BetterHelp Creator Campaign

For many of us, the rise of mental health discussions in online creator spaces has been a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's incredible to see the stigma around mental well-being erode, with creators openly sharing their experiences and advocating for self-care. On the other, a particular pattern has emerged that's causing concern within the therapeutic community and among those who truly value ethical mental health advocacy: the overwhelming saturation of BetterHelp sponsorships.

If you've spent any time on YouTube, podcasts, or other platforms, you've likely heard the ad reads. BetterHelp has made a concerted effort to become a dominant sponsor for creators across countless niches. While the idea of making therapy accessible is commendable, the sheer volume and often uncritical promotion of BetterHelp raise serious questions about the integrity of the information shared, the quality of care being advertised, and the potential for financial incentives to overshadow genuine recommendations.

This isn't about shaming creators; many genuinely believe they're promoting a helpful service. But as professionals, advocates, and consumers of mental health content, we have a responsibility to look deeper. When a single company dominates the sponsorship landscape, it creates a near-monopoly on the "recommended" mental health solution in these spaces. This can stifle diverse perspectives, limit discussions about alternative care models, and potentially pressure creators into promoting a service that may not be the best fit for everyone, or even ethically sound in all its practices (issues that have been raised by various groups over time).

The core issue is one of integrity and independent recommendation. Our field, and the vulnerable people it serves, deserves more than a single, heavily marketed solution. We need to ensure that mental health discussions in creator spaces are driven by genuine, well-researched insights and a diverse range of ethical options, not by the deepest pockets in the sponsorship market.

It's time to fight back and reclaim our space.

This is why I'm launching a community letter-writing campaign aimed at platforms, creators, and networks who have BetterHelp as a sponsor. Our goal is to politely but firmly express our concerns, advocate for more diverse and ethically vetted mental health sponsorships, and encourage platforms to develop clearer guidelines around mental health advertising.

I believe that together, our voices can make a difference. We can remind platforms of their responsibility to their audience, encourage creators to critically evaluate their partnerships, and ultimately push for a more ethical and diverse landscape for mental health discussions online.

Here’s how you can join me:

1. Use the Template Letter: I've drafted a template letter that outlines our concerns and suggested actions. You can find it here: BetterHelp Template Letter. Feel free to personalize it with your own experiences and perspectives, but the core message remains the same. Please also make sure you make a COPY before making any alterations.

2. Track Our Efforts: To ensure we're reaching a wide range of contacts and to avoid duplication, I've created a shared spreadsheet. Please add the names of the platforms, creators, or organizations you've contacted, along with the date. This will help us see the collective impact of our efforts. Access the spreadsheet here: BetterHelp Spreadsheet Tracker

3. Spread the Word: Share this blog post, talk about it on social media, and encourage others in your network who care about ethical mental health advocacy to join the campaign.

This isn't just about BetterHelp; it's about setting a precedent for how mental health services are promoted and discussed in the public sphere. It's about protecting the integrity of our field and ensuring that individuals seeking help receive truly unbiased and comprehensive guidance.

Let's stand together to make a difference. Let's reclaim our space.

In solidarity,

Sivie