Douglas Mitchell offers online counseling with BetterHelp which is a sponsor of OpenCounseling. We may earn a commission when you follow links to sponsored providers Learn more.
BetterHelp offers financial aid based on your income. The discount is between 10% and 40%. To apply, complete the initial sign-up process, then click on the "Apply for financial aid" link. The financial aid questionnaire asks some basic questions about your income and will give you instant feedback if you qualify for a discounted rate. The process is quick and easy. To apply for financial aid, start by creating your profile here.
When you first click through to BetterHelp, you'll be asked to answer questions about yourself and what you're looking for in therapy. These questions are designed to make sure your therapist is a good match for you. They're also designed to determine if there is a reason you should consider in-person care instead of online therapy. (For example, BetterHelp recommends that people who are in suicidal or in mental health crisis seek immediate help, then follow up with in-person therapy.) You'll then be asked to set up a profile with an email address and password. You should set aside about 20 minutes for the sign-up process.
We can be skeptical by nature, but when we tested BetterHelp we were pleasantly surprised with the effectiveness of the therapy we received through their platform. We chose BetterHelp as an affiliate sponsor of OpenCounseling precisely because we felt they offered a good service. But while our experience was positive, we should say that each person is unique and the treatment you receive will depend on you and the specific therapist you work with. Check out our review of BetterHelp here to learn more about why we recommend it. You can read the full details of our affiliate relationship here.
Sep 05, 2020 by D.U.
Douglas is very helpful. Helps me explore options with my various problems, and sends me resources outside of our meetings. He’s very caring and understanding, while holding me accountable, helping me reach my goals in therapy.
Aug 31, 2020 by N.D.
You’ve been amazing since the start thanks for everything you’ve done for me :)
Aug 19, 2020 by C.O.
I highly recommend Douglas. He provides great insight. In the two years he’s counseled me he’s exposed me to many different ways to approach my anxiety, self esteem, and relationships. I was also looking for a counselor that could help me find tools to build a better routine for my mental and overall health, and since Douglas is so positive and knowledgeable it’s been life changing.
Jul 23, 2020 by C.A.
Douglas is amazing! I have been working with him for almost two years now and when I first started BetterHelp I was having extreme anxiety and suicidal thoughts. I had tried in person therapy multiple times and did not feel listened to and did not like the time it took to go to the office, sit in the waiting room, ect. BetterHelp is from the comfort of my own home and works with my busy schedule. Douglas is honest and has provided me with tools to face life's obstacles. When I experienced the death of a close friend he was particularly helpful and even scheduled an extra session with me. I am a different person than I was when I started and I cannot recommend him enough.
Jun 23, 2020 by P.H.
I am so relieved to hear Douglas's sincere reflections on my concerns that have been troubling me. Breakups are never easy, but he helped me realize that I am staying true to myself.
Jun 18, 2020 by K.R.
He is amazing and has helped me learn a lot about myself and get through hard time.
Jun 03, 2020 by A.N.
D. Mitchell is a great counselor and has a real sincere approach when it comes to goals. He is very knowledgeable which what he knows and share. He’d provided me with basic homework to work on in between phone conversation. The overall ease and experience by using Better Help for this new approach of counseling is beyond amazing!
Apr 14, 2020 by V.A.
Douglas is a very professional, easy-going, and put together counselor to talk to and gain advice from. He has helped me through some difficult times in my life and through some times I was highly doubtful of my own abilities he was able to give me advice and help me with CBT skills to climb out of the hole of thinking I got myself into. I would definitely recommend Douglas to anyone looking for someone open to spirituality, CBT, and an easy-going personality who also knows when to challenge someone’s thinking and broaden their perspective
Apr 08, 2020 by A.N.
Douglass has been amazing with helping me learn to identify and heal from traumas related to my sexuality that left really deep scars in me. Through him, I’ve learned how to live my life, how to cope, and how to smile. He’s the best of the best. Would highly recommend.
Mar 23, 2020 by J.A.
