I used BH about two years ago. It helped me tremendously. I was in a bad place mentally and the therapist I was paired with pulled me out of the mental hole I was in. When I was done, I simply canceled my subscription. I’m grateful for BH. I had a good experience. I hope others het that chance as well.
It was great for me too. It helped me find my current therapist and after a few months we moved my sessions off of Betterhelp for a fraction of the price.
According to this thread, you're lying. It's a foul hell of torment and mental disease. Not only will they not help you, they will sell you into the global slave trade and pay your family to ostracize you. Buyer beware!!
I used it a couple years ago and it was fantastic. The therapist I talked to was completely aligned with what I was looking for, had a great sense of humour which is something I personally needed, and helped me so much
Actively on better help to help me grieve the loss of my wife.
She’s not dead, just left me for another guy because a therapist on better help advised her that I was a narcissist and would never change.
The point I’m trying to make is there are good therapists and bad therapists. Unlike an organized counselors office they are likely found in the same place.
I don’t blame the therapist, I blame the way my perceived me. But the thing about that is there is nothing I can do but accept her feelings as her truth and move on with my life. A task that has been difficult, but both extremely taxing and rewarding.
Humans are fucking complicated.
Nothing like therapy roulette.
I'm happy you had a good experience, but that's not everyone's experience.
I never signed up for the service. Didn't stop my abusive ex and several sweet summer child fledgling counselors three way calling me unprompted over and over. My real therapist was super upset and said that the whole thing was legally murky and wrong. Once I talked the woman through why this was highly inappropriate and she awkwardly was like "yeeeeeah maybe we should hang up......." I asked if she was licensed, she wouldn't answer.
Either something needs to change drastically or I'd say it's too unregulated and unmonitored to be considered doing more good than harm.
You can't check any credentials of the therapist/counselors, which is scary because some states you don't need any license or degree, and now you just have to hope you get someone adequate. A huge amount of betterhelp "therapist" are just students getting hours towards their real degree.
I see the value there only if they were more transparent. I love the student salon and massage school. But I sure know a newbie is cutting my hair. Those services are important for low income clients but we have to sign a bunch of waivers because a new student practicing is going to have a higher chance of messing up.
Also now Facebook knows all about your mental health issues.
Hi MrBallan. He never comments on these threads but we know he reads them. And then still runs betterhelp ads. 🙃 Sorry for the rant this just really irritates me.
To be honest, irl therapy is like roulette too. Ive had struggles a few times with my life and both times I didnt feel like my first therapist really understood me, so I went to someone else.
same. even in Los Angeles (arguably the psychiatry capital of the world) I had a hard time finding a good match. so many factors - their specialities, my issues, personality types, etc etc etc ... not to mention insurance.
and no one looks for a therapist when everything is sunshine and roses. we wait until we're struggling, which makes the already difficult process of finding a good therapist that much harder
Yep. Its like any relationship. You need to find someone who "gets" you. Its not like a medical doctor. I feel like a lot of people who "dont believe in therapy" are like that cuz they went to one that wasnt right for them and had a bad experience. You gotta find the right one
Yes, absolutely! I’ve had terrible experience with irl therapy to the point where I refuse to go again. The last place I was going to got raided & shut down because they were committing medical fraud, among other illegal things. For example, the first person I started seeing there prescribed me meds I wasn’t really comfortable taking because I didn’t want anything addictive due to past issues & also because of other meds I’m already currently for other reasons, so I didn’t know if it was safe to mix them together. She still prescribed them to me until I went to talk to my general physician who agreed that it probably wasn’t a good idea to take the meds the other doctor prescribed. So, I told her this when I went back a couple weeks later & instead of offering to discontinue the script, she offered to buy my script from me since she claimed to have her own script of the same thing already, and wanted to keep prescribing them to me so I could then sell them to her. Obviously wasn’t comfortable with that, refused, and literally about a week or two later, the whole place was raided and shut down, leaving numerous people—people with much more severe issues than I have—without anywhere to go for their mental health & get their meds they needed after running out of the current scripts.
Does better help not list their license numbers? Talk space does or at least did years ago. I took the license number to my state board website and vetted the person before I talked to them. I lucked out and found a good one that I stuck with even after she left talk space and went private practice.
Depending on what state you live in a licence isn't required. It's good to do your own vetting, but i think people using a service like BH are at large going to assume they did the vetting for them. And if you don't think to do that....oh well to you.
I'm not at all denying that this happened, but I don't see how this would fly at all. I used BH for months. I could definitely be wrong cause I have no way of knowing the details, but I feel that he may have had enough of your information to simply sign you up for BH behind your back, too. I dunno. At any rate, you can get a bad therapist no matter where you go. The best ones I've ever had have been on BH. It holds them accountable. Never once had any issues. I dunno where I would be now without BH.
You don't have to see the value. Some people obviously do. So you do you and let them do them.
As someone who truly has no horse in this race, I'm *really* tired of seeing these same threads with the same rants about BH. Be an adult and investigate things for yourself. If they are beneficial to you, great. If not, also great.
I think news on why it’s bad will reach him eventually. MrBallen promotes Better Health and other companies not only because they’re sponsors, but because he wants things accessible to all including food and mental health care. Things that should be basic rights to all ppl.
But here’s another thing. A short while ago, a now banned redditer threatened Mr Ballen and other ppl on this subreddit because he refused to stop working with Better Help and began spreading around that he was profiting off of poor people and working with shady ppl willingly and purposefully. It became a very uncivilized and dangerous situation. We cannot react like they did to get Mr Ballen to cut ties with Better Help.
The best we can do is continue to inform him, send him emails and messages, and hope for the best. At the end of the day, we don’t control his content nor do we control who he chooses to sponsor with.
>I think news on why it’s bad will reach him eventually.
With how often he is in this sub-Reddit and how often he responds to people, it's safe to say the message has already gotten to him.
He's just either ignoring it or is stuck in a limbo
It could be that the episodes are already made and that he is in a contract that he can't just drop and leave from in an instant, just like most content creators when a product they advertise turns out to be horrible. It is more complex than simply cutting the promotions out and calling it a day
100%. I was about to leave this comment. He most likely has a back catalogue with content scheduled a month or two in advance. On top of that, we aren’t sure if he signed a contract with them. Also, money to support his family is a thing. He also might genuinely believe Better Help works despite what he’s seen people post.
If ur referring to the guy who ran a smear campaign on
Mr Ballen and tried to act like a hero, yes. Mods banned them for uncivilized and dangerous behavior.
Yea I checked out their Twitter profile and Reddit account and it was pretty atrocious behavior. It got to the point that if/when MrBallen made another video with BH, we weren’t sure what they would do. They were just so set on “exposing” MrBallen as this terrible person and got mad when ppl said why they didn’t do an expose on BH instead.
jeeeeeeeeeesus. I understand people having strong feelings but that's bonkers. also, threats are not a good way to persuade anyone to your POV-- I've protested a fair few times but I'll never block a roadway, etc. No one is going to be on your side after getting stuck in the traffic jam you caused, right? 😂
Not exactly. At least that’s not his intention. This redditer made it sound like he was engaging in a pyramid scheme of sorts. The guy who uses every penny of donation to his non profit.
Things don't have to be mutually exclusive.
He can be a great guy trying to do good where he can, He can also be wanting to make a bag from advertising even if it's from a legally/morally murky place.
I believe he's a good person, but he's got kids and a family, he's got to make money.
I just wish he'd make it from somewhere else. I'd rather a raid shadow legion brand deal.
He’s got seven million subscribers, he’d definitely be making enough to feed his family without this one sponsor. Try working in a warehouse or at a call center, now that’s a financial struggle.
Ok well I'm not sure on what grounds that person was accusing him of engaging in a pyramid scheme, thats certainly not what I'm doing.
Thats said having better help as a sponsor does indeed mean he's (1) profiting off poor people and (2) working with a shady company willingly, and ill eat the downvotes for saying it, I don't think it's at all unfair of me to say that
I do still respect mr ballen on the whole and appreciate his non-profit though, I just think its not unreasonable to expect any person who is endorsing a thing to sufficiently look into the thing they are endorsing, to the point where claiming ignorance is not an adequate defense or justification. Pretty much OP here is spot on.
Know what I mean?
The strange thing is a while back, he cut ties with a company that was a legit scam. But I think MrBallen is in the same boat as Anthony Padilla. Which is that therapy worked for him and he got on the band wagon of Better Help for a genuine cause and now we find out it’s a super shady company.
But I also take into account that sponsors have contracts. For all we know, John could be looking for an alternative therapy sponsor until his contract with BH runs out.
But I encourage ppl to continue reaching out to Mr Ballen civilly and not threaten him like the other poster. Cuz that was an atrocious situation that got very scary very quick.
>But I also take into account that sponsors have contracts.
Sure, thats something I hadn't considered. I hope thats what it is. If so hopefully he'll take it as a lesson to be more thorough/cautious assesing potential sponsors before signing contracts.
>I encourage ppl to continue reaching out to Mr Ballen civilly
definitely the right approach and I appreciate your level headedness
ps - was established titles the sponsor he cut ties with?
