I’ve used Talkspace’s therapy and psychiatry services for about a year. Even after trying other platforms, I stick with Talkspace because it’s in-network with my insurance and offers comprehensive care. I’ve worked with multiple Talkspace therapists and medication providers, used all the app’s resources, and interacted with customer support. In my latest review, I gave Talkspace 4 out of 5 stars based on detailed criteria. It’s a strong option for those with in-network insurance but can be pricey for cash-pay compared to other platforms.
Talkspace At a Glance
Cost: $276 – $436 monthly
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Medication Available? Yes
Pros & Cons of Talkspace
Pros - Many major health insurance plans are accepted
- Also offers, couples, teen, and medication services
- Quick and easy sign-up
- Excellent mobile and web apps
- Accepts Medicare
Cons - Not much control over initial therapist choice
- Therapist-matching process can take a few days
Who Is Talkspace Right For?
- Therapy-seekers with insurance or Medicare
- Those looking for psychiatric services in addition to therapy
- Those seeking couples or teen therapy
Preview Talkspace
Talkspace is a subscription-based online therapy platform that costs between $276 – $436 monthly for anyone ages 13+ across the US and internationally. During our independent review of their services, they earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
When I tried Talkspace, I found it very easy to sign up and get matched with a therapist. The matching process was a little slow, compared to other online therapy services, taking about 2 days to get matched. Meanwhile, when I signed up for BetterHelp, I was matched with a therapist within an hour. Regardless, I was excited to have my first video therapy session with my therapist within a week of completing the initial Talkspace sign-up. My first session was easy to attend and I encountered no technical issues during my time with Talkspace. Notably, Talkspace offers both couples counseling and teen counseling, meaning it’s a great choice for anyone seeking those therapy options.
Talkspace is fairly expensive for cash-pay psychiatry. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you should look to Brightside Health which has some of the most affordable cash-pay rates we’ve seen. In terms of therapy, some people benefit from a bit more structure than what Talkspace offers — if that sounds like you, then Online-Therapy.com could be a better choice.
Why You Can Trust My Review
My Talkspace review is based on my first-hand experience using Talkspace’s therapy and psychiatry services. I’ve used Talkspace for about a year now, and I continually use it for my own mental health needs since it’s in-network with my insurance and offers all the care I need. I’ve personally met with several Talkspace therapists and medication providers to get a feel for how the platform works, as well as participating in the app’s extra resources and working with Talkspace customer support. Combining my personal experience with Talkspace, our history of Talkspace reviews, and our firsthand experience with other online therapy platforms, we’re in a special place to provide insights into what Talkspace has to offer.
Based on our quantitative multi-point scoring criteria, Talkspace scored 4 out of 5 stars during our most recent review. Our scoring criteria measure 30+ metrics across 13 categories ranging from user experience to therapist vetting and experience.
Review our scoring criteria for online therapy platforms here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.
Firsthand Experiences with Talkspace
Below, we’ve presented a deep dive into everything Talkspace offers, but sometimes you just want to hear a clear recommendation from somebody who’s used the service firsthand. Here’s our firsthand experiences with Talkspace.
Matt Church's Experience with Talkspace
Caitlin Bell's Experience with Talkspace
Detailed Review of Talkspace
Talkspace is a subscription-based online therapy platform that offers a variety of ways to access your weekly therapy sessions including video, phone, and messaging. Talkspace also offers psychiatric services and therapy options for couples and teens. Additionally, Talkspace subscribers on the highest subscription plan gain access to a wide range of educational webinars. Talkspace serves anyone age 13+ in the US or internationally. Talkspace costs range from $276 – $436 monthly and accepts many major insurance plans. Notably, Talkspace is one of the very few online therapy companies of its kind to accept Medicare plans.
Messaging With A Talkspace Therapist
All of Talkspace’s plans allow you to access an ongoing message thread with your therapist who is guaranteed to respond at least once per day Monday through Friday. You can discuss issues with your therapist via this messaging, they can send you resources and homework, or you can use it as a place to jot down important things you’d like to discuss at your next session.
