2022 Talkspace Review: Features, Benefits, Costs, and More
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It can be easy to fall into remote communication fatigue when you have to stay connected over the phone with friends and family.
Still, making mental health a priority is more important than ever. Therapy shouldn’t feel like another box to tick or teleconference to schedule.
Talkspace is an online text and video chat therapy platform that offers access to therapists who cover a broad range of mental health services.
You should read this to learn how Talkspace works, how effective it is, and whether it is a good fit for you.
Talkspace was founded in 2012 with the goal of making mental health services more accessible for everyone. It was one of the first companies to provide online therapy.
Talkspace has grown to become one of the most well-known online services, with celebrities like Michael Phelps and Demi Lovato acting as Talkspace mental health ambassadors.
Virtual services like Talkspace may be more comfortable for some people to use.
Talkspace has different payment plans to cater to different budgets. You can schedule a video chat with your therapist.
“You can reach out to your therapist through text at any time of day or night, and receive feedback at your therapist’s earliest convenience.”
The service has helped users manage a number of mental health conditions.
Additionally, you can use Talkspace to help with Stress management., relationship dynamics, and issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community.
Talkspace has continued to expand its services since the company was founded and now offers Couples therapy., online psychiatric evaluation, and medication management.
“Talkspace has a lot of advantages, but it can be hard to decide if it’s right for you.”
There are pros and cons to Talkspace.
Benefits of Talkspace
- You have constant access. You can share your thoughts with your therapist at any moment of the day, no matter where you are, and your therapist will respond at their earliest convenience. Certain plans also allow you to schedule live chats with your therapist for more immediate communication.
- Plans are flexible. Plans start at $79 per week for monthly live sessions and round-the-clock text messages. Talkspace is also covered by some insurance plans. The service is contract-free, so you can cancel at any time.
- Text therapy may offer more comfort. It can help ease the stigma of caring for your mental health. It also may allow for more transparency and vulnerability between you and your therapist.
- There’s no need to commute. Unlike face-to-face therapy, you can chat with your therapist from the comfort of your home using the Talkspace mobile app or your computer. This is especially helpful for people with physical limitations who may have a harder time traveling.
- Talkspace offers Couples therapy.. This gives both you and your partner ongoing text message support from your therapist, as well as the ability to schedule live sessions.
- Talkspace offers a psychiatry service. Talkspace Psychiatry offers services staffed by psychiatrists and nurse practitioners for those seeking both mental health care and prescription management.
Drawbacks of Talkspace
- Text therapy may not always be practical. Although Talkspace says 80 percent of its users found the tool to be as effective as traditional therapy, text therapy may not be suitable for every person. It’s important to understand your preferences and lifestyle choices, and research what methods may work best for you.
- Talkspace does not offer group counseling. While Talkspace does offer couples counseling, the service is not available for groups or families seeking therapy together.
- The live sessions are only 30 minutes. Compared with other in-person and online therapy services, a 30-minute session may feel short and like not enough time to cover all of your concerns in-depth.
- Talkspace has age restrictions. Talkspace isn’t meant to be used by children, though with parental consent, Talkspace does provide counseling to teens ages 13 to 17.
- There’s no sliding scale. While some insurance plans and employee assistance plans may cover Talkspace’s services, there is no sliding scale or financial aid available through Talkspace.
- Talkspace isn’t for everyone. Talkspace doesn’t offer legal documentation for court-ordered therapy or disability programs. This may mean Talkspace isn’t the best option if your school or employer has requested that you receive counseling.
Keep in mind
Talkspace is not a substitute for emergency services. In the event of a mental health emergency — like if you’re thinking about harming yourself or someone else — call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or your local emergency services.
We consider many factors when reviewing services.
- Criteria for mental health professionals working.
- A simple sign-up process.
- Customer feedback and company reputation are important.
- Pricing and subscription options.
- Payment plans and insurance plans.
Talkspace has thousands of therapists. Many are trained in multiple areas. The service has helped people.
- anxiety
- addiction
- Depression.
- Eating disorders can be related to eating disorders.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental illness.
- issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community
- Relationships with family or friends.
Talkspace offers a variety of subscription plans to cater to different budgets and health needs. Some insurance plans may cover the services. You can take the online assessment to help determine your eligibility.