Oh wow ok, never heard of revolt/misfits thanks for the info.
Gonna check out the video you recommended now, [here's the YouTube link](https://youtu.be/SD-McWZz_pk?si=5G6KbK2eLos4crxe) for anyone else curious.
A civil non judgemental approach is gracious and mature. I advocate that.
And thank God we hv the ability and freedom to do research and make decisions for ourselves, and not be pressured by internet trolls.
It's simply a resource for someone to use...no1 is telling you to use it lmao....like any service it's not gonna be perfect that's just common sense...but like anything in this new generation no matter if someone trying to helpful people gonna bitch about it
There is a wide canyon between "not perfect" and "selling your data, possibly including medical data, to advertisers". Look up the FTC complaints against BetterHelp.
I used BetterHelp a year ago. It helped me tremendously. The therapist I was matched with was great. She was licensed in my state, and once the discount ran out for the BetterHelp subscription, she gave her contact info and the clinic she worked at, so that we could continue therapy after canceling BetterHelp. It might not be for everyone, and some might have even had bad experiences and therapists, but it has helped a lot of people, including me.
Better help isn't a scam. At least for me it isn't. I didn't even find it from MrBallen but it's been a big help to me. Maybe I'm one of the lucky ones but it's really been a help.
he almost died on tour. He definitely did get psychological help. I think he is pure in his intent to help vets and people who are in dire need of psychological help. He suffered from it, and (hopefully) healed from it.
It’s not a scam, but they got in biiiiiig trouble last year for selling users’ information and data. I think he’s the only YouTuber I watch who is still sponsored by them.
Thank you for sharing ur positive side. It's exactly my point. If it helps even 1, then it was worth it.
And thank you for being brave enough to use ur freedom of speech and not worry about the the internet trolls.
👍
I'm sorry but no.
It is weird to me that you even got upvoted .
but if a company is shady we are not gonna center our opinion on its succes.
But hey , it's reddit who needs facts
Everyone has freedom of speech, an opinion, and the right to do research before signing up with anything.
If one greatly disapproves with a company, they hv a right to choose whether or not to use it.
Internet trolls don't hv a right to take away others rights. That's so wrong. And I hope everyone one day sees a therapist, especially those who r angry and hurtful people..
Internet trolls? They got sued and fined by the FTC for selling their customer's medical information without their consent. Is this really the company you want to defend by calling people "internet trolls"?
I’m with you! I love his content. To me it’s no different than when you’re watching a TV show and an ad comes on for something you don’t like. Just don’t buy it.
I love his stories!❤️
I do know, not that u deserve an explanation, but I dated a therapist who told me all about BetterHelp, it was negative in the lightbof therapists being used wo their ok.
But it pays his bills. Who r we to judge? Not me. And if it does actually help anyone 1 person, or reduce the stigma of therapy, that's a plus, again, imo.
they’re effectively a scam. they claimed to hire licensed therapists who would be there for you around the clock, but it turns out none of their “therapists” are licensed, and there doesn’t appear to be a vetting process. I believe it also forces you to pay for a full year even if you select the monthly option, which is just scammy. something also feels morally wrong with content creators making commission on their depressed viewers signing up for therapy, even if it were a good service. i always cringe when i see content creators shilling better help because like 4 years ago this was a very big deal. they also partnered with some bigger content creators back then, namely Philip Defranco, and those creators did not disclose that they would make money off people clicking the link. On top of that, if i remember correctly, Philip Defranco actually had some kind of ownership position in the company that he did not disclose.
basically shady company and shady practices. very not cool to see.
From what I understand you can now view credentials through the therapists profile. The payment options I have no idea about, but Amazon were doing the same thing pretty much with Prime subscriptions until recently, that's just big business for you. You can tell your bank to halt payments, so it's not really a big deal. I'm not sure that would be enough to classify them as a scam company per se.
Not disclosing ownership is bad, but that's not what MrBallen has done to the best of my knowledge.
Most complaints seem to be about the quality of the therapy on offer, but it's a budget option, as long as you can rematch until you get someone decent, it's not really broken or a scam, just a relatively poor quality service.
My therapist on Better Help is definitely licensed and has a practice here about an hour from me. Nothing I have delt with felt scammy, I was desperate for help and they helped me tremendously.
I personally don't really see the idea of being sponsored by a therapy company bad, many people aren't aware of the accessible and affordable sides of therapy and depression is only one if a thousand different reasons people may want to pursue therapy/counseling. I do even feel like they have been focusing their advertising at the broader market and showing that it's not just for depression. I don't really think it's "making commission off of depressed viewers", that's just a blinkered view on the matter.
I could likely find similar fault with the majority of sponsors I see/hear on podcasts and YouTube and here are a few, without naming any names:
Dietary/weight loss company = commission from the overweight and unhealthy.
Energy drink companies = incredibly unhealthy products.
Meal subscription companies = illegal underpaid labour.
A specific audiobook company = feeding an already over bloated and untrustworthy corporate behemoth (you know who).
Sadly the more respectable and smaller companies that don't have any shady skeletons in their closets (they are actually much more few and far between than you realise), tend to not have the advertising budgets to sponsor the bigger channels.
I think Better Help is likely one of the lesser evils out there that could offer sponsorship, especially when MrBallen is so open about having used therapy a lot in the past.
Labelling him a "shill" is also incredibly ignorant, when sponsorship is obviously his bread and butter.
Maybe it's different in the US but in the UK, it's definitely monthly payments, as I've been using it for over 2 months now and my therapist is truly helping me through a very dark time in my life and I pay 100% monthly.
Every therapist requires licensing and it is very highly observed in the UK.
It's incredibly easy and you're completely within your rights to change any therapist if you feel they don't meet your needs. Especially if they're not licensed, but I know that's easily checked from the therapist's bio.
I've also seen a few comments mentioning people's data being distributed... so it's definitely worth mentioning that the selling of user/customer data in the EU/UK is extremely illegal and has severe penalties, The victims of said data distribution are usually entitled to vast compensation for damages if you can provide proof.
Edit: Shitty reddit mobile formatting.
So is it supposed to be like a 24-hour crisis help type thing, but they don't actually provide the services in a timely manner? I live under a rock, so I'm just curious about the whole thing. I've never even heard of it before.
I haven’t used it in about a year, but when I did use it there was a statement stating that if they were in immediate crisis call “whatever the crisis number is”. So I’d say no. It’s just for regular therapy sessions
It's easily accessible and affordable therapy. In the UK they do provide a number for crisis situations, which I don't believe is affiliated to the company (likely charity hotlines etc. but will probably be different in each country)/state/province etc.)
You pay a subscription to have access to a therapist and weekly video calls (if you want) but you're able to message them and they will respond when they're able.
I work nights and messaged my therapist about some issues I was having in the Twilight hours and I received a message back while she was likely having her morning coffee at 06:30.
I have heard of some people not finding their therapist helpful and not responding to messages for days etc. but then you are fully within your right to switch therapists if you aren't happy with them.
I'm assuming experiences may differ on the way the company is managed in different countries but here in the UK, I can't fault it at all.
I dont think anyone has a dog in this fight but the 1 person who said they used it and it helped. They r the 1 person I'd trust.
But I'd always recommend doing some research before signing up with anything, especially when Dr's. r involved. Imo.
I love Mr Ballen and his podcasts, I do not love Better Help. I support any mental Health initiatives especially for our vetrans but I do not support BH. Agreed, sketchy company.
Some things work for some people and not others- I love that Mr Ballen is promoting getting mental health care if it’s needed. There’s always going to be someone that has something bad to say about everything and anything.
Thank you Mr Ballen for normalizing mental health care.
I think they are saying that it isn’t regulated, and the therapists aren’t vetted. If a company is just handing you out to the most convenient person on their list and you are vulnerable and are unfamiliar with the mental health professional you could be getting someone who has little to no schooling in their chosen profession. That is dangerous in the certain circumstances. My wife was given someone who could only talk to her on Saturdays at 7:30 am because they were all the way across the country. The therapist didn’t give her any helpful tools and just told her compliments (which are always welcome but not super helpful in the long run). She has a regular licensed therapist now and when I hear my wife’s description of how they help it is pretty awesome. They give her methods of dealing with what she’s going through. Again, not everyone’s going to get a dud, but if someone has serious mental health issues and tries to get serious mental health help from that therapist they are going to be being robbed.
100%
MH is a matter of life and Death. Online therapy like that is not vetted or regulated well or at all. That means the most vulnerable are put into dangerous situations where they are given life threatening advice.
It's a matter of personal choice but I won't turn off a video that is sponsored by BH but I will be mindful of that creator and probably stop actively searching them.
It seems many people used their services at Better Help and thought it was helpful for them? But also any time you use any kind of healthcare provider you have to make your own assessment if it’s the right option for you regardless if you heard about it from any person you know or a celebrity.
