How BetterHelp Therapy Can Support Alcohol Recovery
In This Article
- Why BetterHelp Therapy For Alcohol Recovery?
- 5 Therapist-Approved Tips To Maximize BetterHelp Therapy
- Understanding BetterHelp Therapy: Cost, Coverage & Medication Support
- BetterHelp vs. Traditional Therapy: Which Is Right For You?
- BetterHelp Therapy & Oar Health: Holistic Alcohol Recovery
- BetterHelp Therapy FAQs For Alcohol Recovery
- Conclusion
- References
Overcoming alcohol addiction can feel overwhelming, but digital therapy platforms like BetterHelp make support more accessible, affordable, and private. BetterHelp offers personalized therapy for those with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
When paired with Oar Health’s medically guided treatment and FDA-approved medications, you can create a comprehensive, at-home recovery plan that integrates both therapeutic and medical support..
This guide will show you how to get the most out of BetterHelp and Oar Health to take back control of your life.
Why BetterHelp Therapy For Alcohol Recovery?
Accessible Anytime, Anywhere
Therapy through asynchronous messaging, video sessions, and phone counseling allows you to connect on your terms 24/7.
Expert Therapists For Addiction
You can choose licensed counselors who specialize in substance use, trauma, and co-occurring disorders. This ensures you’re matched with someone who truly understands your challenges.
Enhanced Privacy
No Sharing of Sensitive Health Data with Advertisers: According to BetterHelp, personal health data is not shared with advertising platforms and is protected through privacy safeguards
Explicit User Consent: BetterHelp reports that it now requires explicit user consent for data sharing, enhancing transparency and user control
Independent Privacy Audits: According to BetterHelp, the platform has undergone independent privacy audits to assess its data protection practices
Affordable Plans
BetterHelp offers plans starting at just $65/week. While it doesn’t take insurance, many users find the cost per session far more affordable than traditional in-person therapy.
5 Therapist-Approved Tips To Maximize BetterHelp Therapy
Get the most out of your therapy with these therapist-approved strategies:
1. Request A Therapist Specializing In Addiction
When you first sign up for BetterHelp, you’ll complete a brief questionnaire about your mental health history, therapy goals, and preferences. BetterHelp uses this information to match you with a therapist who has specific training and experience in addiction counseling, including evidence-based approaches.
2. Utilize The In-App Journal For Reflection
BetterHelp’s built-in journal is a powerful tool for identifying emotional triggers and tracking progress. Therapists can review your entries and guide your healing journey.
3. Use Messaging For Ongoing Accountability
BetterHelp offers 24/7 unlimited messaging so that you can share thoughts anytime. Therapists respond during their available hours, usually within a day. It’s a helpful way to stay accountable and connected between live sessions.
4. Supplement Therapy With Peer Groups
Enhance your BetterHelp experience by joining peer support groups like AA or SMART Recovery. These communities offer shared experiences, encouragement, and accountability, making them a powerful complement to one-on-one therapy. Many therapists recommend combining both for a more well-rounded recovery journey.
5. Prioritize Weekly Live Sessions
Regular live sessions allow for deeper conversations and consistent support, whether by video or phone. Treat them like essential self-care appointments.
Understanding BetterHelp Therapy: Cost, Coverage & Medication Support
Pricing & Subscriptions
BetterHelp operates on a weekly subscription model, ranging from $65–$100/week (billed every four weeks) depending on your location and therapist. Membership includes unlimited messaging and a weekly live session.
Insurance & Reimbursement
At this time, BetterHelp does not accept insurance. However, it offers affordable rates, eliminates commuting costs, and provides financial aid or discounted pricing for eligible clients. Moreover, some users use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to pay.
Alcohol-Specific Costs
For those seeking therapy related to alcohol use or addiction, BetterHelp provides support through therapists who specialize in substance abuse counseling. However, therapy for alcohol-specific issues doesn’t come with any separate or added costs. It would fall under the general BetterHelp subscription.
Availability Of Medication
BetterHelp does not provide medication management or prescriptions. If you require medication for mental health conditions, you would need to consult a psychiatrist or primary care provider for prescription management. BetterHelp therapists can, however, refer you to a psychiatrist or healthcare provider who can assess your needs for medication.
If you need medication such as naltrexone, BetterHelp therapists may suggest external providers, such as Oar Health, for online evaluations and medication prescriptions if needed.
