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‘It’s not 1800-phone-a-friend’: the failed promise of therapy apps
17 minutes Posted Oct 3, 2026 at 6:00 pm.
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If you listen to podcasts, and let’s be honest, there’s a fair chance that you do, it’s likely that you’ve heard ads for a thing called Better Help.

It’s an app offering flexible, affordable therapy whenever you need it. Kind of an “Uber for therapy”.

Since we first brought you this story two years ago, app-based therapy has continued to grow – and now AI chatbots are increasingly being used for mental health support too.

So are we actually better off with BetterHelp and apps like it?

Today, we’re returning to our conversation with clinical and forensic psychologist Dr Ahona Guha, on the Uberfication of mental health care – and why a gig economy for psychologists isn’t the answer to our struggling mental health system.

This episode first aired in August, 2024

 

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Guest: Clinical and forensic psychologist Dr Ahona Guha

Photo: betterhelp.com

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