How to delete your BetterHelp account
You can delete your BetterHelp account through the app or website by going to your account settings, selecting "Delete Account," and confirming the deletion. The process takes a few minutes and is permanent—BetterHelp will remove your profile, message history, and session notes within 30 days. If you have an active therapist match or ongoing sessions, you should end that relationship first or let your therapist know before deleting, since the account removal will cut off all communication.
Deletion is different from deactivation. When you delete, everything goes away and cannot be recovered. When you deactivate (also called pausing), your account stays in the system but becomes invisible to you and your therapist—you can reactivate it later if you change your mind. Most people who want to leave BetterHelp temporarily should deactivate instead.
Key Takeaways
- Account deletion is permanent and removes all your messages, notes, and profile within 30 days; deactivation is reversible and keeps your data intact.
- If you have an active therapist, end the relationship or notify them before deleting so they know what happened.
- You can delete your account from the mobile app or website by navigating to settings and selecting the delete option.
- BetterHelp will not refund subscription fees for the current billing period, but you can cancel your subscription separately from account deletion.
Steps to delete your account on the website
Log into your BetterHelp account on the website. Click on your profile icon or avatar in the top right corner, then select "Settings" from the dropdown menu. Scroll down to the bottom of the Settings page until you see "Delete Account" or "Account Deletion."
Click the delete button. BetterHelp will ask you to confirm your choice and may ask why you are leaving. You do not have to answer the survey, but BetterHelp uses it to understand why people leave. Type your password to verify your identity, then click "Delete Account" again. The deletion will process immediately, though it takes up to 30 days for all your data to be fully removed from their servers.
Steps to delete your account on the mobile app
Open the BetterHelp app and log in if needed. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then tap "Settings." Scroll to the bottom and tap "Delete Account." The app will show a confirmation screen explaining that deletion is permanent.
Tap "Delete Account" again to proceed. Enter your password to confirm your identity. The app will process the deletion and log you out. You will no longer be able to log back in, and your account will be gone from the system within 30 days.
What happens to your data and messages
When you delete your account, BetterHelp removes your profile, all message history with your therapist, session notes, and any uploaded documents or photos. The company retains some information for legal and billing purposes—specifically, transaction records and any information required by law—but your therapy records and personal messages are deleted.
If you think you might want to access your records later for another therapist or for your own records, download or request your data before deleting. You can ask BetterHelp's support team to send you a copy of your session notes and messages. This process can take several business days, so do it before you delete if it matters to you.
Canceling your subscription before or after deletion
Deleting your account does not automatically cancel your BetterHelp subscription. If you are on a paid plan, you need to cancel the subscription separately through your account settings or through your payment method (Apple, Google Play, or your credit card company if you subscribed directly).
If you delete your account while an active subscription is running, you will still be charged for the current billing period. You cannot get a refund for time you do not use. To avoid being charged again, cancel your subscription before you delete, or cancel it immediately after deletion through your payment provider. Check your next billing date in your subscription settings so you know when the final charge will hit.
Ending your therapist relationship before deletion
If you have an active therapist match, send them a message letting them know you are leaving BetterHelp. This gives them a chance to wrap up your care properly and document the end of treatment. You can also use the "End Relationship" button in your therapist's profile to formally close the match before deleting your account.
If you delete without warning, your therapist will simply see that your account is gone and will not be able to reach you. Some therapists keep notes about why a client left, and an abrupt deletion can make it harder for them to close your file properly. A brief message takes 30 seconds and is the professional way to end the relationship.
If you want to pause instead of delete
BetterHelp allows you to deactivate your account temporarily without deleting it. Go to Settings, select "Deactivate Account" or "Pause Account," and confirm. Your profile and messages stay in the system, but you cannot log in or message your therapist. Your therapist will see that your account is paused.
Deactivation is useful if you are taking a break from therapy but think you might return, or if you want to step back without losing your history. You can reactivate by logging back in with your email and password. There is no time limit on how long you can keep an account deactivated, and you will not be charged while it is paused (though you should still cancel your subscription if you have an active one).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover my account after I delete it?
No. Deletion is permanent and irreversible. Once you confirm deletion and your data is removed from BetterHelp's servers (within 30 days), you cannot get your account, messages, or session notes back. If you think you might want to return to therapy with BetterHelp later, deactivate instead of delete.
Will I be charged after I delete my account?
You will be charged for your current billing period even after deletion. To stop charges, cancel your subscription separately before or immediately after deleting your account. Check your payment method's settings (Apple, Google Play, or your credit card) to confirm the cancellation went through.
Do I have to tell my therapist I am leaving?
You do not have to, but it is considerate to send a brief message or use the "End Relationship" button so your therapist knows what happened. If you delete without notice, they will see your account is gone but will not know why or whether you are okay.
What if I want my session notes before I delete?
Contact BetterHelp's support team and request a copy of your records. They can send you your session notes and message history as a file. This usually takes several business days, so request it before you delete if you want to keep the records.
Can I delete my account if I have an active subscription?
Yes, but you will still be charged for the current billing period. Deleting your account does not cancel your subscription. You must cancel the subscription separately through your account settings or your payment provider to stop future charges.