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Talkspace vs BetterHelp Comparison

As online therapy continues to become a more popular option, two of the most recognizable names in the field are BetterHelp and Talkspace. Through steady internet and social media advertising, the two platforms continue to grow, both boasting over one million users. 

Both companies offer licensed therapists with expertise in various mental health areas, enabling clients to access quality care without leaving home; moreover, they provide extra resources like online courses and community forums which enable users to engage in learning about related topics. Both companies have teams of licensed therapists who specialize in different areas such as depression, anxiety disorders etc., giving clients access to quality mental health care without having to step out of their homes. Additionally, both services offer extra resources such as interactive online courses and community forums that enable users to gain knowledge about different mental health topics. 

In this article, we’ll provide an extensive comparison of BetterHelp and Talkspace to help you make the right decision for your needs. We will explore their features side by side so that you have all the information needed to compare them before making a choice.

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BetterHelp Vs. Talkspace: What Services Do These Platforms Offer?

Although all online therapy platforms deliver the same basic service, they differ slightly in what they offer, how they price their services, and the types of conditions they treat. We’re going to focus solely on BetterHelp and Talkspace.

BetterHelp

This platform has been around since 2013. It’s one of the largest counseling platforms in the world. You can conveniently choose to receive your therapy sessions via phone, live video, or even chat.

Some conditions BetterHelp can help:

  • Depression
  • Postpartum depression
  • Anxiety
  • OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)
  • Grief
  • Trauma
  • Medical problems
  • Relationship issues
  • Group therapy
  • And much more

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TalkSpace

This platform is ideal for a range of mental health conditions. This app allows you to text your therapist, send audio messages, or video chat. You can do phone calls as well. Talkspace can even offer medication management if you need it.

Some conditions Talkspace can help:

  • Individual therapy
  • Couple or marriage therapy
  • OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)
  • Family Counseling
  • Depression
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Trauma
  • Grief
  • Parenting
  • Eating disorders
  • Substance abuse
  • LGBTQIA issues
  • And much more

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BetterHelp Vs. Talkspace: Are They Available In All 50 States?

Services for online counseling via Talkspace and BetterHelp are both offered throughout the 50 states. However, you will be matched with a counselor in your state. Thankfully, there are usually quite a few therapists in each state. If one doesn’t work out (because we can’t all connect with everyone we meet) you can always request a new one.

How Does Online Therapy Work?

Online therapy works much the same as traditional in-person therapy. The primary difference is that therapy takes place remotely, via phone calls or video conferencing tools like Zoom.

Both BetterHelp and Talkspace are easy to navigate. They both have a user-friendly website and a convenient app that has easy accessibility. 

Cost of BetterHelp Vs. Talkspace

When going to therapy, pricing is always a consideration. When you think of in-person counseling, you probably think of the high cost. However, thankfully these two platforms have convenient plan options. 

Let’s take a closer look at the plans and options for each.

What Does BetterHelp Offer?

BetterHelp is known to be one of the most ideal online therapy websites because of its talented counselors and its pricing and plans.

$60-$90 per week

This plan gets charged every four weeks. So, let’s say your weekly price is $60, you will be charged $240 per month. This plan allows you to communicate with your counselor – remotely – through phone calls, messaging, live chat, or video calls. You get to choose how you want to receive your counseling. Financial Aid is offered to people who qualify. If you think you may qualify, it’s important to reach out so you can access the mental health care you deserve.

What Does Talkspace Offer?

Talkspace is committed to offering high-quality accessible therapy. They have three different options to choose from, according to their website. One upside of this platform is that they take health insurance to make therapy easier to receive.

Messaging Therapy: Starts at $69 week

You can send your therapist a message and you will get a daily response 5 days per week. You can message your counselor anytime. Of course, keep in mind that they may not respond to every message as they have other clients, but usually you can expect one response per day.

Video + Messaging Therapy: Starts at $99 per week

This plan is ideal if you want a combination of video chat and messaging.

Video + Messaging + Workshops: $109 per week

This is the ultimate option. You will have access to everything that Talkspace offers. You can send messages to your counselor, meet live, and attend the weekly workshops.

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What Users Say About BetterHelp and Talkspace

BetterHelp and Talkspace are currently two of the largest companies in this market, and both have their fair share of customer reviews available online. While everyone’s individual experience can vary due to the personal nature of therapy, there are definite trends that emerge out of these reviews. In almost every area, BetterHelp has received a more consistently positive response from both professional reviews and individual users.

BetterHelp

With 5,350 total reviews, the company boasts a 4.6-star rating on TrustPilot. With that many reviews and holding almost a 5-star, that says a lot about this platform. Some of the reviews read, “A life-changing experience,” BetterHelp definitely delivers,” and “Easy, helpful service with talented therapists.” 

Some of the less positive reviews note that the video functionality could be better, and that the website and user experience are a bit outdated and clunky. 

Talkspace

Talkspace has a 1.2-star review on Trustpilot. However, the company has a B rating from the Better Business Bureau, and other websites like Forbes and InnerBody have generally positive reviews. Most of the poor reviews on Trustpilot are about medications and billing, or therapists not showing up to scheduled appointments. One user found that the service seemed to ignore their requested specialties when matching them with therapists, resulting in poor patient/therapist matches.

BetterHelp Vs. Talkspace: Which Is Best?

Both BetterHelp and Talkspace are top options. Consider both and see what works for you. For example, if you need an option that takes health insurance, Talkspace is likely ideal for you. However, it’s also important to point out that with BetterHelp’s generous Financial Aid option, you may be able to afford their services more easily.

Ultimately, choosing an online therapy platform isn’t just about the cost. While that is a huge factor for most people, you should consider other features. For example, look at how often you can message your therapist on each, how long the sessions are, and more. Think about what you need out of the platform, and then go to each of their websites to see which one would be a better fit for you.

Content on this site is for reference and information purposes only. Do not rely solely on this content, as it is not a substitute for advice from a licensed healthcare professional. Aging.com assumes no liability for inaccuracies. Consult with your doctor before beginning any medications or programs.

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