Talkspace vs BetterHelp: Costs, coverage, and key differences

Choosing an online therapy platform can feel overwhelming when you’re already focused on your mental health. Talkspace and BetterHelp are both well-known, but they differ in key ways — insurance coverage, access to providers, and the services they include. These differences affect the care you receive and what you pay.

This comparison breaks down what separates these two platforms in practical terms: how much you'll actually pay, which types of providers you can see, whether you can get medication if you need it, and how each platform structures your therapy experience. By examining where Talkspace and BetterHelp differ, you'll have the clarity you need to choose the right fit for your mental health journey.

You may also want to consider Rula as you explore your options. Rula connects patients with a nationwide network of more than 21,000 licensed providers, accepts most major insurance plans, and offers both therapy and psychiatry through virtual and in-person care. For many people using insurance, sessions typically cost around $15, making it a more affordable option for comprehensive mental healthcare.

Talkspace vs. BetterHelp: Differences at a glance

Talkspace and BetterHelp are two established online therapy platforms that connect you with licensed therapists through virtual sessions. While both offer similar core services, they differ significantly in insurance acceptance, provider networks, and the types of mental health services available.

Average cost per session:

• Talkspace: $69 to $109 per week for therapy subscriptions; $15-$30 copay with insurance

• BetterHelp: $70 to $100 per week without insurance; about $19 copay with insurance

Number of providers:

• Talkspace: 6,000 therapists and 200+ psychiatric providers

• BetterHelp: 35,000+ licensed therapists; no psychiatrists

Modes of communication:

• Talkspace: Messaging (text, audio, video) available 24/7; live sessions via video, audio, or chat

• BetterHelp: Unlimited messaging between sessions; weekly live sessions via video, phone, or chat

Services offered:

• Talkspace: Individual therapy for adults and teens (13 to 17), couples therapy, psychiatry, and medication management

• BetterHelp: Individual therapy for adults (18+); teen and couples therapy through separate sister sites; no medication management

Insurance acceptance:

• Talkspace: In-network with most major insurance plans, including Medicare; does not accept Medicaid

• BetterHelp: Partnered with major insurance carriers in 17 states (including Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Texas, Florida, New York, Arkansas, Indiana, and Pennsylvania)

States covered:

• Talkspace: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.

• BetterHelp: All 50 states and Washington, D.C., plus international coverage

Number of specialties offered:

• Talkspace: 150+ conditions

• BetterHelp: 20+ clinical specialties

Inclusivity and patient focus:

• Talkspace: LGBTQIA+ affirming providers; 32+ languages; services for teens and seniors

• BetterHelp: Teen services through sister site; specific inclusivity programs not explicitly described, patients can indicate identity preferences for providers

Virtual-only and in-person availability:

• Talkspace: Virtual-only platform

• BetterHelp: Virtual-only platform

Talkspace at a glance

Talkspace is an online therapy service founded in 2012 that connects you with dedicated, licensed providers through messaging and live sessions. The platform offers flexible communication options — you can choose messaging-only plans, live session plans, or hybrid plans that combine both approaches. With 6,000 therapists and over 200 psychiatric providers across all 50 states, Talkspace provides comprehensive mental health services, including therapy and medication management. You typically get matched with a provider within two days of signing up, and you can switch therapists at any time without extra fees.

Talkspace therapy subscriptions range from $69 to $109 per week, depending on your plan, with separate pricing for couples therapy ($436 per month) and psychiatry services. The platform accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. You can access Talkspace through mobile apps or a web browser, and the platform includes progress tracking tools to help you monitor your mental health journey.

BetterHelp at a glance

BetterHelp launched in 2013 and operates as the world's largest online therapy service. The platform focuses exclusively on individual therapy for adults 18 and older through a subscription model that includes one live session per week plus unlimited messaging with your therapist. After completing a questionnaire about your needs and preferences, you're typically matched with a therapist within a few hours to a couple of days. Like Talkspace, you can switch therapists at any time for any reason without additional charges.

A BetterHelp subscription costs $70 to $100 per week and includes access to digital tools like journaling, worksheets, goal tracking, and group webinars beyond your therapy sessions. The platform has partnered with major insurance carriers in 17 states to provide in-network coverage. BetterHelp doesn't offer medication management or psychiatric services.

Rula at a glance

If Talkspace or BetterHelp don’t fully meet your needs, Rula is another option worth considering. Rula is a mental health platform that connects patients with a nationwide network of more than 21,000 licensed therapists and psychiatric providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Unlike subscription-based models, Rula works directly with insurance to make therapy and psychiatry more affordable and easier to access.

