Licensed mental health professionals are at the heart of BetterHelp's online therapy platform, delivering clinically-backed care to millions worldwide. The company's recently published 2025 State of Stigma Report reveals how these qualified therapists are extending professional mental health support to populations previously underserved by traditional therapy models, while maintaining rigorous standards of practice.
The 2025 State of Stigma Report, which surveyed over 16,000 people across 23 countries, highlights BetterHelp's network of over 30,000 licensed, vetted mental health professionals. These are qualified clinicians who meet the same rigorous standards as traditional in-person therapists, dispelling misconceptions about the credentials of therapists on digital platforms.
According to the report, every therapist working with BetterHelp must maintain proper state licensure and demonstrate at least 1,000 hours of practical experience. This professional foundation ensures that clients receive support from qualified practitioners with the expertise to address a wide range of mental health concerns.
"Seeking mental health treatment is an act of bravery, and overcoming the fear of stigma is crucial for healing and well-being," notes Courtney Cope, LMFT and Director of Clinical Operations at BetterHelp, in the report. This statement underscores how professional therapists not only provide clinical expertise but also help normalize the therapy experience for those taking their first steps toward mental health support.
The report reveals compelling evidence of therapeutic effectiveness. In 2024, 72% of BetterHelp members experienced a reduction in symptoms during their first 12 weeks of therapy. Beyond this, 69% achieved reliable improvement (measured as a 4-point reduction in PHQ-9 or GAD-7 scores), and 62% reached symptom remission.
These outcomes aren't simply self-reported satisfaction metrics—they reflect clinically significant changes tracked through standardized assessments. Such results demonstrate that BetterHelp's licensed therapists deliver measurable, meaningful outcomes comparable to traditional therapeutic settings.
The Therapist-Client Relationship in Digital Spaces
The question of whether online therapy can foster genuine therapeutic relationships is addressed directly in the report. Client satisfaction data shows that live therapy sessions received an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on more than 1.7 million client ratings in 2024. Additionally, 82% of clients reported they would recommend their therapist to others.
These metrics challenge the notion that digital platforms compromise the therapeutic alliance. Instead, they suggest that licensed therapists can effectively build rapport and trust through virtual channels, creating meaningful connections that facilitate healing.
The report also notes that BetterHelp's matching system achieved a 93% success rate in fulfilling client preferences during 2024. This technology-enabled matching process helps pair clients with licensed therapists whose expertise and approach align with their specific needs, potentially enhancing therapeutic outcomes through better compatibility.
Expanding First-Time Access to Professional Care
Perhaps one of the most significant findings from the State of Stigma Report is that 40% of new BetterHelp members in 2024 were experiencing therapy for the first time in their lives. This statistic reveals how licensed therapists working through digital platforms are reaching populations who might never have accessed traditional mental health services.
For these first-time therapy users, the credentials and expertise of their providers are particularly important. The report emphasizes that all therapists undergo rigorous vetting, including background checks and credential verification, before joining the platform. This quality assurance helps ensure that those new to therapy receive appropriate, professional care from their first session onward.
Breaking Down Generational Barriers Through Professional Support
The report includes fascinating insights into generational differences in therapy engagement. While Gen Z reports higher levels of mental health challenges (56% experiencing mild to moderate anxiety compared to just 26% of Boomers), they also express more skepticism about therapists. Among Gen Z clients currently in therapy:
- 37% say their therapist doesn't understand them
- 33% don't trust their therapist
- 34% admit to not being fully forthcoming in sessions
These statistics highlight the crucial role of licensed therapists who can bridge generational divides. With proper training and credentials, these professionals bring the clinical expertise necessary to work effectively with clients of all ages, helping overcome both generational skepticism and stigma.
As Richard Whitenstall, a BACP accredited therapist from BetterHelp, observes in the report: "Gen Z face pressure from social media to project a perfect life, which can lead to unrealistic expectations, fear of judgement and many hiding their struggles, which fosters stigma." This professional insight demonstrates how licensed therapists contribute not just clinical skills but also contextual understanding of the unique pressures facing different demographics.
Professional Support Beyond the Session
Licensed therapists with BetterHelp provide more than just scheduled therapy sessions. The report indicates that 69% of users actively engaged with additional self-care features between their scheduled sessions in 2024. These supplementary resources—including therapeutic worksheets, goal tracking tools, personal journaling features, support groups, and educational classes—are often guided by or developed with input from licensed mental health professionals.
As Dr. Sreela Roy-Greene, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with BetterHelp, explains in the report: "Oversharing online might feel like relief—but licensed therapy is where sustainable healing begins. There's a difference between venting and being heard by someone who can help you grow." This professional perspective highlights the value licensed therapists bring in helping clients develop sustainable mental health practices.
Addressing Unique Cultural Needs With Professional Expertise
The global scope of the State of Stigma Report (covering 23 countries) reveals how licensed therapists help address cultural variations in mental health attitudes. The data shows significant differences in how mental health is perceived across regions. For example, in Thailand, 74% of respondents believe it's wise to seek mental health support even when nothing is wrong, yet 65% still view those who seek counseling as "mentally weak."
These cultural contradictions require nuanced professional understanding. Licensed therapists bring cultural competence alongside their clinical training, helping them work effectively across diverse cultural contexts and belief systems. This expertise is essential for overcoming cultural barriers to mental health support.
Closing the Accessibility Gap With Professional Support
The State of Stigma Report identifies several groups facing particularly high barriers to mental health care, including LGBTQ+ individuals, parents of young children, those living with roommates, and people in multigenerational homes. These populations often report higher needs but greater difficulty accessing care.
BetterHelp's network of licensed professionals helps address these gaps through specialized expertise. With over 30,000 therapists, the platform can match clients with professionals who have specific experience working with particular populations or addressing certain challenges, ensuring appropriate, informed care for diverse needs.
The Future of Licensed Professional Care
The 2025 State of Stigma Report makes clear that the future of mental health support lies in making professional care more accessible, affordable, and representative of every community. Licensed therapists are the backbone of this vision—bringing credibility, expertise, and ethical standards to digital mental health platforms.
For those wondering, "Does BetterHelp use actual therapists?"—the evidence is unequivocal. The platform not only utilizes licensed mental health professionals but has built its entire service model around connecting clients with qualified providers who meet rigorous standards for training and experience.
As mental health awareness continues to grow globally, the role of licensed therapists in digital spaces becomes increasingly important. By bringing professional expertise to online platforms, these therapists help ensure that expanded access doesn't come at the expense of quality care. Through their work, they bridge not just the digital divide but also the gap between believing in mental health care and actually receiving effective, evidence-based support.
Through initiatives like the State of Stigma Report, BetterHelp demonstrates its commitment to understanding the complex factors that influence mental health care access and outcomes—and to ensuring that licensed professionals remain at the center of this evolving landscape.
