Therapists are human beings too. Someone being the right fit for a client doesn’t make them your ideal counselor. If you see no improvement in your situation or are having difficulty opening up to your therapist, it is better to find an alternative.
Suppose you want to replace them with a better someone. In that case, you can do it in multiple ways, like through your dashboard, calling the helpline number, or writing an email to BetterHelp customer care.
However, before you jump to a conclusion, allow enough sessions for your counselor so they can treat you with the proper measures. Keep reading to find out when and how you should change your counselor on BetterHelp.
When Should You Consider Changing Your Therapist/ Counselor?
There can be plenty of reasons why you might want to switch your counselor. However, you need to ensure that you are not taking the session in haste. It is valid if you wish to change your therapist because you think they are ineffective for you, but have you given them enough time?
Your instincts can sometimes be wrong, so look for these signs if you are considering changing your therapist.
1. You See No Measurable Improvements
If you have yet to do 4 to 5 sessions, this is too early to judge your therapist’s efficiency. However, if you have already completed 10 more sessions and are not getting better, the sessions or treatment probably need to be conducted in the right direction.
However, you have to think very clearly and look for measurable changes. For example, are you still struggling to communicate your emotions as you used to before? Or do you feel the same level of social anxiety as you felt before doing the sessions?
Using such measurables and thinking them through can help you find out the effectiveness of your counselor/ therapist.
2. Sessions Seem More Casual Than Personal
Therapists/counselors can be friendly, but conversations with them should not feel like venting out to a friend. They should be deeper and more personal and bring solutions to your encounters.
3. You Are Not Opening Up To Your Therapist/Counselor
If your therapist/ counselor gives you cold and awkward vibes, and you do not feel like opening up to them, they are not fit for you. Different therapists take different approaches.
Some might take the “blank slate” approach, which may or may not work for you. In that case, none of you are wrong. Their method is not suitable for you.
In that case, you should consider switching your therapist because there is no point in doing therapy if you can’t be honest with them.
4. They Are Behaving Inappropriately
It is not uncommon incident for patients to develop personal feelings for their therapist. However, if your therapist is unable to maintain professionalism, it is better to find an alternative before incurring further damage. No matter how vulnerable a patient gets with them, at no cost, they should take advantage of it.
Besides, as a patient, if you ever feel pressured, exploited, or manipulated in any way, emotionally or sexually, you should immediately switch to someone else.
5. They Are Making You More Dependent
Taking therapy should make you stronger and independent and not the way around. As therapists, they should ensure that they are giving you advice and letting you make the decisions. Rather than making you dependent on them in making decisions.
It is also a red flag if the counselor overshares about their experiences in order to help you get back up. They are there to listen to you and train your mind on how to make the right decisions rather than making you dependent on them to make the decisions.
6. You Are Feeling Unheard
There can be situations where everything is fine, and you are comfortable sharing your thoughts with them, but they are not listening and conveying them another way. You can clarify what you meant, and if they still don’t receive it well, it is time to switch them.
How To Change Counselor At BetterHelp?
Changing your counselor at BetterHelp is pretty straightforward and hassle-free. So, if you are determined to change your counselor, these options should help. Pick the one you are most convenient with.
1. Through Online Portal
This is the easiest option to change your counselor at BetterHelp. Simply go to your dashboard, and find the option named “Change Counselor.” Click on it, and you will be shown a list of available therapists with whom you can switch your current one.
On the list, you can see their detailed information, and based on that, you can choose the one you think will be the best for you.
2. Over Phone Call
If you are having difficulty navigating the option on the website, you can do it over the call as well. This, in fact, is the most used and secure method of switching the counselor.
Call the helpline number and ask them to switch your counselor. You need to tell them the reason for doing it and whom you want to pick next.
Please note you will be required to confirm that you are their existing patient through your personal information.
3. Through Contact Form
On BetterHelp’s website, you can find an electronic contact form through which you can switch your present counselor.
Select the option “I am a registered client, and I need support,” and write your message in the section below. Their team will reach out to you to proceed further.
4. Over Email
If you are unable to do any of the three above, you can simply write an email to them requesting to change your counselor. Don’t forget to put your BetterHelp account information and the reasons behind changing your counselor.
Apart from this, you can reach out to them through email for almost any issue you face.
Things To Consider Before Choosing Your New Counselor At BetterHelp
The process of switching counselors on BetterHelp is relatively swift. The moment you drop on your present counselor, you have to choose the next one. So it is essential to have a sound understanding of what you should be looking for in your next counselor.
Here are some suggestions you can consider.
1. Educational Qualification
There are over 23,000 certified and experienced therapists on the BetterHelp platform. All of which have different levels of educational qualification, licensing, and certifications.
While choosing your next counselor, you will be able to see their educational qualifications and certifications on their profile. The courses and certifications added there reflect that they have expertise in those areas.
You can choose a counselor who has certification in your field of requirements.
2. Speciality
There are a lot of sections that therapists can specialize in. such as some specialize in managing depression, anxiety, or other specific mental health challenges.
Apart from that, they might also specialize in the type of treatment ‘such as cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), etc.
Depending on your needs, you can choose a counselor who has the required expertise.
3. Prices
Therapy sessions can be costly, and prices may fluctuate depending on the counselor you are choosing. So when you decide to switch to a new counselor, ensure you are aware of the price differences you will be experiencing.
4. Specific Demographics
Apart from the aforementioned factors, you may also consider factors like age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. For example, if you are a female, you might feel more comfortable with a female counselor or vice versa.
The same also applies to age. You may want to talk to someone who is older than you and has more life experience or someone younger who can give you a new perspective.
FAQ’s
BetterHelp subscription can cost you anywhere between $240 to $360 per month. However, by availing of their financial aid, you can get a discount of around $100.
No. BetterHelp does not provide online counseling services for free. However, there are some special offers that decrease the charges.
No. If you miss a session, you will still be charged for it. However, you can cancel or reschedule the sessions with prior notice of at least 24 hours. In that case, you won’t be charged anything extra.
Takeaway
Changing a counselor should not be a reason for self-doubt or a bad trip.
You are reaching out to an expert therapist to get the necessary help you deserve. If the chosen therapist is unable to counsel you appropriately and there’s a negligible improvement, switching the therapist is the right choice.
The best course of action is to be clear about your needs and check the specialization of therapists in the BetterHelp portal. The right therapist will help you improve the quality of your mental health and ensure a better life.
She is an experienced Clinical Psychologist and Mental Health Writer with a decade of expertise in psychology. Skilled in assessment, therapy, and patient care. Committed to helping individuals through clinical practice and mental health writing at Therapyjourney.co. Passionate about promoting mental well-being and awareness. Open to aligned opportunities.