BetterHelp is a strong choice for individuals seeking dedicated mental health support with a subscription model, while Amwell is better suited for those needing a wider range of medical services and the convenience of using insurance.
| Attribute | BetterHelp Therapy | Amwell Medical Care |
|---|---|---|
| Therapist/Doctor Qualifications & Credentials | Licensed therapists with advanced degrees (Master's or Doctorate) and a minimum of 3 years/1,000 hours of experience. | Licensed, board-certified, and credentialed clinicians. Physicians have current board certification, at least one active state license, and a minimum of one year of post-residency experience. |
| Range of Specializations Offered | Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, couples counseling, LGBTQ+ issues, trauma, OCD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, insomnia, and substance abuse. | Urgent care, mental health, breastfeeding support, pediatrics, menopause care, and psychiatric services. Specialists include neurologists, dermatologists, and physical therapists. |
| Insurance Coverage & Out-of-Pocket Costs | Does not accept insurance. $280 to $400 per month, billed every four weeks. Financial aid available. Maintenance plan: $200 monthly. Weekly billing: $110 per week. | Accepts many major insurance plans. Urgent care: $79. Therapy (45 min): $99-$129. Initial psychiatry: $279. Follow-up psychiatry: $109. |
| Platform Accessibility (Mobile App, Web) | Accessible through a mobile app and website. | App-based telehealth platform accessible on phone, tablet, or desktop computer. Website consultations also available. |
| Communication Methods (Video, Audio, Text) | Live video sessions, phone calls, live chat, and asynchronous messaging. | Phone or web appointments. Video consultations are preferred. |
| Appointment Scheduling Flexibility | Flexible scheduling, with many therapists offering evening and weekend sessions. Easy to schedule and reschedule. | 24/7 for urgent care (immediate or short wait). Therapy and psychiatry require scheduled appointments. |
| Prescription Capabilities | Therapists cannot prescribe medication. | Can provide prescriptions for many medications, except narcotics, erectile dysfunction medication, and other controlled substances (video consultation usually required). |
| Mental Health vs. General Medical Focus | Focuses on mental health. | Offers both mental health and general medical services. |
| User Privacy & Data Security Measures | Uses 256-bit encryption, HITRUST certified. Faced scrutiny over data sharing with advertisers. | HIPAA-compliant, uses secure streaming video. |
| Customer Support Availability & Responsiveness | Customer support is available to assist with scheduling and other inquiries. | Email (support@americanwell.com) or phone (855-635-1393). FAQ page on website. |
| Subscription Model & Pricing Structure | Subscription model: $280-$400 per month (includes weekly sessions, messaging, content, and weekly group webinar). | No subscription fees. Urgent care starts at $79, therapy at $109. Specialist consultations: $99-$200. |
| Geographic Availability | Available in all 50 US states and approximately 200 countries worldwide. | Available nationwide in the US. |