BetterHelp vs. Traditional Therapy: Which Is Right For You?
Note: The following comparison highlights common user-reported differences, based on feedback from individuals who have used both services.
BetterHelp
PROs
Convenience: Access therapy from anywhere with an internet connection, making it ideal for busy schedules
Affordable: Generally more cost-effective than traditional therapy, with various pricing options
Flexible Communication: Communicate via text, video, or phone calls, allowing you to choose the method that works best for you
24/7 Support: You can message your therapist anytime, offering flexibility and immediate access to support
Anonymity: Some individuals appreciate the privacy and comfort of communicating from home
CONs
Limited Personal Connection: Some may feel that online interactions lack the depth and emotional connection of face-to-face therapy
Technology Issues: Access to therapy depends on reliable internet and familiarity with digital platforms, which may cause barriers for some people
Not For Crisis Situations: In-person support is preferred for handling urgent mental health crises
In-Person Therapy
PROs
Personal Connection: Face-to-face interactions allow for deeper emotional engagement, with therapists able to read non-verbal cues and body language
Tailored Treatment: Therapists can better adjust their approach in person, making it easier to customize therapy to meet specific needs
Crisis Support: Immediate, direct intervention is available in person, which can be vital during mental health emergencies
Specialization Access: In-person therapy often offers a wide range of specialized treatment options, such as trauma-focused therapy or more intense therapeutic practices
CONs
Higher Costs: In-person therapy can be significantly more expensive, particularly without insurance coverage
Less Flexible Scheduling: Sessions are typically scheduled in advance and may be limited to business hours
BetterHelp Therapy & Oar Health: Holistic Alcohol Recovery
Combining BetterHelp therapy with Oar Health’s medication support brings together two powerful elements of recovery:
Mental and Emotional Support: BetterHelp provides guidance to change thought patterns, manage cravings, and improve emotional health
Medical Treatment: Oar Health offers access to prescription medications like Naltrexone, which helps reduce alcohol cravings and prevent relapse
This dual approach creates a comprehensive treatment plan you can follow from the comfort of your home. Visit Oar Health to explore how their services complement your therapy.
BetterHelp Therapy FAQs For Alcohol Recovery
Is BetterHelp Effective For Severe Alcohol Addiction?
BetterHelp may be best suited for individuals with mild to moderate AUD, while severe cases often require more intensive or in-person care per clinical guidelines.
Can I Use BetterHelp Alongside AA Or SMART Recovery?
Yes, combining therapy with peer support programs can improve your success rate.
How Do I Know If My Therapist Specializes In Addiction?
You’ll be matched based on your intake form, and you can switch therapists anytime if needed.
What If I Need Medication During Recovery?
Your BetterHelp therapist can suggest external providers like Oar Health for medical evaluation and prescription support.
Are BetterHelp Sessions Confidential For Addiction Topics?
Yes, sessions are encrypted, and your identity can remain anonymous.
Can I Combine BetterHelp With Oar Health’s Medication?
Absolutely. Therapy and medication work best when combined for long-term recovery.
Conclusion
Recovering from alcohol addiction isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. But with BetterHelp’s accessible, affordable therapy and Oar Health’s medication support, you can build a recovery plan that fits your life. Whether you’re just starting or seeking extra support, this combination may offer the support you need to make meaningful progress in your recovery journey.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with a licensed provider. This article is not affiliated with or endorsed by BetterHelp. Pricing and service availability may change.
References
Privacy Policy. Accessed May 14, 2025. https://www.betterhelp.com/privacy/
About The Author
Naheed Ali, MD, PhD, ScD, is a physician by education and a writer by choice. He earned an MD degree in 2008 and later completed Harvard Medical School’s lifestyle medicine training in 2012, before obtaining a PhD in holistic health and an ScD in sports nutrition. He’s certified in clinical research by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and in digital media by Yale University. For years, Dr. Ali taught at colleges in the US where he lectured on various biomedical topics and delivered over 2000 hours of live presentations. He is also the author of numerous books from major New York publishers. They can be found on the shelves of 1000s of libraries worldwide. He brings more than 15 years of experience writing remotely and has decades of health-related publications to his credit. Now a digital nomad, he’s currently a medical journalist and copywriter for hire. His online home is HealthcarePropulsion.com.
