The Bottom Line
Pride Counseling is a BetterHelp subsidiary designed specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. The core value proposition: you don't have to "educate" your therapist on basic identity concepts. All providers are vetted for LGBTQ+ competency, and the matching algorithm prioritizes experience with gender identity, dysphoria, and transition-related care. However, it shares BetterHelp's data privacy concerns—a particularly sensitive issue for this community.
What Is Pride Counseling?
Pride Counseling is a dedicated online therapy platform serving the LGBTQIA+ community. As part of the BetterHelp network, it uses the same infrastructure and pricing model but curates its therapist pool specifically for cultural competence around sexual orientation and gender identity.
The platform was created to address a real problem: many LGBTQ+ individuals have had negative therapy experiences where they spent more time explaining their identity than working on their actual issues. Pride Counseling aims to eliminate that barrier.
Pricing
Pride Counseling costs $60 to $90 per week, billed monthly. This is consistent with—and sometimes slightly lower than—the main BetterHelp platform.
Pricing Breakdown
| Weekly Cost | $60 - $90 |
| Monthly Cost | $240 - $360 |
| Insurance Accepted | No |
| HSA/FSA Eligible | Yes |
| Financial Aid | Available (income-based) |
Key Features
LGBTQ+ Competent Therapists
All Pride Counseling therapists explicitly affirm LGBTQ+ identities. The matching algorithm prioritizes:
- Experience with gender identity and expression
- Gender dysphoria support
- Transition-related care (social, medical)
- Coming out support
- Family/relationship dynamics unique to LGBTQ+ individuals
Anonymity Options
The platform places high emphasis on user discretion. Nicknames are permitted—you don't have to use your legal name during signup or therapy. This is particularly important for users who aren't out in all areas of their lives.
Communication Modes
- Unlimited text/audio/video messaging — 24/7 asynchronous
- Live video sessions — Weekly scheduled appointments
- Phone calls — For those who prefer voice
- Live chat — Real-time text conversations
The Privacy Issue
⚠️ Important Consideration
Pride Counseling shares BetterHelp's data infrastructure and, by extension, its privacy concerns. In 2023, BetterHelp settled with the FTC for $7.8 million over allegations of sharing user health data with advertising platforms like Facebook and Snapchat.
For LGBTQ+ users—especially those in unsupportive environments, with security clearances, or in professions where disclosure could have consequences—this is a significant consideration. The data shared included information that could identify users as seeking therapy through an LGBTQ+ specific platform.
We're not saying Pride Counseling is unsafe—they are HIPAA compliant—but privacy-conscious users should understand that BetterHelp-family platforms have historically shared more data with advertisers than many users expected.
What Users Say
What People Like
- No need to "educate" therapists on LGBTQ+ basics
- Creates safer therapeutic alliance from day one
- Nickname option provides discretion
- Accessible regardless of location (critical in less accepting areas)
Common Complaints
- BetterHelp data privacy concerns are particularly sensitive for this community
- No medication management for gender-affirming care or mental health meds
- Quality varies—some therapists are more experienced than others
- No insurance acceptance increases cost barrier
Who Should Consider Pride Counseling
- LGBTQ+ individuals tired of explaining their identity to therapists
- Anyone seeking support for coming out, transition, or identity exploration
- Those in areas without local LGBTQ+-affirming providers
- Users who prioritize LGBTQ+ competency over privacy concerns
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Those with serious privacy concerns (security clearances, hostile environments)
- Users needing medication management or gender-affirming hormone therapy support
- Anyone seeking insurance-covered care
Alternatives to Consider
FOLX Health
If you need gender-affirming hormone therapy + mental health support
Trevor Project
Free crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth (call 1-866-488-7386)
Talkspace
If you need insurance coverage (filter for LGBTQ+-affirming providers)
Final Verdict
Pride Counseling solves a real problem. Finding a therapist who doesn't need a tutorial on gender identity or queer experiences is genuinely valuable—it lets you get to the work faster and with less emotional labor.
The significant caveat is the privacy issue. BetterHelp's past data practices are especially concerning for a vulnerable community that may face discrimination, family rejection, or professional consequences from disclosure. If privacy is paramount—particularly if you're not out everywhere or work in a sensitive field—weigh this carefully.
For users who prioritize affirming care and convenience over privacy concerns, Pride Counseling is one of the best-designed platforms for the LGBTQ+ community.