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Talkspace Review 2023: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For

Published: January 3, 2023 Updated: March 14, 2023
Published: 01/03/2023 Updated: 03/14/2023
Caitlin Bell, Editor of Consumer Technology for Choosing Therapy
Written by:

Caitlin Bell, MA

Mental Health Tech Editor
Headshot of Dr. Kristen Fuller, MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD
  • Rating of Talkspace Online TherapyRating Talkspace
  • Pros & Cons of TalkspacePros & Cons
  • What Is Talkspace?What Is Talkspace
  • Who Is Talkspace Right For?Who Its Right For
  • Who May Want an Alternative to TalkspaceAlternatives
  • Talkspace User ReviewsUser Reviews
  • How Much Does Talkspace Cost?Cost
  • Does Talkspace Accept Insurance?Insurance
  • How to Get Started with TalkspaceGetting Started
  • Talkspace Online Therapy: Detailed ReviewsTalkspace Therapy
  • Talkspace Psychiatry: Detailed ReviewTalkspace Psychiatry
  • Talkspace Vs. BetterHelpTalkspace Vs. BetterHelp
  • How Talkspace Has EvolvedHistory
  • Frequently Asked Questions About TalkspaceFAQs
  • Final Verdict on TalkspaceConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
Caitlin Bell, Editor of Consumer Technology for Choosing Therapy
Written by:

Caitlin Bell, MA

Mental Health Tech Editor
Headshot of Dr. Kristen Fuller, MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD

Editorial rating:

Talkspace offers online therapy subscriptions throughout the US and Canada and online psychiatry services to individuals 18+ throughout the US. They make accessing mental healthcare convenient and earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars in our independent review. Therapy on Talkspace starts at $276 – 436 monthly ($69 – $109 weekly), with online psychiatry costing $249 for an initial appointment and follow-ups costing $125. Talkspace accepts many major insurance plans, which could make your out-of-pocket expenses significantly less.

Get $100 Off Talkspace With The Code: SPACE

Choosing Therapy’s reviews are the result of first-hand testing, thorough research, and transparent methodology. Our reviewers are editorially independent so you can trust their recommendations. Some companies reviewed may also be marketing partners. Learn more about our editorial standards, review process, and advertising policy.

Rating of Talkspace Online Therapy

Over the past year, I have dedicated a considerable amount of time to researching, personally using, and reviewing online therapy platforms. Not only do I sign up for online therapy services and use their websites and apps, but I also attend live therapy sessions with each platform. I reach out to each online therapy platform before I begin researching and reviewing them to ask numerous questions about their products that users are likely to want answers to. All of this is done to ensure that consumers get the information they need to make intelligent purchases. During our independent review, Talkspace earned 4 out of 5 stars overall, performing best in the categories of clientele served, geographic location, and insurance and out-of-network benefits. However, Talkspace’s online therapy costs and customer service underperformed compared to its competitors.

Visit Talkspace

Talkspace Earned 4 out of 5 Stars - Learn More

Overall Editorial Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Detailed Scoring Breakdown

Clientele Served: 5 out of 5 Stars
Range of Therapist Specialties & Treatment Approaches: 4 out of 5 Stars
Geographic Location: 5 out of 5 Stars
Attending Live Video Sessions: 5 out of 5 Stars
Online Therapy Cost: 2 out of 5 Stars
Insurance & Out-of-Network Benefits: 4 out of 5 Stars
Therapist Matching or Selection: 4 out of 5 Stars
Extra Features & Resources: 4 out of 5 Stars
Client Interface & User Experience: 5 out of 5 Stars
Privacy & HIPAA: 5 out of 5 Stars
Therapist Credentials & Expertise: 5out of 5 Stars
Customer Service: 3 out of 5 Stars
Reliability & Longevity: 5 out of 5 Stars

Review our scoring criteria for online therapy platforms here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.

Pros & Cons of Talkspace

Talkspace is a user-friendly online therapy platform with licensed therapists available throughout the US and in Canada. They offer psychiatric services for those 18-years and older in the US, making  Talkspace a one-stop shop for remote mental healthcare. However, the cost of therapy depends on your location and therapist availability, and there is no way to bundle therapy and psychiatry together.