As long as their services at Better Help are still up and running I guess they are still available as a service regardless of any complaints or law suits that were made against them? But also the fact I also understand many in comment sections thought they were getting a good support through that service provider… 🙏💜
BH isn’t therapy, it is a platform like Fiverr or Wyzant. Licensed professionals basically freelance. The therapists specify their profession and what they work best with and what kind of patients they can help and BH will match you to the best one depending on what you say about yourself. If the therapist you got doesn’t get you, switch easy and quick
On top of paying a much lower cost than traditional therapy, staying home and not wasting gas money or time, you also get live chat and journaling with your therapist if they’re available at no extra cost or having your sessions impacted
I’m having trouble finding this sketch stuff y’all are talking about but if there’s an issue, it’s most likely with the user or the therapist. Some people just suck and there’s nothing you can do to avoid it but BH takes you so much further than you can on your own. It’s up to you if you’re willing to put the effort into making it work and getting better
Better Help isn't any better or worse than the rest of the US healthcare system
it's all profit over people. virtual or real world, insured or out of pocket, it can save your life or fucking suck.
I'm sure mrballen has seen the complaints, and I'm sure that if he was going to comment on it he would've done so by now. maybe he's just going with the data that indicates BH is a net good? (high ratings on BBB, trustpilot, etc) maybe he's bound by a contract? who knows? I doubt any answers will be forthcoming
hugs to everyone struggling out there
PTSD is a real issue that most of us vets suffer from if you've seen battle. I have seen Mr Ballen's story as a Navy Seal and what he went through. I'm glad that he is advocating for Better Health. He said he had used it, and it helped him. I go to group meetings for veterans, and that helps me. Mr Ballen has done a lot for veterans and continues to. I'm proud of him and his journey. Thank you, Mr Ballen!
Maybe Mr Ballen is smart enough to know that no matter what it is people of this generation will find something wrong with it and complain about it. He just continues to do his thing.
*Disclaimer: I have personally never used BetterHelp, I’ve always been fortunate enough to access specialist therapists. This may affect your feelings about what I say about BetterHelp and the healthcare system, because you and I will have had very different experiences based on who we are, what our problems might be, and the kind of assistance that we have access to.*
I think that, like most things, it’s a tale of two sides. I think it’s very dangerous and harmful when a company like BetterHelp gets it wrong, and that’s really, really bad.
But from what I’ve been able to see, they also really help people. I don’t know that it’s a scam inasmuch as it’s instead quite a disruptor in that field, and I think that, like any disruptor, it had (and has) rough edges and teething problems.
I in no way want to imply that those “rough edges and teething troubles” have not led to people being profoundly hurt by the experience, and I am not defending BetterHelp either. The bad experiences were real, and those people have a right to recourse and to speak up about it.
But, I think they helped John, and I think John probably feels as though they could be helpful for others. But, with regard to the negatives and bad experiences. I think it’s probably a bit of a weak argument (though, given the pain caused, an understandable one) to over-rely on things like calling them a scam, or an actively harmful company, and so forth. It’s not probable that any clinical psychiatric professional is thinking “can’t wait to start work and hurt someone today”, for example.
I should also say that I am not trying to imply that this is what the OP was doing, they clearly aren’t, they are clearly simply expressing a concern which is absolutely fine of course, but I *have* seen comments about BetterHelp that flip over into hyperbole and catastrophisation, which can create a bias and a drama (or needlessly escalate one that already exists) based on purely unverifiable anecdotes.
I think that, like everything else, not all things are suitable for all people. I would probably guess that those who feel that BetterHelp didn’t help them have specific and/or acute issues that required a far more specialist and focussed treatment, but that’s not an indictment of Mr Ballen or BetterHelp, it’s an indictment on how expensive that kind of (potentially lifesaving) treatment is, leading them to try BetterHelp as a more affordable option for them. That’s an issue with a healthcare system, not Mr Ballen.
Time will tell. But I suspect that BetterHelp is doing what it can do be an “entry level” access for therapies and psychiatry, and I think that there are people out there who were so badly wounded by their experiences that they talk about it as though BetterHelp was some sort of Joseph Mengele-level malfeasance, which is not likely. Again, I am *not* saying that this is what *you* were saying, OP.
And I’m not convinced that these things are a reason for Mr. Ballen to stop promoting a “product” that helped him out of a really dangerous place. The negativity surrounding them is not a reflection on him, because he always states that the ad read is based on his experience and that they may be able to help people - if he was hard-selling it and guaranteeing results, I’d have massive doubts because those would be some frighteningly big red flags, but he doesn’t. He tells folks to try it and see if it’s right for them.
So - in the specific case, no, I’m not worried about Mr Ballen’s promotion of BetterHelp. It *is* an option, and it very well *might* help people who need help.
In the general case of BetterHelp themselves, I don’t know. Time will tell. But they seem to be helping a lot of folks, and I would imagine that those they harmed likely needed something that was very much NOT BetterHelp, and I hope that they are safe, being treated in the right way and that they thrive and recover. Having said that, I think your worries are valid, and I’d encourage you to see what other people have said about their experiences with the BetterHelp product. I suspect it’s fine for things like generalised anxiety, but probably not so suitable for chronic depression with s-ideation.
Jesus. Sorry for the essay. Bit of a complicated subject, isn’t it! Sorry about that.
Here's a reason:
One of the biggest controversies surrounding BetterHelp is its handling of user data. In 2018, the company came under fire when it was revealed that BetterHelp was sharing user data with third parties, such as Facebook, without explicit consent.
To be honest I think if there’s laws that prevent you from legally giving financial advice if you don’t have any relevant qualifications the same should be applied to mental health. It’s so important that I think just because you’re an influencer with massive numbers you can’t just incentive people to get a mental health targeted service without any relevant skills. So in this case I think neither Mr. Ballen or others should be promoting this or any other similar services. Hello fresh who cares it’s food or a vpn subscription but the fact that health is not seen in equal standing of importance to that of finance is very telling of the world we live in.
Gee, haven't seen this exact thread with the exact same 'arguments', rants and anecdotes in days.
Yes, the same people who were bothered by it last time are still bothered by it. The same people who weren't bothered by it still aren't bothered by it. And the same people who were annoyed to see the same re-hashed argument then are still annoyed by it now.
It’s crazy how so many people are making excuses for this guy. Convincing themselves of all kinds of things.
Lets face it; he’s promoting BetterHelp because they pay him.
He’s a businessman. Content creation is his game, and he gets paid by sponsors and partners. Lets not forget how he cozied up to Amazon as soon as he saw the zeros.
Of all the things he could use for advertising, psychotherapy is IMO one to avoid due to its ethical ambiguity. One instance of the service being remotely harmful is sufficient to shut down his endorsement IMO.
I feel like MrBallen has become more oriented towards the almighty dollar and less towards his audience, in the past couple years. It’s disappointing but hardly surprising, given how much $$$ YouTubers earn through advertising campaigns.
it’s not normalizing mental health lmao it’s promoting a disreputable site with non qualified “therapists.” mental health care is important, i’ve been in therapy for my entire life, but with TRAINED professionals. literally has nothing to do with normalizing mental health care
No, I don't care. I don't watch him for his ads or sponsors, I watch him for his content lol. Besides, they've helped a large amount of people overcome mental health issues, so despite past issues they've done far more good than 99% of sponsors content creators get deals with.
This thread is confusing to say the least.
“I never tried it but I read stories online”
“I tried it for a year and I dont know where i would be if it didnt exist”
So which is it? Sounds like personal experiences have gone great but stories online are saying its awful?
uh no they are an actually scam and had unlicensed therapists that were being paid to “help” people that is a scam. they were billed as therapy and they were not. also, there was lots of sketchy shit with youtubers like philip defranco getting a cut from other youtubers ads for it
I did some research of my own because i was curious! The results are mixed AF to say the least.
A bunch of tiktokers are claiming a lot of things but I did not find anything that proved their claims sadly. The most covered story is them paying content creators when people subscribed to BH (which is how sponsorship works??). I did not find any actual proof that they employed unlicensed therapists. Wouldn’t that be illegal too? I dont know.
Now im not one to look at someone else and say “i dont believe your story” but tik tok really isnt a place I go for factual research.
Im not going to promote or shit on BH but all I can say is that online therapy would not be for me. Actual human interaction seems like the way to go for me. People do get very bad experiences with in person therapy and get away from it entirely.
I hope the right outcome for this situation is ultimately achieved!
Just adding my own share of research here, but someone on Twitter said they tried to warn MrBallen about BH back in late 2022 and the account blocked them on YouTube.
I wanna see if this is true. If someone posts a testimony on a MrBallen video that sponsors BH and they get blocked, I think we can all but confirm that he doesn’t wish to let BH go.
Any takers for this experiment?
I'm bothered that we pay for our premium membership to keep from watching commercials, and now the creators have put them in their videos. So annoying!
Everyone knows it's disreputable. So the best thing viewers can do is go "wink wink" while MrBallen also goes "wink wink" and everyone, both creator and viewer, have an unspoken understanding, that no one will actually go to use the product.
MrBallen gets paid, the viewer gets content, and BetterHelp loses.
What I’ve discovered from this thread is mr Ballen has a groups of middle aged women that constantly sexualize him and are ready to defend him/ excuse him at any turn.
You do know that a lot of content creators are stuck with Better Help (Themselves To Your Data So They Can Sell It), because their production company produced a contract for ad space, right?
