BetterHelp vs Calm

BetterHelp

• ✓Largest therapist network with over 30,000 licensed professionals
• ✓Flexible session formats including video, phone, chat, and messaging
• ✓Easy therapist switching if the initial match is not ideal
• ✓Financial aid program reduces costs for qualifying users
• ✓Covers a comprehensive range of mental health concerns and specialties

Calm

• ✓Highest-rated meditation app with extensive content library
• ✓Sleep stories narrated by well-known voices aid falling asleep
• ✓Daily Calm feature builds a consistent 10-minute meditation habit
• ✓Programs for specific needs: anxiety, focus, self-esteem, and relationships
• ✓Calm for Business makes it available as an employee wellness benefit

BetterHelp

• !Not covered by most insurance plans, requiring out-of-pocket payment
• !Subscription cost of $65-100/week may be prohibitive for some users
• !Cannot prescribe medication; psychiatry requires a separate service
• !Therapist quality can vary across such a large network

Calm

• !Premium subscription required for most content beyond basic meditations
• !Annual pricing of $69.99 is higher than some competitors
• !Content depth for advanced practitioners is limited
• !Offline download capability requires premium subscription

BetterHelp

• →Start weekly therapy sessions for generalized anxiety with a CBT-trained therapist
• →Message your therapist between sessions when stressful events arise at work
• →Switch to a new therapist specializing in grief after experiencing a loss

Calm

• →Listen to a Sleep Story after a stressful day to wind down and fall asleep faster
• →Complete the 7 Days of Calm beginner program to establish a daily meditation habit
• →Use the 5-minute anxiety SOS meditation during a panic attack at work

BetterHelp

BetterHelp matches users with licensed therapists for weekly live sessions via video, phone, or chat, plus unlimited asynchronous messaging between appointments. The platform's matching algorithm considers therapeutic needs, preferences, and communication style to pair clients with appropriate providers. With over 30,000 licensed therapists in its network, BetterHelp covers anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, grief, and many other concerns. Financial aid is available for qualifying users.

Calm

Calm is the leading meditation and sleep app, offering guided meditations, sleep stories narrated by celebrities, breathing exercises, and calming music. The app covers stress reduction, focus improvement, anxiety management, and sleep quality with programs ranging from beginner to advanced. Calm's Daily Calm feature provides a new 10-minute meditation each day, building a consistent mindfulness habit.