Talkspace vs BetterHelp
Talkspace vs BetterHelp compared on price, insurance, therapy vs psychiatry, and session formats. Here's which online therapy platform wins for you.
Quick answer
Talkspace (4.1/5) is our overall pick among Talkspace (4.1/5), BetterHelp (3.9/5), though the best choice depends on your insurance and needs.
Talkspace and BetterHelp are the two largest online therapy platforms, and they look similar at a glance. The deciding factor for most people is insurance: Talkspace accepts it, BetterHelp generally does not. The other is scope: Talkspace also offers psychiatry, while BetterHelp is therapy only.
Side by side
| Talkspace | BetterHelp | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $69/wk or copay | $65–$100/wk |
| Verdict: BetterHelp is slightly cheaper cash-pay, but Talkspace wins if you are insured. | ||
| Takes insurance | Yes (many plans) | No (financial aid only) |
| Verdict: Talkspace wins, it bills insurance directly. | ||
| Psychiatry / meds | Yes | No |
| Verdict: Talkspace wins, BetterHelp offers no medication. | ||
| Therapist network | Large | Largest |
| Verdict: BetterHelp wins on raw network size. | ||
| Teen plans | Yes | Yes (BetterHelp Teen) |
| Verdict: Tie, both offer dedicated teen therapy. | ||
Our verdict
If you have insurance or need medication management, Talkspace is the better choice. If you want the fastest possible access to a large therapist network and price is the only concern, BetterHelp is a strong, slightly cheaper option.
Frequently asked questions
Is Talkspace or BetterHelp cheaper?+
Without insurance the two are comparable, with BetterHelp often slightly cheaper. With insurance, Talkspace can be much cheaper because it bills your plan.
Which one offers psychiatry?+
Talkspace offers psychiatry and medication management. BetterHelp is talk therapy only.
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