To reinforce that principle at scale, BetterHelp has officially launched its “Therapist Match Commitment,” underscoring its goal in finding a strong therapist fit for each client.
Rather than leaving clients to navigate profiles, availability, and specialties on their own, BetterHelp draws on over a decade of experience in data-driven, tailored matching. Its matching algorithm connects each individual with the therapist that BetterHelp considers is best positioned to deliver lasting support. More than two-thirds** of BetterHelp clients stay with the first therapist they’re matched with.
Empowering Therapists with a New Scholarship Program
Just as BetterHelp does the work to help clients find the right match to achieve their therapy goals, it’s equally dedicated to supporting the professionals that provide that care every day.
To further that commitment, BetterHelp is launching its Therapist Impact Fund, a $200,000 investment in educational and professional development support to help strengthen the future of the mental health workforce and reduce financial barriers for the next generation of therapists in the US as well as those already serving clients on BetterHelp.
- NextGen Scholarship: awards ten scholarships of $10,000 each to undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented communities pursuing careers in therapy.
- Legacy Loan Relief: provides ten scholarships of $10,000 to support existing licensed BetterHelp mental health professionals who are managing student loan debt or facing financial challenges to continuing their education.
By investing directly in both aspiring and practicing therapists, BetterHelp is working to expand access to the field, build a more diverse pipeline of providers, and empower its network to deliver the highest quality care. Scholarships will be awarded across both categories in January 2026.
For more information on BetterHelp’s Therapist Impact Fund, please visit: https://www.betterhelp.com/therapist-impact-fund/.
About BetterHelp:
BetterHelp was founded in 2013 to remove the traditional barriers to therapy and make mental health care more accessible to everyone. Today, it’s one of the world’s largest online therapy services – providing professional, affordable, and tailored therapy in a convenient online format. BetterHelp’s network of 30,000 licensed therapists has helped millions of people worldwide take ownership of their mental health and work towards their personal goals. As the unmet need for mental health services persists, BetterHelp is committed to expanding access to therapy globally.
*Results based on standardized clinical assessments PHQ-9 and GAD-7
** Pulled from BetterHelp internal data
This online survey of 2000 US Adults (nationally representative of age, gender and region) was commissioned by BetterHelp and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society’s code of conduct. Data was collected between 10/01/2025 and 10/06/2025. All participants are double-opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll are MRS Company Partners, corporate membership of ESOMAR and Members of the British Polling Council.
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