Apps and online care
Supportiv vs Talkspace
They differ on 8 of 10 things we check. No winner here: the better one is the one that fits what you need and how you'd pay.
Supportiv
You type what is on your mind and are matched within minutes to a small anonymous chat with others going through something similar, kept on track by a trained moderator.
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
- Supportiv: Peer support or coaching
- Talkspace: A therapist, Medication
- Good for
- Supportiv: People who want to talk to someone right now, anonymously, without signing up; People feeling isolated with a specific struggle (caregiving, grief, stress, loneliness)
- 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
- Supportiv: $24 for a 24-hour pass, or free through some employers and health plans
- Talkspace: $69–$109/week self-pay; copay with insurance
- Where
- Supportiv: Web
- Talkspace: iPhone, Android, Web
- Research
- Supportiv: Limited research
- Talkspace: Strong research support
- Privacy
- Supportiv: Grade B
- Talkspace: Grade C
- Sells your data
- Supportiv: No
- Talkspace: Yes
- HIPAA
- Supportiv: Not stated
- Talkspace: Yes
The same for both: probably not for (anyone in crisis: call or text 988), how you pay (i'll pay myself).
In crisis or thinking about suicide? In the US, call or text 988. This page is information from our reviews, not medical advice.