The messaging feature in Talkspace works well and acts as a hub that you can come back to time and again throughout your services. It’s also the place you’ll go to join your therapy session when it’s time to do so. It allows you and your therapist to exchange files and any other useful materials that might come up during therapy.
Live Video & Phone Sessions
Talkspace therapists offer video and phone sessions, which you can attend once weekly with the live therapy plan, which currently costs $396 monthly. Sessions are 30-50 minutes long and may vary depending on your therapist, and your individual needs. I joined my first Talkspace video appointment from my iPhone via the Talkspace mobile app on my home wifi connection. Joining my Talkspace session was very easy, as the app guided me directly to the virtual waiting room from my dashboard once I was within 10 minutes of my appointment time.
When I tried Talkspace, it provided me with plenty of reminders about my appointments, via text messages, email, and push notifications on the mobile app. Thankfully, you can adjust the notification and reminder settings to your liking. The video platform that Talkspace uses seems very stable – I didn’t have technical issues during any of my sessions. The video platform was simple, displaying our two video feeds as well as a button for ending the call.
My initial Talkspace therapy session lasted about 30 minutes. I was very impressed with my therapist and felt she was an excellent fit for me – she listened to me, conveyed empathy, and provided actionable ideas all while ensuring I felt like I could say anything I needed to with no judgment. It can be a huge task to find a therapist that’s compatible with you, so I was very impressed to find such a good fit on the first try with Talkspace.
Educational Workshops & Other Valuable Resources
Exclusively available on the most expensive plan, which currently costs $436 monthly, Talkspace offers a huge selection of educational workshops. These workshops cover anything from learning new coping skills to practicing mindfulness and more. The plan covers one workshop per week, in addition to your normal therapy session.
Notably, Talkspace offers workshops for both individuals and couples. All workshops are hosted via Zoom by Talkspace licensed therapists Monday – Thursday. Workshops allow you to learn new skills and mental health concepts outside of your therapy sessions and can be a great supplement. However, workshops shouldn’t be considered equivalent to therapy. Since the workshops use Zoom for the video platform, you’ll be able to control your camera and microphone settings, which is great for those who prefer a bit more privacy.
All Talkspace subscribers also get access to several useful interactive exercises for topics such as sensory awareness, improving focus, or decreasing anxiety. These exercises and resources are very well-implemented, easy to use, and offer great insights. These resources are useful, but other providers offer more variety. For instance, BetterHelp has more worksheets that therapists can send, and Online-Therapy.com is practically built around worksheets.
Talkspace Psychiatry
Psychiatry through Talkspace is available for anyone 18+ in the US. With Talkspace psychiatry, you’ll be able to meet with a psychiatrist or qualified medical provider to work together and determine if mental health medication is a good choice for you. Psychiatry through Talkspace is a separate cost from their therapy subscription plans.
Talkspace psychiatry and therapy are quite similar when it comes to the design of the platform. With psychiatric sessions, you meet with a medication provider about once per month, but it may be more or less often, depending on your needs and situation. Psychiatry through Talkspace is billed by session, with initial sessions costing $299 and follow-up sessions costing $175. Insurance is accepted for psychiatry, as well.
Talkspace psychiatry is meant for people experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health symptoms. Talkspace medical providers are able to prescribe, based on client medical necessity, a variety of medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and other antianxiety or antidepressant medicines. Note that controlled substances, such as Adderall, cannot be prescribed by any Talkspace telehealth provider. If you and your prescriber decide that medication would be a good fit for you, you’ll be able to have your medicine sent to you or choose to pick it up at a local pharmacy. Talkspace is a great option for psychiatry but other options on our full breakdown of the best online psychiatry services has more options worth considering.
Talkspace Cost & Insurance
Talkspace costs range from $276 – $436 monthly. Talkspace has three different subscription packages for therapy, but the cost ultimately depends on your geographic location and therapist availability. The messaging-only package starts at $276 monthly, the live therapy package starts at $396 monthly, and the messaging, therapy, and workshop package costs $436 monthly. Talkspace accepts many insurance plans.
