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In October 2018, BetterHelp gained attention from media personalities after concerns were raised about the alleged use of [[Unfair business practices|unfair pricing]], bad experiences with the app, paid reviews from actors, and terms of service that allegedly did not correspond with ads promoted by professional YouTubers.<ref name="poly">[https://www.polygon.com/2018/10/4/17932862/betterhelp-app-youtube-sponsorship-controversy-explained YouTube’s BetterHelp mental health controversy, explained] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207132015/https://www.polygon.com/2018/10/4/17932862/betterhelp-app-youtube-sponsorship-controversy-explained |date=2020-02-07 }}, ''Polygon''</ref> Co-founder (and CEO at the time) Alon Matas issued a statement responding to the allegations.<ref>Alon Matas [https://medium.com/@alonmatas/when-betterhelp-found-itself-in-a-youtube-controversy-3fd472229a4e When BetterHelp found itself in a Youtube Controversy ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017163054/https://medium.com/@alonmatas/when-betterhelp-found-itself-in-a-youtube-controversy-3fd472229a4e |date=2018-10-17 }} (October 9, 2018).</ref> [[YouTube]] content creators such as [[PewDiePie]] and [[Boogie2988]] have spoken out on this issue.<ref name="poly"/>{{better source needed|date=October 2023}}
In October 2018, BetterHelp gained attention from media personalities after concerns were raised about the alleged use of [[Unfair business practices|unfair pricing]], bad experiences with the app, paid reviews from actors, and terms of service that allegedly did not correspond with ads promoted by professional YouTubers.<ref name="poly">[https://www.polygon.com/2018/10/4/17932862/betterhelp-app-youtube-sponsorship-controversy-explained YouTube’s BetterHelp mental health controversy, explained] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207132015/https://www.polygon.com/2018/10/4/17932862/betterhelp-app-youtube-sponsorship-controversy-explained |date=2020-02-07 }}, ''Polygon''</ref> Co-founder (and CEO at the time) Alon Matas issued a statement responding to the allegations.<ref>Alon Matas [https://medium.com/@alonmatas/when-betterhelp-found-itself-in-a-youtube-controversy-3fd472229a4e When BetterHelp found itself in a Youtube Controversy ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017163054/https://medium.com/@alonmatas/when-betterhelp-found-itself-in-a-youtube-controversy-3fd472229a4e |date=2018-10-17 }} (October 9, 2018).</ref> [[YouTube]] content creators such as [[PewDiePie]] and [[Boogie2988]] have spoken out on this issue.<ref name="poly"/>{{better source needed|date=October 2023}}


BetterHelp has received backlash for supposedly sharing its customers' personal data with [[Facebook]]. In its 2022 privacy policy update, BetterHelp stated: "We may share your information in connection with an asset sale, merger, bankruptcy, or other business transaction."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/5/4/22985296/mental-health-app-privacy-policies-happify-cerebral-betterhealth-7cups|title=Mental health app privacy language opens up holes for user data|website=The Verge|date=May 4, 2022|author=Nicole Wetsman|access-date=May 12, 2022}}</ref> The company has responded to these complaints by saying that the law requires BetterHelp to hold on to health data and that they are not subject to [[Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act|HIPAA guidelines]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.consumerreports.org/health-privacy/mental-health-apps-and-user-privacy-a7415198244/|title=Mental Health Apps Aren't All As Private As You May Think|website=Consumer Report|date=March 2, 2021|author=Thomas Germain|access-date=May 12, 2022}}</ref>
BetterHelp has received backlash for allegedly sharing its customers' personal data with [[Facebook]]. In its 2022 privacy policy update, BetterHelp stated: "We may share your information in connection with an asset sale, merger, bankruptcy, or other business transaction."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/5/4/22985296/mental-health-app-privacy-policies-happify-cerebral-betterhealth-7cups|title=Mental health app privacy language opens up holes for user data|website=The Verge|date=May 4, 2022|author=Nicole Wetsman|access-date=May 12, 2022}}</ref> The company has responded to these complaints by saying that the law requires BetterHelp to hold on to health data and that they are not subject to [[Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act|HIPAA guidelines]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.consumerreports.org/health-privacy/mental-health-apps-and-user-privacy-a7415198244/|title=Mental Health Apps Aren't All As Private As You May Think|website=Consumer Report|date=March 2, 2021|author=Thomas Germain|access-date=May 12, 2022}}</ref>