Douglas definitely helped me deal with my negative self-talk and cognitive distortions. He also outlined ways in which I lacked impulse control (which stemmed from the cognitive distortions and fear-based thinking).
Jan 23, 2020 by M.A.
Really enjoy working with Douglas. He complete changed my life outlook and quality.
Jan 13, 2020 by J.U.
Very helpful and willing to help. Listens to concerns and addresses them. Takes his time to get to know you and what you want/need help with. Professional
Dec 24, 2019 by J.A.
He is one of the most understanding people I know. I’ve always had issues opening up and with him it feels natural. Have made so much progress already! Excited to continue to work and grow with him!
Dec 13, 2019 by J.O.
So far Douglas has been a great support
Nov 27, 2019 by M.E.
Douglas is absolutely wonderful. I'm not sure what I would do without him. He is so helpful and supportive and always checks in if he hasn't heard from me in awhile. I really appreciate having him on my side.
Nov 20, 2019 by D.A.
You are truly helpful and I appreciate the positive attitude towards everything I ask or we talk about !
Oct 29, 2019 by R.E.
Douglas offers helpful resources, brings me back to focus on the issues I'm facing, and is generally a good listener.
Oct 02, 2019 by J.O.
I definitely can see how his counseling has been improving my daily life and giving me the confidence to stand my ground when adversity comes my way.
Sep 19, 2019 by D.E.
Douglas has been instrumental to my peace of mind during these last three weeks. He’s shared books and articles, on top of always responding to my questions promptly, and I strongly believe his advice has made the most difference in this short time. I look forward to working with him each week and would recommend him with much confidence.
Sep 14, 2019 by C.H.
Douglas helped me in a time of crisis, and I am very thankful for him. He is very good at helping in times of chaos, as he is able to help refocus energy and redirect thought. He listens well and has a very calming nature. I would recommend him to anyone who is looking to sort out stressors and negative self talk.
Aug 25, 2019 by A.L.
Mitchell Douglas has been a very attentive councilor to my current needs. He’s helped me work through things that were holding me back. I appreciate all the resources he’s given me.
Aug 22, 2019 by G.A.
Douglas has provided the “person to talk to” I was looking for when I found this problem. Our calls help me put things in a workable order and help keep me focused.
Jul 14, 2019 by T.I.
Douglas has done an excellent job of striking a balance between staying in touch, and not smothering with questions/suggestions. His patient demeanor has helped me greatly, and I would recommend his services for anyone looking to get counseling for the first time. Thank you!
Jul 09, 2019 by A.N.
This past year was one of the hardest times of my life and Douglas has been a major part of helping me recover and grow from those difficulties. He has helped me improve my self-image, guide me through issues dealing with work, increase my self-confidence, learn to trust myself more, stand up for myself, and so many other positive and wonderful things. I've had periods of lows and highs, but lately, I have been successful in keeping myself in the calm middle where I can face the bad in my life and appreciate the good. I have learned to accept that life will never be "perfect" and there will always be problems I will face both now and in the future. One of many things Douglas has helped me with is to not let the problems of the past get in my way. I no longer wake up thinking, "why did I say that? Why did I do that? Why am I so stupid? I could have done that better!". Now I wake up thinking, "It's a new day. That solution didn't work let me try something else. I can't control this but I can control that. I've been through so much already is this small thing really worth getting ruining my day/week/month?". I would have never thought I would get to where I am today mentally, but here I am and I feel so much better, happier, and confident. I still get emotional, I still get upset, I still feel bad at times, but the big difference is those emotions don't linger and ruminate and churn in my mind for months on end and even years. I'm no longer "haunted" by past events, they have become my teachers. I'm no longer my own worst enemy either or my own worst critic and that alone has lifted such a major burden from my heart and mind. I've been using my energy towards being happier with my life and spending it with people I love. Instead of tearing myself apart and bringing myself down, I lift myself up and put myself back together. BetterHelp with Douglas has been the best gift I could have ever given myself.
Jul 01, 2019 by P.O.