Talkspace offers three online therapy subscriptions for cash-pay members:
- Messaging Therapy ($276 monthly) – This plan gives you a dedicated chatroom where you can send text, audio, or video messages to your therapist anytime. Therapists will respond to messages at least once daily, Monday- Friday. Costs start at $276 monthly, advertised at $69 weekly.
- Video + Messaging Therapy ($396 monthly) – This plan gives you four, 45-minute video sessions with your therapist every month, as well as the messaging plan. Costs start at $396 monthly, advertised at $99 weekly.
- Video + Messaging Therapy+ Workshops ($436 monthly) – This plan includes everything from the Messaging Only and Live Therapy plans as well as access to live Zoom workshops with licensed providers on various mental health topics. Costs start at $436 monthly, advertised at $109 weekly.
Pricing for additional Talkspace services includes:
- Psychiatry – Talkspace psychiatry is billed by session. An initial evaluation session costs $299 and follow-up sessions are $175 each. You can buy sessions in bundles for a bit of savings.
- Couples Therapy – Couples therapy with Talkspace starts at $436 monthly for weekly live sessions and unlimited messaging.
- Teen Therapy – Teens ages 13-17 can use Talkspace therapy at the same monthly cost as adults.
Talkspace does accept a wide variety of insurance plans, however, your cost with insurance will vary considerably depending on your individual coverage and needs. If your insurance plan covers Talkspace, you’ll only be responsible for any copays due. Keep in mind that, you may be responsible for additional fees if you haven’t met your deductible. You can also use your FSA or HSA card for therapy with Talkspace.
Notably, Talkspace is one of the very few online therapy providers that accepts Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.
Who Does Talkspace Serve?
Talkspace therapy services are available for anyone ages 13+ in the United States and internationally. Talkspace is intended as a solution for adults and teens experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health symptoms or concerns. Talkspace also offers services to those seeking psychiatric services or couples therapy.
Talkspace treats general mental health issues, and OCD is covered under this to a degree, but if you’re seeking a specialist to help with OCD-related symptoms, then NOCD is your best bet. If you’re looking for mental health help for your child under 13 years old, Manatee Health is our favorite pick – they treat kids as young as 18 months old. Older kids should look into additional options for online therapy for teens.
Talkspace isn’t a great option for those suffering from substance use disorder (SUD). The best online option for treating alcohol use disorder is Workit Health, meanwhile, those suffering from opioid abuse or dependence can look to Bicycle Health for help.
User Reviews
On reputable review sites, users tend to have a positive sentiment toward Talkspace, highlighting that the company has helped to improve the lifestyles of many, however, some have criticized the company for poor customer service and high prices.
Reviews from Apple App Store - 4.8 out of 5 stars | 28K reviews
Positive reviews on the Apple App Store emphasized the convenience of Talkspace and online therapy in general. Users appreciated that Talkspace helped make the process of finding a therapist easy and painless.
Negative reviews on the Apple App Store tended to note some technical issues and glitches with the Talkspace mobile app, such as freezing, restarting, and issues with FaceID integration. Some also noted that Talkspace is slow to issue refunds in the event of an issue, and others stated that Talkspace never notified them that they were out-of-network with their insurance and were responsible for the cost of services themselves, as well as a few other insurance-related issues.
Reviews from Android App Store - 4.5 out of 5 stars | 7.3K reviews
Positive reviews on the Android App Store focused on convenience and ease of use. Users tended to agree that Talkspace generally makes it very easy to access therapy. Others noted that they’ve made a great deal of progress since starting Talkspace.
Negative reviews on the Android App Store tended to focus on pricing issues, customer service, and insurance. Some users believed that Talkspace pricing is far too high with limited financial aid. Others felt that using Talkspace with insurance is cumbersome and tends to cause problems that require intensive customer service intervention.
