Ever since the pandemic, more people are turning to online therapy services to get the help they need.
But with so many options available, it can be hard to decide which one is best for you.
In this blog post, we’ll compare everything payment related for two of the most popular online therapy services—Betterhelp vs Talkspace — so you can make an informed decision that’s right for your needs with help of mental health professionals via online therapy.
Please know that we have bought, tested, and tried Talkspace, which we detail in our Talkspace Review video playlist and info guide here.
What Are Talkspace And BetterHelp?
- Talkspace and BetterHelp are both online therapy services that provide access to licensed therapists
- Talkspace offers psychiatry services and insurance coverage, while BetterHelp has better third-party reviews and is slightly cheaper
- Both platforms match people with accredited therapists for counseling services through messaging, video and online education
Which Is Better, Talkspace Or BetterHelp?
When it comes to online therapy, both Talkspace and BetterHelp offer quality services.
Generally speaking BetterHelp is the superior service but doesn’t accept insurance coverage. As Talkspace covers 40+ million Americans, you may want to choose Talkspace depending on your financial situation.
Talkspace Vs. BetterHelp Pay
If you are a therapist choosing between Talkspace and BetterHelp, BetterHelp will be your preferred choice and here’s why:
- Talkspace has been criticized by therapists and users for inadequate service, with reports of caseloads as high as 100 for its therapists.
- Frustrated Talkspace therapists sent an open letter1 in order to be heard.
- User reviews show that Talkspace therapists are overwhelmed and not consistently providing quality care.
- BetterHelp users and therapists have fewer complaints, while the ones they do have are less severe due to higher-paid and more satisfied therapists.
- Overall, both user and employee reviews point to a pattern of greater satisfaction with BetterHelp than Talkspace.
Do Talkspace And BetterHelp Accept Health Insurance?
- Talkspace accepts a variety of health insurance and EAP programs
- BetterHelp does not accept insurance
Talkspace vs. BetterHelp Customer Reviews
Third Party Review
Trustpilot
Better Business Bureau
App Store
Talkspace
1.3/5 from 141 reviews
1.1/5 from 90 reviews
4.7/5 from 16,000 ratings
BetterHelp
4.6/5 from 5772 reviews
4.06/5 from 519 reviews
4.8/5 from 100, 600 ratings
Talkspace vs. BetterHelp Services Offered
- Talkspace offers individual therapy, psychiatry, couples therapy, and teen therapy
- Betterhelp offers individual therapy, couples therapy, teens therapy
Talkspace vs. BetterHelp Costs
When it comes to cost, Talkspace and BetterHelp offer similar plans.
- Based on your location, preferences, and the availability of therapists, the cost of therapy through BetterHelp ranges from $60 to $90 each week (paid every 4 weeks) for a total of $240-370 per month.
- The price of therapy through Talkspace varies from $276-436 per month depending on what plan you choose.
Talkspace Versus Betterhelp Costs Per Month
- Talkspace average monthly cost estimate is $356 per month.
- Betterhelp average monthly cost estimate is $305 per month.
Talkspace vs. BetterHelp: Sign Up
Both of these online therapy providers use a similar enrolling procedure. Yet, they differ slightly in how they match you with a therapist.
An introductory questionnaire on both platforms inquires about your life, objectives, and preferences.
Both Talkspace and BetterHelp’s admission procedure are automated, and using algorithms and artificial intelligence to identify a therapist that can feel somewhat robotic.
During the intake procedure, you will be offered many professional, accredited, and experienced therapist options. If none of the matches fit you, you may request additional matches.
Once a therapist has been chosen, both services build a secure virtual therapy room. This is where you can write messages, upload papers, videos, and audio files, and engage with your therapist in other ways.
According to both providers, you can switch therapists or discontinue therapy at any time.
Betterhelp vs Talkspace Subscription Cancel Options
- Betterhelp offers weekly subscriptions so you may cancel anytime without future costs
- Talkspace subscription is monthly so if you cancel mid-month you’ll still pay for the rest of the month
Talkspace vs. BetterHelp: Mobile App
Talkspace and BetterHelp both offer mobile apps that allow users to access their services on the go. Talkspace’s app is available for iOS and Android devices, while BetterHelp’s app is only available for iOS devices.
