Talkspace vs BetterHelp: What’s the best online therapy platform for you?

According to data from Statista, 59.2 million adults accessed mental health services throughout the US in 2023. That’s a sharp rise from the 41.7 million in 2021.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, more therapy services launched online. Two of the biggest names are Talkspace and BetterHelp. 

If you feel you would benefit from therapy, you might be unsure about which service to choose. Finding the right therapist and platform for you is essential. So, out of Talkspace vs BetterHelp, which is the best option?

In this post, we’ll take a look at both platforms, including their pros and cons, pricing, and what reviewers say. 

(Disclaimer: The information in this post is for general information only, and shouldn’t be used as a substitute for medical advice from a mental health professional. Ensure you seek professional advice before acting on anything in this post. If you’re concerned about your mental health, you should always consult your doctor as soon as possible.)

Talkspace vs BetterHelp: at a glance

Talkspace: the basics

Founded back in 2012, Talkspace was one of the earliest online therapy providers. The platform offers therapy for individuals (age 18+), teens, and couples. It also provides medication through its psychiatry services. 

Talkspace offers several pricing plans that are covered by insurance. It’s also accessible across the United States - and in most countries worldwide. To use Talkspace, you’ll need to be able to access the internet.

Remember that you won’t be able to use the platform if you live in a country that blocks VoIP.

How does Talkspace work?

Once you’ve established your insurance coverage - or paid for the service yourself - Talkspace will match you with a licensed therapist. The selected therapist will be chosen to suit your personal needs. 

The way you communicate with your therapist will depend on your plan. These include:

• messages
• live therapy sessions
• a mix of both

You’ll have a secure online therapy room for your messages, which are fully encrypted. Messages are sent asynchronously. This means you won’t communicate back and forth in real time. You can post a message at any time via text, voice, or video messages. Then you’ll get a response within one working day (in their business hours).

Live sessions are different, as they’re in real-time. You can schedule these in advance with your therapist, and choose to interact over video, audio, or text chat.

If you don’t feel you connect with your first therapist, you can change to a new provider. This is completely free of charge.

What services are available on Talkspace?

Individuals 👤

First, there are therapy services for individuals, aged 18+. If you choose this route, you’ll be matched with a licensed therapist. As mentioned above, you can choose to have therapy via messaging, live sessions, or both. The options available vary based on your pricing plan. 

Teens 🧑‍🎤

There’s a separate therapy service for teenagers specifically ages 13 to 17. Teens will be matched with a licensed therapist who specializes in providing therapy to teenagers. As with therapy for adults, you’ll have a secure, online therapy room.

Parents or guardians can only access this room if you show them directly. (Keep in mind that in most U.S. states, teens under the age of 18 usually require parental or guardian consent to access therapy.)

Couples 💑

Talkspace also offers couples therapy sessions. In these sessions, you and your partner will be asked questions about your relationship history and goals. Then, the therapist will work with you both to resolve interpersonal issues and strengthen your relationship. 

You’ll work together to recognize where your problems lie and what makes your relationship meaningful. You’ll make plans to rebuild and unlearn harmful patterns.

Couples counseling isn’t just aimed at married couples. There’s also relationship and premarital counseling available.

Medication 💊

Talkspace also provides a psychiatry service. This can provide you with medication to support your mental health. Your psychiatric provider will evaluate you and prescribe medication if needed.

You’ll then have follow-up video appointments every 3 months. You can also choose which pharmacy you want your prescriptions delivered to. Insurance is also accepted for this service.

What are the pros and cons of Talkspace?

We know Talkspace offers a variety of mental health services—but what do customers think? We looked at Talkspace’s Trustpilot page, and it currently has a four-star “Great” rating. 

That’s a solid rating. Digging deeper however, shows that Talkspace is polarizing among reviewers. The number of one-star and five-star reviews equals out (both at 46%). 

To understand why reviewers have such mixed feelings about the platform, we need to explore its pros and cons. Let’s take a look at these, along with reviews from customers.