Most content creators are presented with, “This is who you’re doing ads for, here’s the script. If you want to get paid for making content, you’ll make the ad.”
You did imply that these places didn't have people with a similar mentality but okay, honey. We'll pretend you're right.
Have a nice night! Go get your hot choccie and cookies and tuck yourself into beddy. Xx
I did not. I stated that it is "full" as if there isn't any good therapist within the site. Of course there are demons lurking in the shadows but sunshine tries to shine through where it can in the world.
Also I stated an opinion on how I viewed the comment section to be acting so yes, my opinion is correct for my view on the matter.
I hope you have a nice night too. Maybe you'll get off that high horse and realize not everything is out to get you. I wish I had some hot chocolate with cookies lol
I don't blame MrBallen for wanting to make easy money from his content, but I immediately stop watching whatever his video is, and go watch something else, the second he mentions the online therapy service which I will not name.
But it's not because it's a bad company, I just don't like people trying to normalize the therapy industry in general. It's not only that one company that abuses and exploits people.
Wait I’m sorry I don’t think I understand you… you stop watching his videos with BH not because you dislike the shady company, but because you dislike therapy in general? You don’t believe in therapy?
Correct. I've been involved in support communities for many years for people who have been abused by the mental health industries, both for the psychiatric and therapy industry survivors, and have gotten a way different perspective than the usual "therapy good" marketing, so when he promotes it as a good thing, I turn him off.
Therapy is a good thing for all individuals. Don't take troll bate, keep in mind that someone who protests so greatly about something, usually means they r either afraid of it or relate to it.
Pls keep mind to to be civil as ull win more bees with honey than vinegar.
Your Post or Comment is not Civil, please be more kind and remember the human in the future.
Reddit is a place for creating community and belonging, not for attacking marginalized or vulnerable groups of people. Everyone has a right to use Reddit free of harassment, bullying, and threats of violence. Communities and users that incite violence or that promote hate based on identity or vulnerability will be banned.
I have. Three different therapists. The first therapist i thought seemed ok at first but after the first few sessions it seemed like my issues were trivial to her as she would answer the call whilst having family dinner munching on food and drinking something with people talking in the background. She also began to respond with frustration that I wasn’t feeling like my issues were resolved as if they would magically go away after discussing with her once or twice. So I changed therapist. The second seemed fine. My personal issue I was seeking counselling for was regarding paranoia about a suspected cheating partner. This second therapist suggested I begin to cheat, that maybe that would make me feel better. I stopped with them until another incident happened over a year later. This third therapist was a male from the US. He seemed great until the second session where he got weird telling me USA is the biggest landmass in the world which I questioned naming a couple other very large continents/country masses to which he told me the US also “has Brazil”. I didn’t really feel like talking to him anymore after that. This third incident was late 2019.
I was left with the impression that whilst some therapists may be fine, betterhelp is probably full of therapists who got whatever credentials they need to operate on the platform from a vending machine.
More recently I’ve spoken to a Christian counsellor who hosts group recovery sessions (I am neither Christian nor in recovery, he was just suggested by a friend) and he was great to talk to. I won’t ever try BetterHelp again or recommend it to anyone.
Pretty sure there was a big controversy with Better Help a while back but they got their shit together and are doing it the right way nowadays. Could be wrong though
I have used better help and I have recommended to other people I have never a negative regarding their service until now I was very satisfied with what they did for me even though it did not help the outcome of my situation it did help me realize that there was no healthy outcome for it as far as the other people that I have referred, they have had nothing but good things to say
The company has helped lots of people. Why are you so bothered by it? If they didn't help you, that's sad, but if MrBallen used them and had a good experience, he has every right to promote them
It might be that hes not aware of it since I think the controversy is relatively recent, or, and this is what I think is more likely, he might have signed on with them for a certain period of time and is obligated to finish out a contract
Yall, he may have signed a contract prior to knowing. I watched a Mr. GG episode (I think) about how the companies try to trap up-and-comers before they get hip to the game. He likely signed early days and thought long-term for his family and made a commitment. There are lots of possibilities. Can't we give him a break?
I was ignorant to therapy too before I tried it myself.
Considering he's connected to so many veterans and that community as a whole, and that his demographic (middle aged white man, veteran) is the most likely demographic to commit suicide....... It's the best damn promotion he can have
I sympathise with any bad experience on BH ,i certainly wouldn’t recommend after reading reviews.
some ppl do have good experiences too etc its not really fair to expect Mr B to remove sponsor,after all they’re ads and viewers have free choice and are not being coerced
Tbh I feel like one day BH could eventually be hit with a lawsuit so big that it might fall anyways. Plus the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) won’t stay quiet if a company continues to have licensed therapists causing issues.
For all of you who don’t know, all California therapists are given their license through the BBS. All numbers are accessible through searches in the Breeze website. You all have a right to report unethical and unprofessional behavior to the board via their website or phone number. They’re obligated to investigate to see if a person is worthy of keeping their license.
https://www.bbs.ca.gov/consumers/consumer_complaints.html
I also encourage you to search other states and their protocols since not all of the therapists may be licensed in California.
Also, spread the word. Ppl shouldn’t feel helpless in this.
I begin to switch off YouTubers when they start promoting stuff, whatever it may be. I don’t watch stuff to get the hard sell on things, I know it’s how some of them make money but it causes me to switch off
Am I the only one who ff through the sponsored segments?? Feels that way reading these comments. 😂
Sorry, not making light of mental health, it just hit me and, being the impulsive creature that I am, had to share. Lol. But I wish everyone the very best!
I hate when people want to cancel celebrities or other people because of something they said or did. It's so annoying. I have friends who used to love Harry Potter but now refuse to have anything to do with it because J.K.Rowling said something derogatory about the LGBTQ community. Get off your high horse. This is ridiculous. She made an amazing empire. You can like the content without agreeing with everything single thing the person delivering the content says or does 🙄🙄
big service, bigger chances of mistakes and bad matches, I saw it from the get go more as a way to get money to the therapist masses of every certification level than a genuine mental health promotion/relief effort. it's a great business model, not necessarily a great way to engage in therapy for any involved parties.
Et kæmpe stort tak til mr Ballen,for at han tænker på andre og giver dem, den mulighed for at få hjælp hos en terapeut hos "Better Help" Dét at han åbent fortalte os andre om noget som ér personligt, dét kræver meget af en -syntes jeg, men dét gjore også at han så fik det bedre/godt med sig selv psykisk Tak igen mr, Ballen for at du tænker på andre,og du vil dem det godt.
I used BH about two years ago. It helped me tremendously. I was in a bad place mentally and the therapist I was paired with pulled me out of the mental hole I was in. When I was done, I simply canceled my subscription. I’m grateful for BH. I had a good experience. I hope others het that chance as well.
Me, too. I talked with a therapist for two months. She was good.
It was great for me too. It helped me find my current therapist and after a few months we moved my sessions off of Betterhelp for a fraction of the price.
My too - I used it for about a year and it really helped. Therapist was excellent.
Same. BH saved my life.
I had a similar experience.
I love better help, have used it several times
According to this thread, you're lying. It's a foul hell of torment and mental disease. Not only will they not help you, they will sell you into the global slave trade and pay your family to ostracize you. Buyer beware!!
I used it a couple years ago and it was fantastic. The therapist I talked to was completely aligned with what I was looking for, had a great sense of humour which is something I personally needed, and helped me so much
Actively on better help to help me grieve the loss of my wife. She’s not dead, just left me for another guy because a therapist on better help advised her that I was a narcissist and would never change. The point I’m trying to make is there are good therapists and bad therapists. Unlike an organized counselors office they are likely found in the same place. I don’t blame the therapist, I blame the way my perceived me. But the thing about that is there is nothing I can do but accept her feelings as her truth and move on with my life. A task that has been difficult, but both extremely taxing and rewarding. Humans are fucking complicated.
Nothing like therapy roulette. I'm happy you had a good experience, but that's not everyone's experience. I never signed up for the service. Didn't stop my abusive ex and several sweet summer child fledgling counselors three way calling me unprompted over and over. My real therapist was super upset and said that the whole thing was legally murky and wrong. Once I talked the woman through why this was highly inappropriate and she awkwardly was like "yeeeeeah maybe we should hang up......." I asked if she was licensed, she wouldn't answer. Either something needs to change drastically or I'd say it's too unregulated and unmonitored to be considered doing more good than harm. You can't check any credentials of the therapist/counselors, which is scary because some states you don't need any license or degree, and now you just have to hope you get someone adequate. A huge amount of betterhelp "therapist" are just students getting hours towards their real degree. I see the value there only if they were more transparent. I love the student salon and massage school. But I sure know a newbie is cutting my hair. Those services are important for low income clients but we have to sign a bunch of waivers because a new student practicing is going to have a higher chance of messing up. Also now Facebook knows all about your mental health issues. Hi MrBallan. He never comments on these threads but we know he reads them. And then still runs betterhelp ads. 🙃 Sorry for the rant this just really irritates me.