On March 2, 2023, the [[Federal Trade Commission|FTC]] issued a proposed order banning BetterHelp from sharing consumers' health data with third parties. The order also requires BetterHelp to pay $7.8 million to consumers to settle allegations of revealing consumers' sensitive data with Facebook, Snapchat, and others.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/03/ftc-ban-betterhelp-revealing-consumers-data-including-sensitive-mental-health-information-facebook |title=FTC to Ban BetterHelp from Revealing Consumers' Data, Including Sensitive Mental Health Information, to Facebook and Others for Targeted Advertising|website=Federal Trade Commission|date=March 2, 2023|access-date=March 4, 2023}}</ref> The FTC complaint tied to the proposed order alleges that BetterHelp collected health status and histories, IP addresses, and email addresses from consumers while making repeated promises to keep this information private. The complaint summarizes that "From 2013 to December 2020, however, [BetterHelp] continually broke these privacy promises, monetizing consumers’ health information to target them and others with advertisements for the Service."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/2023169-betterhelp-complaint_.pdf |title=FTC In the Matter of BETTERHELP, INC. 2023169|date=March 2, 2023|access-date=March 4, 2023}}</ref>
On March 2, 2023, the [[Federal Trade Commission|FTC]] issued a proposed order banning BetterHelp from sharing consumers' health data with third parties. The order also requires BetterHelp to pay $7.8 million to consumers to settle allegations of revealing consumers' sensitive data with Facebook, Snapchat, and others.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/03/ftc-ban-betterhelp-revealing-consumers-data-including-sensitive-mental-health-information-facebook |title=FTC to Ban BetterHelp from Revealing Consumers' Data, Including Sensitive Mental Health Information, to Facebook and Others for Targeted Advertising|website=Federal Trade Commission|date=March 2, 2023|access-date=March 4, 2023}}</ref> The FTC complaint tied to the proposed order alleges that BetterHelp collected health status and histories, IP addresses, and email addresses from consumers while making repeated promises to keep this information private. The complaint summarizes that "From 2013 to December 2020, however, [BetterHelp] continually broke these privacy promises, monetizing consumers’ health information to target them and others with advertisements for the Service."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/2023169-betterhelp-complaint_.pdf |title=FTC In the Matter of BETTERHELP, INC. 2023169|date=March 2, 2023|access-date=March 4, 2023}}</ref>

Revision as of 02:01, 1 April 2024

BetterHelp
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryPsychotherapy
Founded2013; 11 years ago (2013)
Founders
  • Alon Matas
  • Danny Bragonier
HeadquartersMountain View, California, U.S.
Area served
Worldwide
ServicesOnline therapy
Unlimited messaging therapy
ParentTeladoc Health (2015–present)
Websitewww.betterhelp.com

BetterHelp is a mental health platform that provides direct online counseling and therapy services through either web or phone text communication.[1] BetterHelp was founded in 2013 by Alon Matas and Danny Bragonier, and acquired by Teladoc in 2015. BetterHelp maintained its service and brand name post-acquisition.

History

BetterHelp was founded by Alon Matas in 2013,[2] after he faced personal challenges finding professional counseling services that accommodated his schedule. Matas partnered with co-founder Danny Bragonier to develop BetterHelp's web-based counseling portal and therapist directory.[citation needed] Revenue had reached a projected $60 million by 2018.[3]

From 2020 through 2023, BetterHelp was the top purchaser of ads on podcasts, and spent nearly 8 million dollars on podcast ads in December, 2023.[4]

Services

BetterHelp offers four live therapy sessions monthly.[5] The "room" is open 24/7 and can be accessed from any Internet-connected device.[6][7]

Acquisition

In 2015, BetterHelp was acquired by Teladoc, a telehealth company that uses telephone and videoconferencing technology to provide on-demand remote therapy. Teladoc acquired BetterHelp for $3.5 million in cash and a $1.0 million promissory note, with an agreement to make annual payments to the sellers equal to 15% of the total net revenue generated by the BetterHelp business for each of the next three years.[8]