Talkspace pros ✅

Selection of licensed therapists

You might have some concerns about the experience of Talkspace’s therapists. All Talkspace providers are licensed and meet NCQA standards. On top of being licensed, providers have, on average, between 7 and 10 years of post-supervision experience. This is reassuring–knowing you won’t be speaking to someone new to the industry. 

Talkspace also has a vetting and onboarding process. This ensures providers will offer therapy tailored to the online format. They also monitor provider engagement and outcomes to refine the matching process. So, you’re likely to be matched with someone who fits your needs.

The most positive reviews focus on the great therapists on the platform. These therapists help their clients to talk openly and authentically, and support them in developing positive mental wellbeing strategies.

Combined therapy and psychiatry options

Another important benefit of Talkspace is its psychiatry service. This means that you can get medication for your mental health, as well as therapy. Reviewers particularly appreciate the fast referral process.

Available on insurance

Therapy can be expensive, locking it off to those who may need it most. Talkspace offers a more affordable option. According to Talkspace, the majority of insured clients have a $0 co-pay. Covered insurance companies include Aetna, Regence, and Cigna. This will naturally depend on your plan, however.

Talkspace cons ❌

Mixed experiences with providers

Whilst Talkspace highlights the certifications of their therapists, that doesn’t mean they suit all clients. Many customer reviews note that Talkspace is a mixed bag. Some have had great experiences with therapists. But that’s not the case for all. It’s worth reading negative reviews to see other people’s experiences.

This review from Mary on Trustpilot describes the unprofessional behavior of the therapist she was matched with. 

Other negative reviews comment on AI-generated responses sent by some providers. This kind of impersonal response can be harmful when you’re managing your mental health.

With that being said, the high number of five-star reviews suggests that positive experiences are common. Some reviews note that switching therapists can be part of the process. Talkspace makes changing your therapist quick and easy with no extra charge.

Technical issues

Outside of issues with therapists, some customers comment on technical issues with the platform. In particular, there appear to be some audio issues, which make communication difficult.

Expensive pricing

Although Talkspace is covered by many insurance providers, some customers still feel the platform is too expensive. 

Talkspace pricing 💵

Talkspace has several pricing plans to choose from. These plans vary in price depending on the service you want to use.

Therapy for individuals

If your insurance doesn’t cover mental health, you’ll pay Talkspace with a monthly, quarterly, or biannual subscription. The latter two options can save you an extra 10 or 20% on the pricing. Therapy for teens is charged at the same rates. Keep in mind that pricing is approximate and may vary.

• Messaging therapy starts at $69 per week
• Video and messaging therapy starts at $99 per week
• Video and messaging therapy with live workshops starts at $109 per week

Couples therapy

This type of therapy may also be covered by your insurance. Otherwise, pricing starts at $436 per month. If you feel you need more sessions within the month, you can purchase more for $65 per session. Note that only one individual needs to buy the subscription.

Psychiatry services

Again, Talkspace’s psychiatry services may be covered by your health plan (if you’re in the US). If not, you’ll pay by the session. 

• An initial evaluation costs $299
• Follow-up sessions cost $175 each

You can also pay for a bundle of sessions. If you’re new to the service, you can pay  $435 for the initial evaluation and a follow-up session. For $725, you’ll get the evaluation and three follow-up sessions, 

If you’ve already had the initial evaluation, you can just pay for follow-up bundles:

• 3 sessions cost $475
• 6 sessions cost $890
• 9 sessions cost $1,260 

BetterHelp: the basics

Set up in 2013, BetterHelp has grown to become a leading provider of online therapy worldwide. According to BetterHelp, they have 30,000+ licensed therapists on the platform, and they’ve supported 5 mil+ individuals with their mental health.

BetterHelp offers therapy for individuals (age 18+), teens, and couples. You won’t be able to access medication through BetterHelp, as the platform doesn’t have a psychiatry service. 

In most cases, BetterHelp therapy is not covered by insurance. (However, you can contact your insurance provider to clarify this.) You can access BetterHelp across the entire United States, and about 200 other countries. 

How does BetterHelp work?

Once you’ve created an account and added your card details, you’ll be asked some questions, which will help to match you with a suitable therapist. You can provide details about what they should have experience with, and why you feel you would benefit from therapy.

