Career Coach

BetterUp vs BetterHelp

Updated

They are two different services from two different companies. BetterUp is coaching: growth at work with certified coaches, sold today only through employers. BetterHelp is online therapy with licensed therapists, typically $70 to $100 a week, billed every 4 weeks; it belongs to Teladoc Health.

BetterUp and BetterHelp, from their own pages (read November 9, 2026)
BetterUpBetterHelp
What it isCoaching for work and leadershipOnline therapy
Who you talk to4,000+ ICF-certified coachesLicensed therapists (30,000+), with a master's or doctorate and at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of experience
PriceNot published; former individual plans reported at $89 to $279 a month"$70 to $100 per week, billed every 4 weeks"
What's includedOne-to-one and group coaching sessionsMessaging and a weekly live session by video or phone
How you get itThrough your employer (individual plans no longer sold)Sign up yourself; cancel any time
InsuranceNot covered: paid by the employerEligible members pay an average copay of $23 a session
CompanyBetterUp, a separate companyTeladoc Health, since 2015

Which one you need

Start with the question you want answered. "How do I get promoted, lead my team, change careers?" is a coaching question. "Why do I feel this way, and how do I feel better?" is a therapy question. The US National Institute of Mental Health advises seeing a professional for severe or distressing symptoms that last two weeks or more, such as trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating or losing interest in things you enjoy.

If you are struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: free, confidential, 24 hours a day. In a life-threatening situation, call 911.

What each does better

  • BetterHelp: licensed care for your mental health, a weekly live session plus messaging, and insurance for eligible members.
  • BetterUp: coaching focused on work and leadership, paid by your employer, with coaches trained for it.
  • Both: you can see a therapist and work with a coach at the same time; ICF's ethics guidance asks coaches to refer clients to therapy when that serves them better (coach or therapist).

Start from your situation

Your question is about work, not your mental health? Career Coach (that's us) is not a person: it's a 12-week online plan for one goal, 10 minutes a week, with a weekly check-in on what you said you'd do. It starts with what the people around you see in you: you choose who to ask (a coworker, a former coworker, a friend), and they pick your strengths in one minute. Free to start, then costs less a month than one paid hour with a coach.

Get started

Questions

Are BetterUp and BetterHelp the same company?

No. BetterHelp has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Teladoc Health since January 2015. BetterUp is a separate company, founded by Alexi Robichaux and Eddie Medina.

How much does BetterHelp cost?

BetterHelp says its self-pay plans typically range from $70 to $100 a week, billed every 4 weeks, depending on location, preferences and therapist availability.

Can a coach replace a therapist?

No. Coaches are not licensed to treat mental health conditions. ICF's ethics guidance asks coaches to refer clients to counseling or therapy when coaching is not enough.

Sources