Talkspace accepts employee assistance programs and other plans. You can cancel your plan at any time.
Individual subscriptions plan have three levels.
- Unlimited messaging therapy plus: $276 a month
- 5 days a week, unlimited text, video, and audio messaging.
- Unlimited messaging therapy premium: $316 a month
- 5 days a week, unlimited text, video, and audio messaging.
- A live 30-minute session a month.
- Unlimited messaging therapy ultimate: $396 a month
- 5 days a week, unlimited text, video, and audio messaging.
- There are four live 30-minute sessions a month.
Four 30-minute video sessions each month are included in the Couples therapy. plan.
Psychiatry services are offered as an add-on plan and cost $199 for the initial psychiatric evaluation and $125 for follow-up visits.
Does Talkspace offer a free trial?
“Talkspace doesn’t offer a free trial. A matching agent can give a free consultation to discuss Talkspace and the matching process.”
Can you switch your Talkspace subscription?
You can change to a new level at any time. Changes are effective immediately. If you upgrade your plan, your account will be credited, or you will be charged the difference.
Does Talkspace offer discounts?
Talkspace offers discounts for the first month. The discounts are posted on the home page. There are discounts from $80 to $200.
Talkspace is currently offering $100 off your first month with the code “SPACE.”
Talkspace has an easy to use website and app. To register for Talkspace, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and then connect you with a therapist.
Sign-up process
To sign up, go to Talkspace’s website or register in the mental health app. On the website, you’ll click on the buttons for the type of service you’re interested in, while in the app, you simply hit get started.
When you sign up for Talkspace, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire that will focus on you and your life, goals, and preferences.
After you’ve completed the survey, a matching agent helps connect you with the best therapist for you. The agent uses a scripted questionnaire to ensure you’re matched with a therapist that fits your exact needs.
“The agent uses scripts to help with the process. Many people have questions about the Talkspace platform and process, and scripted responses can be used to answer them. When selecting a therapist, the responses can provide information about the therapist’s background.”
Talkspace room
A virtual therapy room is created after you have chosen your therapist. You can access Talkspace on the web or mobile device.
You can start and pick up conversations from any device you choose. Talkspace is compatible with a lot of devices.
You can reply to messages from your therapist in your Talkspace room. Your therapist can respond to you five times a week.
You may have to wait for a reply. If you send a message during the night, you may not hear back until the next day.
“Talkspace’s texting feature is a platform for communicating but not for receiving therapy.”
Other features
If you want to add a face-to-face experience through this text therapy platform, Talkspace also offers live video sessions.
You will be able to view in advance what a standard therapy journey looks like through checkpoints, milestones, and progress reports, and you will also have opportunities to modify your plan.
“You can switch therapists or stop therapy if you don’t like it.”
Talkspace has a sign-up platform that has short how-to videos.
After you have completed the intake form, you will be presented with several options.
You can choose from a number of therapists. You can always ask for more if you find that none of your matches fit your needs. If you feel that a therapist is not a good match, you can request to be matched with another one.
“You will be able to view their profile when choosing a therapist. The therapist’s photo, availability, and professional license number will be shown on their profile. You can see how long they have been with Talkspace and how they have been practicing.”
Your therapist will respond to your individual needs and not just general questions. The process can be made more smooth with scripted responses.
Therapist qualifications
Talkspace professionals are licensed and have the qualifications to offer both individual and Couples therapy.. The company checks the credentials of the professionals before hiring them.
Professionals are required to have 3,000-plus hours of clinical experience in their area of expertise. They may have additional training to specialize in certain therapy approaches.
Therapist focus areas and techniques
Talkspace has a wide range of therapists that specialize in different approaches. The initial sign-up questionnaire will help you find a therapist that will fit your needs and that has experience addressing your mental health concerns.
Popular types of therapy offered may include:
- psychodynamic therapy
- Behavioral therapy.
- cognitive Behavioral therapy. (CBT)
- Therapy that is not religious.
You can find therapists who have experience with a specific focus area.
- anxiety
- Depression.
- It is a problem with eating.
- Relationship issues or family issues.
Psychiatry
Talkspace also offers a psychiatry service for people interested in both mental health care and prescription management. The program is staffed by psychiatrists and nurse practitioners.
