BetterHelp Partners with Lewis Capaldi on Mental Health Journey

Lewis Capaldi’s return to music after a two-year hiatus represents more than just a comeback—it’s become a powerful platform for mental health advocacy. The Scottish singer-songwriter, who stepped away from performing in 2023 to focus on his mental well-being, has partnered with BetterHelp to help others access professional support through the world’s largest online therapy platform.

Capaldi’s openness about his mental health journey, combined with BetterHelp’s mission to make therapy more accessible, creates an opportunity to address common questions about online mental health support and break down barriers that prevent people from seeking help.

The Glastonbury Moment That Changed Everything

During his 2023 Glastonbury performance, Capaldi faced a moment that would reshape his entire approach to mental health. Managing anxiety and Tourette’s syndrome on stage became overwhelming, forcing him to cut his set short. What followed was a 734-day break from performing—a period he used to focus on his mental health recovery.

According to his recent partnership video with BetterHelp, anxiety had overtaken his life by the end of his 2023 tour, leading to his decision to step away from music entirely. Rather than attempting to manage his struggles privately while maintaining his career, Capaldi chose transparency and comprehensive treatment.

This decision reflects a growing shift in how public figures approach mental health challenges, prioritizing long-term wellness over short-term career pressures.

The Role of Professional Therapy

Capaldi’s recovery journey centered on professional therapy, which he credits as fundamental to his ability to return to music. “Therapy is the reason why I am able to be a musician again,” he states. “I don’t think I’ll ever stop going to therapy after the impact it’s had on my life over the past two years.”

His therapeutic process wasn’t immediately successful. According to his interview, Capaldi admits that early in his treatment, he wasn’t fully honest with his therapists, but eventually found one with whom he could be genuine.

“I think I’ll always be an anxious person,” Capaldi explains. “I think accepting that that’s always going to be there for me is a big thing. It’s about how I respond to anxiety and how I respond to a lot of stuff in my life.”

This perspective shift—from trying to eliminate anxiety to learning effective responses—demonstrates the practical coping strategies that evidence-based therapy provides.

Understanding Online Therapy Platforms

For those wondering whether online therapy can be effective, research consistently shows that virtual mental health services produce outcomes comparable to traditional in-person treatment for many conditions, including anxiety and depression. BetterHelp, as the world’s largest online therapy platform, has served over 5 million people across more than 100 countries.

The platform addresses one of the most significant barriers to mental health care: finding qualified professionals. BetterHelp maintains a network of over 30,000 licensed therapists, each rigorously vetted to ensure they meet professional standards. Every therapist must hold a valid state license, complete required education and training, and possess at least 1,000 hours of hands-on clinical experience.

These aren’t just anyone with a psychology degree—they’re licensed psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and professional counselors who meet the same credentialing requirements as traditional in-person providers.

The Matching Process That Makes a Difference

One of the most challenging aspects of traditional therapy is finding the right therapeutic fit. BetterHelp’s comprehensive matching system addresses this by analyzing client preferences and needs alongside therapist specialties and availability. In 2024, the platform achieved a 93% success rate in fulfilling client preferences, with new members typically connecting with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.

The system considers factors including therapeutic approaches, areas of specialization, communication styles, and personal preferences regarding therapist characteristics. This level of tailored matching helps ensure that clients work with professionals who understand their specific situations and can provide relevant support.

According to BetterHelp’s 2024 Quality and Outcomes report, 72% of clients experienced symptom reduction in their first 12 weeks of therapy. These outcomes are tracked through standardized assessments administered every 45 days, providing consistent progress monitoring.

The 734,000 Hours Initiative

Capaldi’s partnership with BetterHelp extends beyond advocacy to concrete action. In recognition of the 734 days he spent focusing on his mental health, he and BetterHelp are providing 734,000 hours of free online therapy—representing 1,000 hours for each day of his recovery period.

“I want to support my fans as they’ve supported me, which is why I’m donating 734,000 hours together with BetterHelp,” Capaldi explains. The initiative offers a free month of BetterHelp services to anyone who hasn’t previously used the platform, available through December 31, 2025.

This removes the financial barrier that often prevents people from seeking mental health support. Users can access the service without charge and won’t be billed if they cancel within the first month, eliminating the risk typically associated with trying new therapeutic services. Prior to talking to a therapist, fans are required to submit a valid payment method to use this offer.

Breaking Down Mental Health Stigma

Capaldi’s transparency about his mental health journey serves a purpose beyond personal healing. By connecting his highly public 2023 crisis to his current recovery, he provides a complete narrative that many people can relate to and learn from.

“We’ve seen through our data that globally 3 in 4 people agree that seeking mental health support is important, yet most people are afraid to ask for help,” notes Sara Brooks, Chief Growth Officer of BetterHelp. “To have someone as globally recognized as Lewis Capaldi share so authentically how therapy has transformed his life is incredibly powerful.”

This kind of high-profile advocacy helps normalize therapy and reduces the stigma that continues to prevent many people from seeking professional support.

The Accessibility Factor

Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp offer several advantages that traditional therapy may not provide. The platform offers multiple communication options—video sessions, phone calls, live chat, and messaging—allowing users to engage with therapy in ways that feel most comfortable and convenient.

This flexibility is particularly valuable for individuals dealing with anxiety, social concerns, or logistical challenges that might make traditional office visits difficult. The ability to access therapy from a  comfortable environment can significantly impact treatment engagement and effectiveness.

For people in areas with limited mental health resources, online platforms provide access to a much larger pool of qualified professionals than might be available locally.

Sustained Mental Health Approach

Capaldi’s commitment to continuing therapy even after his successful return to music reflects current best practices in mental health care. Rather than viewing therapy as a short-term intervention for crisis situations, he treats it as an ongoing tool for wellness and personal growth.

“I don’t think I’ll ever stop going to therapy,” he states. This perspective aligns with research showing that sustained therapeutic support often produces better long-term outcomes than brief interventions alone.

As Capaldi prepares for his upcoming UK tour in September, followed by shows in Australia and New Zealand, his story demonstrates how professional mental health support can enable people to return to their passions with greater resilience and self-awareness.

The Broader Impact

The partnership between Lewis Capaldi and BetterHelp represents part of a broader movement toward accessible, stigma-free mental health care. With growing recognition that mental health support shouldn’t be limited by geography, finances, or scheduling constraints, online platforms are expanding access to professional care.

For individuals considering whether online therapy might be appropriate for their needs, Capaldi’s advocacy highlights the importance of professional support in mental health recovery. His story emphasizes that seeking help represents strength rather than weakness, and that with proper support and commitment to the process, meaningful healing and growth are possible.

The collaboration illustrates how celebrity advocacy can serve a genuine purpose when focused on increasing access to care and reducing barriers to treatment, rather than simply promoting products or services.