Pros of Talkspace

  • Online therapy is available in all 50 US states and in Canada
  • Psychiatric services with medication management is available in the US
  • Individual, Couples, and Teen (13+) therapy available
  • Many major health insurance plans are accepted
  • Easy sign-up process that takes less than 10 minutes
  • User-friendly app allows you to attend sessions, text your provider, and attend workshops

Cons of Talkspace

  • Exact monthly costs depend on your location and are not given until after you complete the signup process
  • You can only choose from three top matches or you will be automatically matched with a therapist
  • It can take several days for you to be matched with your top three matches
  • No option to bundle therapy and psychiatry services into one package
  • Psychiatry only available to individuals 18+ in the US

Talkspace has thousands of experienced, fully licensed therapists to work with. Answer a few questions to get matched on Talkspace with the right therapist for you then start online therapy for as little as $69 per week. Your actual costs may much less if you have insurance from Cigna, Optum, or UHR. Try Talkspace

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Talkspace

Visit Talkspace

What Is Talkspace?

Talkspace is a subscription-based online therapy service and one of the best online therapy platforms in the US. They offer therapy services to people 13-years and older in the US and Canada, with psychiatric care available to those 18-years and older in the US. Talkspace offers treatment for those struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, and much more.

Talkspace Review 2023 - Image of the key features of the Talkspace app, the homescreen, the chatroom, how to schedule an appointment, and a live session

Talkspace offers three online therapy subscriptions:

  1. Messaging Therapy – 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).
  2. Video + Messaging Therapy  – 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.
  3. Video + Messaging + Workshops – 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.

A great option Talkspace offers is the choice to purchase live therapy sessions a la carte. These cost $65 per 45-minute session, and you can purchase them in the Talkspace app or on the website.

Talkspace therapists utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), client-centered therapy, existential therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and many others, which earned them 4 out of 5 stars in the “Specialties & Treatments” category of our online therapy scoring criteria. The therapist I was matched with used cognitive processing therapy, solution-focused therapy, and art therapy. I asked her how art therapy can help people with anxiety and she never gave me a satisfactory answer, telling me art was good for people of all ages.

In addition to live therapy sessions, Talkspace offers a symptoms tracking tool for anxiety and depression, in-app mental health exercises, and live therapy workshops. The mental health exercises are on topics like “Navigating the Negative,” “Sensory Awareness,” and “Understanding Past Experiences.” These are text-based exercises that help you identify thought patterns, improve concentration, improve awareness, increase awareness, and reduce stress. Live therapy workshops are group classes led by Talkspace therapists and can be accessed through Zoom. The workshops cover a wide range of topics and several time slots are available Monday through Friday.

Talkspace Psychiatry

Talkspace Psychiatry Services connects you with psychiatrists or nurse practitioners who can prescribe medication. Currently, psychiatric care is only available to those 18-years and older in the US. Conversations with your provider mainly revolve around symptom severity, frequency, duration, medication management, and any medication side effects you may be experiencing. An initial psychiatry appointment with Talkspace costs $249, with follow-up appointments costing $125.

Note that those who may need medication management and therapy will have to sign up for two plans. That could bring the cost of your first month on Talkspace to $525+. Unfortunately, there are no discounts or bundles offered for those already enrolled as Talkspace therapy clients.

Talkspace Insomnia

Talkspace offers specialized treatment for people who struggle to get a good night’s sleep with Talkspace Insomnia. This is an eight-week program that utilizes CBT-I to help achieve better sleep through behavioral changes rather than medication.

Talkspace has thousands of experienced, fully licensed therapists to work with. Answer a few questions to get matched on Talkspace with the right therapist for you then start online therapy for as little as $69 per week. Your actual costs may much less if you have insurance from Cigna, Optum, or UHR. Try Talkspace

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Talkspace

Visit Talkspace

Who Is Talkspace Right For?