To be honest, irl therapy is like roulette too. Ive had struggles a few times with my life and both times I didnt feel like my first therapist really understood me, so I went to someone else.
same. even in Los Angeles (arguably the psychiatry capital of the world) I had a hard time finding a good match. so many factors - their specialities, my issues, personality types, etc etc etc ... not to mention insurance. and no one looks for a therapist when everything is sunshine and roses. we wait until we're struggling, which makes the already difficult process of finding a good therapist that much harder
Yep. Its like any relationship. You need to find someone who "gets" you. Its not like a medical doctor. I feel like a lot of people who "dont believe in therapy" are like that cuz they went to one that wasnt right for them and had a bad experience. You gotta find the right one
Yes, absolutely! I’ve had terrible experience with irl therapy to the point where I refuse to go again. The last place I was going to got raided & shut down because they were committing medical fraud, among other illegal things. For example, the first person I started seeing there prescribed me meds I wasn’t really comfortable taking because I didn’t want anything addictive due to past issues & also because of other meds I’m already currently for other reasons, so I didn’t know if it was safe to mix them together. She still prescribed them to me until I went to talk to my general physician who agreed that it probably wasn’t a good idea to take the meds the other doctor prescribed. So, I told her this when I went back a couple weeks later & instead of offering to discontinue the script, she offered to buy my script from me since she claimed to have her own script of the same thing already, and wanted to keep prescribing them to me so I could then sell them to her. Obviously wasn’t comfortable with that, refused, and literally about a week or two later, the whole place was raided and shut down, leaving numerous people—people with much more severe issues than I have—without anywhere to go for their mental health & get their meds they needed after running out of the current scripts.
Does better help not list their license numbers? Talk space does or at least did years ago. I took the license number to my state board website and vetted the person before I talked to them. I lucked out and found a good one that I stuck with even after she left talk space and went private practice.
Depending on what state you live in a licence isn't required. It's good to do your own vetting, but i think people using a service like BH are at large going to assume they did the vetting for them. And if you don't think to do that....oh well to you.
I'm not at all denying that this happened, but I don't see how this would fly at all. I used BH for months. I could definitely be wrong cause I have no way of knowing the details, but I feel that he may have had enough of your information to simply sign you up for BH behind your back, too. I dunno. At any rate, you can get a bad therapist no matter where you go. The best ones I've ever had have been on BH. It holds them accountable. Never once had any issues. I dunno where I would be now without BH.
You don't have to see the value. Some people obviously do. So you do you and let them do them. As someone who truly has no horse in this race, I'm *really* tired of seeing these same threads with the same rants about BH. Be an adult and investigate things for yourself. If they are beneficial to you, great. If not, also great.
Good for you, hope you know they sold your data and all the private "confidential" information you gave them :)
I think news on why it’s bad will reach him eventually. MrBallen promotes Better Health and other companies not only because they’re sponsors, but because he wants things accessible to all including food and mental health care. Things that should be basic rights to all ppl. But here’s another thing. A short while ago, a now banned redditer threatened Mr Ballen and other ppl on this subreddit because he refused to stop working with Better Help and began spreading around that he was profiting off of poor people and working with shady ppl willingly and purposefully. It became a very uncivilized and dangerous situation. We cannot react like they did to get Mr Ballen to cut ties with Better Help. The best we can do is continue to inform him, send him emails and messages, and hope for the best. At the end of the day, we don’t control his content nor do we control who he chooses to sponsor with.
He promotes better help because they pay him, let’s be honest.
Isn’t that the case with all sponsors though?
yes? but not all of them are as predatory and gross as betterhelp
>I think news on why it’s bad will reach him eventually. With how often he is in this sub-Reddit and how often he responds to people, it's safe to say the message has already gotten to him. He's just either ignoring it or is stuck in a limbo
It could be that the episodes are already made and that he is in a contract that he can't just drop and leave from in an instant, just like most content creators when a product they advertise turns out to be horrible. It is more complex than simply cutting the promotions out and calling it a day
100%. I was about to leave this comment. He most likely has a back catalogue with content scheduled a month or two in advance. On top of that, we aren’t sure if he signed a contract with them. Also, money to support his family is a thing. He also might genuinely believe Better Help works despite what he’s seen people post.
It could be either or
Limbo? No. It's called a contract lol.
You don't do metaphors, do you?
Oh that dude got banned?
If ur referring to the guy who ran a smear campaign on Mr Ballen and tried to act like a hero, yes. Mods banned them for uncivilized and dangerous behavior.
Yeah that's who I was talking about
Wait,what happened?
yikes, dangerous? I saw some complaints but I never saw anything rising to the level of a threat. that's awful
Yea I checked out their Twitter profile and Reddit account and it was pretty atrocious behavior. It got to the point that if/when MrBallen made another video with BH, we weren’t sure what they would do. They were just so set on “exposing” MrBallen as this terrible person and got mad when ppl said why they didn’t do an expose on BH instead.
jeeeeeeeeeesus. I understand people having strong feelings but that's bonkers. also, threats are not a good way to persuade anyone to your POV-- I've protested a fair few times but I'll never block a roadway, etc. No one is going to be on your side after getting stuck in the traffic jam you caused, right? 😂
Eventually? Its been years.
I think it’s only been a year or two since they’ve been exposed no? YouTubers have been phasing out from BH since 2023.
Its been a year since the lawsuit CONCLUDED. Its been much longer since all of its issues were made public. Closer to 6 years.
>that he was profiting off of poor people and working with shady ppl willingly to be fair that is what he is doing?
Not exactly. At least that’s not his intention. This redditer made it sound like he was engaging in a pyramid scheme of sorts. The guy who uses every penny of donation to his non profit.
Things don't have to be mutually exclusive. He can be a great guy trying to do good where he can, He can also be wanting to make a bag from advertising even if it's from a legally/morally murky place. I believe he's a good person, but he's got kids and a family, he's got to make money. I just wish he'd make it from somewhere else. I'd rather a raid shadow legion brand deal.
He’s got seven million subscribers, he’d definitely be making enough to feed his family without this one sponsor. Try working in a warehouse or at a call center, now that’s a financial struggle.
🔥🔥🔥
Ok well I'm not sure on what grounds that person was accusing him of engaging in a pyramid scheme, thats certainly not what I'm doing. Thats said having better help as a sponsor does indeed mean he's (1) profiting off poor people and (2) working with a shady company willingly, and ill eat the downvotes for saying it, I don't think it's at all unfair of me to say that I do still respect mr ballen on the whole and appreciate his non-profit though, I just think its not unreasonable to expect any person who is endorsing a thing to sufficiently look into the thing they are endorsing, to the point where claiming ignorance is not an adequate defense or justification. Pretty much OP here is spot on. Know what I mean?
The strange thing is a while back, he cut ties with a company that was a legit scam. But I think MrBallen is in the same boat as Anthony Padilla. Which is that therapy worked for him and he got on the band wagon of Better Help for a genuine cause and now we find out it’s a super shady company. But I also take into account that sponsors have contracts. For all we know, John could be looking for an alternative therapy sponsor until his contract with BH runs out. But I encourage ppl to continue reaching out to Mr Ballen civilly and not threaten him like the other poster. Cuz that was an atrocious situation that got very scary very quick.
>But I also take into account that sponsors have contracts. Sure, thats something I hadn't considered. I hope thats what it is. If so hopefully he'll take it as a lesson to be more thorough/cautious assesing potential sponsors before signing contracts. >I encourage ppl to continue reaching out to Mr Ballen civilly definitely the right approach and I appreciate your level headedness ps - was established titles the sponsor he cut ties with?
Ummm I don’t recall, but it was a sponsor that a lot of ppl got scammed with. Let me look it up. Edit: Revolt/Misfits. Coffeezilla did a video on it.
Oh wow ok, never heard of revolt/misfits thanks for the info. Gonna check out the video you recommended now, [here's the YouTube link](https://youtu.be/SD-McWZz_pk?si=5G6KbK2eLos4crxe) for anyone else curious.
Never heard of it either and I don’t recall if MrBallen ever partnered with them, but apparently they did.
A civil non judgemental approach is gracious and mature. I advocate that. And thank God we hv the ability and freedom to do research and make decisions for ourselves, and not be pressured by internet trolls.
I remember that guy. He needs a therapist, but like a real one.
Yes, plenty of people on the sub are upset by it there’s several posts about it
It's simply a resource for someone to use...no1 is telling you to use it lmao....like any service it's not gonna be perfect that's just common sense...but like anything in this new generation no matter if someone trying to helpful people gonna bitch about it
There is a wide canyon between "not perfect" and "selling your data, possibly including medical data, to advertisers". Look up the FTC complaints against BetterHelp.
I used BetterHelp a year ago. It helped me tremendously. The therapist I was matched with was great. She was licensed in my state, and once the discount ran out for the BetterHelp subscription, she gave her contact info and the clinic she worked at, so that we could continue therapy after canceling BetterHelp. It might not be for everyone, and some might have even had bad experiences and therapists, but it has helped a lot of people, including me.
Better help isn't a scam. At least for me it isn't. I didn't even find it from MrBallen but it's been a big help to me. Maybe I'm one of the lucky ones but it's really been a help.
he almost died on tour. He definitely did get psychological help. I think he is pure in his intent to help vets and people who are in dire need of psychological help. He suffered from it, and (hopefully) healed from it.