After this, you should be matched with a therapist within hours, or a few days at the most. 

You can communicate with your therapist in the way that suits you best - via phone, video, text, or chat. You can send messages to your therapist whenever you need. Therapists will typically respond within 24 hours, though this will vary depending on the provider.

You can also schedule live therapy sessions on your mobile or PC too. If you want to change therapists, you can do this an unlimited number of times for free.

What services are available on BetterHelp?

Individual 👤

Like Talkspace, BetterHelp offers therapy sessions for individuals over the age of 18. Counselors on the platform are all licensed and go through a rigorous screening process.

These include professionals qualified in a variety of roles, including therapists, psychologists, and clinical social workers. 

They’re qualified to either a master’s or doctoral level and will have a minimum of 3 years and 1,000 hours of industry experience. When you’re matched with a therapist, you’ll be able to find information about their experience and qualifications on their profile.

You’ll have four live sessions each month. Counselors on BetterHelp typically offer 30 to 45-minute sessions. 

You can talk with your counselor about anything you need to. You’ll also find that some specialize in areas that are significant to you. This includes depression, grief, self-esteem, and other challenges.

There are a variety of different types of therapy available, including CBT, DBT, and interpersonal therapy.

Teens 🧑‍🎤

To access BetterHelp’s therapy for teens, you’ll be directed to TeenCounseling.com. This site is also operated by BetterHelp.

The TeenCounseling site is aimed at parents looking for mental health support for their teens. Again, with this option, you’ll fill in a questionnaire and get matched with a therapist. Then you can invite your teen to join. 

Couples 💑

Selecting couples therapy service will take you to Regain.us, which is also owned by BetterHelp. Again, you’ll be prompted to provide your details. Alternatively, you can head to the homepage and access reviews and articles.

What are the pros and cons of BetterHelp?

So, in terms of reviews, how does BetterHelp rank? On Trustpilot, the platform currently has a 4.4 star “Excellent” rating.

Taking a closer look, we can see that 83% are 5-star reviews. 9% are 1-star and 1% are 2-star. So, that’s about 90% positive or neutral, and 10% negative overall.

Does this mean BetterHelp is the standout choice for you? Let’s take a look at the platform’s pros and cons in more detail.

BetterHelp pros ✅

Diverse, licensed therapists

BetterHelp has a wide range of qualified counselors on the platform, including psychologists and social workers. Positive reviews are impressed by the expertise and support from their counselors. 

Features and options

Along with the therapists, reviews also comment on the variety of features available. That includes online classes, video calls, and the chat option. There’s also a useful journal feature on the iOS and Android apps.

You can use this to record your mood, your thoughts, and feelings. Your therapist can read these so they’re up-to-date with how you’re feeling when your session starts.

Accessibility 

Some customers appreciate BetterHelp’s wide range of communication and financing options. This helps to open the platform—and in conjunction, therapy itself—to more people. 

BetterHelp cons ❌

Billing issues

Despite BetterHelp’s high TrustPilot rating, it’s not without criticism. For example, some reviewers were dissatisfied with the platform’s billing procedure. This Trustpilot reviewer comments on therapist availability, and how they have been charged even for weeks they could not use the service.

However, it’s important to consider that this concern isn’t felt by all users. For example, this review highlights a positive experience with BetterHelp’s billing system.

Expensive pricing with no insurance coverage

Although BetterHelp offers some financial aid in specific cases, customers note their frustration with the lack of insurance coverage. This can gatekeep essential mental health services from people who need it.

Mixed experiences with counselors

Like Talkspace, reviews of counselors on BetterHelp are mixed. Although some customers rave about their BetterHelp therapists, others have had difficult experiences on the platform.

This reviewer on Reddit describes several bad experiences with therapists on the platform. This included one therapist listing PTSD as a specialty, despite claiming to have never had a patient with this disorder, and another invalidating the reviewer’s ADHD symptoms. 

Short sessions

Another Reddit comment highlights the short length of BetterHelp’s sessions. The poster felt they didn’t have enough time to cover anything in the 30-minute sessions. They felt pushed to write to their therapist, which didn’t benefit them.

