- We dedicated over 10,000 hours of research on more than 70 platforms before selecting 20 of the most popular brands for hands-on testing.
- We surveyed more than 2,000 therapy users about their experience with online therapy platforms, holding focus groups for in-person interviews, and consulting with mental health experts about what factors make for the best experience with an online therapist.
- During testing, we scored each platform on 4 different indexes, including affordability, data privacy, availability, and inclusivity.
- We specifically tested the therapy services at Talkspace, going behind the paywall and attending online therapy sessions for four weeks. When applicable, we switched therapists to document the ease of switching.
Learn more about how we tested Talkspace.
Key takeaways
- We recommend Talkspace as an online therapy platform because of the flexible scheduling, messaging-based therapy options, and inclusive practices.
- Talkspace costs between $276 and $436 per month, with the least expensive option being messaging-based therapy. Four live sessions and messaging therapy cost $396 per month, and Talkspace accepts insurance.
- Talkspace stands out as one of the few online therapy platforms currently accepting insurance.
Finding the best virtual therapy provider can be challenging. While insurance can help cover the cost, few platforms accept it, leading many people to forego necessary mental health care due to the added financial stress of paying out of pocket. In our November 2023 survey of 600 online therapy users, 31 percent of respondents stopped using online therapy because their insurance didn’t cover it.
Talkspace is one of the few online therapy platforms that provides therapy and psychiatric care, and is among the few platforms for online therapy that accepts insurance. We tested Talkspace ourselves to discover its benefits and drawbacks so you can make the best choice for your financial and mental health.
Talkspace highlights
Our final verdict on Talkspace
We appreciate Talkspace as one of the few online platforms accepting insurance for therapy. During testing, we found that the website shares provider availability upfront along with in-depth information about their experience, training, and demographics. The sessions are on the shorter side at only 30 minutes, and users with insurance don’t have the option to book longer sessions.
Who should consider Talkspace: Since Talkspace accepts insurance, this platform would be a good fit for someone with mental health coverage who is looking for an affordable and flexible therapy option.
Who should consider other options: The sessions at Talkspace are short and wouldn’t be a good fit for someone looking for more intensive therapy.
What is Talkspace?
Talkspace is an online therapy platform connecting users with therapists who are licensed in their state. This online therapy service provides accessible therapy in all 50 states, including a low-cost, messaging only service, as well as a combination of messaging and live therapy sessions. For individuals looking for medication management, psychiatry services can be added at an additional cost.
How does Talkspace work?
Users can utilize the video and audio portal through the Talkspace website or the app, which is available on iOS and Android. In addition to 30-minute live sessions, users can engage in messaging-based therapy with one guaranteed response from their provider five days a week.
How to sign up for Talkspace online therapy
During their trial, our testers kept a detailed diary about their Talkspace experience, beginning with the signup process. We began by answering a number of questions concerning our reasons for seeking therapy, language preferences, and gender identity. Based on questions about gender identity and the preferred gender of our provider, we felt we could expect Talkspace to provide inclusive care.
From here, we were prompted to set up an account and provide payment information, but we were not billed until we were matched with a provider.
How to match with an online psychiatrist
After creating an account, we were prompted to complete a more in-depth assessment to match with a therapist. This questionnaire included basic information like a home address and emergency contact as well as detailed mental health questions. Finally, we confirmed whether we wanted to use video, telephone, or text therapy for our sessions.
At this point, we were matched with a therapist. The information provided included basic identity information, their education, training, and experience. We could also view their availability and select a time for our first sessions.
From one of our Talkspace testers
The provider availability graph was so useful when choosing a therapist. I really wanted to take advantage of the messaging part of my subscription, so I wanted a provider that would be responsive when I was available to chat throughout the day. My first match’s graph showed that they were only active overnight in my hours, so I didn’t feel like they would match my schedule of when I wanted to be on the Talkspace app.