Talkspace should be considered a top choice for many people across the US due to the wide range of services the platform offers. Individuals, couples, and teens new to therapy, those seeking therapy and psychiatry on the same platform, and those wishing to use insurance to pay for mental health services will be well served by Talkspace.

Individuals, Couples, or Teens Who Are New to Therapy

Talkspace is a great jumping-off point for those who are brand new to therapy. Talkspace has therapists who can work with individuals, couples, teens (13yo – 17yo), people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and those struggling with insomnia, which earned them 5 out of 5 stars in the “Clientele Served” category on our scoring rubric. It can be overwhelming trying to find your first therapist and get a first appointment scheduled. Talkspace makes it so easy to get started, and sometimes just getting started is the most important thing you can do.

Those Seeking Therapy & Psychiatry In One Place

Talkspace offers convenient online psychiatry and medication management services to those 18-years and older in the US. After your initial appointment, you can expect follow-up appointments to happen once a month or every three months. You can choose to have medication delivered to your door or picked up at a local pharmacy. If your psychiatric provider recommends adding therapy to your treatment plan, you can easily sign up for a subscription through the Talkspace website or through the Talkspace app.

Anyone Wishing to Use Insurance for Therapy

Talkspace accepts several major insurance plans and is partnered with many companies to make therapy affordable and accessible for as many people as possible. It is easy to check if your insurance plan is accepted through the Talkspace benefits check tool.

Who May Want an Alternative to Talkspace

While Talkspace has made great strides to be the best choice for as many people as possible, there are certain groups of individuals who will need to seek care elsewhere. Anyone in an active mental health crisis, those who prefer in-person services, and teens younger than 13-years-old will need to seek an alternative to Talkspace.

Anyone In Crisis

Talkspace can help people manage their mild anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms, but should not be used during a mental health crisis. Therapists do not answer text messages more than once a day and are not available immediately for appointments. Those who need immediate assistance with their mental health symptoms should call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or call the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 (800) 273-8255. Another great alternative for those with more severe mental health symptoms is the Crisis Care plan with Brightside Mental Health. With Brightside, those that qualify can receive a higher level of care from a Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) trained clinician. Clinical supervisors are on-call seven days a week to support crisis response and care escalations as needed.

To learn more about the Crisis Care plan and how to sign up, please read our comprehensive review of Brightside Mental Health.

People Who Prefer In-Person Therapy

Some may find online therapy difficult when it comes to creating a bond with their therapist. For this reason, you may prefer in-person therapy which allows you to have a more intimate bond with a therapist. A great place to start when looking for an in-person provider is an online therapist directory, which allows you to filter your search by type of therapy, gender of your therapist, location, and much more.

Children Under 13

Talkspace does not currently accept patients under the age of 13 years old. A great alternative for kids and teens would be an online therapy platform like Brightline Mental Health. Brightline can offer medication management services to kids and teens that are already enrolled in their therapy program. This service is available to kids as young as six-years-old.

To learn more about subscriptions and costs, please read our detailed review of Brightline Mental Health.

Talkspace has thousands of experienced, fully licensed therapists to work with. Answer a few questions to get matched on Talkspace with the right therapist for you then start online therapy for as little as $69 per week. Your actual costs may much less if you have insurance from Cigna, Optum, or UHR. Try Talkspace

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Talkspace

Visit Talkspace

Talkspace User Reviews

Talkspace has a 4.7-star rating from 12,900+ reviews in the Apple App Store and a 4.3-star rating from 5,600+ reviews in the Google Play Store. While many reviewers love Talkspace’s affordability and convenience, other reviewers stated issues with customer service and the therapist matching system. .

Affordable Compared to In-Person Therapy

Users pointed out that compared to local in-person therapy in their area, Talkspace was a real bargain, especially for those without insurance. If Talkspace accepts your insurance plan, this could make the cost of therapy even more affordable. Because Talkspace does accept a wide range of insurance plans, they earned 4 out of 5 stars in the “Insurance & Out-Of-Network Benefits” category of our scoring criteria.