Douglas always takes the time to really listen to what I’m saying and respond in a way that does not pass on any judgment. It can be really difficult for me to open up and trust others, but he has shown me that he is someone I can confide in when I don’t always feel comfortable doing so with people in my life. He has offered great insight and advice for me to be able to reframe my thinking and gain a new perspective into myself and the way I react to and process information, and for that I am grateful.
Jun 26, 2019 by T.E.
A wonderful, caring, practical therapist!
Apr 24, 2019 by L.I.
Douglas is very patient and not judgmental. Wants what's best for his patients and understanding! 10/10
Apr 23, 2019 by F.A.
When I joined BetterHelp.com, I was in a very bad emotional state. My negative thinking , anger and anxiety, was costing me to loose my loved ones and destroy my life. I felt like a derailed train. After connecting with Douglas Mitchel, immediately I felt like I found a now friend. He analyzed my situation right away. Then he started to promptly communicate with me and helped me find the way to solve my issues.He always responded to me right away. Even when he wouldn’t here from me, he would still check on me like a real friend and family member. Today I feel like a new person, I’m not the only one who thinks that way. My whole family feels like I became my old self again. Thank you BetterHelp.com for connecting me with Douglas Mitchell. Lastly, thank you Douglas Mitchell for helping me find myself and be happy again. My family also thanks you. I wish you and your loved ones the best. Best regards, Farzin
Mar 23, 2019 by C.H.
I have always used the traditional way of counseling...aka face to face. But it was always difficult to set up an appointment at the time when you really need to talk to someone right now. Needless to say when i came across betterhelp.com i was very hesitant to sign up. But i had so much going on and really needed the help of a therapist. I was matched with Douglas Mitchell, and i cannot tell you how happy i am that i was matched with Douglas. He is an intelligent, well-knowledged, non-judgmental therapist. He doesn't sugar coat anything and tells you what it is...great listener and interpreter of events. He's brilliant and takes pride in his speciality and a real interest in his clients and their wellbeing. I highly recommend him to everyone. He has helped me become a better me. He (BY FAR) is more helpful than any other therapist out there and by far, SURPASSES any "conventional " face to face therapist out there. Thank you Douglas!!!
Feb 09, 2019 by F.R.
Douglas is kind and responsive. He is careful to reflect back what he reads, and offers perspectives and strategies in which to approach situations without sounding judgmental or directive. I appreciate his warmth and attention to detail.
Dec 17, 2018 by A.D.
Douglas Mitchell (LMFT) is the best counselor I have ever had. I do strongly recommend him to everyone. He is very professional and understands exactly my concerns. He is always there to help, in a timely manner, professionally and effectively! And I know what I am talking about, as I am working in the Healthcare field as well! Thank you, Douglas! Bless you!
Dec 11, 2018 by A.N.
Douglas was great! He reached out to me when I didn't. Meant quite a lot to me.
Sep 21, 2018 by A.D.
Douglas is incredibly insightful and resourceful, devising a multitude of ways of tackling the issues you present him with. He's respectful and empathetic, but more than anything else, he is honest.
Sep 20, 2018 by M.A.
Douglas is thoughtful, considerate, and patient. He gives good advice and has been a tremendous help.
Aug 27, 2018 by S.T.
We are still a little new together, so it’s hard to comment thoroughly, but he is a genuinely empathetic person and has good insights. I like his perspective and maturity.
Aug 23, 2018 by S.A.
When I first joined BetterHelp, it was with a different counselor. I did not have a very good experience as she was not very engaged with working with me. She was not very responsive and did not respond back to me for 10-days. I decided to cancel my subscription but BetterHelp gave me 2 free weeks with a different counselor. I chose Douglas Mitchell based on his profile...I thought he would be the best fit, and he definitely is! Three weeks later with him and I feel more positive than I have in years. He is very responsive and will reply back to every one of my messages in the same time a friend would reply to a text. He has me work on worksheets that are very helpful to both of us. I might not be into all the worksheets but that’s okay, it’s a process. Basically, he’s showed me that I have all the answers inside of me...he just helps me to find the key to unlocking them. I recommend him fully. If his profile fits your needs, definitely give him your trust as he will help you find your best self.