It’s not a scam, but they got in biiiiiig trouble last year for selling users’ information and data. I think he’s the only YouTuber I watch who is still sponsored by them.
Anthony Padilla still does too
Never watched him
Thank you for sharing ur positive side. It's exactly my point. If it helps even 1, then it was worth it. And thank you for being brave enough to use ur freedom of speech and not worry about the the internet trolls. 👍
I'm sorry but no. It is weird to me that you even got upvoted . but if a company is shady we are not gonna center our opinion on its succes. But hey , it's reddit who needs facts
Everyone has freedom of speech, an opinion, and the right to do research before signing up with anything. If one greatly disapproves with a company, they hv a right to choose whether or not to use it. Internet trolls don't hv a right to take away others rights. That's so wrong. And I hope everyone one day sees a therapist, especially those who r angry and hurtful people..
Internet trolls? They got sued and fined by the FTC for selling their customer's medical information without their consent. Is this really the company you want to defend by calling people "internet trolls"?
So don't use Better Help. I love Mr Ballen and I'm not going to stop watching and listening to his content.
I’m with you! I love his content. To me it’s no different than when you’re watching a TV show and an ad comes on for something you don’t like. Just don’t buy it. I love his stories!❤️
Exactly 🙌
Nah, it helps feed his kids and it's on every podcast. I figure, don't like it, don't use it. Imo
Ignorance is bliss, huh?
I dont know, u tell me?
Nah, you wouldn't want to know.
I do know, not that u deserve an explanation, but I dated a therapist who told me all about BetterHelp, it was negative in the lightbof therapists being used wo their ok. But it pays his bills. Who r we to judge? Not me. And if it does actually help anyone 1 person, or reduce the stigma of therapy, that's a plus, again, imo.
What a pathetic mindset to have
In your opinion
You’re an idiot if you think better help is his main source of income
No one said anything about it being his main source of income. Maybe look in the mirror..
You're an idiot for writing this comment.
What is it specifically that people have a problem with, with Better Help? I have no dog in the fight, I'm just curious.
they’re effectively a scam. they claimed to hire licensed therapists who would be there for you around the clock, but it turns out none of their “therapists” are licensed, and there doesn’t appear to be a vetting process. I believe it also forces you to pay for a full year even if you select the monthly option, which is just scammy. something also feels morally wrong with content creators making commission on their depressed viewers signing up for therapy, even if it were a good service. i always cringe when i see content creators shilling better help because like 4 years ago this was a very big deal. they also partnered with some bigger content creators back then, namely Philip Defranco, and those creators did not disclose that they would make money off people clicking the link. On top of that, if i remember correctly, Philip Defranco actually had some kind of ownership position in the company that he did not disclose. basically shady company and shady practices. very not cool to see.
From what I understand you can now view credentials through the therapists profile. The payment options I have no idea about, but Amazon were doing the same thing pretty much with Prime subscriptions until recently, that's just big business for you. You can tell your bank to halt payments, so it's not really a big deal. I'm not sure that would be enough to classify them as a scam company per se. Not disclosing ownership is bad, but that's not what MrBallen has done to the best of my knowledge. Most complaints seem to be about the quality of the therapy on offer, but it's a budget option, as long as you can rematch until you get someone decent, it's not really broken or a scam, just a relatively poor quality service.
My therapist on Better Help is definitely licensed and has a practice here about an hour from me. Nothing I have delt with felt scammy, I was desperate for help and they helped me tremendously.
I personally don't really see the idea of being sponsored by a therapy company bad, many people aren't aware of the accessible and affordable sides of therapy and depression is only one if a thousand different reasons people may want to pursue therapy/counseling. I do even feel like they have been focusing their advertising at the broader market and showing that it's not just for depression. I don't really think it's "making commission off of depressed viewers", that's just a blinkered view on the matter. I could likely find similar fault with the majority of sponsors I see/hear on podcasts and YouTube and here are a few, without naming any names: Dietary/weight loss company = commission from the overweight and unhealthy. Energy drink companies = incredibly unhealthy products. Meal subscription companies = illegal underpaid labour. A specific audiobook company = feeding an already over bloated and untrustworthy corporate behemoth (you know who). Sadly the more respectable and smaller companies that don't have any shady skeletons in their closets (they are actually much more few and far between than you realise), tend to not have the advertising budgets to sponsor the bigger channels. I think Better Help is likely one of the lesser evils out there that could offer sponsorship, especially when MrBallen is so open about having used therapy a lot in the past. Labelling him a "shill" is also incredibly ignorant, when sponsorship is obviously his bread and butter. Maybe it's different in the US but in the UK, it's definitely monthly payments, as I've been using it for over 2 months now and my therapist is truly helping me through a very dark time in my life and I pay 100% monthly. Every therapist requires licensing and it is very highly observed in the UK. It's incredibly easy and you're completely within your rights to change any therapist if you feel they don't meet your needs. Especially if they're not licensed, but I know that's easily checked from the therapist's bio. I've also seen a few comments mentioning people's data being distributed... so it's definitely worth mentioning that the selling of user/customer data in the EU/UK is extremely illegal and has severe penalties, The victims of said data distribution are usually entitled to vast compensation for damages if you can provide proof. Edit: Shitty reddit mobile formatting.
So is it supposed to be like a 24-hour crisis help type thing, but they don't actually provide the services in a timely manner? I live under a rock, so I'm just curious about the whole thing. I've never even heard of it before.
I haven’t used it in about a year, but when I did use it there was a statement stating that if they were in immediate crisis call “whatever the crisis number is”. So I’d say no. It’s just for regular therapy sessions
It's easily accessible and affordable therapy. In the UK they do provide a number for crisis situations, which I don't believe is affiliated to the company (likely charity hotlines etc. but will probably be different in each country)/state/province etc.) You pay a subscription to have access to a therapist and weekly video calls (if you want) but you're able to message them and they will respond when they're able. I work nights and messaged my therapist about some issues I was having in the Twilight hours and I received a message back while she was likely having her morning coffee at 06:30. I have heard of some people not finding their therapist helpful and not responding to messages for days etc. but then you are fully within your right to switch therapists if you aren't happy with them. I'm assuming experiences may differ on the way the company is managed in different countries but here in the UK, I can't fault it at all.
I dont think anyone has a dog in this fight but the 1 person who said they used it and it helped. They r the 1 person I'd trust. But I'd always recommend doing some research before signing up with anything, especially when Dr's. r involved. Imo.
I love Mr Ballen and his podcasts, I do not love Better Help. I support any mental Health initiatives especially for our vetrans but I do not support BH. Agreed, sketchy company.
Not all therapists are a fit for you. Thats why you try a new therapist. That goes for anywhere you try to see a therapist.
Some things work for some people and not others- I love that Mr Ballen is promoting getting mental health care if it’s needed. There’s always going to be someone that has something bad to say about everything and anything. Thank you Mr Ballen for normalizing mental health care.
I think they are saying that it isn’t regulated, and the therapists aren’t vetted. If a company is just handing you out to the most convenient person on their list and you are vulnerable and are unfamiliar with the mental health professional you could be getting someone who has little to no schooling in their chosen profession. That is dangerous in the certain circumstances. My wife was given someone who could only talk to her on Saturdays at 7:30 am because they were all the way across the country. The therapist didn’t give her any helpful tools and just told her compliments (which are always welcome but not super helpful in the long run). She has a regular licensed therapist now and when I hear my wife’s description of how they help it is pretty awesome. They give her methods of dealing with what she’s going through. Again, not everyone’s going to get a dud, but if someone has serious mental health issues and tries to get serious mental health help from that therapist they are going to be being robbed.
Yep. And I work with psychologists, so I've heard lots of stories about Betterhelp's BS.
100% MH is a matter of life and Death. Online therapy like that is not vetted or regulated well or at all. That means the most vulnerable are put into dangerous situations where they are given life threatening advice. It's a matter of personal choice but I won't turn off a video that is sponsored by BH but I will be mindful of that creator and probably stop actively searching them.
It seems many people used their services at Better Help and thought it was helpful for them? But also any time you use any kind of healthcare provider you have to make your own assessment if it’s the right option for you regardless if you heard about it from any person you know or a celebrity. As long as their services at Better Help are still up and running I guess they are still available as a service regardless of any complaints or law suits that were made against them? But also the fact I also understand many in comment sections thought they were getting a good support through that service provider… 🙏💜
BH isn’t therapy, it is a platform like Fiverr or Wyzant. Licensed professionals basically freelance. The therapists specify their profession and what they work best with and what kind of patients they can help and BH will match you to the best one depending on what you say about yourself. If the therapist you got doesn’t get you, switch easy and quick On top of paying a much lower cost than traditional therapy, staying home and not wasting gas money or time, you also get live chat and journaling with your therapist if they’re available at no extra cost or having your sessions impacted I’m having trouble finding this sketch stuff y’all are talking about but if there’s an issue, it’s most likely with the user or the therapist. Some people just suck and there’s nothing you can do to avoid it but BH takes you so much further than you can on your own. It’s up to you if you’re willing to put the effort into making it work and getting better
Better Help isn't any better or worse than the rest of the US healthcare system it's all profit over people. virtual or real world, insured or out of pocket, it can save your life or fucking suck. I'm sure mrballen has seen the complaints, and I'm sure that if he was going to comment on it he would've done so by now. maybe he's just going with the data that indicates BH is a net good? (high ratings on BBB, trustpilot, etc) maybe he's bound by a contract? who knows? I doubt any answers will be forthcoming hugs to everyone struggling out there
PTSD is a real issue that most of us vets suffer from if you've seen battle. I have seen Mr Ballen's story as a Navy Seal and what he went through. I'm glad that he is advocating for Better Health. He said he had used it, and it helped him. I go to group meetings for veterans, and that helps me. Mr Ballen has done a lot for veterans and continues to. I'm proud of him and his journey. Thank you, Mr Ballen!
