Develop A Therapy App Like BetterHelp: Cost & Features

Finding the right therapist has never been easy. Between packed schedules, limited local options, and the hesitation to open up face-to-face, many people quietly put their mental health on hold. That’s where technology has stepped in to bridge the gap and the rise of every therapy app today is proof that people are ready for a more accessible, stigma-free way to seek help.

Apps like BetterHelp are showing how digital therapy can be both personal and effective. By blending AI-assisted matching, real-time communication tools, and secure data management, they’ve made professional support available from anywhere, no waiting rooms, no barriers. And now, this model is inspiring a new wave of businesses eager to build apps that combine empathy with innovation.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to develop a mental therapy app like BetterHelp, from essential features and functionality to estimated development costs. Whether you’re a startup or a healthcare entrepreneur, you’ll gain a clear picture of what it takes to bring your own digital mental health platform to life. At IdeaUsher, we combine deep expertise in healthtech with user-centric design to build therapy apps that make mental healthcare more accessible, secure, and engaging for users worldwide.

What is a Mental Therapy App, BetterHelp?

BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that connects individuals with licensed mental health professionals through the internet. It allows users to receive counseling and psychotherapy services remotely via video calls, phone calls, live chat, or messaging, instead of attending traditional in-person sessions.

Founded in 2013, BetterHelp aims to make mental health care more accessible, affordable, and convenient by removing barriers such as travel, scheduling issues, and limited local therapist availability. The platform matches users with therapists based on their needs, preferences, and mental health goals, and offers ongoing support through a secure digital interface.

In 2015, Teladoc Health acquired BetterHelp, which allowed the platform to grow and reach more users worldwide. Today, it stands as the largest online therapy service, offering personalized care to millions of people seeking mental health support.

Feature overview of BetterHelp app panels:

What Makes BetterHelp Unique?

BetterHelp offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to enhance the online therapy experience:

• Unlimited Messaging: Communicate freely with your therapist through secure, encrypted messaging at any time.
• Live Therapy Sessions: Engage in real-time therapy via video, phone, or chat, providing flexible access to professional support.
• Groupinars: Participate in live, interactive seminars on various mental health topics to gain additional insights and community support.
• Worksheets: Receive specialized worksheets from your therapist to work through specific challenges effectively.
• Journaling Prompts: Utilize built-in prompts to reflect deeply on personal thoughts and emotions.
• Financial Aid: Access financial assistance options to make therapy more affordable and accessible.
• Therapist Matching: Benefit from a sophisticated matching process that pairs you with a therapist suited to your unique needs and preferences.
• Secure Messaging: All communications are protected with advanced encryption, ensuring complete privacy.
• Therapist Switching: Easily switch therapists if you seek a better fit for your therapeutic needs.
• Personalized Insights: Get personalized feedback based on your interactions and progress, enhancing the effectiveness of your therapy.
• Progress Tracking: Monitor and review your growth over time with built-in tools, ensuring you stay on track with your goals.

Business Model

BetterHelp uses a hybrid model combining direct consumer access, enterprise partnerships, and a digital marketplace to make mental health support scalable and accessible.

1. Direct-to‐Consumer (D2C)

• Individuals sign up on the platform, complete an intake questionnaire, are matched to a licensed therapist, and then access therapy via video, phone, chat, or messaging.
• This model lets BetterHelp avoid the constraints of purely in-person therapy (geography, fixed scheduling) and leverages digital delivery.
• They invest heavily in marketing (affiliate, digital advertising, social media, podcasts) to drive consumer sign-ups.

2. Business/Enterprise & Partnerships (B2B / B2B2C)

• BetterHelp also works with employers and wellness programs to provide mental health support as part of employee benefit packages.
• Employees can access BetterHelp through these arrangements, enabling it to scale via corporate contracts instead of just individual subscriptions.

3. Marketplace / Matching Platform Model

• The platform matches users with therapists (from a network of licensed professionals). The matching, onboarding, scheduling, digital interface, and messaging infrastructure are integral.
• This gives BetterHelp some characteristics of a “platform” business: attract demand (users needing therapy), attract supply (therapists), match them, and take a share of the economic surplus (or charge for access).

Revenue Model

Here are how the dollars flow in, and how BetterHelp captures value:

• Subscription / access fees: Users pay a recurring fee of $65 – $100 (typically weekly or monthly) to access the service, unlimited or fixed number of sessions + messaging.
• Corporate contracts/enterprise access: Businesses pay to provide access to their employees, generating predictable, bulk revenue.
• Access fees / membership fees: In the parent company’s financials, revenue classified as “access fees” (for membership) is the large majority of revenue. For example, Q2 2023 data: 88 % of revenue was access fees.

