UK comparison
MySafeTherapy vs BetterHelp: Which Is Better for UK Users?
For UK users, MySafeTherapy is generally the better fit because every therapist is registered with a UK regulator (BACP, UKCP, or HCPC), data is stored under UK GDPR, and pricing starts at £14.99/month for self-help and from £50/session for therapy. BetterHelp is a larger US-based platform that operates in the UK but does not guarantee UK-registered clinicians, tends to cost more (~£240–£360/month equivalent), and stores data under US privacy law. MySafeTherapy also offers avatar-based anonymous therapy and AI self-help tools that BetterHelp does not.
Key points
- MySafeTherapy: all therapists BACP/UKCP/HCPC registered. BetterHelp: not guaranteed.
- MySafeTherapy: UK GDPR, UK data residency. BetterHelp: US-based data handling.
- MySafeTherapy: from £14.99/month (self-help) or from £50/session (therapy). BetterHelp: ~£240–£360/month.
- MySafeTherapy offers avatar-based anonymous sessions — BetterHelp does not.
- MySafeTherapy includes AI self-help tools (Navi, Emotional Weather, Trigger Translator).
- BetterHelp has a larger global therapist pool; MySafeTherapy is UK-focused.
At a glance
- Clinician credentials: MySafeTherapy = BACP/UKCP/HCPC registered. BetterHelp = varies, US-focused credentials common.
- Data protection: MySafeTherapy = UK GDPR, UK/EU residency. BetterHelp = US-based, historically fined by FTC for data-sharing.
- Pricing: MySafeTherapy = £14.99/month for self-help; therapy is per-session with therapist-set fees from £50, and £10 off per session for Self-Help subscribers. BetterHelp = ~£60–£90 per week (~£240–£360/month).
- Session formats: MySafeTherapy = video, chat, phone, avatar. BetterHelp = video, chat, phone.
- AI tools: MySafeTherapy = Navi, Emotional Weather, Trigger Translator, Lima. BetterHelp = none built in.
- Anonymity: MySafeTherapy = avatar-based option. BetterHelp = pseudonym at signup only.
- Free options: MySafeTherapy = free booklets, quizzes, 15-min intro call. BetterHelp = no free tier.
- Change therapist: MySafeTherapy = anytime, no charge. BetterHelp = anytime, no charge.
When BetterHelp might suit you
- You want the largest possible therapist pool and don't mind non-UK credentials.
- You need therapy in a language MySafeTherapy doesn't currently cover.
- You're outside the UK and want a global brand.
When MySafeTherapy suits UK users better
- You want a therapist regulated by a UK body (BACP/UKCP/HCPC).
- You want data stored under UK GDPR, not US privacy law.
- You want to try therapy anonymously via avatar sessions.
- You want AI-assisted self-help tools included in your subscription.
- You want lower entry pricing (self-help from £14.99/month).
- You want a free 15-minute intro call before committing.