Both apps provide users with a secure platform to connect with their therapist, access therapy sessions, and send messages. Additionally, both apps are free to download and use.
Betterhelp Versus Betterhelp Session Platform Quality
- Patients can communicate with their therapist 24/7 via messaging, while live sessions should be arranged with the app’s scheduler.
- Therapists may have side hustles and thus have limited availability that does not align with the patient’s schedule, so this should be discussed when meeting with them.
- If the initial therapist’s availability is inconvenient, sites make it easy to transfer therapists.
- The technical quality of video sessions was high, and facilitated effective therapy; however, video therapy can’t replace the in-person therapy experience entirely.
After registering, you will be assigned a “room” where you can communicate with your therapist. Voice memos can also be sent.
It is vital to know that both companies promise that you can get therapy 24/7 on their platforms. In actuality, you can send your therapist messages around-the-clock, but they will only react once or twice each day.
When it comes to live sessions, you can select a time that works for your schedule using the app’s scheduler. Nonetheless, it can be difficult to identify a precise time that works.
This is a “side hustle” for many therapists, and their availability may not align with yours. ou should discuss this with your therapist when you first meet with them.
The good news is that both sites make it absurdly simple to transfer therapists if your first therapist’s timetable is inconvenient. (Tip: If you spend many days of your subscription searching for the correct therapist, ask customer care if they will extend your subscription to make up for the time lost.)
On all platforms, the technical quality of video sessions was high and facilitated effective therapy. As previously stated, video therapy will never replace the complete experience of in-person therapy.
A discussion in therapy differs from a typical conversation. While conversing, people are typically more kind and turn-taking is more discrete. This type of interaction works well through video.
Talkspace vs. BetterHelp: Counselor Qualifications
When it comes to counselor qualifications, both Talkspace and BetterHelp offer licensed therapists who are accredited and have experience in the field. Talkspace requires that all of its counselors have a master’s degree or higher in counseling or social work, while BetterHelp has counselors with a variety of educational backgrounds.
Talkspace Vs Betterhelp Payment Options
- Talkspace: credit or debit card; some employee assistance programs (EAP), 40 million Americans through insurance, and health benefits may be accepted.
- Betterhelp: credit card, PayPal and Google Pay
Talkspace vs. BetterHelp: Psychiatry
- Talkspace offers medication as part of their Psychiatry Plan, which costs $249 for an initial consultation and then $125 for follow-up visits
- Betterhelp does not provide any psychiatry services
How Long Are Therapy Sessions At BetterHelp And Talkspace?
Both BetterHelp and Talkspace offer 30 minute sessions.
Can Talkspace and BetterHelp Therapists Provide Diagnoses?
No, Talkspace and BetterHelp therapists are not authorized to diagnose conditions. However, Talkspace does have psychiatrists who can aid in medication management.
Can Therapists on BetterHelp And Talkspace Prescribe Medication?
No, neither BetterHelp nor Talkspace therapists can prescribe medication.
While Talkspace does offer a psychiatry plan which allows for the prescription of medications, it is only available through licensed psychiatrists or nurse practitioners.
BetterHelp therapists are not medical personnel and therefore cannot prescribe any medications.
When Should I Consider Getting Help Beyond Online Therapy?
When considering getting help beyond online therapy, it is important to look for signs that indicate the need for additional help. These signs may include persistent feelings of anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders; difficulty managing relationships; substance use; and difficulty self-regulating behavior.
If any of these signs are present, it may be beneficial to seek out a therapist who can provide more personalized care. Additionally, if online therapy is not providing the desired results, then it may be time to consider other options.
Talkspace vs. BetterHelp Pay Conclusion:
When it comes to finding the right online therapy service for you, it’s important to consider all of your needs—including cost.
By comparing the payment options offered by BetterHelp and Talkspace side-by-side, you can make an informed decision about which service is best suited for your budget as well as your mental health needs.
And if you’re a therapist looking for a job, well, we hope you can clearly see that BetterHelp is the preferred option.
Overall, with the right combination of affordability and quality care, you’ll be able to start feeling better in no time!