Funding Information

Here are some key funding and acquisition details for BetterHelp:

• Teladoc Health acquired the company for a cost of US$3.3 million plus an unsecured promissory note of US$1.0 million and contingent earn-out payments equal to a percentage of BetterHelp’s net revenue for several years. 
• More recently, in April 2025, Teladoc acquired UpLift Health Technologies (a virtual mental-health provider) for US$30 million in cash, with up to US$15 million in additional contingent earn-out consideration. This acquisition is being integrated into the BetterHelp segment.

How Does the BetterHelp App Work?

The BetterHelp app connects users with licensed therapists through a convenient, fully online platform. It offers flexible communication options like messaging, live chat, phone, or video sessions to make mental health support accessible anytime, anywhere.

1. Sign-Up & Intake Questionnaire

Users begin by signing up on the BetterHelp website or app and completing a short questionnaire about:

• Their mental health concerns and goals
• Preferences for therapist type and communication method
• Background and availability

This helps the system understand what kind of therapist and approach may suit the user best.

2. Therapist Matching

BetterHelp uses its AI-powered smart matching system, “Responsible AI,” to connect users with licensed therapists based on their responses, ensuring a personalized and suitable therapy experience.

• BetterHelp’s algorithm matches users with a licensed therapist based on their responses.
• Matching typically takes 24 – 48 hours.
• If users are not satisfied, they can request a new match at any time for free.

Ensures users are connected to a therapist who fits their unique needs.

3. Starting Therapy Sessions

Once matched, users can immediately start therapy through:

• Live video calls
• Phone sessions
• Live chat (real-time text)
• Asynchronous messaging (send/receive messages anytime)

Users can choose their preferred communication style and frequency of sessions.

4. Scheduling & Communication

• Sessions are scheduled at mutually convenient times.
• Users can message their therapist between sessions for ongoing support.
• Therapists typically reply within 24–48 hours on weekdays.

Provides flexibility and continuous care, unlike traditional in-person therapy.

5. Progress Tracking & Support Tools

BetterHelp provides additional tools to support personal growth:

• Worksheets, journaling prompts, and progress tracking
• Webinars and group therapy sessions on mental health topics
• Self-reflection and mood-monitoring features

Encourages users to apply therapeutic strategies between sessions.

6. Subscription & Billing

• Users subscribe on a weekly or monthly basis (typically USD $65–$100/week).
• The plan includes messaging access and a set number of live sessions.
• Subscriptions can be paused or canceled anytime without penalty.

Offers flexibility and affordability compared to per-session pricing.

7. Review & Feedback

After a few weeks or months, users can evaluate their progress with their therapist.

They may choose to:

• Continue therapy for ongoing support,
• Switch therapists if they want a new approach, or
• End therapy if their goals are achieved.

The process is cyclical, so users can start therapy again whenever new challenges come up.

How 92% Retention Fuels Mental Therapy App Growth?

The global mental health apps market size was estimated at USD 7.48 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 17.52 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.6% from 2025 to 2030. This rapid growth reflects rising demand for accessible, technology-driven mental health solutions worldwide.

A 2025 systematic review found that some mental-therapy apps had initial user retention rates of up to 92% in feasibility studies. Although retention declined over time, this suggests strong initial engagement and the potential for improving long-term commitment with better features and support.

• Post-test retention rates reached 26.15%, showing room to strengthen continued engagement.
• Long-term follow-up rates stood at 18.34%, highlighting opportunities to boost sustained user participation.

This trend highlights the opportunity for digital therapy platforms to enhance long-term user engagement by creating more motivating and personalized experiences.

Adoption Trends Vary by Demographics

A 2024 study of adolescents found that about 30% had already used a mental-health app, while 61% of non-users said they would consider using one in the future. Interestingly, girls rated these apps as more useful than boys (β = 0.35; P < .001).

The most-cited benefits included:

• 58.8% valued the “always there when I need it” factor.
• 41% appreciated privacy and the ability to seek help discreetly.

Among community college students, only 21.2% reported using a mental-health app, with usage strongly tied to perceived stress levels and the need for emotional support.