Online Therapy with Talkspace Is Convenient

Many mentioned being able to choose appointment times and attend sessions at home was perfect for their schedules. Talkspace also makes therapy more accessible for those who live in more rural areas and have a hard time finding therapists nearby. Talkspace also makes it easier for those who are physically unable to otherwise attend therapy in-person. One user noted that he didn’t have to miss a therapy session while traveling and working overseas.

It Can Be Hard Finding a Good Therapist-Match

Many users mentioned they were matched with therapists that never responded or just stopped communicating with them entirely. Other reviewers mentioned that there were several last-minute cancellations to scheduled appointments and that some therapists would simply not show up. I actually had a similar experience where I was notified of a cancellation an hour after my scheduled introduction session with my therapist.

Reports of Poor Customer Service

By far the largest amount of complaints about Talkspace come from their customer service or lack thereof. Many users rightfully pointed out that there is no phone number to call if you are having an issue with your subscription. While there are two email addresses clients can try, [email protected] or [email protected], responses either never come or are lackluster. Talkspace earned a 3 out of 4 stars in the “Customer Service” category of our scoring criteria for these reasons.

How Much Does Talkspace Cost?

Talkspace has three different subscription packages, but the cost ultimately depends on your geographic location and therapist availability. The messaging-only package starts at $69 per week, the live therapy package starts at $99 per week, and the messaging + live therapy package starts at $129 per week.

Get $100 Off Talkspace with the Code SPACE

Talkspace offers three online therapy subscriptions:

  1. Messaging Therapy – 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).
  2. Video + Messaging Therapy  – 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.
  3. Video + Messaging + Workshops – 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.

Each subscription package can be paid monthly, quarterly, or biannually. If you choose to pay quarterly, you receive a 10% discount, and if you choose to pay biannually, you receive a 20% discount. However, since the costs are largely dependent on your location and exact costs are not listed on the website, Talkspace earned 2 out of 5 stars in the “Cost” category of our scoring criteria.

Talkspace Psychiatry

Talkspace Psychiatry costs $249.00 for an initial assessment and $125 for all follow-up appointments. There is also an option to bundle follow-up appointments when you purchase an initial assessment. 

New psychiatry patients can purchase the following bundles:

  • Initial Evaluation + 1 Follow-Up Session: $365
  • Initial Evaluation + 3 Follow-Up Sessions: $565
  • Initial Evaluation + 6 Follow-Up Sessions: $849

Current psychiatry patients can purchase the following bundles:

  • 3 Follow-Up Sessions: $338
  • 6 Follow-Up Sessions: $632
  • 9 Follow-Up Sessions: $900

You can schedule follow-up appointments directly with your psychiatric provider in the app or on the website. Any medications that may be prescribed to you can be picked up at your local pharmacy or if you have mail-order delivery with your insurance, your medication will be shipped to you. Medication costs depend on what is prescribed and if you are using insurance.

Does Talkspace Accept Insurance?

Yes, Talkspace takes insurance for therapy from providers like Cigna, Magellan Health, and more. Talkspace partners with many employers, employee assistance programs (EAP), and educational organizations to make therapy available and affordable. Visit Talkspace to see the full list of insurers.

Talkspace Out-of-Network Benefits

Talkspace can provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company if you have out-of-network benefits. Once your claim is processed, your insurance company may reimburse you for some or all of the costs.

How to Get Started with Talkspace

Getting started with Talkspace is quick and easy. I was able to complete the sign-up process in less than 5 minutes and this aided in Talkspace earning 5 out of 5 stars in the “Client Interface & User Experience” category of our scoring criteria. Either on the website or in the Talkspace app, you’ll answer a few brief questions, select how you plan to pay (cash or insurance), and then you’ll be able to select the subscription you’d like.

To sign up through the app, use the following steps:

  1. Download Talkspace in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
  2. Answer the onboarding questions, like what you are looking for help with and biographical information.
  3. Select how you would like to pay, out-of-pocket or use your insurance.
  4. Choose which plan you want, messaging only, video + messaging, or video + messaging + workshops.
  5. Confirm your email address using a link that Talkspace sends to the email you’ve provided.
  6. Once you have confirmed your email, you will be taken into your Talkspace chatroom. You will talk with a matching agent and they will explain how Talkspace works as well as what each subscription plan offers. You can also ask any questions you may have.
  7. Your matching agent will review the information you provided them and select your top three therapist matches.
  8. You will be able to select which one you think will suit you the best and schedule your first session.