Who May Want Alternative to Talkspace
Talkspace is not a good solution for anyone struggling with severe mental health symptoms and it isn’t the most affordable choice if you don’t have insurance that covers it.
Those Looking for a More Affordable Cash-Pay Option
If you have insurance that covers it, Talkspace can be amazingly affordable. However, its cash-pay costs are somewhat higher than many of its competitors. For instance, BetterHelp is more affordable for therapy, and Online-Therapy.com offers more customizable therapy plans starting at much lower costs.
Children Under 13 Years Old
Talkspace does offer online therapy for teens, but for kids under 13, you’ll need to look elsewhere. In our testing, we’ve found Manatee Health to be the best solution for online therapy for kids. Manatee accepts kids as young as 18 months.
Those With Mental Health Concerns That Require Specialty Care
Talkspace is a great solution for general mental health symptoms, but those with more specialized concerns are still better served by other providers. For instance, our favorite therapy provider for OCD symptoms is NOCD. Folks suffering from eating disorders are best served by Equip Health. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for treatment for alcohol use disorder or opioid use disorder, you might look to Workit Health or Bicycle Health, respectively.
People Struggling with Severe Mental Health Symptoms
Online therapy is not ideal for those suffering from severe mental health symptoms such as suicidal ideation, hallucinations, or psychosis. Those suffering from severe mental health symptoms should seek in-person care.
If you currently have severe mental health symptoms and need immediate help, you should dial 911, visit the nearest emergency room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or by dialing 988.
Talkspace, or any online therapy provider, is not a safe choice for those in an active crisis, as therapists cannot respond immediately. Talkspace is also not ideal for those with a serious mental illness (SMI) such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, personality disorders, or treatment-resistant depression.
Talkspace Vs. Competitors
Talkspace is a great choice for anyone seeking online therapy or psychiatry; particularly if you have an insurance plan that’s in-network with Talkspace. However, BetterHelp is a bit more affordable for cash-pay, and Online-Therapy.com has even more affordable options, still. Meanwhile, for finding in-person care, Thriveworks is a great option in select cities.
Price: $276 – $436 monthly
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Medication Available? Yes
-
Many major health insurance plans are accepted -
Psychiatry and teen therapy available
-
Exact monthly costs vary -
Higher cash-pay cost than competitors
Price: $260 – $360 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
Medication Available? No
-
30k+ therapists available -
Same-day appointments available
-
Does not accept insurance -
Limited choice over initial therapist
Price: $200 – $440 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
Medication Available? No
-
Affordable plans for biweekly or monthly sessions -
Great self-guided resources and content
-
Insurance is not accepted -
Exclusively CBT-focused therapy
Price: $0-$50 copay with insurance
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Medication Available? Yes
-
In-person services available in select cities -
Accepts many major insurance plans
-
Cost varies by provider & location -
Psychiatry available exclusively online
Talkspace Vs. BetterHelp
Talkspace Vs. Online-Therapy.com
Talkspace Vs. Thriveworks
Our Final Verdict – Is Talkspace Worth It?
I think that Talkspace is worth it for most people, as long as they are using an in-network insurance plan. Cash-pay rates with Talkspace are fairly high, so it’s better to go with insurance as the method of payment. Overall, Talkspace is an excellent resource for online therapy. It offers a wide selection of therapists and is one of the most accessible platforms out there for individual therapy for adults and teens, couples therapy, and psychiatry. Notably, Talkspace is one of the few online therapy providers that accepts Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, making it very valuable for people with those plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Talkspace Legit?
Yes. Talkspace is a well-known provider of online therapy services. Talkspace is a relatively large, publicly traded company that’s been around since 2012. Talkspace is one of the most well-known online therapy services and it thoroughly vets and verifies its therapists. We’ve used Talkspace several times and have found it to be useful online therapy resource.
How Much Does Talkspace Cost?
Talkspace costs between $276 – $436 monthly, depending on how often you’d like to meet with a therapist and whether or not you would like access to educational workshops.
How Are You Matched With A Talkspace Therapist?