"Rula was the only way I was able to find a therapist. Everywhere else I was running into barriers. At a time when I was really struggling, finding help seemed impossible. Rula made it possible," says a Rula patient.

Rula offers individual therapy for ages five and up, along with couples therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care with medication management for ages 13 and older. Patients typically pay a copay of around $15 per session when using insurance, and most can schedule their first appointment within a few days. The sign-up process is simple and transparent: Rula verifies your insurance upfront, provides a clear cost estimate, and lets you filter in-network providers by specialty, availability, language, gender, ethnicity, and other preferences so you can find care that truly fits your needs.

Clinical outcomes and how they compare

Clinical outcomes and evidence-based approaches help you understand how effective a therapy platform is at helping people feel better. Both Talkspace and BetterHelp track outcomes to measure the quality of care they provide, though they share different types of data publicly.

Talkspace reports that 70% of users saw improvement in anxiety or depression symptoms within three months, and 80% found the platform to be effective or more effective than traditional face-to-face therapy.

BetterHelp reports that 72% of clients experience a reduction in symptoms after receiving care; 69% achieve reliable improvement, and 62% reach symptom remission, based on published 2024 outcomes data. Therapists on the platform use evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

For comparison, Rula reports that 93% of patients feel better about their symptoms after receiving care, with 94% feeling comfortable with their provider and 98% finding a provider who meets their preferences — outcomes that are more than 10% stronger than national benchmarks on average.

Cost and insurance coverage

Talkspace is in-network with most major U.S. health insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Optum, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare, though understanding your specific mental health benefits helps determine actual costs. BetterHelp has partnered with major insurance carriers in select states to provide in-network coverage.

Insurance plans accepted

Talkspace

• Cigna

• Optum

• Aetna

• Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Carelon

• TRICARE

• Regence

• Anthem

• Medicare

BetterHelp

• Major insurance carriers in 17 states (specific carriers not publicly listed)

It’s also worth noting that Rula is built around insurance-first care. Rula is in-network with more than 100 insurance plans nationwide, and patients typically pay around $15 per session when using plans like Kaiser Permanente, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and many others. Before your first appointment, Rula verifies your benefits and provides a personalized cost estimate so you know what you’ll pay upfront.

Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)

With Talkspace, your out-of-pocket costs like copays or coinsurance depend on your specific insurance plan's benefits. Typically, they run between $15-$30 per session. You can check your eligibility and get a cost estimate directly on the Talkspace website before signing up. For Medicare users, costs vary based on your specific Medicare Advantage plan benefits.

BetterHelp is in-network with major insurance carriers in select states to provide coverage. If your plan is accepted, you typically pay an average co-pay of approximately $19. Coverage availability depends on your specific plan and location.

HSA/FSA eligibility

Both platforms support using pre-tax health funds. BetterHelp accepts health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards for direct payment at checkout. Talkspace also accepts HSA and FSA cards for direct payment.

Self-pay pricing

Talkspace

• Therapy subscriptions: $69 to $109 per week, depending on plan type

• Couples therapy: Starts at $436 per month

• Psychiatry: $299 for initial evaluation, $175 for follow-up sessions

BetterHelp

Subscriptions cost $70 to $100 per week, billed every four weeks. Each plan includes one live session per week plus unlimited messaging. BetterHelp offers financial aid with discounted rates for eligible clients, and pricing can vary based on location, preferences, and therapist availability.

Mental health services offered

The range of services a platform offers matters because different people need different types of support — from talk therapy to medication management to specialized treatment approaches. Understanding what each platform provides helps ensure you can access the specific type of care you need.

Treatment approaches offered by Talkspace

Talkspace providers have expertise in over 150 conditions and areas of focus, offering comprehensive care for adults, couples, and teens.

Common specialty areas:

• Anxiety disorders (social anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD))

• Mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression)

• Trauma and stress (post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief, childhood abuse)

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention difficulties

• Eating disorders and body image concerns

• Relationship issues and family conflict

• LGBTQIA+ affirming care

• Sleep issues

• Anger management

• Chronic illness support

Talkspace therapists use evidence-based modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), psychodynamic and interpersonal therapies, and mindfulness-based approaches.

Talkspace's licensed psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners provide evaluations and prescriptions for people 18 and older, though providers cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Treatment approaches offered by BetterHelp

BetterHelp therapists cover over 20 clinical specialties using various evidence-based therapeutic approaches. However, the platform doesn't offer access to psychiatrists and prescription services.