Please Note: If you do not self-select a match, you will be automatically placed with a therapist. You can switch therapists later if you want to, but it’s best to avoid this by actively selecting someone you prefer from the start.

Talkspace Review 2023 - Image of how to get started and attend your first therapy session

Talkspace Online Therapy: Detailed Reviews

Talkspace Messaging Therapy

Talkspace’s Messaging Therapy plan allows you to send text, video, or audio messages to your therapist anytime in a dedicated chatroom. Therapists will respond to messages Monday – Friday and you are guaranteed at least one response daily. Talkspace’s Messaging Therapy plan costs start at $276 monthly (advertised at $69 weekly).

Talkspace Video + Messaging Therapy

Talkspace’s Video + Messaging Therapy plan includes everything from the Messaging Therapy plan plus weekly 45-minute live video, phone, or instant messaging therapy sessions with your therapist. Due to the length of these live sessions, Talkspace earned 5 out of 5 stars in the “Attending Live Video Sessions” category on our scoring criteria. Video + Messaging Therapy costs start at $396 monthly (advertised at $99 weekly).

Talkspace Video + Messaging + Workshops

This plan includes everything from the Video + Messaging Therapy plan 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.

What Is Talkspace Therapy?

Therapy options on Talkspace include live video or phone sessions, with select therapists offering instant messaging as well. New patients can choose a 10-minute introductory session or a 45-minute session. The 10-minute introductory session does not count as one of your weekly sessions.

After you complete the sign-up process and get matched with your therapist, you can begin to send text messages to your therapist immediately. Generally, they will message you back at least once a day, with some therapists replying more frequently. You will be able to see if your therapist is offline or available in the top corner of your chat room. This gives you a great sense of when to expect replies to your messages. All live sessions are held through Talkspace and you do not need to download Zoom or any other secondary app.

The first time I signed up for Talkspace, my 10-minute introductory session was canceled without any reason why. For this update, I fully intended on attending the 10-minute session but was unable to connect with my therapist at that time due to my own personal life. However, I was able to connect for our regularly scheduled live session but it lasted 30 minutes instead of 45 minutes. This live session did not unfold as I had hoped it would, and ultimately I left feeling unhappy and slightly uneasy.

My therapist had video and audio problems throughout our session and her smoke alarm was chirping the entire time. She gave me a long list of homework to complete that largely included watching new-age educational videos on YouTube. Unfortunately, none of the videos were relevant to my reasons for seeking therapy.  In fact, what I was seeking therapy for was never addressed, which left me feeling unheard and unseen. Toward the end of our live session, she was eating while she talked to me and this gave me the impression she didn’t really want to be there.

It is so important for those new to therapy to know that each therapist, regardless of what platform they are on, will bring their own unique style and quirks with them to your live sessions. You may have to go through some odd and interesting sessions before you find a therapist that matches your energy and intentions in therapy. Much like their competitor, BetterHelp, you will need to put in a little extra work before you find a therapist you like.

Talkspace Review 2023 - Image of what it looks like to attend a live therapy session with Talkspace

Talkspace Workshops

Talkspace now offers Workshops, which are very similar to BetterHelp’s webinars. All of the workshops are on various mental health topics and I attended one titled “Navigating Conflict at Work.” This was a Zoom meeting that I sat in and I didn’t have to have my camera on. I felt the presentation was fine and they asked that you have a pencil/pen and paper to answer some prompts throughout. Each writing prompt was timed and took between two to four minutes, which was a nice way to stay engaged with the topic.

If you are looking for extra educational materials this would be a good plan to sign up for. However, if you just want to focus on therapy I would sign up for the Video + Messaging plan instead as the extra cost for the workshops may not be worth it.

