Talkspace and BetterHelp are two of the biggest names in online therapy. They serve the entire US and both offer therapy sessions via video, phone, or text. A big difference between the two is cost. BetterHelp costs $60-$90 per week ($240-$360 per month), and is more affordable than Talkspace if you’re paying out-of-pocket. Talkspace costs $69-$129 per week ($276-$516 per month), but they accept many insurance plans making it more affordable for many.
Talkspace also offers psychiatric services and medication management which costs $249 for an initial evaluation and $125 for each additional appointment.
Talkspace vs BetterHelp: Similarities & Differences
Talkspace and BetterHelp are often rated two of the best online therapy providers, offering similar services of live video, phone and text-based therapy sessions. Both can be helpful in providing care for anxiety, depression, stress, and other mild mental health concerns.
All the therapists and counselors on both platforms go through rigorous vetting and are licensed to independently practice in the states they serve. Both platforms offer services for teens, couples, and the LGBTQIA+ community among others.
However, there are some key differences between Talkspace and BetterHelp to consider when deciding which is best for you.
Talkspace offers online psychiatry services and medication management to users in the US, in addition to online therapy to those in the US and Canada. Though Talkspace is a more expensive cash-pay option, they accept insurance for online therapy which can make it much more affordable. Talkspace also offers an 8 week CBT-I program to help those struggling with insomnia achieve better sleep.
While BetterHelp does not take insurance, they do have a lower out-of-pocket cost, making it a more affordable option for those without insurance. BetterHelp not only serves users in the US, but international clients as well.
BetterHelp vs Talkspace Comparison Table
| BetterHelp | Talkspace | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $60 - $90 per week ($240-$360 per month) | $69 -$129 per week ($276-$516 per month) $249 - initial psychiatric evaluation $125 - subsequent psychiatric sessions |
| Communication Options | Live video, phone or text-based therapy sessions with the option to message your therapist anytime in between sessions | Live video, phone or text-based therapy sessions with the option to message your therapist anytime in between sessions |
| Insurance | No | Yes, several insurance plans accepted |
| Medication Management | No | Yes |
| Types of Therapy | Couples, Teens, Faith-Based, & LGBTQIA+ | Couples, Teens, Insomnia, Veterans |
| Who It’s Good For | Affordable out-of-pocket therapy | If insurance covers, a great choice for therapy and psychiatric services |
Pros & Cons of BetterHelp
BetterHelp offers subscription-based therapy to users in the US and internationally. While BetterHelp does not currently take insurance, they do offer affordable out-of-pocket therapy subscriptions starting at $60 per week ($240 per month), and provide financial assistance to those who qualify.
Pros
- Out-of-pocket costs are more affordable than Talkspace or traditional in-person therapy, and financial aid is available for those who need it
- BetterHelp offers therapy subscriptions for users in the US and internationally
- Matching with a therapist is easy and you’re able to select a new therapist if you’d like
Cons
- BetterHelp does not take insurance
- You can’t see a psychiatrist and medication management is not available
- Pricing varies, and your exact cost isn’t known until sign up
Pros & Cons of Talkspace
Talkspace not only offers therapy across the US and Canada, but they also offer psychiatric and medication-management services for those 18 years and older in the US. Talkspace is one of the only online therapy providers that accepts insurance for subscription-based therapy, making it an affordable option for many. Pricing varies on geographic location and therapist availability, however, and you can’t be certain of the exact cost until you sign-up for a month’s subscription.
Pros
- Psychiatric and medication management services are available
- Talkspace accepts many insurance plans
Cons
- Pricing varies, and your exact cost isn’t known until sign up
- It can take several days to be matched with a therapist
- Not all therapists offer live, text-based therapy
Talkspace vs BetterHelp Cost
A big difference between Talkspace and BetterHelp is the cost for each, especially since services are fairly similar. BetterHelp costs $60-$90 per week ($240-$360 per month), while Talkspace costs $69-$129 per week ($276-$516 per month). Talkspace, on the other hand, accepts insurance, and if you can use insurance for therapy the actual out of pocket cost of therapy could be much more affordable. BetterHelp is the more affordable cash-pay option for those who don’t have insurance, however, and they allow you to use your FSA or HSA for therapy subscriptions.
Exact costs for both are dependent on your location and therapist availability, and specific cost isn’t determined until you sign up.