Live video sessions
On more than one occasion, we encountered technical issues during our live sessions, which is a risk with any telehealth appointment. When our tester joined her first session from a browser, it would immediately kick her out. Luckily, once our tester joined from a mobile device, she could maintain the connection for the entirety of her session. Technical difficulties like these could create added stress for anyone trying to receive therapy, especially if they’re anxious about their first appointment.
Live phone calls
Another technical issue occurred during the tester’s live phone call session. She found the session would end abruptly when she locked her phone, interrupting her session multiple times.
From our tester
“One annoying thing I found was that when I closed my phone screen during the audio call, it would end the whole session for me, and I didn’t realize until I heard no response from the therapist. So I had to keep my phone screen on for the whole session, which was uncomfortable to hold the whole time (instead of putting it in my pocket or on the bench), and it drained a good chunk of my battery.”
Unlimited messaging
With Talkspace, as well as most online therapy platforms, you don’t have to wait until your next session to talk to your therapist. Instead of jotting something down to remember for later, you can send them a message. Each of Talkspace’s therapists has a different schedule, so their response times will differ. When you’re matched with a therapist, ask when you can expect to hear from them.
Weekly workshops
One of the Talkspace plans includes weekly workshops. The workshops are teaching webinars that provide information on specific topics. Our tester found the workshops valuable and informative. There are webinars for individuals, groups, and couples. Some of the available workshops through Talkspace are:
- Exploring Your Relationship with Alcohol
- Practicing Emotional Regulation
- Balancing Work, Life, and Family
- Racial Trauma and Mental Health
- Coping with Loneliness
Most workshops are offered at 7 p.m. EST or later, so if you are usually not available after that time, purchasing the workshop plan may not be worth it.
What other users are saying
In response to our survey, 64 percent of Talkspace users stated they felt their therapist respected their values. Fifty-three percent of respondents shared that they were satisfied with their overall experience on the platform, and 44 percent found the signup process relatively easy to complete.
How much does Talkspace cost?
Of all the online therapy platforms we tested, Talkspace had the highest cost at $99 per session for its Video + Messaging plan. However, Talkspace offers more affordable online therapy if you use insurance. According to the website, most Talkspace users with insurance have an average copay of $30 per session.
The cost of Talkspace will depend on the type of therapy you’re looking for and the session format you choose.
Cost of therapy
- Individual Therapy & Therapy for Teens (ages 13–17):
- Unlimited messaging: Starts at $276 per month.
- Four live video sessions and unlimited messaging: Starts at $396 per month.
- Four live video sessions, unlimited messaging, and weekly workshops: Starts at $436 per month.
- Couples Therapy:
- Four live video sessions and unlimited messaging: $436 per month.
Cost of psychiatry
Talkspace also offers plans for psychiatry. Your plan will be based on whether you are a first-time or returning client.
For first-time clients:
- Initial psychiatric evaluation: $299.
- Initial psychiatric evaluation and one follow-up session: $435.
- Initial psychiatric evaluation and three follow-up sessions: $725.
For clients who have completed an initial session:
- Three follow-up sessions: $475.
- Six follow-up sessions: $890.
- Nine follow-up sessions: $1,260.
Does Talkspace take insurance?
According to our November 2023 survey, insurance is among the most important considerations for users deciding on an online therapy platform. Luckily, Talkspace is one of the few online therapy platforms accepting most major insurance plans, including:
- Aetna
- Cigna
- Cigna + Oscar
- Anthem
- Optum
Talkspace’s website provides an extensive list of accepted insurance plans. With insurance, your copay could be as low as $22 per session.
Is Talkspace covered by Medicare or Medicaid?
Unfortunately, Talkspace is not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. If you are interested in online therapy that accepts Medicare or Medicaid, we recommend Brightside as an alternative.
Does Talkspace offer financial aid?