Talkspace Review 2023 - Image of what the virtual group workshops look like on the Talkspace website, attended through Zoom

Talkspace Extra Features

All of the plans provide you with in-app assessments to track your anxiety or depression symptoms. These not only help you, but also help your therapist to view your progress and growth, as well as assist your therapist in understanding what your needs are. These assessments are completed every three weeks and are excellent tools to help build a personal care plan. The ones I had to complete were less than 30 questions and did not take long to finish.

Talkspace’s app has been improved, at least for Apple products, and now includes various in-app mental health exercises and tools. These include activities like breathwork, appreciating the present, identifying negative thoughts, and more. However, when I used Android during the last review, these activities did not show up in my app. When I asked the therapist I was matched with at that time if there were any in-app activities or homework she told me no.

Talkspace Review 2023 - Image of what the mental health exercises look like in the Talkspace app on Apple

Talkspace Psychiatry: Detailed Review

Talkspace Psychiatry connects you with licensed psychiatrists or nurse practitioners who specialize in medication management. An initial psychiatric care appointment is $249, and follow-up appointments are $125. It is easy to sign up on the website, with only basic information needed to connect with a matching agent. During the sign-up process, you can choose to bundle your initial appointment with follow-up appointments and save a little bit of money.

Your provider will be able to complete a medical history with you and determine if medication would be a good fit for your current symptoms. Talkspace prescribes non-controlled medications, like SNRIs and SSRIs. You can pick up your medications at your local pharmacy or if your insurance participates in mail order, you can choose that option instead.

While you will be able to talk with your medication provider about what is going on in your life, this service is not the same as therapy. Those who need medication management and therapy will have to sign up for two separate plans. Currently, there are no discounts offered if you are already a Talkspace therapy client.

Talkspace Vs. BetterHelp

Talkspace and BetterHelp are both subscription-based online therapy services that connect individuals, couples, and teens with licensed therapists across the US for counseling. Both offer video therapy and text-based therapy options. Talkspace differs from BetterHelp in that Talkspace accepts insurance, has a psychiatric option that can prescribe medication, and offers special programs for issues like insomnia, whereas BetterHelp does not.

Previously, BetterHelp had a wider selection of in-app activities, like journaling and webinars, but Talkspace has now expanded to offer similar activities. However, BetterHelp remains a less expensive out-of-pocket option, with plans starting at $240 monthly (advertised at $60 weekly). BetterHelp is also available around the world, so they may be a better option for international customers. Both BetterHelp and Talkspace have thousands of therapists on their platforms and with both companies, you will be matched with a provider within a day or two.

To learn more about how subscriptions work and other perks available in their app, you can read our detailed review of BetterHelp.

Visit BetterHelp

How Talkspace Has Evolved

Talkspace was founded in 2012 by Roni and Oren Frank and at that time it was text-based therapy for $25 per week.1 Then in 2014, Talkspace raised over $2.5 million dollars led by Spark Capital and SoftBank. At this time, they also brought on Ran Harnevo, president of AOL video, to their company’s board.2 This funding allowed Talkspace to hire more staff and more therapists for its platform, which in turn meant more people could have access to mental health care.

However, things have not remained a bed of roses for Talkspace. In November of 2021, founders, Roni and Oren Frank resigned.3 It is thought their resignations came on the heels of less-than-stellar earnings during the previous period. COO Mark Hirschhorn took over as acting CEO from the Franks, but just a week later he resigned. In a press release from Talkspace, Hirschhorn’s resignation came after a review of his poor conduct in connection with a company offsite.

Talkspace in the News

As of November 2022, Jon Cohen has been named CEO of Talkspace after becoming a publically traded company in 2021.4 Shares of Talkspace are below the $1.00 minimum per share and NASDAQ has given them until May 2023 to regain compliance. Going forward, Talkspace is going to start looking towards strengthening bonds with employer-offered mental health care through employee assistance programs (EAPs). This will mean less emphasis on direct-to-consumer efforts and more effort with business-to-business models.