Privacy & Trust Still Hold Users Back

Despite growing interest, privacy remains a major barrier. In one global analysis of digital therapy tools:

• Only 22% of apps for bipolar disorder and 29% for suicide or self-harm prevention clearly explained their data-use policies.
• Less than 30% of apps targeting high-risk mental-health conditions provided explicit privacy disclosures.
• In adolescent studies, 47.5% cited cost concerns, and 42.6% feared others might see the app on their phone, revealing the subtle social stigma still attached to mental-health care.

The Commercial Success Story — and the Usage Paradox

Despite engagement challenges, top players like Calm, Headspace, and Talkspace continue to dominate the market:

• Headspace surpassed 65 million total downloads and generated $100 million in annual revenue (2022).
• Calm reached 100 million downloads, earning $20 million in Q4 2022 from in-app purchases alone.
• Talkspace served 76.5 million lives via insurance and EAP coverage, with 42,703 monthly downloads as of 2022.

Yet, these impressive numbers can hide deeper engagement problems. Millions of people download the app, but only a small portion continue to use it over time.

Overall, while 94.7% of respondents in a 2024 survey said they’re interested in using a mental-health app, far fewer maintain consistent engagement. This mismatch between interest and retention reflects the industry’s biggest challenge: building long-term trust and daily utility. The key lies in designing apps that go beyond symptom tracking tools that offer real therapeutic progress, clinical validation, and emotional continuity.

Key Features of a Mental Therapy App like BetterHelp

A modern therapy app like BetterHelp blends technology, psychology, and user-centric design to create a safe and effective digital counseling ecosystem. Below are the core features that make such platforms functional, compliant, and scalable:

1. Smart Therapist Matching Algorithm

AI-driven matching reviews answers from the onboarding questionnaire, including mental health concerns, therapy goals, personality preferences, and language. It then connects users with the licensed therapist who best fits their needs. This approach personalizes the therapy experience and helps improve treatment outcomes.

2. Multi-Channel Communication Options

Users can connect with therapists in several ways, such as video calls, audio sessions, live chat, and messaging. These options give people flexibility and privacy, making it easy to get support wherever they are and however they feel most comfortable.

3. Secure & Private Counseling Room

Each user gets a dedicated virtual counseling space that’s fully encrypted and HIPAA-compliant. Messages, session logs, and shared documents remain accessible only to the therapist and client, ensuring trust and confidentiality.

4. Comprehensive Therapist Profiles

Therapist profiles show verified credentials, areas of expertise like trauma, anxiety, or relationships, and client reviews. Users can read detailed bios and switch therapists if they want to. This helps keep the process open and supports informed choices.

5. Real-Time Scheduling & Calendar Sync

The in-app calendar allows clients to book or reschedule sessions based on real-time therapist availability. Automated timezone synchronization and session reminders minimize friction and missed appointments.

6. Progress Tracking & Mood Journals

Built-in mental health tracking tools allow users to log emotions, track progress, and record therapy insights. Visual progress graphs and AI-generated summaries help therapists personalize future sessions for measurable outcomes.

7. In-App Payment Management

Users can manage weekly or monthly subscription plans within the app. Integrated payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, etc.) ensure secure transactions and offer flexibility to pause, renew, or cancel plans anytime.

8. Resource Library & Self-Help Tools

A curated library of CBT worksheets, mindfulness exercises, guided meditations, and expert articles provides ongoing self-care support between sessions. This encourages proactive mental wellness and continuous learning.

9. Emergency Support & Crisis Hotlines

An essential safety feature allows users to reach crisis helplines or emergency contacts if they are in distress or having suicidal thoughts. This helps the app meet mental health safety standards around the world.

10. Analytics Dashboard for Therapists

Therapists can access insights into client engagement, session frequency, and therapy outcomes. The dashboard supports data-driven therapy adjustments, helping professionals improve treatment quality over time.

Innovative Features That Can Enhance Your Therapy App

To improve your mental health app, adding certain advanced features can significantly boost its effectiveness and user satisfaction.

1. Symptom Tracker

Integrate a feature that allows users to log and monitor their symptoms. This tool provides valuable data for both users and therapists, helping to adjust treatment plans based on real-time information.

2. Therapy Goals and Progress Monitoring

Offer a section where users can set therapy goals and track their progress. Visual aids like charts and milestones will help users stay focused and see their development over time.

3. Interactive Exercises 

Include guided exercises and activities for users to complete between therapy sessions. These exercises help reinforce therapy concepts and support ongoing personal growth.

4. Mindfulness and Relaxation Tools

Provide resources for mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation. These tools help users manage stress and anxiety, offering additional support alongside their therapy sessions.

