Talkspace vs BetterHelp – How to Choose the Best Online Therapy

December 8, 2023

Online therapy has seen a huge surge in popularity over the past few years. Services like Talkspace and BetterHelp offer the convenience of accessing mental health care from your device at home. But how do you decide between these two major platforms?

In this blog post, we’ll break down the key differences between Talkspace and BetterHelp across a range of factors. Read on to determine which option may be the best online therapy choice for your needs and budget.

Overview of Talkspace and BetterHelp

Talkspace and BetterHelp take a similar approach to delivering virtual therapy, but have some notable differences:

Talkspace was founded in 2012 and offers text, audio, and video therapy. Plans start at $49 per week with access to a licensed therapist.
BetterHelp launched in 2013 and also provides messaging, phone, and video therapy. Pricing runs from $60 to $90 per week depending on desired features.
Both services connect you with a licensed mental health professional for online counseling via a desktop or mobile app. Sessions take place over text, phone call, or live video.
Talkspace claims over 50,000 active users while BetterHelp has over 10,000 licensed therapists available.

So, in a nutshell, these two leading online therapy platforms take a similar overall approach but Talkspace tends to be more affordable while BetterHelp offers more therapist options.

Therapist Expertise and Specialties

An important factor in choosing an online therapy provider is the expertise and specialties of their therapist network.

On Talkspace, therapists have qualifications ranging from licensed social workers to psychologists. Specialties cover common issues like depression, relationships, trauma, and more.
BetterHelp therapists must have a master’s or doctoral degree and be licensed in their state. Specialties include depression, anxiety, self-esteem, LGBTQ+ support, grief, and many others.
BetterHelp may have a slight edge in expanded specialty offerings like career counseling, executive coaching, and faith-based therapy. Talkspace also covers common needs but has fewer niche focuses.

Matching with a therapist experienced in your specific concerns can lead to better rapport and outcomes in online counseling. Both platforms make it easy to switch counselors if needed.

Messaging, Video, and Scheduling

Convenience and flexibility are major advantages of online therapy. Here’s how Talkspace and BetterHelp compare for messaging, video, and scheduling:

Talkspace offers text chatting several days per week based on plan level. Live video is available at higher pricing tiers. Sessions are asynchronous and on-demand.
BetterHelp includes live text chats, phone calls, and video at all pricing levels. You can schedule real-time sessions or exchange messages at your convenience.
BetterHelp may offer more flexibility in accessing phone and video sessions on-demand or scheduled with your therapist.
Talkspace lets you message your therapist daily but live interaction is limited on lower cost plans.

The ability to schedule real-time counseling via text, phone, or video in addition to async messaging gives BetterHelp an edge in flexibility.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Affordability is often a major factor in selecting an online therapy option. Here’s how pricing and insurance coverage compares:

Talkspace plans start at $49 per week for text messaging with a therapist. Video sessions cost more at $65 to $99 weekly.
BetterHelp pricing ranges from $60 to $90 weekly depending on features. All tiers include text, phone, and video.
Talkspace recently began accepting some insurance through in-network providers. BetterHelp does not take insurance at this time.
Both platforms offer financial aid and discounted plans for students, military, seniors, and low-income clients.

In general, Talkspace tends to have lower baseline pricing, while BetterHelp offers more value at higher plan levels. Insurance coverage through Talkspace can offset costs.

Matching Process and Switching Providers

How does the process of getting matched to a therapist and switching counselors compare?

Both Talkspace and BetterHelp start with a questionnaire to get your therapy goals, history, preferences, and needs.
You’re then matched with a licensed therapist on the platform based on expertise, availability, and other factors.
If the match doesn’t work out, you can request a new provider for free on either platform. Repeat switching may get limited.
The process is smooth and low-friction on both Talkspace and BetterHelp making it easy to find the right fit.

Switching providers is possible on both platforms if you don’t connect with your initial therapist match. The change process is straightforward.

Mobile App and Usability

Convenient mobile access is essential for online therapy. How do the apps compare?

Talkspace and BetterHelp both offer easy-to-use mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Apps allow text, audio, and video messaging with your therapist. Additional features like goal-setting tools may differ.
Reviews give Talkspace and BetterHelp apps high marks for the simplicity of messaging with your provider.
Tablet apps are also available in addition to smartphone apps. Web access enables use across any device.

With well-designed apps and web access, both platforms make virtual therapy simple and convenient to use from anywhere.

Privacy, Security, and Customer Support

Privacy protection is vital when using online therapy. Here’s how Talkspace and BetterHelp compare:

Both platforms use encryption and other security measures to keep chats, calls, and video sessions private.
Each service is HIPAA compliant to legally protect your personal health data.
Customer service options include chat, email, and phone support if issues arise with the app, payments, etc.
Users report both platforms feel private and secure based on safeguards in place.

Talkspace and BetterHelp get high marks for privacy protections for your therapy discussions. Support teams assist with any issues.

Which Online Therapy Option Is Better?

So which platform comes out ahead – Talkspace or BetterHelp? While both provide convenient online access to licensed therapists, some key differences emerge:

Talkspace has lower pricing starting at $49 per week but less flexibility in video options.
BetterHelp costs more at $60 to $90 weekly but includes more live sessions.
Talkspace accepts some insurance which could lower your out-of-pocket costs.
BetterHelp has a significantly larger therapist network with expanded specialties.

Conclusion

Choosing the right online therapy solution for you comes down to your budget, needed features, and personal preferences. Consider trying free trials of both to see which provides a better experience.

With convenient access to licensed professionals from home, online therapy platforms like Talkspace and BetterHelp make getting mental health support simple and discreet. Finding the right service can provide huge benefits for your well-being.

Talkspace vs BetterHelp – How to Choose the Best Online Therapy