Talkspace Psychiatry offers useful services, but the psychiatrists are unable to prescribe controlled substances.
- Adderall is used.
- Ativan is a person.
- A drug.
- Concerta
- It was called Librium.
- The name is Klonopin.
- Ritalin is a drug.
The professionals are also unable to prescribe lithium.
The initial evaluation fee is $199 and follow-up visits are $125 each.
Other features
You can chat with a therapist online, but there are other things you can do through Talkspace.
- Track symptoms through an online symptom tracker.
- explore the Happify interface, a science-based app that promotes happiness
- locate resources for work-life planning, financial wellness, and legal advice through Talkspace’s employee assistance programs
There’s not a large or conclusive body of research that has established the clinical benefit of text therapy, but some people may still find it helpful.
Online therapy is about as effective as in-person therapy according to some research. It is important to note that these studies have focused on online therapy delivered via videoconferencing, not via texting service like Talkspace.
A small 2014 study found that participants with Depression. who were randomly placed into online therapy were still faring well 3 months after therapy ended, while participants who were randomly placed into face-to-face therapy reported worsening symptoms after therapy ended.
A 2015 review of 11 studies reported that computer-based cognitive Behavioral therapy. sessions were successful at reducing both Depression. and anxiety symptoms.
Talkspace is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Talkspace says all communication between the software and the servers, including chat data, is encrypted. The Talkspace app also requires you to enter a password and lets you create a unique password for added security. However, you’re unable to delete chat transcripts, as they’re considered medical records.
Talkspace’s privacy policy does outline that “non-identifying and aggregate information” may be used for research, trend analysis, and website design.
It’s worth pointing out recent concerns from former Talkspace employees, who have made claims detailing unethical marketing practices and data privacy violations from the company, including:
- Reviews are being manipulated.
- The advertising services are intended to get consumers to use them.
- The data and records of users and medical people can be used to develop marketing and advertising strategies.
of these allegations have been proven.
Overall customer satisfaction with Talkspace varies greatly. The company currently has a B rating from the Better Business Bureau, with 395 complaints closed in the last 3 years, at the time of this writing.
Trustpilot currently gives the company 1.3 stars out of 5.
Most complaints are related to billing issues, requests for refunds, and the rate of therapists reply.
A couple of reviewers said they liked their therapy but did not like the company and that it took them a week to respond.
While text therapy can be helpful, Talkspace isn’t a perfect fit for everyone.
Text therapy is not the best choice if you need help.
It is important to keep this limitation in mind when deciding whether text therapy is right for you.
“It is possible to miss out on things like eye contact and a warm smile if you don’t have the face-to-face experience. Some people prefer the privacy of texting over face-to-face.”
Talkspace may help with some of the topics.
- anxiety
- Depression.
- trauma
- There is a psychological condition called post traumatic stress disorder.
- There is a disorder of the brain called the Bipolar Disorder.
- There is a disorder of attention deficit and Hyperactivity
- addiction
- Stress management.
- Family issues and relationship issues.
- Social anxiety.
- issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community
Talkspace has a lot of access, which may be a benefit for those who want something convenient and flexible. A chat room on your phone can help you keep your calendar clear.
Talkspace is easy to start with. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you there.
- Head to the Talkspace website and click on “Get Started” in the top-right corner.
- Choose from online therapy, Couples therapy., or Psychiatry therapy.
- Answer the assessment questions after following the prompts. You will be asked about how you are feeling and why you are seeking therapy.
You can talk to a therapist to get a better idea of what you want to do with mental health care. Within 48 hours, you will get information on your personalized match and what the next steps are.
Talkspace vs. BetterHelp
| Services offered | Pricing | Privacy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Talkspace | • Couples therapy. • Individual therapy. • teen counseling • sleep therapy • Psychiatry services. • medication management |
plans from $276 a month | • HIPAA compliant • all communication between the software and the servers is encrypted • app requires a password • can’t delete chat transcripts because they’re considered to be medical records |
| BetterHelp | • Individual therapy. for adults • teen therapy • Couples therapy. |
from $60–$90 per week | • everything you share is confidential • can click the “Shred” button next to each message you’ve sent so it won’t appear in your account • all messages between you and your therapist are secured and encrypted by banking-grade 256-bit encryption |
Both Talkspace and BetterHelp are companies that provide online therapy services. They both offer monthly subscription services and virtual communication with a licensed therapist.