Obviously, we can only hear one side with online reviews. However, a consistent picture does build with BetterHelp’s online feedback. Again, like Talkspace, the platform does seem to have some great therapists. But it’s not an instant success for many.

BetterHelp pricing 💵

Pricing for therapy on BetterHelp varies between $65 to $100 per week. You’ll pay for this month to month. This equates to $260-$400 monthly.

The price you’ll pay will depend on a variety of factors, including demand and location. This is called “surge pricing” and can put some clients at a disadvantage. For example, if you live in an area where demand is high, you’ll typically pay more.

Another issue with BetterHelp’s pricing system is that it’s not covered by insurance, which makes it less accessible. With that being said, there is financial aid available for those who have a low income, as well as veterans and students.

Talkspace vs BetterHelp: which is best?

Choose Talkspace if: You want a platform that includes access to medication and talking therapies, and is covered by insurance.

Choose BetterHelp if: You’re looking for a platform with a big online presence, large selection of professionals, and useful features.

Talkspace vs BetterHelp isn’t a clear-cut issue. Both platforms make therapy more accessible, offer a variety of communication tools, and use licensed therapists. On the other hand, both have mixed reviews about the quality of the service.

BetterHelp has the stronger Trustpilot review score. However, Talkspace is arguably better value as it accepts insurance and provides psychiatry services.

Regardless of which platform you choose, you may need to try a few different therapists before you find the right one for you. Fortunately, both platforms allow you to change an unlimited number of times for free.

Developing mental well-being outside therapy

If you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s essential to seek help from professionals. That includes psychologists, psychiatrists, doctors, and therapists. Therapy and medication can’t be substituted with quick fixes.

Once you’ve put those things in place, though, there are other steps you can take to boost your mental wellbeing. Let’s take a look at some of these below.

Connect with supportive communities

Social isolation has a detrimental impact on mental wellbeing. This includes everything from increasing your stress to reducing your sleep quality. 

Even if you don’t typically enjoy socializing, don’t dismiss this idea. There are lots of different ways to connect with others. You could join a local group for a hobby - or even start up your own. 

There are also online communities to join that can help to build your self-esteem. This can be a more relaxed way to connect with people, if it’s not usually your thing. Still, it’s best to choose a group with like-minded people who understand mental health.

For example, ChillCorner is a mental health-focused online community on Whop.

It’s completely free to join this supportive community, and you’ll get access to private chats too. If you love the group, you can upgrade to the VIP tier for extra videos, goal accountability, and more.

Never joined a digital community before? Learn about online communities in our explainer guide.

Practice self-care

When you’re alone, it’s important to consider how you treat yourself. Practicing self-care in your daily routines helps you to reframe your view of yourself and your life. Self-care is diverse. 

It can include anything from exercise and fitness to making time for rest, hygiene care, and meditation. Even developing a fashion style that suits you can be self-care.

Want to learn more about self-care? Kelrana offers a self-care bundle including ebooks and templates to boost mental wellbeing.

The bundle includes a well-being guide, self-care ebooks, and two customizable templates to develop your own routines. 

Want to get motivated? Discover online fitness communities to exercise and network.

Enjoy the present moment

Mindfulness has become a buzzword, but that doesn’t mean it’s not super helpful. By adding mindfulness to your morning routine, you can draw your thoughts away from the stresses of your past and future. With mindfulness, you can learn to live in the moment. That puts you back in the driver’s seat of your mind. 

It’s a great tool for business owners and entrepreneurs too. Even the best hustlers can struggle with their mental health from time to time.

Mindfulness can unlock healthier ways of thinking and reduce stress. For example, Mindfulness for Entrepreneurs offers 5-star rated mindset courses and coaching on Whop.

Supplement your mental wellbeing with resources on Whop

If you’re looking for a platform to connect with like-minded people and boost your well-being, you’ll find lots of resources on Whop. Of course, they’re not a substitute for therapy and medication. But they can supplement your mental health journey, as you develop self-esteem and forge new connections. 

That could be through optimizing your mind and body in a fitness program. Or sharing a hobby like photography. Or even growing an online following for your artwork. There’s something to inspire everyone on Whop.