Common treatment modalities:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

• Mindfulness-based approaches (e.g., MBCT)

• Psychodynamic therapy

• Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

• Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)

• Motivational interviewing (MI)

• Exposure-based therapies for anxiety and OCD (e.g., ERP)

• Person-centered/humanistic therapy

• Attachment-based and narrative therapies

Unlike Talkspace (which offers services for teens and adults), BetterHelp offers individual therapy exclusively to adults ages 18 and older.

Treatment approaches offered by Rula

Rula’s nationwide provider network spans more than 180 clinical specialties and evidence-based treatment approaches, making it easier to find care that aligns with your specific needs, background, and goals.

Common approaches used by providers on Rula include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

• Trauma-focused therapy, including EMDR and prolonged exposure

• Internal family systems (IFS) and attachment-based approaches

• Couples and family therapies, such as the Gottman Method and emotionally focused therapy (EFT)

• Mindfulness-based and somatic therapies

Rula providers support a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, and more.

In addition to therapy services, Rula offers medication management through licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) for people ages 13 and older, allowing therapy and psychiatry to be coordinated in one platform.

Inclusivity and specialized care

When it comes to therapy, finding a provider you trust and who understands your unique background is crucial. Effective therapy often depends on cultural competency, language accessibility, and providers who are affirming of different identities.

Talkspace's inclusivity and specialization overview

Licensure types: The network includes 6,000 licensed therapists plus 200+ board-certified psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners for medication management. All providers are licensed in their state of practice and credentialed according to NCQA standards.

Specializations offered: With over 150 specializations, Talkspace offers comprehensive expertise in areas like trauma, ADHD, eating disorders, and LGBTQIA+ care. The platform has dedicated providers for teen therapy (ages 13 to 17) and couples therapy.

Languages available: The provider network covers more than 32 languages, including Spanish, Chinese, French, and German.

Inclusivity factors: Talkspace maintains a network of LGBTQIA+ affirming providers and providers who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). The platform offers services for teens (13-17), adults (18+), and seniors (65+) through its Medicare partnership.

BetterHelp's inclusivity and specialization overview

Licensure types: The network consists of over 35,000 licensed therapists, psychologists, and counselors. The platform doesn't include psychiatrists or other psychiatric providers.

Specializations offered: BetterHelp covers over 20 clinical specialties, including depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. Teen counseling and couples therapy are available through separate sister sites.

Languages available: BetterHelp doesn't provide an explicit list of languages its providers speak.

Inclusivity factors: The platform doesn't explicitly describe specific programs for LGBTQIA+ affirming care or cultural competency. Services are for adults 18 and older, with teen services handled through a separate platform.

Platform availability and access

Access and logistics matter because therapy only works if you can actually get to it — whether that means finding a provider in your state, scheduling sessions that fit your life, or using a platform that's easy to navigate. Both platforms offer virtual-only services but differ in geographic coverage, matching processes, and platform features.

Rula makes access straightforward: verify your benefits in minutes, get matched with in-network therapists and psychiatrists who fit your needs, and book your first appointment often as soon as tomorrow. With therapy and medication management available on one platform, you can manage care in a single place.

How access works with Talkspace

States served: Talkspace has licensed providers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., ensuring complete U.S. coverage. You're matched with providers licensed in your state of residence.

Matching process: After completing a questionnaire, Talkspace matches you with a provider typically within two days. You can also browse a provider directory and choose a therapist yourself based on specific criteria.

Session formats: Plans offer flexible communication options, including 24/7 asynchronous messaging (text, audio, video) with responses during business hours, plus up to four 30-minute live sessions per month via video, audio, or chat.

Scheduling: You schedule live sessions in advance with your provider. For psychiatry services, you can book appointments within two days of signing up and up to three months in advance.

App/portal experience: Talkspace is available on iOS and Android apps and via web browser. The platform includes progress tracking tools to help you monitor your mental health journey and a separate self-directed therapy app called Talkspace Go.

How access works with BetterHelp

States served: BetterHelp is available throughout the U.S. and internationally with localized markets in the UK, Australia, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Matching process: A questionnaire matches you with a therapist based on your needs and preferences. You may also be able to skip matching and browse therapists by specialization and availability. Matching typically takes a few hours to a couple of days.

Session formats: Your subscription includes one live session per week (video, phone, or chat) plus unlimited asynchronous messaging with your therapist between sessions. You can use different communication methods at different times based on your preferences.

Scheduling: Therapists set their own hours, offering flexible scheduling that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. You can view a therapist's calendar and book times that work for you.

App/portal experience: BetterHelp is accessible via iOS and Android apps and web browsers. The platform includes digital tools like journaling, worksheets, goal tracking, and access to group webinars and classes.

