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Online Therapy review
Talkspace logo

Talkspace review

Best for using insurance

Therapy and psychiatry by messaging and live sessions, in-network with some insurance plans. People who want to use health insurance or employer benefits for online therapy, or who may want psychiatry alongside therapy. We rank it #2 of 7 in our online therapy comparison, with an editorial score of 9.1 out of 10.

Updated By the ChoosyOwl editorial teamHow we rank
9.1/10
Our editorial score

Talkspace scores highest on Cost & insurance transparency because it is in-network with some health plans and employer benefit programs and lets you check coverage during sign-up. It also does well on Clinician credentials & matching, with therapy and psychiatry offered separately. It sits slightly behind on Session formats & flexibility because live sessions are scheduled rather than on demand.

How we score online therapy

Visit site (Talkspace, opens in a new tab)

Quick facts

Our rank#2 of 7
Best forBest for using insurance
Session formatsMessaging, video, live audio
InsuranceSome plans; check coverage
Medication managementPsychiatry available; check eligibility
Facts checkedNovember 14, 2026

Details are general and can change. Check current plans, prices and terms on the Talkspace site. See the Talkspace company profile in our brand directory.

Overview

Talkspace offers online therapy with licensed therapists through messaging and scheduled live video or audio sessions. It also offers psychiatry, where a licensed psychiatric provider can evaluate you and, if appropriate, manage medication. Eligibility for each service depends on your state and plan.

Talkspace's biggest difference is insurance. It is in-network with some health plans and works with some employer and benefit programs, and you can check whether your plan is covered before you commit. Coverage, copays and eligibility vary, so check whether your plan is covered on the site and with your insurer.

Talkspace describes itself on its site as a UHS company. If you pay out of pocket, Talkspace offers subscription plans; check the current options and prices on the site.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • In-network with some insurance plans
  • Therapy and psychiatry under one roof
  • Coverage check during sign-up
  • Works with some employer benefit programs

Cons

  • Insurance coverage depends on your plan and state
  • Live sessions need to be scheduled
  • Plan options can take time to compare

Key features

  • Messaging plus scheduled live video and audio sessions
  • Separate psychiatry service (eligibility varies)
  • Coverage check for some insurance and employer plans
  • Option to change providers

Who Talkspace is for

A good fit if

People who want to use health insurance or employer benefits for online therapy, or who may want psychiatry alongside therapy.

Look elsewhere if

Anyone who wants on-demand live chat sessions without scheduling.

How we scored Talkspace

Talkspace scores highest on Cost & insurance transparency because it is in-network with some health plans and employer benefit programs and lets you check coverage during sign-up. It also does well on Clinician credentials & matching, with therapy and psychiatry offered separately. It sits slightly behind on Session formats & flexibility because live sessions are scheduled rather than on demand.

Our online therapy score weighs clinician credentials & matching (25%), session formats & flexibility (20%), cost & insurance transparency (20%), privacy & safety (20%), ease of switching & cancelling (15%). See the methodology.

Talkspace alternatives

  1. #1
    BetterHelp logo

    BetterHelp

    Best overall

    Large network of licensed therapists with messaging, chat, phone and video sessions.

    • Messaging, live chat, phone and video sessions
    • Matching based on an intake questionnaire
    • Request a new therapist from your account
    • In network with some health plans in some states (check coverage)
    9.3/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (BetterHelp, opens in a new tab) Read review
  2. #3
    ReGain logo

    ReGain

    Best for couples

    Relationship-focused online counseling for couples and individuals, part of the BetterHelp network.

    • Couples or individual relationship counseling
    • Shared account and therapist for couples
    • Messaging, live chat, phone and video
    • Part of the BetterHelp network
    8.7/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (ReGain, opens in a new tab) Read review
  3. #4
    Cerebral logo

    Cerebral

    Best for therapy plus medication

    Online therapy and medication management in some states and plans.

    • Therapy, medication management or both (varies by state and plan)
    • Individual and couples therapy plans
    • Video and phone sessions
    • Messaging with your care team
    8.5/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Cerebral, opens in a new tab) Read review

Head-to-head

See all 7 online therapy services compared

Talkspace FAQ

Does Talkspace accept insurance?

Talkspace is in-network with some health plans and works with some employer benefit programs. Coverage varies by plan and state, so check whether your plan is covered on the Talkspace site and with your insurer.

Does Talkspace offer psychiatry?

Yes. Talkspace offers a psychiatry service in which licensed psychiatric providers can evaluate you and manage medication if appropriate. Eligibility depends on your state and plan.

How do Talkspace sessions work?

You can message your therapist and book scheduled live sessions by video or audio. Check the site for what your plan includes.

Sources and fact check

We checked the facts on this page against Talkspace's own website on .