BetterHelp vs Talkspace
Choose BetterHelp if you want the most flexible mix of messaging, live chat, phone and video. Choose Talkspace if you want a long-established insurance and employer-benefit route, or may want psychiatry alongside therapy. Both now list in-network options with some health plans, so check coverage on each.
BetterHelp
Best overall
Talkspace
Best for using insuranceBetterHelp vs Talkspace at a glance
| BetterHelp | Talkspace | |
|---|---|---|
| Session formats | Messaging, live chat, phone, video | Messaging, video, live audio |
| Insurance | Some plans in some states; check coverage | Some plans; check coverage |
| Medication management | Not offered | Psychiatry available; check eligibility |
| Billing | Subscription or insurance where available; check current terms | Insurance or subscription plans; check current options |
| Switching therapists | Request from your account | Option to change providers |
| Our editorial score | 9.3 / 10 | 9.1 / 10 |
Which should you choose?
Pick BetterHelp if flexibility of formats matters most.
Pick Talkspace if your health plan or employer covers it, or you may want psychiatry too.
How they differ
BetterHelp and Talkspace are two of the best-known online therapy services in the US, and both connect you with licensed therapists after an intake questionnaire. Both now list in-network options with some health plans, so the bigger differences are formats and medication. Talkspace also works with some employer programs. BetterHelp says some features, such as chat-based sessions and groups, may be limited when you use insurance, so check what your plan includes.
Session formats
BetterHelp includes messaging, live chat, phone and video in its subscription, which makes it easy to switch between writing and talking. Talkspace combines messaging with scheduled live video or audio sessions. If you like to have a quick live text conversation, BetterHelp has the edge.
Medication
Neither service's therapists prescribe medication. Talkspace, however, offers a separate psychiatry service where a licensed psychiatric provider can evaluate you and manage medication if appropriate, depending on your state and plan. BetterHelp is talk therapy only.
Privacy
Both services describe their security practices in their privacy policies. In 2023 the US Federal Trade Commission finalized an order banning BetterHelp from sharing health data for advertising, after alleging it had shared such data with advertising platforms. Read its current privacy policy and settings carefully. Whichever you pick, check how your data is used before you sign up.
Getting started
Sign-up looks similar on both. You answer an intake questionnaire about what you want help with, your preferences and your state, and the service matches you with a licensed therapist. On Talkspace, you can also enter your insurance or employer details early to see whether your plan is covered before choosing a plan. BetterHelp also offers a coverage check on its insurance page.
On either service, read your therapist's profile before your first session, and do not hesitate to ask for a different match if the fit is not right. It is common to need more than one try.
The bottom line
Check whether either service is covered by your plan. If you may want psychiatry, Talkspace is the more practical choice. If you value live chat and easy therapist switching, BetterHelp is our top overall pick. Neither is for emergencies; in a crisis, call or text 988.
BetterHelp vs Talkspace FAQ
Is BetterHelp or Talkspace better if I have insurance?
Both list in-network options with some health plans, but networks and states differ. BetterHelp says some features may be limited when you use insurance. Check coverage on both sites and with your insurer.
Which offers more ways to talk to a therapist?
BetterHelp offers messaging, live chat, phone and video. Talkspace offers messaging and scheduled live video or audio sessions.
Can either service prescribe medication?
Talkspace offers a separate psychiatry service, depending on your state and plan. BetterHelp does not offer medication management.