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What happens when therapy becomes just another tech startup looking to maximize profits? In our deep dive into BetterHelp, we uncover the troubling reality behind the polished marketing of America's largest online therapy platform.

Behind those ubiquitous podcast advertisements lies a business model that's crushing therapists while potentially harming the very clients it claims to help. We break down exactly how the platform's payment structure forces therapists to maintain unsustainable caseloads – as many as 75 clients per therapist – while paying them a fraction of what clients are charged. When therapists inevitably burn out and leave the platform, clients (some dealing with abandonment issues) are simply reassigned without warning or closure.

The questionable practices don't end there. From the FTC's $7.8 million fine for selling sensitive client data to Facebook and Snapchat, to a system that penalizes therapists for writing thorough responses to client messages, the platform seems designed to extract maximum profit while providing minimal support. As former BetterHelp therapists ourselves, we share firsthand experiences with the platform's troubling approach to mental healthcare.

Don't settle for exploitative therapy. We discuss better alternatives for both affordable and online therapy options, including insurance-covered teletherapy and therapists who offer sliding scale payments. Your mental health journey deserves ethical, sustainable care from properly compensated professionals who have the time and resources to truly help you heal.

Have you had experiences with BetterHelp or similar platforms? Share your story with us at toxic@awesomelifeskills.com and join our conversation about creating a more ethical mental health ecosystem.