About 800,000 people will begin receiving notices today that they are eligible for refunds stemming from the Federal Trade Commission’s 2023 settlement with BetterHelp related to allegations that the online therapy firm used and shared consumers’ health data, including sensitive information about their mental health, with third parties for advertising.
In response to the settlement, BetterHelp agreed to pay $7.8 million to settle the charges brought by the FTC. The commission accused BetterHelp of using and disclosing sensitive consumer data for advertising purposes without obtaining proper consent or limiting how third parties used the information. Specifically, the FTC alleged that BetterHelp shared email addresses, IP addresses, and personal health information with platforms like Facebook and Snapchat for advertising, despite promising consumers that their data would only be used for counseling services.
Eligible consumers who signed up and paid for services from a BetterHelp website between August 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020, will receive notifications regarding their refund options. The independent redress administrator, Ankura Consulting Group, will be handling the refund process and will offer various payment methods such as PayPal, checks, and Zelle payments. Consumers who have questions about the refund process can contact the administrator at 1-833-637-4774 or via email at info@BetterHelpRefundProgram.com.
The refund program covers several online counseling websites operated by BetterHelp, including BetterHelp, MyTherapist, Teen Counseling, Faithful Counseling, Pride Counseling, iCounseling, Regain, and Terappeuta. Payments are expected to be distributed this summer, with consumers having until June 10, 2024, to choose a different payment method if they wish to do so.
Additionally, the FTC emphasized that consumers should not be required to pay money or provide sensitive financial information to receive a refund, and any questions or concerns about the process can be directed to the independent refund administrator.
The FTC's efforts in 2023 led to $324 million in refunds being issued to consumers across the country, highlighting the commission's commitment to promoting competition, protecting consumer rights, and educating the public on various consumer topics. For more information on consumer rights and to report fraud or scams, individuals can visit consumer.ftc.gov or ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