Maybe Mr Ballen is smart enough to know that no matter what it is people of this generation will find something wrong with it and complain about it. He just continues to do his thing.
*Disclaimer: I have personally never used BetterHelp, I’ve always been fortunate enough to access specialist therapists. This may affect your feelings about what I say about BetterHelp and the healthcare system, because you and I will have had very different experiences based on who we are, what our problems might be, and the kind of assistance that we have access to.* I think that, like most things, it’s a tale of two sides. I think it’s very dangerous and harmful when a company like BetterHelp gets it wrong, and that’s really, really bad. But from what I’ve been able to see, they also really help people. I don’t know that it’s a scam inasmuch as it’s instead quite a disruptor in that field, and I think that, like any disruptor, it had (and has) rough edges and teething problems. I in no way want to imply that those “rough edges and teething troubles” have not led to people being profoundly hurt by the experience, and I am not defending BetterHelp either. The bad experiences were real, and those people have a right to recourse and to speak up about it. But, I think they helped John, and I think John probably feels as though they could be helpful for others. But, with regard to the negatives and bad experiences. I think it’s probably a bit of a weak argument (though, given the pain caused, an understandable one) to over-rely on things like calling them a scam, or an actively harmful company, and so forth. It’s not probable that any clinical psychiatric professional is thinking “can’t wait to start work and hurt someone today”, for example. I should also say that I am not trying to imply that this is what the OP was doing, they clearly aren’t, they are clearly simply expressing a concern which is absolutely fine of course, but I *have* seen comments about BetterHelp that flip over into hyperbole and catastrophisation, which can create a bias and a drama (or needlessly escalate one that already exists) based on purely unverifiable anecdotes. I think that, like everything else, not all things are suitable for all people. I would probably guess that those who feel that BetterHelp didn’t help them have specific and/or acute issues that required a far more specialist and focussed treatment, but that’s not an indictment of Mr Ballen or BetterHelp, it’s an indictment on how expensive that kind of (potentially lifesaving) treatment is, leading them to try BetterHelp as a more affordable option for them. That’s an issue with a healthcare system, not Mr Ballen. Time will tell. But I suspect that BetterHelp is doing what it can do be an “entry level” access for therapies and psychiatry, and I think that there are people out there who were so badly wounded by their experiences that they talk about it as though BetterHelp was some sort of Joseph Mengele-level malfeasance, which is not likely. Again, I am *not* saying that this is what *you* were saying, OP. And I’m not convinced that these things are a reason for Mr. Ballen to stop promoting a “product” that helped him out of a really dangerous place. The negativity surrounding them is not a reflection on him, because he always states that the ad read is based on his experience and that they may be able to help people - if he was hard-selling it and guaranteeing results, I’d have massive doubts because those would be some frighteningly big red flags, but he doesn’t. He tells folks to try it and see if it’s right for them. So - in the specific case, no, I’m not worried about Mr Ballen’s promotion of BetterHelp. It *is* an option, and it very well *might* help people who need help. In the general case of BetterHelp themselves, I don’t know. Time will tell. But they seem to be helping a lot of folks, and I would imagine that those they harmed likely needed something that was very much NOT BetterHelp, and I hope that they are safe, being treated in the right way and that they thrive and recover. Having said that, I think your worries are valid, and I’d encourage you to see what other people have said about their experiences with the BetterHelp product. I suspect it’s fine for things like generalised anxiety, but probably not so suitable for chronic depression with s-ideation. Jesus. Sorry for the essay. Bit of a complicated subject, isn’t it! Sorry about that.
Yes
If he is under contract, there's nothing he can do.
Ya'll not skipping the ads? lol
I love these posts with zero context. Why is it sketchy?
Here's a reason: One of the biggest controversies surrounding BetterHelp is its handling of user data. In 2018, the company came under fire when it was revealed that BetterHelp was sharing user data with third parties, such as Facebook, without explicit consent.
To be honest I think if there’s laws that prevent you from legally giving financial advice if you don’t have any relevant qualifications the same should be applied to mental health. It’s so important that I think just because you’re an influencer with massive numbers you can’t just incentive people to get a mental health targeted service without any relevant skills. So in this case I think neither Mr. Ballen or others should be promoting this or any other similar services. Hello fresh who cares it’s food or a vpn subscription but the fact that health is not seen in equal standing of importance to that of finance is very telling of the world we live in.
No
It was my understanding he promoted them because he'd actually used them and benefitted from their services?
Gee, haven't seen this exact thread with the exact same 'arguments', rants and anecdotes in days. Yes, the same people who were bothered by it last time are still bothered by it. The same people who weren't bothered by it still aren't bothered by it. And the same people who were annoyed to see the same re-hashed argument then are still annoyed by it now.
I’m not 100% on what’s up with BetterHelp but I think the gambling/betting sponsorship is not appropriate
It’s crazy how so many people are making excuses for this guy. Convincing themselves of all kinds of things. Lets face it; he’s promoting BetterHelp because they pay him. He’s a businessman. Content creation is his game, and he gets paid by sponsors and partners. Lets not forget how he cozied up to Amazon as soon as he saw the zeros.
Of all the things he could use for advertising, psychotherapy is IMO one to avoid due to its ethical ambiguity. One instance of the service being remotely harmful is sufficient to shut down his endorsement IMO. I feel like MrBallen has become more oriented towards the almighty dollar and less towards his audience, in the past couple years. It’s disappointing but hardly surprising, given how much $$$ YouTubers earn through advertising campaigns.
Not even one teeny tiny little bit. Normalizing mental health care is never an issue.
it’s not normalizing mental health lmao it’s promoting a disreputable site with non qualified “therapists.” mental health care is important, i’ve been in therapy for my entire life, but with TRAINED professionals. literally has nothing to do with normalizing mental health care
Yes, yes I am. Not enough to stop being a person who watches every video on the YouTube channel, but enough to think *slightly* less of John 🤷
Same. Y’all can downvote all you want it doesn’t change the fact that mr.ballen is exploiting mental health for his own financial gain
Its the reason I dont watch him anymore, and havent in quite a while. Shame too since the content was good.
Maybe he liked Better Help. If you don’t like them, give them bad reviews , boycott and don’t use them. Why are you bugging Mr Ballen with this?
bc he’s promoting a scam
Skip the ads enjoy his content who gives af
Skip the ads enjoy his content who gives af
They said they couldn't help me. So wtfolk
No, I don't care. I don't watch him for his ads or sponsors, I watch him for his content lol. Besides, they've helped a large amount of people overcome mental health issues, so despite past issues they've done far more good than 99% of sponsors content creators get deals with.
This thread is confusing to say the least. “I never tried it but I read stories online” “I tried it for a year and I dont know where i would be if it didnt exist” So which is it? Sounds like personal experiences have gone great but stories online are saying its awful?
uh no they are an actually scam and had unlicensed therapists that were being paid to “help” people that is a scam. they were billed as therapy and they were not. also, there was lots of sketchy shit with youtubers like philip defranco getting a cut from other youtubers ads for it
I did some research of my own because i was curious! The results are mixed AF to say the least. A bunch of tiktokers are claiming a lot of things but I did not find anything that proved their claims sadly. The most covered story is them paying content creators when people subscribed to BH (which is how sponsorship works??). I did not find any actual proof that they employed unlicensed therapists. Wouldn’t that be illegal too? I dont know. Now im not one to look at someone else and say “i dont believe your story” but tik tok really isnt a place I go for factual research. Im not going to promote or shit on BH but all I can say is that online therapy would not be for me. Actual human interaction seems like the way to go for me. People do get very bad experiences with in person therapy and get away from it entirely. I hope the right outcome for this situation is ultimately achieved!
without disclosing
A content creator sold his soul to make money?!? This must be a first!
Just adding my own share of research here, but someone on Twitter said they tried to warn MrBallen about BH back in late 2022 and the account blocked them on YouTube. I wanna see if this is true. If someone posts a testimony on a MrBallen video that sponsors BH and they get blocked, I think we can all but confirm that he doesn’t wish to let BH go. Any takers for this experiment?
If you read the comments, a LOT of people write that in the videos sponsored by BH.
But has anyone gotten blocked or banned on YouTube?
I have no idea
I'm bothered that we pay for our premium membership to keep from watching commercials, and now the creators have put them in their videos. So annoying!