Talkspace uses your responses to an intake questionnaire to help match you with therapists who might be a good fit for you. Once Talkspace finds your top matches, you’ll be able to pick between your three top matches and schedule an appointment with one of them. It can be difficult to find an ideal therapist, so if you need to change therapists, Talkspace easily allows you to do so.
How are Talkspace Therapists Verified & Vetted?
All providers on Talkspace are fully licensed and board-certified. They do not use interns, providers who are not fully licensed, or those who are still under supervision. It’s easy to find any Talkspace therapist’s credentials on their profile.
How Do I Change My Talkspace Therapist?
To change your Talkspace therapist, simply navigate to the account menu in the Talkspace mobile app or website, and select “Change Therapist.” This will allow you to select from an assortment of other therapists that might suit your needs.
Can I Use My HSA/FSA for Talkspace?
Yes, you can use your FSA or HSA for therapy with Talkspace. During setup, you will be asked to pay and you can input your card information at that time. You can also email Talkspace for a superbill if one is needed for your records or to submit to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement.
How Do I Cancel My Talkspace Subscription?
You can cancel your Talkspace subscription at any time. Your account will be marked as “do not renew” and you will still have access to your account until your subscription ends. To cancel on the website, go to your account, scroll to the “Payment” section, then you will simply click “Stop Subscription”.
If you are ever concerned that you did not unsubscribe correctly, I recommend emailing [email protected].
Does Talkspace Issue Refunds?
Yes, Talkspace may offer full, partial, or prorated refunds for services rendered on a case-by-case basis. To get in touch with someone at Talkspace, email them at [email protected].
Is Talkspace HIPAA Compliant?
Yes, Talkspace is HIPAA compliant and you are asked to sign a consent form prior to your first interaction with your therapist.
For more information, you can read Talkspace’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Is Online Therapy Effective?
Yes. Several studies have shown that online therapy can be just as effective as traditional in-person therapy, under the right conditions. One notable study that sampled over 300 online therapy clients found significant improvements from using this type of treatment – particularly for those with mild depression symptoms who had never been to therapy before.1
History & News of Talkspace
Year Founded – 2012
Publicly Traded? Yes, since 2012
Founders: Roni & Oren Frank
Headquarters Location: New York, New York
Talkspace was founded in 2012 by married couple Roni and Oren Frank. It is headquartered in New York City and has been publicly traded since 2021. Early in Talkspace’s history, the company experienced criticism regarding inflated claims of effectiveness, therapists with questionable credentials, and issues with client data privacy.2
In 2020, journalists from the New York Times published an account that Talkspace was commissioning its employees to use burner phones to pump up positive reviews for Talkspace on app stores, and has knowingly released private client data and therapist chat logs in internal meetings, wherein supposedly anonymized identifying information was released.3 Talkspace co-founders Roni and Oren Frank wrote a response to the New York Times piece stating that many points within the article are false or misconstrued. Moreover, they contend that the New York Times reporter ignored many facts presented in their initial interview and further contend that Talkspace committed no wrongdoing in this instance.4
In May, 2024, Talkspace announced that the company would begin accepting Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, making it one of the only online therapy platforms of its kind to do so.5
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
Online Therapy
BetterHelp – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 30,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. Take a free online assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you. Free Assessment
Online Psychiatry
Hims / Hers If you’re living with anxiety or depression, finding the right medication match may make all the difference. Connect with a licensed healthcare provider in just 12 – 48 hours. Explore FDA-approved treatment options and get free shipping, if prescribed. No insurance required. Get Started
Medication + Therapy
Brightside Health – Together, medication and therapy can help you feel like yourself, faster. Brightside Health treatment plans start at $95 per month. United Healthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Aetna accepted. Following a free online evaluation and receiving a prescription, you can get FDA approved medications delivered to your door. Free Assessment
Starting Therapy Newsletter
A free newsletter for those interested in learning about therapy and how to get the most benefits out of therapy. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign Up
Choosing Therapy Directory
You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today.
