Apps and online care
BetterHelp vs Talkspace
They differ on 5 of 10 things we check. No winner here: the better one is the one that fits what you need and how you'd pay.
BetterHelp
You fill in a questionnaire, get matched with a licensed therapist, and meet by video, phone or live chat, with messaging in between.
Talkspace
You answer an intake questionnaire, get matched with a licensed therapist, then message them any time and meet by live video depending on your plan.
Where they differ
- Kind of help
- BetterHelp: A therapist
- Talkspace: A therapist, Medication
- Good for
- BetterHelp: Adults with mild to moderate depression, anxiety or stress who want weekly talk therapy from home; People who want to message a therapist between live sessions
- Talkspace: Adults with depression, anxiety or stress who want a therapist they can message between live sessions; People whose insurance or employer plan covers Talkspace
- Cost
- BetterHelp: $70–$100/week, billed weekly or every 4 weeks
- Talkspace: $69–$109/week self-pay; copay with insurance
- Research
- BetterHelp: Limited research
- Talkspace: Strong research support
- Privacy
- BetterHelp: Grade D
- Talkspace: Grade C
The same for both: probably not for (anyone in crisis: call or text 988), how you pay (i'll pay myself), where (iphone, android, web), sells your data (yes), hipaa (yes).
In crisis or thinking about suicide? In the US, call or text 988. This page is information from our reviews, not medical advice.