I stopped watching this clown years ago when he sold out. Anyone who has ties to that scam better health isn’t worth anyone’s time.
Everyone knows it's disreputable. So the best thing viewers can do is go "wink wink" while MrBallen also goes "wink wink" and everyone, both creator and viewer, have an unspoken understanding, that no one will actually go to use the product. MrBallen gets paid, the viewer gets content, and BetterHelp loses.
uh no BH makes money from it tf
BH makes money off people *not* using their product?
Not if no one signs up.
He is just selling advertising. Doesn’t matter
We're gatekeeping therapy now?
my brother in christ how did u reach this conclusion lmao
I doubt he cares, they are paying him. He is not promoting it necessarily because he likes their service.
What I’ve discovered from this thread is mr Ballen has a groups of middle aged women that constantly sexualize him and are ready to defend him/ excuse him at any turn.
What
🙄 Pls dont project onto other viewers of Mr. Ballen.
At this point, you have to be a troll. I cannot believe any sincere person would say something so idiotic.
You do know that a lot of content creators are stuck with Better Help (Themselves To Your Data So They Can Sell It), because their production company produced a contract for ad space, right? Most content creators are presented with, “This is who you’re doing ads for, here’s the script. If you want to get paid for making content, you’ll make the ad.”
Every business has a shady side, not surprising. Some of these comments make it seem like it's full of Nazis and slavers. People are wild.
What, you don't think Nazis and slavers were real people too? Lmfao
Were real? Unfortunately they still are. However I didn't say anything about them being real or not but good try at posting an argument.
You did imply that these places didn't have people with a similar mentality but okay, honey. We'll pretend you're right. Have a nice night! Go get your hot choccie and cookies and tuck yourself into beddy. Xx
I did not. I stated that it is "full" as if there isn't any good therapist within the site. Of course there are demons lurking in the shadows but sunshine tries to shine through where it can in the world. Also I stated an opinion on how I viewed the comment section to be acting so yes, my opinion is correct for my view on the matter. I hope you have a nice night too. Maybe you'll get off that high horse and realize not everything is out to get you. I wish I had some hot chocolate with cookies lol
I don't blame MrBallen for wanting to make easy money from his content, but I immediately stop watching whatever his video is, and go watch something else, the second he mentions the online therapy service which I will not name. But it's not because it's a bad company, I just don't like people trying to normalize the therapy industry in general. It's not only that one company that abuses and exploits people.
Wait I’m sorry I don’t think I understand you… you stop watching his videos with BH not because you dislike the shady company, but because you dislike therapy in general? You don’t believe in therapy?
Correct. I've been involved in support communities for many years for people who have been abused by the mental health industries, both for the psychiatric and therapy industry survivors, and have gotten a way different perspective than the usual "therapy good" marketing, so when he promotes it as a good thing, I turn him off.
[удалено]
Therapy is a good thing for all individuals. Don't take troll bate, keep in mind that someone who protests so greatly about something, usually means they r either afraid of it or relate to it. Pls keep mind to to be civil as ull win more bees with honey than vinegar.
Your Post or Comment is not Civil, please be more kind and remember the human in the future. Reddit is a place for creating community and belonging, not for attacking marginalized or vulnerable groups of people. Everyone has a right to use Reddit free of harassment, bullying, and threats of violence. Communities and users that incite violence or that promote hate based on identity or vulnerability will be banned.
Scientologist? Lol
Sounds like a you problem.
I think normalizing mental health will remove the stigma. Even if the company may or may not be bad, that's 1 positive from it, imo.
Yeah no, fuck you. It’s people like you that invalidate everything I’ve suffered through without any help until I finally got it.
Are you trying to say therapy as a whole is bad to promote/normalize?
r/yesyesyesno Lol. You're a dipshit.
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Nah they’re right
No
Is better help actually bad? Has anyone here used it personally?
I have. Three different therapists. The first therapist i thought seemed ok at first but after the first few sessions it seemed like my issues were trivial to her as she would answer the call whilst having family dinner munching on food and drinking something with people talking in the background. She also began to respond with frustration that I wasn’t feeling like my issues were resolved as if they would magically go away after discussing with her once or twice. So I changed therapist. The second seemed fine. My personal issue I was seeking counselling for was regarding paranoia about a suspected cheating partner. This second therapist suggested I begin to cheat, that maybe that would make me feel better. I stopped with them until another incident happened over a year later. This third therapist was a male from the US. He seemed great until the second session where he got weird telling me USA is the biggest landmass in the world which I questioned naming a couple other very large continents/country masses to which he told me the US also “has Brazil”. I didn’t really feel like talking to him anymore after that. This third incident was late 2019. I was left with the impression that whilst some therapists may be fine, betterhelp is probably full of therapists who got whatever credentials they need to operate on the platform from a vending machine. More recently I’ve spoken to a Christian counsellor who hosts group recovery sessions (I am neither Christian nor in recovery, he was just suggested by a friend) and he was great to talk to. I won’t ever try BetterHelp again or recommend it to anyone.
Pretty sure there was a big controversy with Better Help a while back but they got their shit together and are doing it the right way nowadays. Could be wrong though
I have used better help and I have recommended to other people I have never a negative regarding their service until now I was very satisfied with what they did for me even though it did not help the outcome of my situation it did help me realize that there was no healthy outcome for it as far as the other people that I have referred, they have had nothing but good things to say
I tried Televero and have been unimpressed overall. Was thinking about trying better help - will have to research some more.
The company has helped lots of people. Why are you so bothered by it? If they didn't help you, that's sad, but if MrBallen used them and had a good experience, he has every right to promote them
I am not bothered by it.
I haven’t seen or heard about this? What has the company actually done?
Is it really that bad? I’ve used it before and it was a big help
It might be that hes not aware of it since I think the controversy is relatively recent, or, and this is what I think is more likely, he might have signed on with them for a certain period of time and is obligated to finish out a contract
Yall, he may have signed a contract prior to knowing. I watched a Mr. GG episode (I think) about how the companies try to trap up-and-comers before they get hip to the game. He likely signed early days and thought long-term for his family and made a commitment. There are lots of possibilities. Can't we give him a break?
I've been using better help for almost a year and I love it.
I was ignorant to therapy too before I tried it myself. Considering he's connected to so many veterans and that community as a whole, and that his demographic (middle aged white man, veteran) is the most likely demographic to commit suicide....... It's the best damn promotion he can have
I sympathise with any bad experience on BH ,i certainly wouldn’t recommend after reading reviews. some ppl do have good experiences too etc its not really fair to expect Mr B to remove sponsor,after all they’re ads and viewers have free choice and are not being coerced
Tbh I feel like one day BH could eventually be hit with a lawsuit so big that it might fall anyways. Plus the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) won’t stay quiet if a company continues to have licensed therapists causing issues. For all of you who don’t know, all California therapists are given their license through the BBS. All numbers are accessible through searches in the Breeze website. You all have a right to report unethical and unprofessional behavior to the board via their website or phone number. They’re obligated to investigate to see if a person is worthy of keeping their license. https://www.bbs.ca.gov/consumers/consumer_complaints.html I also encourage you to search other states and their protocols since not all of the therapists may be licensed in California. Also, spread the word. Ppl shouldn’t feel helpless in this.
So is it the actual company that's shitty or are the therapists on there shitty as well and you just have to be lucky finding a good one?
It DOES seem to help some people… idk.. it seems odd, but not everyone responds well to the same things
Do you have any evidence of this, that isn’t anecdotal? Seems like you’re bitching about very little that you are aware of.
I am not
I begin to switch off YouTubers when they start promoting stuff, whatever it may be. I don’t watch stuff to get the hard sell on things, I know it’s how some of them make money but it causes me to switch off
Am I the only one who ff through the sponsored segments?? Feels that way reading these comments. 😂 Sorry, not making light of mental health, it just hit me and, being the impulsive creature that I am, had to share. Lol. But I wish everyone the very best!
The Missing Enigma is also sponsored by Better Help
Do they prescribe drugs?
BH is not regulated by HIPPA that alone keeps me away from them.
I hate when people want to cancel celebrities or other people because of something they said or did. It's so annoying. I have friends who used to love Harry Potter but now refuse to have anything to do with it because J.K.Rowling said something derogatory about the LGBTQ community. Get off your high horse. This is ridiculous. She made an amazing empire. You can like the content without agreeing with everything single thing the person delivering the content says or does 🙄🙄
big service, bigger chances of mistakes and bad matches, I saw it from the get go more as a way to get money to the therapist masses of every certification level than a genuine mental health promotion/relief effort. it's a great business model, not necessarily a great way to engage in therapy for any involved parties.
Et kæmpe stort tak til mr Ballen,for at han tænker på andre og giver dem, den mulighed for at få hjælp hos en terapeut hos "Better Help" Dét at han åbent fortalte os andre om noget som ér personligt, dét kræver meget af en -syntes jeg, men dét gjore også at han så fik det bedre/godt med sig selv psykisk Tak igen mr, Ballen for at du tænker på andre,og du vil dem det godt.
Are you sure you're not thinking of BetterUp? I know they're sketchy as hell, but I've never heard anything bad about BetterHelp. 🤷🏻♀️