What each platform does best

By looking at where each platform excels, you can make a thoughtful decision grounded in what matters most for your care. Talkspace and BetterHelp are both strong options, but each excels in different ways depending on your goals, preferences, and budget.

Talkspace may be better for you if:

• You want to use health insurance: In-network with most major plans, including Medicare

• You need medication management: Over 200 psychiatric providers offer integrated online psychiatry services and prescriptions

• You're seeking teen therapy: Direct teen services (ages 13 to 17) on the main platform with specialized providers

• You prefer flexible communication: Choose messaging-only, live sessions, or hybrid plans that combine both

• You want comprehensive specialties: Access to over 150 specializations and NCQA-credentialed providers

BetterHelp may be better for you if:

• You want the largest provider selection: Over 35,000 therapists increase your chances of finding the right match

• You prefer an all-inclusive subscription: Weekly fee includes live sessions, messaging, and extra tools like worksheets and webinars

• You're looking for financial assistance: Offers discounted rates to qualifying clients based on need

• You value flexible scheduling: Therapist-set hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays

Summary: Is Talkspace or BetterHelp right for you?

The biggest differences between these platforms center on insurance coverage, services offered, and provider networks. Talkspace provides comprehensive insurance acceptance, including Medicare, and offers integrated medication management through psychiatric providers, while BetterHelp has a significantly larger therapist network but limited insurance acceptance and no psychiatric services. Both charge similar weekly rates, but Talkspace focuses on flexible communication options while BetterHelp includes more digital tools in its base subscription.

Your choice ultimately depends on your priorities and needs. If you need medication management, want to use health insurance, or are seeking teen therapy services, Talkspace is likely the better option. If you prioritize having the largest selection of therapists, want comprehensive digital tools beyond therapy sessions, or need direct HSA/FSA payment, BetterHelp may be more suitable. Both platforms allow you to switch therapists without additional costs, ensuring you can find the right therapeutic relationship regardless of which you choose.

You could also consider Rula. The platform combines broad insurance acceptance with both therapy and psychiatry services, offering care online and in person through a large, diverse provider network. With upfront cost estimates and typical copays around $15 per session when using insurance, Rula can be a strong option for people looking for affordable, coordinated care with more flexibility in provider choice and appointment formats.

FAQs

How does insurance coverage work on Talkspace vs. BetterHelp?

Talkspace accepts health insurance from a wide range of carriers, including Cigna, Optum, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Medicare Part B, and providers can submit claims directly through the platform. BetterHelp has partnered with major insurance carriers in 17 states to provide in-network coverage, where insured members typically pay an average co-pay of approximately $19. Members can also pay out of pocket or use HSA/FSA cards.

What types of clinicians can you be matched with on Talkspace vs. BetterHelp?

Talkspace offers both licensed therapists and psychiatrists, which means you can receive therapy and medication management through the same platform if needed. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists (psychologists, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), or Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs)). BetterHelp's providers cannot prescribe medication, so you would need to see a separate psychiatrist or primary care physician for any medication needs.

What are the biggest differences in how sessions and messaging work on Talkspace vs. BetterHelp?

Talkspace offers asynchronous messaging where you can send unlimited messages to your therapist at any time, plus the option to schedule live sessions (video, phone, or chat) depending on your plan, with messaging sessions remaining open for ongoing communication. BetterHelp provides four ways to communicate — messaging, live chat, phone, and video — with each membership including one live session per week (typically 30 minutes), and messaging available between sessions at any time from any device.

Why choose Rula for quality of care?

Rula emphasizes measurable clinical outcomes alongside access, with 93% of patients reporting they feel better after care and outcomes that are 10%+ stronger than other national platforms on average. The network includes 21,000+ licensed providers across 180+ specialties, offering therapy for ages 5+ and psychiatry for ages 13+, with both virtual and in-person options available. Rula works with 100+ insurance plans, provides upfront cost estimates, and most insured patients pay about $15 per session, helping remove financial uncertainty. Together, these factors make Rula a strong choice for people who want evidence-based care, broad provider choice, and consistent quality.

Find care with Rula

Choosing between online therapy platforms is just the first step — what matters most is finding care that actually helps you make progress. If you're looking for comprehensive mental health support that works with your insurance, Rula combines the best of what you've read about: therapy and psychiatry services in one place, a network of rigorously credentialed providers, and the kind of hands-on support that makes getting care feel less overwhelming.

With Rula, you can verify your insurance coverage in minutes, browse providers who specialize in your specific needs, and often schedule your first appointment as soon as tomorrow. We handle the complexity of insurance, matching, and care coordination so you can focus on what matters — feeling better.