Published: October 18, 2018 by Zencare Team
With many online therapy platforms available on the market, it can be hard to get a sense of what each one offers. Here’s a breakdown of the two most commonly used platforms: BetterHelp and Talkspace.
BetterHelp vs Talkspace: Pricing
Both Talkspace and BetterHelp have tiered memberships. This means that how much you pay per week depends on the level of support you require — the more support or access to your therapist, the more expensive.
BetterHelp is less expensive than Talkspace, but only by a small amount. Talkspace costs between $65 - $95 per week, whereas BetterHelp costs between $60 - $90 per week. There are ways to decrease your bill for both, including getting billed upfront for multiple weeks or months at a time.
BetterHelp vs Talkspace: Services
BetterHelp offers more live sessions than Talkspace.
All BetterHelp plans include unlimited live messaging and phone sessions. At Talkspace, only the premium plans include live sessions – at the rate of either one or four live sessions per month.
BetterHelp vs Talkspace: Commitment
BetterHelp is less of a commitment, since you can sign up for a weekly membership.
With BetterHelp, you’ll have access to therapy without a long-term commitment, since plans can be billed weekly (as opposed to Talkspace, which has a monthly minimum). This means that if you aren’t sure if therapy from this company will be helpful for you, you aren’t stuck in a long-term contract.
BetterHelp vs Talkspace: Therapist Quality
Therapists on both platforms are similar in experience level; many therapists work for both platforms. You can learn more about your therapist’s background, education, and credentials on their profiles.
BetterHelp vs Talkspace: How to Choose?
If you're looking to commit monthly and/or only want text, video, and audio messaging (i.e., don’t need live messaging or phone sessions as much), the Talkspace "Unlimited Messaging Therapy Plus" is your best bet.
If you want to try a weekly commitment and/or are most interested in the unlimited live messaging and phone sessions, BetterHelp can give you the flexibility to access these services and commitment levels.
What Happens When You Start BetterHelp
1. You start with an in-depth intake
When you sign up for BetterHelp, you answer questions from a comprehensive intake process. Questions range from “What is your relationship status?” to “Are you currently experiencing anxiety, panic attacks or have any phobias?”
The BetterHelp intake is a fairly comprehensive series of questions, with helpful guidance and explanations.
2. You're matched with a counselor
Within 24 hours of completing the BetterHelp questionnaire, its algorithm matches you with a licensed counselor. If you don’t feel like your therapist is a good fit, you can easily request a new one.
3. You have 24/7 access to a messaging room
Once you’re matched, you can reach out to your counselor at any time from your shared private “messaging room.”
4. Your therapist typically responds once a day, Monday - Friday
For immediate responses, it’s best to schedule a phone, video, or live chat session in advance.
What Happens When You Start TalkSpace
1. You start with a quick intake
After answering a few required questions – e.g., “What led you to seek help today?” – you have the option to skip ahead and view potential therapists.
With Talkspace, users have the option to skip ahead to see potential therapist matches.
2. You're paired with multiple options; you select the therapist you want to work with
The platform’s algorithm instantly pairs you with several therapists licensed in your state, and you select your therapist from that short list.
Similar to BetterHelp, if you don’t feel like your therapist on Talkspace is a good fit, you can easily request a new one.
3. You have 24/7 access to a private online room
Once you’re matched, you’re granted access to a secure, private “room.” This is where you can send messages to your therapist 24/7, via text, video, or voice.
4. Your therapist responds during business hours
Answers aren’t necessarily immediate; unless you have a plan that allows you to schedule live sessions, therapists respond during their own set business hours, five days a week.
Still not sure which platform to use? While there are benefits to using technology-enabled therapy services, Talkspace or Betterhelp might not be the easiest option when it comes to starting your mental health journey. Using Zencare, you can search through our therapist directory, filter for your needs and preferences, watch each therapist’s introductory video, and then schedule a call directly from the profile. All this without any cost to you!