When it comes to online therapy there are two clear leaders – BetterHelp and Talkspace.
Choosing between them isn’t as clear-cut as you might think. Each platform includes different types of therapies, offers different pricing packages, and has a different method of onboarding new clients.
In this guide, we’ll compare the two online counseling platforms, to help you make the right decision.
How Therapy Works on BetterHelp vs Talkspace
Understanding how therapy works on online platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace can help you make informed decisions about your mental health care.
While both platforms offer convenient access to licensed therapists and a range of therapeutic services, there are differences in their features.
| BetterHelp | Talkspace |
|---|---|
| Centered on 30-45 minute live video sessions, even on its cheapest packages. | Connect with your counselor via text message. |
| No matter which pricing plan you choose, you’ll be able to have live sessions with your psychologist. | Live sessions via phone/video are available on the two more expensive packages. |
| You can switch your counselor at any time. | You can switch your counselor at any time. |
| Does not offer psychiatric services. | Offers access to a psychiatrist who can prescribe certain medications as part of your therapeutic journey. |
| Does not offer teen counseling. | Offers teen counseling. |
Onboarding Process
BetterHelp and Talkspace have very different methods of onboarding new clients. However, the two platforms have been shown to achieve similar levels of success in matching each client with the right therapist.
Let’s look at how you are connected with a counselor on both online therapy solutions, so you can choose the process that you’d prefer to use.
Talkspace Onboarding Process
Tailored to individuals, couples, teens, and offering psychiatry services, Talkspace plans kick off at a wallet-friendly $69 per week. What’s more, many health insurances also cover their services, enhancing accessibility and affordability. Complete a questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.
When you contact Talkspace as a new customer, you will be put into a live chat session with a qualified therapist, who acts as a matching agent.
They will discuss your issues and background with you, and learn what you’re looking for from therapy. You will then be matched with the right therapist for your needs and preferences.
You can end your relationship with a therapist at any time by notifying the customer service team that you wish to do so. A new one will then be selected for you.
BetterHelp Onboarding Process
Explore emotional well-being with BetterHelp – your partner in affordable online therapy. With 30,000+ licensed therapists and plans starting from only $65 per week, BetterHelp makes self-care accessible to all. Complete the questionnaire to match with the right therapist.
The most obvious route of entry, and that encouraged by BetterHelp, involves filling out an online questionnaire. Your answers are then analyzed by BetterHelp, and they match you with a therapist.
Some feel that this is process is a bit impersonal, but the results seem to be as successful as when using the human decision maker at Talkspace. One benefit of this system is you can fill out the form at your own pace, rather than having to talk to a matching agent.
Remember, both platforms have a lot of experience in choosing the right therapist for a wide variety of different people.
Therapies Offered
Both Talkspace and BetterHelp offer a number of different therapies that can help you with a range of mental health issues.
BetterHelp Therapies
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Exposure Therapy
- Interpersonal Therapy
- Behavioral Activation
- Psychotherapy
- Christian Counseling
Talkspace Therapies
- Psychiatry and prescriptions
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Existential Therapy
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
Pricing
When exploring differences between BetterHelp and Talkspace, the pricing structures are essential for making informed decisions about your mental health care.
Their pricing models can vary based on factors such as subscription plans, therapist availability, and additional features.
BetterHelp Pricing
The headline costs of BetterHelp are $65-$90 per week (billed monthly). However, the main thing that makes this service so price competitive is that it offers a very accessible financial aid scheme.
The cost of therapy through BetterHelp is based on location, preferences, and therapist availability. They offer financial assistance to those who qualify however this is not guaranteed.
It is important to note that financial aid needs to be re-applied every 90 days. BetterHelp will let you know when you need to do this.
Talkspace Pricing
Talkspace offers three pricing packages:
- Messaging Therapy: This package includes text messaging but no live sessions. Out-of-pocket pricing starts at $69 per week.
- Video + Messaging Therapy: This package includes text messaging and live sessions. Out-of-pocket pricing starts at $99 per week.
- Video + Messaging + Workshops: This package includes text messaging, live sessions, and weekly workshops. Out-of-pocket pricing starts at $109 per week.