Aug 22, 2018 by V.F.
Words can’t explain the true professionalism and guidance that Douglas provides. I’ve had several in-person therapists, who were extremely helpful in my life, and I’ll happy to say that virtually I can add Douglas to my list. He more than listens to what say and finds ways to repeat back your own comments to think about things you didn’t know you were clearly saying. Worth every penny and worth your time. We all have a inner hero, Douglas hears it and helps us listen to it.
Aug 10, 2018 by K.E.
I like working with Douglas; he is very good at messaging and checking in when I need him.
Jun 25, 2018 by C.A.
I’ve only been working with Douglas for a few sessions, but doing so has been the best choice I’ve made in a long time. He’s very insightful, responsive, a wonderful listener and has helped me make couples therapy sessions with my husband more productive. Forever grateful!
Jun 18, 2018 by L.E.
I have only begun my counseling journey, I feel blessed to have someone listen without judgement and who is supportive to my needs to get well again.
Jun 07, 2018 by M.A.
Douglas was very helpful and attentive, would absolutely recommend him.
Jun 06, 2018 by T.A.
I felt a huge shift after my first session with Douglas and I have continued to find increasing relief and calm each time we've spoken.
Jun 02, 2018 by J.A.
Douglas has been an insightful and supportive council in the most distressing period in my life. His steady and levelheaded imput has literally been a life saver. I am profoundly grateful for his kindness.
May 31, 2018 by D.A.
My counselor is absolutely the best! I went through a very hard time in the past 6 months and he has always been there for me. He does not only "mirror" and normalize my concerns, (which are already very comforting); but also gives me tips and mantras that I'll remember and act during times of difficulties. Sometimes when I feel worried, I come back to this website, re-read our previous conversations and the advice he gives me, and carries on. He is absolutely wonderful and I am so thankful for having met my counselor.
May 17, 2018 by L.O.
I've only been working with Douglas for a few days but he's been consistently checking in and replying to me several times a day. He clarifies what it is that I want to discuss and asks me questions about each of my concerns. Douglas has been wonderful so far and I'm excited to continue working with him because I see hope!
Apr 30, 2018 by G.R.
Douglas was incredibly helpful with my grief over a personal loss. He was sensitive and gentle in his responses, yet skilled at guiding me toward seeing things in new ways. Of course the grief is still there, but it now feels healthy and manageable instead of stifling, and I credit that largely to Douglas' expertise.
Apr 24, 2018 by E.H.
He is very helpful.
Apr 18, 2018 by M.A.
I really like talking to my therapist because I really felt that he listens to my story and he tries to support me at a time that I need to talk to someone.
Apr 17, 2018 by W.A.
Douglas is kind but is sure to remain realistic.
Apr 16, 2018 by B.R.
Even when I don't have specific things to work on, it is wonderful to have a completely neutral person to tell things to. I appreciate Douglas' perspective on situations, even at times telling you the truth you may not want to hear. He is patient, professional and a great listener.
Apr 11, 2018 by A.L.
He's super supportive and understanding.
Mar 27, 2018 by J.D.
Wonderful and helpful. Great listener and insightful.
Feb 26, 2018 by L.E.
Douglas is extremely helpful and intuitive as a counselor. I highly recommend him, especially if you are an artist and/or HSP.
Jan 23, 2018 by L.C.
Wonderful man! Responds thoughtfully and respectfully. Would recommend :)
Jan 08, 2018 by L.O.
My time with Douglas has been life changing. Thinking about where I am now to how I was feeling before I began counseling just a short while ago is such a great feeling. Before I decided to join BetterHelp I felt scared, lost and afraid. Douglas helped me sift through everything I was feeling and pinpoint the things that mattered.
Nov 24, 2017 by J.O.
Getting paired with Douglas Mitchell was the single, most fortunate event in my life. He is patient, compassionate, and extraordinarily skilled at helping me to figure out serious, long-standing, life-crushing issues. If you get some time with Douglas...Guess what... You just got lucky, babe.