Some college students may be eligible for discounted or free therapy through Talkspace. Students at the following universities may be eligible for discounted Talkspace services:
- Aims Community College
- Colby College
- Fort Peck Community College
- George Washington University
- Kishwaukee College
- McHenry County College
- Roseman University of Health Sciences
- Swarthmore College
- University of Kentucky
- West Virginia University
- Williams College
You have to enter your college email address and a keyword provided by your university to sign up.
You can also use benefits through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to access Talkspace. An EAP allows you to attend a certain number of counseling sessions for free through your employer. If your company offers an EAP, you will need a valid authorization code and the approved number of sessions from your employer to sign up for Talkspace.
Our experience with Talkspace customer service
During testing, we learned that Talkspace doesn’t have in-app customer service. Instead, we were redirected to a Zendesk web page where we submitted questions about the process of matching LGBTQ-friendly providers with LGBTQ users. While the response was quick and helpful, they ultimately didn’t give a complete answer to our question. Unfortunately, there aren’t options to call or email Talkspace. On the website, you can use the customer service tab to submit questions and complaints to their customer service department and view your existing tickets.
What kind of online counseling does Talkspace offer?
Talkspace offers counseling for individuals, teens, and couples, as well as psychiatry for people seeking medication management for their mental health symptoms.
Individual therapy
Talkspace’s individual therapy provides personalized support for adults over the age of 18. You may consider individual therapy if you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders, life changes, relationship difficulties, stress, or any other concerns or issues. Individual counseling offers one-on-one support to address your personal challenges and needs.
Therapy for teens
Therapy can benefit all age groups, including teens. Talkspace for teens works similarly to individual therapy. The main difference is that the therapists have the experience and education to work with teens on their unique challenges and needs. Talkspace online teen therapy is available for ages 13–17 with permission from a parent or guardian.
New York City teens can access free mental health support through NYC Teenspace, a New York City Health Department program that provides therapy to teens aged 13–17. The program includes Talkspace’s Video + Messaging Therapy plan and the Talkspace Go app, which has interactive lessons and exercises. Teens can use this program until they turn 18. They will need their parents’ permission to sign up.
Couples therapy
In online couples therapy, you and your partner work with a licensed therapist to identify issues, resolve conflict, restore trust, and get the support you need. The couples therapy plan includes four 30-minute video sessions and unlimited messaging with your therapist. In addition to partners and spouses, couples therapy can include other two-person relationships such as parent/child, friends, or siblings. The person who initially signs up for Talkspace will be the primary account holder. The primary account holder can invite their partner of choice to join live sessions. While both parties attend sessions, the primary account holder is the only one who can change providers, schedule live sessions, check the clinical progress tracker, and respond to provider assessments.
Psychiatry
Online psychiatry can provide prescription medication management in addition to talk therapy. Through Talkspace, you will be matched with a licensed telehealth psychiatrist or a nurse practitioner, and you can change psychiatry providers at any time through the app. Some mental health conditions Talkspace psychiatrists treat include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Insomnia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Stress
Talkspace providers cannot prescribe stimulants (such as Adderall or Concerta), sedatives (like Xanax or Valium), or any controlled substances.
Data privacy concerns
When you sign up for any online therapy platform, you should take a careful look at its privacy policy. In 2022, Talkspace was cited by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a non-profit that flags online privacy issues, with concerns about how they use patient data.
Talkspace’s privacy policy states that they can use the information you submit during the sign-up process, like age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and mental health history, for marketing purposes. The policy also states that they can use that information for research and to create targeted user advertisements.
If you are a current Talkspace user with privacy concerns, you can email [email protected] stating that you don’t authorize them to use your information for these purposes. You can also request that they delete your data entirely if you no longer use the platform.
Our Talkspace testing experience
Our Reviews Team started with more than 10,000 hours of research on 70 online therapy services before signing up for the 20 most popular platforms. We engaged in hands-on testing for at least four weeks, then surveyed 1,200 online therapy users concerning their experience with the same services. We also conducted interviews with 30 users and 60 mental health experts to learn more about what characteristics stand out in an online therapy service.