Additional fees
There are also other optional Talkspace fees if you want to add on live sessions or see a psychiatrist:
- Seeing a psychiatrist: $299 for the first session, $175 thereafter
- Additional live sessions: $65 per session
Insurance Coverage
BetterHelp therapy is not covered by major health insurance providers in the United States. On the other hand, Talkspace is covered by several health insurance providers that about 40 million Americans use.
However, when it comes to the amount you will still pay after the health insurance company has agreed to support you (your copay), you may still find that BetterHelp would be cheaper if you apply for financial aid through them.
Essentially, it’s great that Talkspace is covered by a large number of health insurers, but it’s important to perform a complete cost comparison to see what you’ll actually end up paying with each provider.
User Experience (UX)
When looking for online therapy, especially for the first time, it’s important to find a platform with a good user experience.
Whether you connect with your therapist through a mobile app or web browser, it’s important that the service is intuitive and easy to use.
In general, Talkspace and BetterHelp offer a great UX. We’ve compared the two platforms and their ease of use below.
Talkspace UX
When you use the Talkspace app on the App Store or Google Play, it’s generally a good experience, although there’s a little hiccup at the beginning.
Talkspace tries a little too hard with the instructional videos that appear on the app. When you first download the app, they try to get you to watch these explainers, which while helpful, do take a bit of time to get through.
After going through the onboarding process and watching the videos, the Talkspace app offers quite a good user experience. The text messaging interface is excellent and is very similar to any other modern messaging app, such as WhatsApp.
Most of your therapy will be using this medium as you discuss your difficulties with your therapist, and having a video chat with your counselor on the app is also a smooth experience.
When it comes to live video chat or voice messaging, these are only available on an app and not via the Talkspace website. Communication with your therapist will occur through the mobile app unless you just use the text messaging function.
BetterHelp UX
As with Talkspace, BetterHelp has a very easy-to-use mobile app – only without the off-putting instructional videos at the start.
You can do your live video or audio sessions on the app or via the website, giving you the flexibility to use your computer or mobile phone.
Homework and out-of-hours messaging are also available on the app, or you can choose to use the website instead. Booking a live session is done a week in advance using the calendar page on the app or website.
Although the BetterHelp website isn’t the most modern thing ever, it’s still very easy to use. Their app has a bit more of a modern feel to it and is updated regularly, making for a great UX.
Both platforms are easy to use throughout your therapy journey. Talkspace in trying too hard with their videos at the beginning might be a little off-putting, but once you begin therapy, their platform is at least as user-friendly as BetterHelp.
If you’d prefer to speak with your therapist via your computer, BetterHelp is the better choice, since Talkspace focuses heavily on their app.
Strenghts
When it comes to the choice between BetterHelp vs Talkspace, both companies have strong reputations because they have helped millions of people move beyond mental health issues and onto happier, more fulfilled lives. They each have their limitations, but also have a number of strengths.
Let’s sum up where each excels:
| BetterHelp | Talkspace |
|---|---|
| You can choose from a range of therapies according to your needs | Offers a range of therapy services for a number of mental health conditions |
| Offers live text, audio and video sessions as standard for all packages | Available for 13 year old+ clients |
| Group therapy available to all members | Can provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for psychiatric conditions |
| Has discounts that can help you afford to sign up without relying on insurance | Covered by many health insurers |
What Neither Online Therapy Service Can Do
Though BetterHelp and Talkspace offer online counseling from licensed mental health professionals, neither can help in an emergency.
If you are in a crisis or are at immediate risk, it is important that you seek help by calling 911 or getting support from a local mental health professional. If you have a serious mental health condition but are not at immediate risk, you should seek out in-person therapy in order to get the help you need.
Final Thoughts
When choosing between Talkspace vs BetterHelp, you need to consider your individual needs.
- Do you need online therapy covered by your health insurance, or do you not have health insurance and need financial support?
- Do you need regular live video sessions, or would you prefer to get help via live messaging?
- Do you need psychiatry services that can provide you with medication, or are you looking to get started with verbal therapy?
