BetterHelp Named Exclusive Online Therapy Provider for AARP Members, Providing Access to Mental Health Support

Audio By Carbonatix

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 10, 2026--

Amid widespread emotional strain, rising stress, and a loneliness epidemic affecting millions of Americans—findings show about 40% of adults now report feeling lonely¹—access to meaningful support matters now more than ever.

BetterHelp, the world’s largest online therapy platform with more than 6 million members helped to date, today announced it has been named the exclusive online therapy provider for AARP’s members. As part of a broader suite of member benefits, AARP members receive 30% off their first month of a self-pay subscription to BetterHelp, with the option to use qualified insurance coverage where available³.

By combining BetterHelp’s trusted digital therapy platform with a focus on adults age 50-plus, this offering makes flexible, accessible mental health support available to AARP members and helps reduce long-standing barriers to care, including long wait times, limited provider availability, and geographic constraints¹,².

What the Exclusive Offering Includes for AARP Members

AARP members gain access to BetterHelp’s digital mental health platform, including:

• 30% off their first month of a self-pay subscription - exclusive to AARP members
• A network of more than 30,000 licensed therapists across the platform
• BetterHelp’s Therapist Match Commitment, which uses a detailed intake process to help members find a therapist aligned with their needs, with flexibility to change therapists if needed
• Flexible therapy options, including video, phone, and messaging
• A discreet and intuitive digital experience
• After the first month, weekly subscription pricing (for non-insurance users) ranging from $70–$100, depending on location, referral source, therapist availability, preferences, and available discounts³
• The option to use qualified insurance coverage, with co-pays averaging $23 per session, depending on plan and eligibility³
• Three-month free trial of BetterSleep, BetterHelp’s guided sleep and relaxation app - exclusive to AARP members
• Exclusive virtual mental health webinars and workshops led by licensed clinicians, focused on relevant topics and life experiences

Why Mental Health Access Matters for the 50-Plus Population

Adults age 50 and over make up roughly one-third of the U.S. population, and research points to significant unmet mental health needs among this demographic—needs that flexible, digital therapy can help address. Loneliness and social disconnection are recognized public health concerns in the United States and are linked to poorer mental health, including elevated stress, frequent mental distress, and depression¹,²,⁴.

These challenges often coincide with life transitions common in mid- and later life—such as retirement, caregiving responsibilities, loss of loved ones, and changes in social networks. Reflecting these realities, BetterHelp insights show that adults age 50 and over most often seek therapy for anxiety and depression, challenges tied to major life transitions, and experiences of trauma and grief. Separate findings also indicate that this population overwhelmingly believes mental health care, including one-to-one counseling, can improve mental health and overall quality of life²,⁵.

“Our own research reveals a clear gap between mental health needs and access to care,” said Sara Brooks, Chief Growth Officer at BetterHelp. “More than half of Gen X and Baby Boomers report never having received therapy, even as nearly one in five say they’ve experienced overwhelming sadness, grief, or depression. While stigma continues to play a role for some, most believe mental health care can make a meaningful difference in their lives—from increasing energy levels to supporting relationships and caregiving responsibilities⁵. BetterHelp is honored to provide AARP members with this exclusive offering, helping expand access to mental health support for people 50 and over.”

“Mental health is an essential part of overall health, and too many older Americans face barriers to getting mental health treatment,” said John Larew, President & CEO of AARP Services Inc. “By facilitating access to BetterHelp’s network of licensed clinicians with this member benefit, we hope to open a doorway to treatment for people who might otherwise have faced their mental health challenges alone.”

For more information, please visit betterhelp.com/aarp.

¹ AARP Research study on loneliness and social connections among adults age 45 and older. Fielded August 4-19, 2025, among 3,276 U.S. adults.

² AARP Research study on mental health care and adults age 50 and over, published in 2024.

³ In the US, weekly cash / subscription access (non-insurance) cost ranges from $70–$100, depending on location, referral source, therapist availability, preferences, and available discounts. Insurance availability is rolling out gradually and may vary by plan, state, and individual eligibility. Standard insurance benefits and cost-sharing apply, depending on plan and eligibility. See here for more information on insurance: https://www.betterhelp.com/insurance-coverage/

⁴ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Loneliness, Lack of Social and Emotional Support, and Mental Health Issues — United States, 2024.

⁵ Survey commissioned by BetterHelp and conducted by Dynata, an independent research firm. Fielded in March 2025 among 16,000 respondents across 23 countries; select findings were included in BetterHelp’s 2025 State of Stigma Report.

About BetterHelp

BetterHelp was founded in 2013 to remove the traditional barriers to therapy and make mental health care more accessible to everyone. Today, it’s the world’s largest online therapy platform providing professional, affordable, and tailored therapy in a convenient online format. BetterHelp’s network of 30,000 licensed therapists globally has helped millions of people worldwide take ownership of their mental health and work towards their personal goals. As the unmet need for mental health services persists, BetterHelp is committed to expanding access to therapy globally.

About AARP Services

AARP Services, founded in 1999, is a wholly-owned taxable subsidiary of AARP. AARP Services manages the provider relationships for and performs quality control oversight of the wide range of products and services that carry the AARP name and are made available by independent providers as benefits to AARP’s millions of members. The provider offers currently span health products, financial products, travel and leisure products, and life event services. Specific products include Medicare supplemental insurance; credit cards, auto and home, mobile home and motorcycle insurance, life insurance and annuities; member discounts on rental cars, cruises, vacation packages and lodging; special offers on technology and gifts; pharmacy services and legal services. AARP Services also engages in new product development activities for AARP and provides certain consulting services to outside companies.

About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260310084184/en/

[email protected]

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MENTAL HEALTH HEALTH CONSUMER TELEMEDICINE/VIRTUAL MEDICINE WOMEN SENIORS MEN

SOURCE: BetterHelp

Copyright Business Wire 2026.

PUB: 03/10/2026 04:05 PM/DISC: 03/10/2026 04:05 PM

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260310084184/en