5. Session Summaries

Offer summaries of each therapy session, highlighting key points and action items. This feature helps users recall what was discussed and track their progress.

6. Crisis Plan

Allow users to create a personalized crisis plan with their therapists. This plan outlines steps to take during a mental health emergency, providing clear guidance when needed.

7. Therapist Notes

Set up a secure area where therapists can keep and share notes with users when appropriate. This feature ensures transparency and helps users stay informed about their therapy.

8. Customizable Reminders

Implement reminders for therapy sessions, medication, and self-care activities. Customizable alerts help users stay organized and committed to their mental health routine.

Development Process of a Mental Therapy App

Building a mental therapy platform involves merging healthcare compliance, AI personalization, and human empathy into a secure digital environment. Below is how our developers at IdeaUsher approach the complete development lifecycle:

1. Consultation

We begin by figuring out who your app is for, such as people looking for online therapy, couples counseling, or corporate wellness. Next, we help you define your app’s goals, decide on the platform’s scope, and make sure you meet important rules like HIPAA or GDPR. This way, your app is built on a strong and compliant foundation.

2. Market Research

We analyze platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Calmerry to identify gaps, audience needs, and monetization strategies. This helps us highlight your product’s unique features such as AI therapist matching, regional language support, or niche areas like student stress management.

3. Frontend Development

Our frontend developers design the entire user journey, from onboarding and therapist matching to booking and follow-ups. They create wireframes and prototypes that prioritize emotional comfort, accessibility, and easy navigation, making the app feel safe and non-intimidating.

4. Backend & API Development

Our backend developers build secure databases and APIs for user management, therapist profiles, payment processing, and chat sessions. We also integrate third-party tools like Zoom SDK, Twilio, or Vonage for video calls and ensure data encryption standards that comply with HIPAA.

5. AI-Powered Matching

We integrate AI-driven algorithms that match clients with the right therapist based on their needs, personality, and history. Additionally, an AI chatbot assists users with onboarding, FAQs, and pre-session assessments,  improving engagement while reducing manual workload.

6. Real-Time Communication & Scheduling Module

We implement in-app chat, audio, and video call modules with real-time notifications. A synchronized calendar and booking system allows users and therapists to manage sessions seamlessly, with timezone auto-adjustment and reminders.

7. Security & Compliance

This stage focuses on HIPAA, GDPR, and PHI-compliant data architecture. Our developers implement AES-256 encryption, SSL certification, and secure cloud storage to ensure complete data privacy and legal safety for both users and therapists.

8. Testing

We run extensive functional, usability, and security tests to detect bugs, verify encryption, and simulate user stress scenarios. The goal is to ensure the platform performs flawlessly across devices, browsers, and network conditions while maintaining confidentiality.

9. Deployment

After successful QA, our team deploys the app to Play Store and App Store, ensuring all policies for health-related apps are met. We also provide ongoing technical monitoring and updates to maintain app stability post-launch.

10. Continuous Improvement

Once live, we analyze user feedback and engagement data to introduce new modules such as group therapy, mood analytics, or AI-driven emotional journaling. Our approach ensures your app evolves into a long-term wellness platform rather than a one-time build.

Cost Of Developing A Therapy App Like BetterHelp

Building an AI-powered therapy app like BetterHelp involves multiple phases, from planning to post-launch optimization. Each phase contributes to the app’s overall functionality, user experience, and long-term scalability. Below is a detailed cost breakdown to help you understand where your investment goes.

Total Estimated Cost: $55,000 – $128,000

Note: These estimates help you plan the budget for a reliable, secure, and scalable mental therapy app with advanced AI integration.

Consult with IdeaUsher to get a tailored quote and development roadmap suited to your business vision.

Cost-Affecting Factors To Consider

Several unique factors significantly influence the overall cost of developing a therapy app.

1. Therapist Network Integration: Building and maintaining a large, verified network of licensed therapists can increase costs due to the complexity of onboarding and ongoing management.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Meeting mental health regulations and data privacy laws, such as HIPAA, requires additional investment to ensure the app adheres to legal standards.
3. Security and Encryption: Implementing strong security and encryption to protect user data and communications involves advanced technology and infrastructure, adding to the cost.
4. Custom Matching Algorithms: Developing algorithms to match users with therapists based on specific needs requires significant investment in technology and data science.
5. Real-Time Communication: Features like video calls, live chat, and phone sessions need advanced technology and infrastructure, impacting development costs.
6. Scalability: Ensuring the app can handle a growing number of users and therapists requires scalable server infrastructure, which can be costly.
7. Third-Party Integrations: Adding integrations for payment gateways, scheduling, and telehealth platforms involves additional development and management costs.
8. User Support and Crisis Management: Providing 24/7 support and crisis management features requires extra resources and infrastructure, affecting overall costs.
9. Localization and Multilingual Support: Adapting the app to different languages and cultures requires extra development work, increasing costs.
10. Advanced Analytics: Incorporating tools for tracking user progress and therapist performance involves investment in data analysis technologies.

