BetterHelp vs. Talkspace - The Comparison of Online Therapy Platforms

This website is owned and operated by BetterHelp, who receives all fees associated with the platform. This influences where, how, and in what order the information or listings appear on the site.

There are a few core differences between the services offered by BetterHelp vs. TalkSpace. Although both are online therapy platforms, the differences between the two can make a significant difference in your experience upon signing up and being matched with a therapist.

Recent studies have found that online therapy is the most popular form of telehealth available, with four out of every ten adults using online therapy since 2021. With these high numbers, ensuring you find a reputable, affordable, and effective therapy platform or therapist can be essential.

BetterHelp Review

BetterHelp is the world's leading online therapy platform. With over two million users, it serves clients in the US and abroad to bring cost-effective, convenient, and quality therapy to individuals worldwide.

Features

When you sign up for BetterHelp, there are several features to which you can gain access. Upon enrolling signing up, you'll be matched with a therapist within 48 hours. Before that point, you can access BetterHelp's journal feature through the app, check out articles on their blog, and register for interactive webinars led by licensed therapists and counselors on popular mental health topics like trauma, depression, anxiety, and other concerns.

Other features you can expect to find through BetterHelp include the following:

• Video, phone, or chat sessions with your therapist
• Unlimited messaging
• Digital worksheets that can be sent to you by your therapist
• A secure chat room between you and your therapist to which you can returnat any time to review 
• The option to share your journal entries with your therapist automatically or manually
• Sister sites dedicated to couples, teens, and LGBTQ+ therapy

Pricing

BetterHelp costs $65 to $90 weekly, billed every four weeks, which amounts to about $260 to $360 per month, depending on location, availability of providers, and your session needs. This cost includes a weekly session of 30 to 45 minutes in length. In addition, you may be able to pay an extra cost if you want to schedule a second session in one week.

The service cost includes your weekly session with your therapist, unlimited messaging, group webinars (optional), and self-help tools like worksheets. BetterHelp also offers discounted rates and financial aid in some instances, subject to approval.

You may pay for your BetterHelp services using a debit or credit card or a PayPal account with a linked card or bank account. BetterHelp bills every four weeks, and you can cancel at any time. You may also be able to pay for your BetterHelp account through some FSA/HAS providers, employers, EAPs, or universities. However, BetterHelp does not take insurance at this time.

Signing Up

To sign up for BetterHelp's services, click on the "get started" page on the BetterHelp website. You can then answer a few short questions about your preferences for a therapist. If it is important to you, you can ask for a BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or Christian therapist and specify whether you have a gender or age preference for your therapist.

The form will also ask you about the following:

• Your symptoms
• Any mental health conditions you'd like to address
• Whether you have any crucial comments for your therapist
• Your pronouns
• Your relationship status
• Whether you've been in therapy before
• What approach you'd like your therapist to take
• The state of your physical health
• Whether you're experiencing depression or anxiety symptoms
• Your substance use habits

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helplineat (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources.

After submitting your preferences for a therapist, you will be asked to complete the sign-up process by adding your name (or nickname), email, and password. Once you've completed your account, BetterHelp will offer you a weekly rate. You can apply for a cost reduction at this step if you have a low income.

Social Impact

Outside of the therapy offered to individuals through the BetterHelp platform, the company offers support worldwide to various communities in need through its social impact program.A few of the initiatives in which BetterHelp has been involved include the following:

• Over $42 million offered in discounts and financial aid to low-income clients
• Over 31,000 months of therapy donated to communities in need
• Free therapy for those impacted by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine
• Therapy donated to those impacted by Hurricane Ian
• Therapy donated to those impacted by the shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs
• Partnerships with over 100 non-profit organizations to donate free therapy to under-resourced communities
• Celebrity partnerships to raise awareness and reduce mental health stigmas

TalkSpace Review

TalkSpace is an online therapy service that offers several service plans depending on the client's needs. They are one of several popular online therapy platforms but differ in a few ways from BetterHelp.

Features

TalkSpace offers therapy for individuals, teens, and couples seeking support. Similarly to BetterHelp, TalkSpace matches clients with a therapist after a brief assessment. Below are several of the features offered:

• One 30-minute video session per week (only in the top two tiers of pricing plans)
• Messaging with your therapist for five days a week
• The ability to choose between individual, couples, or teen therapy
• The option to speak to a psychiatrist at a higher cost
• The option to select your therapist or be matched

Unlike BetterHelp, TalkSpace does not offer a journal, digital worksheets, interactive group sessions, or free webinars. They do offer a few self-help exercises and a blog.

Pricing

TalkSpace costs $69 a week for messaging only, $99 per week for one video therapy session per week with messaging, and $109 per week for video therapy, messaging, and weekly workshops. Additional live sessions cost $65 per session. All plans are charged monthly, incurring a charge of around $276 a month for just messaging to $396 for video and messaging. With workshops, the cost is $436 a month.

In addition to their plans, TalkSpace is covered by some insurance providers. Check their insurance page on their website or speak to your insurance company to learn more. You may still be subject to co-pays or out-of-pocket fees. TalkSpace doesn't offer financial aid; you can pay for your services with a debit or credit card.

Signing Up

When you sign up for TalkSpace, you'll be guided through a few questions before joining. A few areas about which TalkSpace may ask you include the following:

• Your reason for seeking support
• The quality of your sleep
• Your physical health
• Whether you have a gender preference for your therapist

After signing up, you'll be prompted to pay your monthly cost upfront. You may be given a discount for your first month, depending on TalkSpace's promotions. After signing up, you may be matched with a therapist or select one from a list of providers that may meet your needs.

Social Impact

TalkSpace does not list any social impact information on its website or blog at this time. However, they state they are committed to offering flexible, cost-effective care to those who struggle to access it in person.

TalkSpace Vs. BetterHelp Comparison Chart 

Getting Started With Online Therapy

Signing up for online therapy can be a significant commitment. However, regardless of your choice, internet-based therapy is often more cost-effective, convenient, and accessible than in-person sessions.

If you're unsure of the benefits of online therapy, you can look through some of the many studies that discuss the data found on the topic. For example, studies have found that internet-based counseling is cheaper, more accessiblefor those with a disability, and more effective for certain mental illnesses, like depression.

If you're interested in meeting with an online provider, you can get matched with a therapist through an online platform like BetterHelpfor individuals or Regainfor couples within 48 hours. In addition, you can access extra content like journaling, worksheets, and webinars upon signing up and paying for your subscription.