Apps and online care
Talkspace vs Meru Health
They differ on 6 of 10 things we check. No winner here: the better one is the one that fits what you need and how you'd pay.
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.
Meru Health
You get a 12-week program on your phone: weekly lessons and practices, a biofeedback breathing device, and a licensed therapist you can message and meet by video.
Where they differ
- Kind of help
- Talkspace: A therapist, Medication
- Meru Health: A therapist
- Good for
- 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
- Meru Health: Adults with mild to moderate depression, anxiety or burnout who want a structured 12-week program; People whose health plan or employer covers Meru Health
- Probably not for
- Talkspace: Anyone in crisis: call or text 988
- Meru Health: Anyone in crisis: call or text 988 (Meru Health is not a crisis service)
- Cost
- Talkspace: $69–$109/week self-pay; copay with insurance
- Meru Health: Copay with insurance or free through some employers; self-pay price not published
- How you pay
- Talkspace: I'll pay myself
- Meru Health: Insurance
- Sells your data
- Talkspace: Yes
- Meru Health: Not stated
The same for both: where (iphone, android, web), research (strong research support), privacy (grade c), 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.