Nov 17, 2017 by N.I.
There is a difference between what the counselor thinks is best and what is best for each individual client. The reason I like Douglas is he took the time to figure out what I wanted and told me how to achieve it. Yes, problems can easily have black-and-white answers, but life isn't like that; it is about the details, and he gives you those details.
Nov 02, 2017 by S.E.
Doug is an awesome therapist. He is ultra responsive, supportive, directional and suggestive when needed. Gentle and a kicker in the pants at the same time. A great mix of humility, empathy, understanding and guidance.. I feel lucky to have found him on BetterHelp.
Aug 23, 2017 by R.A.
I like working with Douglas!
Jul 27, 2017 by M.I.
Love him!
Jul 01, 2017 by A.L.
I am grateful for having Douglas as a therapist, he helped me find strength, compassion, and acceptance for myself. I found equanimity in my life through my time with working with him.
Jun 26, 2017 by W.I.
Douglas is an expert at creating a helping and healing relationship. He is wonderful in every measurable way. However, I mostly appreciate his sense of humor and playfulness during our therapy conversations. It eases my anxiety and allows me to heal faster. Thank you, Douglas!
Jun 22, 2017 by D.A.
Douglas is a great counselor. His replies are always timely. I feel my initial reason for talking to Douglas has been met and am now in a maintenance mode. Douglas checks in with me about once a week to see how I am doing. But I also know he is an email away if I need his help. I highly recommend Douglas!
Jun 22, 2017 by M.A.
Douglas has quickly helped me to start putting my life back together. He is patient and gentle and he tailors his approach to my needs and preferences. He has managed to allay my fear of counseling in just a few weeks time. He has my thanks and my highest recommendation.
Jun 06, 2017 by S.T.
It's wonderful to be able to sit down when I have the time to communicate with Douglas. He "hears" what I am trying to relay to him, and the advice being offered is sound. So far, I am very much enjoying this experience on the whole. It's much nicer than 1 hour a week in an office, and pick up where you left off? I always found it most difficult to deal that way. So many unresolved issues. This is great, we can converse any day, every day, and I feel more at ease with my issues.
Jun 05, 2017 by S.A.
Doug is kind, thought provoking, responsive, and helps change my perceptions towards situations that arise in my life. Thanks Doug!
Jun 02, 2017 by M.A.
Douglas is a super nice guy and knows the right things to say when you need to hear them. As we worked through issues it just felt natural and not at all uncomfortable opening up to a qualified stranger online. Would definitely recommend!
May 07, 2017 by D.A
Douglas is awesome. He asks the right questions,provides great responses and checks in on you. I highly recommend Douglas!
Apr 16, 2017 by S.A
Douglas has been amazing, I am already seeing improvement.
Feb 23, 2017 by A.L
I've been working with Douglas for about 4 months. He is an amazing therapist who has helped me through a very difficult transition. I would highly recommend him to my family and friends.
Nov 15, 2016 by B.R
After talking with Douglas Mitchell for a week I found him to be helpful and insightful.
Nov 08, 2016 by L.E
Mr. Mitchell is personable and cogent as well as being a good listener.
Sep 29, 2016 by N.D
I've been so lost for the longest time. I never felt like I had anyone, but myself to talk to. I was afraid that no one would understand me. When I finally spoke to Douglas... It felt like the giant weight on my shoulder was being lifted ever so slowly. Day after day, the more I spoke to him, the better I felt about my problems and just in general - my life. I feel very blessed to have come across such an amazing individual. I am definitely going to continue my sessions with him. He has shown me a different outlook on how much happier, fulfilling and brighter my life can be. :) Thanks my friend...
Aug 27, 2016 by L.L
Douglas is an exceptional therapist. He is patient and listens to you, however long it takes, he tries to make you feel like a caring warm and compassion. I would highly recomend him to my friends.
Jun 16, 2016 by L.U
I am very glad to have found BetterHelp and my counselor Douglas Mitchell. Douglas genuinely cared about whatever I was going through and always responded very quickly. Thank you BetterHelp and Douglas!