Tech Stack For BetterHelp Clone App Development

Here’s a detailed tech stack that includes unique aspects required for a therapy app:

Some Revenue-Generating Methods For Therapy Apps

Therapy apps have gained significant traction, and innovative revenue-generation methods are key to their sustainability and growth. Here are some effective strategies to monetize therapy platforms:

1. Tiered Subscription Plans

Offer various subscription tiers that include features like personalized therapy sessions, mental health tracking tools, and progress reports. Higher-tier plans can provide benefits such as priority access to therapists and deeper analytics for personalized treatment.

2. Corporate Health Solutions

Therapy apps can tap into corporate wellness programs by offering mental health solutions to businesses. Partner with organizations to provide services like counseling for employees, mental health workshops, and employee assistance programs, which enhance workplace well-being.

3. Specialized Services For Complex Needs

Introduce premium services for users with specific needs. This could include specialized therapy for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or addiction. Offering one-on-one sessions with experts and second-opinion consultations can cater to individuals seeking specialized care.

4. In-app Purchases And Paid Content

Monetize through in-app purchases by offering additional content like guided meditations, exercises, or exclusive mental health courses. Providing tools such as digital journals or therapy workbooks can create further value for users.

5. Data Analytics For Therapists And Institutions

Utilize anonymized data to provide insights into mental health trends. Collaborate with therapists, researchers, or healthcare organizations to offer reports on patient progress or condition trends, aiding in better treatment outcomes.

6. Affiliate And Product Partnerships

Establish partnerships with brands offering relevant mental health products, such as wellness tools, supplements, or meditation aids. Implement referral programs where users benefit from discounts for referring friends and family to the app.

What Makes A Mental Health App Successful?

A successful mental health app goes beyond basic features, focusing on key factors that cater to the diverse needs of users:

• Cultural Sensitivity: Adapt content to reflect local values, language, and attitudes towards mental health, ensuring users feel connected and understood.
• Local Healthcare Integration: Collaborate with local healthcare providers to offer seamless care and negotiate insurance coverage to improve accessibility.
• Address Regional Challenges: Customize therapy to address specific community issues such as trauma or substance abuse and include therapists with relevant expertise.
• Multilingual Support: Provide the app in multiple languages to overcome language barriers and engage a diverse user base.
• Flexible Pricing: Offer affordable subscription plans or free options to cater to users with varying financial resources.
• Combat Stigma: Promote mental health awareness through educational initiatives and create safe online spaces for users to share their experiences without fear of judgment.

Conclusion

Building a Mental Therapy App Like BetterHelp requires a thoughtful balance of technology, design, and human connection. From secure communication and personalized therapy matching to seamless scheduling and payment integration, every feature plays a role in improving user well-being. As digital mental health support continues to grow, developing a reliable and accessible app can create real impact while opening new business opportunities. With the right approach, your app can bridge the gap between people seeking help and professionals ready to make a difference.

Why Choose IdeaUsher for Your Mental Therapy App Development? 

At IdeaUsher, we specialize in building secure, user-friendly, and scalable mental health platforms that connect patients with certified therapists and wellness professionals. From HIPAA-compliant infrastructure to AI-driven session matching, we create digital solutions that empower accessible and personalized care.

Why Work with Us?

• Healthcare App Expertise: Our team understands the complexities of teletherapy platforms, ensuring compliance, privacy, and seamless communication between users and therapists.
• AI-Driven Personalization: We integrate intelligent matching systems, progress tracking, and analytics to enhance therapy outcomes and user retention.
• End-to-End Development: From ideation and design to deployment and post-launch optimization, we handle the complete app lifecycle.
• Proven Track Record: We’ve built telehealth and wellness apps that combine usability, trust, and innovation to transform digital mental healthcare.

Explore our portfolio to see how we’ve helped healthcare brands launch cutting-edge therapy platforms.

Contact IdeaUsher today for a free consultation and start building your own Mental Therapy App like BetterHelp.

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