Talkspace psychiatric services are separate from their therapy subscription packages, and cost an additional $249 for an initial evaluation, and $125 for subsequent sessions.
Getting Started with Talkspace & BetterHelp
To sign up for BetterHelp, you can download the app from the Google Play or Apple App Store. You can also sign up on their website.
To sign up for Talkspace, you can download the app from the Google Play or Apple App Store. You can also sign up on their website.
When you sign up for Talkspace, you will be taken to a private chatroom to talk with a matching agent. The matching agents are all licensed mental health providers and based upon your answers to assessments they administer, they will match you with three therapists that you can then choose from. This process can take anywhere from one to three days, which can be frustrating if you are hoping to talk to a therapist on the day you sign up. Check our in-depth Talkspace review here.
When you sign up with BetterHelp, you will be automatically matched with a therapist based on the information you provide during the sign-up process. You can expect to be chatting with your therapist within one day, with some therapists responding the day you sign up. Read our complete review of BetterHelp here.
Therapist Vetting
All of the therapists and counselors on Talkspace and BetterHelp are licensed and accredited in the states they live in. Each of BetterHelp’s therapists have at least three years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience. Talkspace’s therapists must have over 3,000 hours of experience and undergo additional training in specific therapeutic modalities.
Unique Features of BetterHelp & Talkspace
BetterHelp provides some features that you may find useful to use alongside the treatment plan you and your therapist create. There are journals that you can complete on topics like anxiety, depression and relationships, as well as space to free-write.
BetterHelp also offers live group webinar series on topics like anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. The webinars are all taught via Zoom with a licensed therapist or counselor, and while you can text with the provider, they will not see you and you cannot see or interact with the other participants.
Talkspace offers psychiatry services and medication management as a stand-alone service. You can connect with a licensed psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner, who can diagnose and prescribe medication. Medications can be shipped and delivered, or you can pick them up at a pharmacy.
Who Is Online Therapy Right For?
Online therapy is a great option for people with busy schedules. It provides the opportunity to connect with a licensed provider on your time. Both Talkspace and BetterHelp have apps that provide the convenience of attending therapy sessions even while you’re away from home.
Online therapy can also be a great alternative for those who live in areas where in-person therapy is unavailable, or for those who are otherwise unable to physically attend therapy. You’re able to conveniently connect with a licensed provider in your state from the comfort of your own home, and don’t have to worry about driving hours to attend appointments.
Who Might Want an Alternative to BetterHelp or Talkspace
BetterHelp or Talkspace may not be the best fit for you if you do not want to pay for a subscription, prefer therapists offering specific modalities or a more specialized area of expertise, are experiencing severe mental health symptoms, or need specific medications that are available only with in-person appointments.
If You Don’t Want Subscription-Based Therapy
For those that do not want to join a subscription-based therapy platform, there are other online therapy platforms that allow you to pay per session. To learn more, you can visit an online therapist directory to find a therapist that will suit your needs.
If You Want More Specialized Therapy
Those looking for therapists offering specific modalities (ie. dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), person centered therapy, etc.) or more specialized areas of expertise (a sex therapist or someone who specializes in personality disorders, etc.) may find it more helpful to use an online therapist directory. Many therapist directories allow you to filter your search based on specific criteria, and can help you find a fit that’s best suited for your needs.
If You Prefer In-Person Therapy
Those who are experiencing severe mental health symptoms would benefit more from attending in-person therapy vs online therapy. Oftentimes, online therapists and counselors cannot respond to texts immediately, and it should not be used in an emergency situation.
If You Prefer In-Person Psychiatry
Many online psychiatry platforms do not prescribe controlled substances, which some diagnoses may require. These people would benefit from seeing a psychiatrist in person to receive the care and medication they need.
Final Verdict on Talkspace vs BetterHelp
Both Talkspace and BetterHelp are prominent online therapy services for several reasons. Their platforms are user-friendly, you’re able to quickly match with a therapist and choose a subscription package that works best for your needs. BetterHelp is a more affordable out-of-pocket option than Talkspace, but if you’re able to use insurance with Talkspace, it will likely end up being considerably cheaper. Talkspace also offers psychiatric services and medication management while BetterHelp does not. This is why, overall, Talkspace beats out BetterHelp.