As part of our in-depth online therapy reviews, we tested Talkspace independently by signing up for the service and attending at least four live therapy sessions, switching providers halfway through the month. For a full picture of the platform’s service and how they compare to other options, we also used the messaging platform and any extra resources included in membership. These are things we feel are most important in an online therapy platform:
- Customer service: During our trial, we contacted Talkspace’s customer service department to assess their responsiveness and willingness to resolve customer questions and complaints.
- Brand trustworthiness: Therapy is a vulnerable experience, and the trustworthiness of the brand can ease the mind of new users. We took a look at the history of Talkspace, specifically at any lawsuits the platform has been involved in.
- Features: To get a full picture of Talkspace’s services, we were sure to test out additional features like the messaging portal, worksheets, workshops, and support groups.
- User experience: We looked at third-party review sites to see if the popular opinion on this online therapy platform matched our surveys and tester experiences.
- Affordability: We compared the cost of therapy at Talkspace with similar platforms and the average cost of therapy to determine if this is an affordable option. We also found out if the platform accepts insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, and if there are any available discounts or financial assistance.
- Diversity of therapists: During sign up, we took note of the diversity of therapists available based on factors like race, sexual orientation, gender, languages spoken, age, and religion. We also determined if users were able to select their therapist based on diversity preferences.
Fill out the intake assessment.
Subscribe as a new user.
Get matched with a therapist.
Schedule and attend sessions on the platform for one month.
Go through the steps to switch therapists.
Contact customer support with questions.
Explore platform features such as journals, worksheets, and group sessions.
Cancel subscription.
Compare Talkspace to other online therapy/psychiatry platforms
| Best For | People using insurance to pay | People new to online therapy | People looking for online CBT treatment | People seeking same-day appointments | People who want to choose their own provider | People looking to treat anxiety and depression | People seeking couples or relationship counseling | Families seeking therapy for their teens | Families seeking whole-family and/or child, teen, or couples therapy |
| Services | Individual, couples, and teen therapy; Psychiatry | Individual therapy | Individual and couples therapy | Individual and couples therapy; Psychiatry | Individual and couples therapy; Psychiatry | Individual therapy; Psychiatry | Individual and couples therapy | Individual therapy for teens | Individual, whole-family, teen, and couples therapy |
| Ways to Connect | Messaging; Text, audio, or video sessions | Messaging; Text, audio, or video sessions | Messaging; Text, audio, or video sessions | Audio or video sessions | Audio or video sessions | Messaging; Video sessions | Video sessions; Messaging | Video or audio sessions; Messaging | Video sessions; Messaging |
| Monthly Cost for Individual Therapy | $276–$436 | $260–$400 | $200–$440 | Varies by provider | Varies by provider | $299–$349 | $260–$360 | $260–$360 | $800* |
Our final verdict
Insurance coverage can make online therapy more affordable, and Talkspace is one of the few teletherapy platforms that accepts it. With insurance, your copay could be as low as $22 per session. Without insurance, you may pay slightly more than other online therapy platforms, but the cost may still be worth it if you like Talkspace’s features.
Talkspace allows you to schedule a quick appointment with a provider that fits your schedule. The platform is transparent about provider availability, a feature often lacking in other platforms. It also allows you to easily change providers without contacting customer service, reducing the disruption to your care plan if you choose to switch.
Frequently asked questions
According to customer reviews, Talkspace has a reputation for providing quality therapists to users, with the caveat that there may be technical and billing issues, and they may use your data for marketing purposes.
The main difference between the two platforms is BetterHelp does not accept insurance or provide psychiatry services, both of which are available through Talkspace.
Talkspace therapy sessions are 30 minutes in length.
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- New York City Planning. (2022, July 1). Population Estimates for New York City and Boroughs as of July 1, 2022. New York City Government. Link
- New York State Education Department Office of the Professions. (2023, July 1). License Statistics for Psychology. Link