Frequently Asked Questions About Talkspace

Provider Vetting and Credentials

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. Due to all these facts, and that you can easily read your provider’s credentials and specialties in their profile, Talkspace earned 5 out of 5 stars in the “Therapist Credentials & Expertise” category of our scoring criteria.

Therapist Matching

Talkspace provides you with your top three matches and you will select the one you think will be the best match. However, if you do not choose within a certain time frame, Talkspace will automatically place you with a therapist. If you leave Talkspace and come back later, you will be automatically matched with a therapist. Talkspace earned 4 out of 5 stars in the “Therapist Matching or Selection” category of our scoring criteria due to the confusion surrounding exactly how long you have to choose a therapist from your hand-picked list of three.

Can I Choose a New Therapist?

Yes, you can choose a new therapist at any time and Talkspace encourages you to do so if you are not happy. In the app, click the gear in the corner and select “Payment and Plan” then click “Change Provider”. You will update your preferences and select a new therapist.

Who is Eligible for Medication?

Currently, only people in the US who are 18 or older are eligible for psychiatric services and medication management with Talkspace.

What Medications Can Talkspace Prescribe?

Talkspace can prescribe medication for anxiety or medication for depression that are classified as non-controlled substances. Examples of these medications would be Sertraline (Zoloft), Celexa (Citalopram), Lexapro (Escitalopram), and Prozac (fluoxetine).

Where is Medication Management Available?

Psychiatric services are available in all 50 states to those 18-years and older, which is why Talkspace earned 5 stars in the “Geographic Locations” category on our scoring rubric.

Medication Shipping Costs

Shipping costs will depend on whether your insurance participates in mail-order medication programs. Generally, you will pick up your medication from a pharmacy near you.

Is Talkspace Expensive?

Compared to two other leading online therapy providers, BetterHelp and Calmerry, Talkspace has a higher monthly subscription cost when paying out-of-pocket. But Talkspace accepts insurance, whereas BetterHelp and Calmerry do not, which could make Talkspace the least expensive subscription-based online therapy option for many. Talkspace will likely be less expensive than traditional in-person therapy if you plan to see a therapist weekly.

To learn more about the cost differences between Calmerry and Talkspace, please read our in-depth review of Calmerry.

Can I Use My HSA or 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.

How Do I Cancel My Talkspace Subscription?

Yes, 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 and click “Payment and Plan”, then you will simply click “Stop Subscription”.

To cancel in the app, click on the gear icon in the top left corner then follow the same process as you would for the website. 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. 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. Talkspace earned 4 out of 5 stars in the “Privacy & HIPAA” category of our scoring criteria.

For more information, you can read the Talkspace Terms of Use and the Talkspace Privacy Policy.

What is Talkspace for Business?

Companies can choose to partner with Talkspace to provide therapy and counseling services to their employees. All therapy subscriptions would be available to employees and cost would vary depending on the number of employees. To sign up for a demo of Talkspace Business, visit their website.

Final Verdict on Talkspace

With several therapy plans to choose from and psychiatric services available, it seems like most should be able to get great care from Talkspace. However, there are a few problems with the platform that may deter some. Most notably, Talkspace’s out-of-pocket subscription prices are quite a bit higher when compared to its top competitor, BetterHelp. Additionally, there are no discounts or bundles offered if you want to be a therapy client and a psychiatry patient, which may send some individuals to companies like Brightside or Cerebral for care.

And it must be said, much like other online therapy subscriptions that utilize a matching system, it can be difficult to find a therapist that feels like the right fit for you. For many, it will feel like you have to do a lot of work before finding that perfect fit, which ultimately delays your first therapy session or makes for an unsatisfying first session. However, if you have insurance to cover the costs of therapy with Talkspace, it is absolutely worth putting in the work. With its expanded offerings, like in-app mental health exercises and mental health workshops on its website, Talkspace continues to prove why they are one of the best online therapy platforms available.