Controversies

In October 2018, BetterHelp gained attention from media personalities after concerns were raised about the alleged use of unfair pricing, bad experiences with the app, paid reviews from actors, and terms of service that allegedly did not correspond with ads promoted by professional YouTubers.[9] Co-founder (and CEO at the time) Alon Matas issued a statement responding to the allegations.[10] YouTube content creators such as PewDiePie and Boogie2988 have spoken out on this issue.[9][better source needed]

BetterHelp has received backlash for allegedly sharing its customers' personal data with Facebook. In its 2022 privacy policy update, BetterHelp stated: "We may share your information in connection with an asset sale, merger, bankruptcy, or other business transaction."[11] The company has responded to these complaints by saying that the law requires BetterHelp to hold on to health data and that they are not subject to HIPAA guidelines.[12]

On March 2, 2023, the FTC issued a proposed order banning BetterHelp from sharing consumers' health data with third parties. The order also requires BetterHelp to pay $7.8 million to consumers to settle allegations of revealing consumers' sensitive data with Facebook, Snapchat, and others.[13] The FTC complaint tied to the proposed order alleges that BetterHelp collected health status and histories, IP addresses, and email addresses from consumers while making repeated promises to keep this information private. The complaint summarizes that "From 2013 to December 2020, however, [BetterHelp] continually broke these privacy promises, monetizing consumers’ health information to target them and others with advertisements for the Service."[14]

During the Israel–Hamas war, BetterHelp offered six months of therapy "at no cost for those affected by the war in Israel". This was first made known via an announcement on the Israeli government's official Twitter account. A spokesperson for BetterHelp's parent company told Snopes that this was "an independent initiative" and that Israel's government was not involved.[15]

See also

  • Talkspace – Virtual counseling and therapy service company
  • Telepsychiatry – Mental-health care by telecommunication

References

  1. ^ Furhlinger, Josh. All-You-Can-Text Therapy Services Archived 2018-04-04 at the Wayback Machine The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 30 March 2016
  2. ^ Cohen, Sagi (24 July 2020). "Locked Down and Uptight? Israeli-founded Online Service Might Be the Solution". Haaretz.
  3. ^ "Vulnerable Patients Exposed To 'Growth At Any Cost' Culture". Seeking Alpha. 1 November 2018. Retrieved 8 November 2018.
  4. ^ "Amazon Rides Year-End Retail Wave To Overtake BetterHelp As Top Podcast Ad Spender". Insideradio.com. January 25, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  5. ^ "Best Online Therapy Services Reviewed". HelpGuide. Archived from the original on 2024-01-04. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  6. ^ "BetterHelp Online Therapy Review". Archived from the original on 2019-12-17. Retrieved 2020-03-01.
  7. ^ Martinez, Nikki Psy.D., LCP. Coping With a Cancer Diagnosis. Tips for the Patient, and Those Who Love Them Archived 2016-09-14 at the Wayback Machine The Huffington Post Retrieved 12 October 2015
  8. ^ Dolan, Brian Teladoc IPO filing reveals 299,000 visits last year, details of past acquisitions Archived 2016-08-23 at the Wayback Machine Mobile Health News. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
  9. ^ a b YouTube’s BetterHelp mental health controversy, explained Archived 2020-02-07 at the Wayback Machine, Polygon
  10. ^ Alon Matas When BetterHelp found itself in a Youtube Controversy Archived 2018-10-17 at the Wayback Machine (October 9, 2018).
  11. ^ Nicole Wetsman (May 4, 2022). "Mental health app privacy language opens up holes for user data". The Verge. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
  12. ^ Thomas Germain (March 2, 2021). "Mental Health Apps Aren't All As Private As You May Think". Consumer Report. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
  13. ^ "FTC to Ban BetterHelp from Revealing Consumers' Data, Including Sensitive Mental Health Information, to Facebook and Others for Targeted Advertising". Federal Trade Commission. March 2, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  14. ^ "FTC In the Matter of BETTERHELP, INC. 2023169" (PDF). March 2, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  15. ^ Ibrahim, Nur (2023-10-16). "Israel Offered 'Free Therapy' with BetterHelp Co. for Those 'Affected by the War'?". Snopes. Retrieved 2023-12-07.
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