The Dangerous Rise of VC-Backed Mental Health Platforms
- Stacy Wright, PsyD, HSPP
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
In recent years, venture capital–funded therapy apps like BetterHelp, Grow Therapy, Talkspace, Teledoc, and others have flooded the mental health industry. If you're on any social media platform or ever watch anything on YouTube, you've likely been exposed to these advertisements for mental health counseling. These companies often prioritize speed and scalability over ethical, long-term care. Not only are patients treated like a number, but so are the therapists who are recruited to provide the care to those looking for healing. With many of these platforms, clients are set up to have their credit or debit card charged monthly fees, whether or not they even have a counseling session within that month!
At Faithful Counsel, we stand against this trend and remain committed to providing personalized, biblically grounded therapy.
How These Platforms Harm Therapists
• Low pay for providers, despite high patient fees
• Loss of clinical autonomy due to quotas and algorithms
• No benefits or long-term support for therapists
• Dehumanizing models that treat clinicians like interchangeable contractors
How Patients Suffer Under These Models
• Cookie-cutter therapy with minimal depth
• Privacy risks due to poorly secured digital platforms
• Therapist turnover, which disrupts healing and trust
• Barriers to care for faith-based or complex needs
Why Private Practice Matters
Private, ethical practices provide:
Continuity of care
Personalized, values-driven care
Clinician autonomy
Faith-based freedom
A Better Way Forward
We believe therapy should never be driven by investor expectations. At Faithful Counsel, we offer telehealth services designed to foster deep healing—built on truth, love, and professional integrity.
Have Questions or Concerns?
Contact us directly. We’re here to talk, pray, and help guide you toward truly meaningful mental health care.
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