Headway vs. BetterHelp: Which is best for your practice?
Whether you’re a seasoned provider or just starting your practice, our analysis provides transparency so you can make the decision that works best for you.
These days, therapists practice in a digital world. Especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth appointments are standard for therapists and their clients. These online sessions are often easier for patients to schedule and attend, making high-quality mental health care more convenient and accessible.
Teletherapy offers real benefits for therapists, too. Working with an online therapy platform is a great way for clinicians to expand their reach, ultimately growing their practice and boosting their earnings potential. There are numerous online therapy platforms out there, but this article will focus on two — Headway and BetterHelp — to help you decide which is right for your practice.
Can platforms like this actually benefit your therapy practice?
In a word: yes. Whether you’re newly licensed or a seasoned professional, online therapy platforms can transform your practice and help it grow. Among others, benefits include:
Transparent pay
Online therapy platforms can help you secure transparent, consistent, and competitive pay, growing your earnings without stress.
In-network growth
Many clinicians choose to use a private pay model rather than deal with the hassles of insurance — but doing so limits their pool of patients to those who can afford to pay out-of-pocket. By working with an online therapy platform that has existing relationships with insurance providers, you can join more insurance panels, thereby reaching more potential clients, without the headache.
Client acquisition
Meet patients where they are: online. Working with an online therapy platform gets your profile in front of more prospective clients from all over the country. Increased online visibility means more inquiries, leads, and referrals.
Headache-free billing
You probably didn’t become a therapist because you love accounting. Take billing off your plate by working with a platform that has built-in payment and record-keeping features.
Practice from one place
Headway helps you build a connected practice with a streamlined suite of free EHR features — from scheduling and messaging to documentation and assessments.
Headway: Fully handles insurance credentialing for therapists, allowing credentials in multiple states in as little as 30 days
EHRs
BetterHelp: Offers an EHR
Headway: Built-in EHR features with templates for note-taking and compliance
Pay schedule
BetterHelp: Pays therapists every week
Headway: Pays therapists every two weeks
Resources
BetterHelp: Free access to continuing education
Headway: Up to 150 hours of free continuing education courses through Headway Academy
So, which one’s better?
Ultimately, deciding whether BetterHelp, Headway, or another online therapy platform is right for you depends on the unique needs of your practice and your personal preferences. But here are some major factors to consider.
Best for private practice
Headway is a great option for clinicians in private practice, allowing them to expand their patient pool while helping existing clients transition smoothly with personal outreach and clear communication every step of the way. Providers choose Headway for transparent pay, in-network growth, and long-term support to help their practice thrive.
Best for therapists who take insurance
Unlike other online therapy platforms, Headway allows providers to accept a wide range of insurance panels, increasing patient access. Headway currently partners with major providers, including Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare.
Best for private pay therapists
Headway makes it easy to offer private pay services and to work with insurance panels — with no headache or added work for clinicians. Providers love that Headway takes on billing and insurance hassles, giving them more time to grow their practice and focus on care.
In the end, it’s all personal preference.
No single platform is right for every therapist. Which one you choose will depend on your practice area, expertise, goals, and personal preferences. But no matter which one you ultimately choose, an online therapy platform can open up new possibilities for your clinical work.
Choose Headway as your next therapy platform.
Joining the Headway network is an easy, flexible, and cost-effective way to offer teletherapy services. Thanks to a streamlined credentialing process and access to numerous insurance panels, you’ll be set up to see patients in multiple states in a matter of weeks, growing your client base and helping more people access affordable, high-quality care. Ready to join? Here’s how to get started.
Headway vs. Alma: Which is best for your practice?
Whether you’re a seasoned provider or just starting your practice, our analysis provides transparency so you can make the decision that works best for you.
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