Get $100 Off Talkspace with the Code SPACE

Cost of Online TherapyStarts at $276 - $436 monthly
(advertised at $69 - $109 weekly)
Age Limitations for Therapy13+

Is Insurance Accepted?Yes
Frequency of AppointmentsWeekly or as needed
Messaging Therapist Between AppointmentsYes

Provider ChoicesMatching

Can You Change Therapists?Yes

Speed to First Appointment3-4 days, depending on provider

Geographic CoverageTherapy: US & Canada
Psychiatry: US Only

Online Psychiatry OfferedYes

Online Psychiatry Cost$249 initial appointment
$125 follow-up appointments



Age Limitations for Psychiatry18+

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Online Therapy 

BetterHelp – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy.  Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Online Psychiatry

Hims / Hers – If you’re living with anxiety or depression, finding the right medication match may make all the difference. Get FDA approved medication prescribed by your dedicated Hims / Hers Healthcare Provider and delivered right to your door. Plans start at $25 per month (first month)*. 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.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp, Hims / Hers, and Brightside. *Hims / Hers Disclaimer: Subscription required. After first month, price is $85/month for a monthly subscription or $49/month for a three-month subscription ($123 for first order, $147 billed quarterly thereafter). Subscription automatically renews unless you cancel at least 7 days before renewal is processed.

For Further Reading

  • Cerebral Review 2022: Cost, Pros & Cons, & Who It’s Right For
  • Mental Health America
  • National Alliance on Mental Health
  • MentalHealth.gov
4 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • O’Brien, S. (2015) Text therapy startup raises $9.5 million. CNN Business https://money.cnn.com/2015/05/12/technology/talkspace-series-a/index.html

  • Lawler, R. (2014) Unlimited Messaging Therapy Startup Talkspace Raises $2.5M From Spark Capital And Softbank. TechCrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2014/05/12/talkspace/

  • Olsen, E. (2021) Talkspace COO resigns following review of conduct at company offsite event. Mobi Health News. https://www.mobihealthnews.com/news/talkspace-coo-resigns-following-review-conduct-company-offsite-event

  • Lovett, L. (2023) Talkspace CEO: Customer Acquisition Costs ‘Irrelevant’ to Where the Business Is Going. Behavioral Health Business. https://bhbusiness.com/2023/01/17/talkspace-ceo-customer-acquisition-costs-irrelevant-to-where-the-business-is-going/

update history

We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

  • Originally Published: June 24, 2020
    Original Author: Eric Patterson, LPC
    Original Reviewer: Meera Patel, DO

  • Updated: April 12, 2022
    Author: Caitlin Bell
    Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD
    Primary Changes: Improve readability throughout; Updated cost sections, images, Pros & Cons, and information throughout; Added sections: Discount Table, Pros & Cons Table, “Talkspace Messaging, Live Therapy, & Messaging + Therapy: Detailed Review”, “Talkspace Psychiatry: Detailed Review”, “How Talkspace Has Changed”

  • Updated: January 3, 2023
    Author: No Change
    Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, M.D.
    Primary Changes: Improve readability throughout; Updated Pros & Cons, Cost, and Therapy Subscriptions Offered; Created new images throughout; Attended Live session and added first-person point-of-view.

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Caitlin Bell, Editor of Consumer Technology for Choosing Therapy
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Caitlin Bell, MA

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Headshot of Dr. Kristen Fuller, MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD
  • Rating of Talkspace Online TherapyRating Talkspace
  • Pros & Cons of TalkspacePros & Cons
  • What Is Talkspace?What Is Talkspace
  • Who Is Talkspace Right For?Who Its Right For
  • Who May Want an Alternative to TalkspaceAlternatives
  • Talkspace User ReviewsUser Reviews
  • How Much Does Talkspace Cost?Cost
  • Does Talkspace Accept Insurance?Insurance
  • How to Get Started with TalkspaceGetting Started
  • Talkspace Online Therapy: Detailed ReviewsTalkspace Therapy
  • Talkspace Psychiatry: Detailed ReviewTalkspace Psychiatry
  • Talkspace Vs. BetterHelpTalkspace Vs. BetterHelp
  • How Talkspace Has EvolvedHistory
  • Frequently Asked Questions About TalkspaceFAQs
  • Final Verdict on TalkspaceConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
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