BetterHelp focuses on talk therapy for individuals. BetterHelp directs people to sister sites Regain.us and TeenCounseling.com for couples counseling or therapy for teens. Talkspace has a wide range of services on one platform.
- Couples therapy.
- Individual therapy.
- teen counseling
- sleep therapy
- Psychiatry services.
- medication management
Both platforms have the same pricing plans. Talkspace may have better payment assistance as it is accepted by more insurance companies and employee assistance programs.
Talkspace vs. Cerebral
| Services offered | Pricing | Privacy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Talkspace | • Couples therapy. • Individual therapy. • teen counseling • sleep therapy • Psychiatry services. • medication management |
plans from $276 a month | • HIPAA compliant • all communication between the software and the servers is encrypted • app requires a password • can’t delete chat transcripts because they’re considered to be medical records |
| Cerebral | care and medication management for Depression., anxiety, and insomnia | from $85 per month | • your information is HIPAA-protected on the website and app • personal health information may be shared with healthcare professionals and insurers |
Like Talkspace, Cerebral is an online mental health tool. It offers both medication management and counseling through ongoing, comprehensive access to online care and medication management for conditions like anxiety, Depression., and insomnia. Talkspace, however, treats a wider variety of issues for teens, couples, and individuals.
Cerebral charges a flat fee of $85 per month or $29 per month, plus a copay with in-network insurance, for its services.
“Cerebral’s counselors are trained in therapeutic techniques, but not all of them are licensed therapists. The company’s services are not available in all states.”
Talkspace vs. Amwell
| Services offered | Pricing | Privacy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Talkspace | • Couples therapy. • Individual therapy. • teen counseling • sleep therapy • Psychiatry services. • medication management |
plans from $276 a month | • HIPAA compliant • all communication between the software and the servers is encrypted • app requires a password • can’t delete chat transcripts because they’re considered to be medical records |
| Amwell | • mental health therapy • psychiatry • urgent care |
visits from $109; rate depends on therapist’s credentials | private, secure, HIPAA-compliant tool |
Amwell is another telemedicine company that lets patients and their healthcare professionals connect virtually through video calls. Amwell’s mental health professionals include licensed therapists, psychologists, and counselors.
Amwell offers a broader range of health services. Mental health therapy, psychiatry, and general health services for urgent care needs include treatment for infections, like the pink eye, and more.
“Some insurance companies and employers will cover some or all of Amwell’s fees.”
Amwell allows you to choose a doctor based on their experience and ratings.
Does Talkspace take insurance?
Some insurance plans may cover Talkspace’s services. The company’s online assessment can help determine your eligibility. You can also contact your insurance provider to find out whether it covers teletherapy.
Does Talkspace offer a free trial?
“Talkspace doesn’t offer a free trial. You can get a free consultation with an agent to learn more about the service and matching process.”
Does Talkspace have psychiatrists?
Through Talkspace Psychiatry, you can access services from psychiatrists and nurse practitioners for mental health care and prescription management.
Does Talkspace offer discounts?
Talkspace has discounts for the first month. The discounts range from $80 to $200 off.
How can I be certain that Talkspace is right for me?
Give Talkspace a try to be certain that it is right for you. Talkspace has a variety of plans that may fit your needs.
Plans start at $79 per week for monthly live sessions and round-the-clock text messages. Talkspace is also covered by some insurance plans.
The service is also contract-free, so you can cancel at any time if you try it and decide it isn’t for you.
How do I know Talkspace is confidential?
Talkspace is compliant with the health care law.
According to Talkspace, all communication between the software and the servers, including chat data, is encrypted. However, you’re unable to delete chat transcripts because they’re considered to be medical records.
Talkspace’s privacy policy does outline that “non-identifying and aggregate information” may be used for research, trend analysis, and website design.
There are pros and cons to Talkspace.
“If you want to get a cost-effective therapy from home but don’t want to use a phone or a computer, online text therapy may be a good option. Talkspace has a plan option that allows you to add live sessions on a monthly or weekly basis.”
If you’re in immediate danger or need emergency mental health services, call someone you trust, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or your local emergency services instead of relying on a service like Talkspace.
