First off, if you're reading this post, that means you're on your way towards seeking mental health services and that warrants a congratulations. Online therapy has helped mental health professionals extend their reach across borders, time zones and even oceans, something in-person therapy could never do. Folks are able to have healing therapy sessions from the comfort of their homes, sofas or even cars and it's all thanks to the wonders of online therapy.
Online therapy, while still very much a blessing, is not without its flaws. If you're interested in learning more about the pros and cons of online therapy services, here's a more in-depth article. Mental health treatment should never be taken lightly, and finding a therapist, whether in-person or online can be an extremely daunting and taxing experience.
Since 2020, it seems there's been a boom in online therapy companies with Betterhelp and Talkspace in the lead. Online therapy platforms like these are convenient and often more affordable than traditional therapy. You can get connected with a licensed therapist in 10 clicks or less; mental health care has never felt more accessible at least in this regard. That said, how does one go about vetting online therapy providers? Are Talkspace therapists better or more qualified than the licensed therapists over at Betterhelp? What makes Betterhelp therapists stand out? Who has higher quality therapy sessions, if that's even a thing? How do each of these online therapy platforms stack up when compared to traditional in-person therapy?
What is Betterhelp?
Betterhelp lets you communicate directly with a professional therapist via phone or computer. Betterhelp also lets you email your Therapist anytime. Therapists help people with specific concerns. Betterhelp therapists may further specialize in certain areas such as childhood trauma, marriage and relationship counseling or eating disorders.
Is BetterHelp real therapy?
Besthelp provides professional counseling by licensed psychologists, clinical social workers, married family therapy and board-approved professionals. All BetterHelp counselors have a master’s degree and at least 3 years and 1000 hours work experience.
What is Talkspace?
Talkspace offers online therapy services that allow you to contact licensed therapists by phone, or online. The company states you can contact your therapist by text, video, or phone. Talkspace providers will be matched based on your questions by completing a free questionnaire. The Talkspace algorithm matches you with three therapy professionals. You can read their profiles, and make a choice,. If you choose to shuffle again, there's no guarantee that you will come across the previously seen therapists. This was probably the most anxiety-inducing part for me. Read more about my personal experience with Talkspace here!
Is Talkspace worth the money?
Talkspace is a relatively easy tool that offers easy access and provides many options to communicate with your therapist. Eighty-three percent of respondents said they found this platform extremely easy to use.
How does online therapy help mental health?
Immediate access to psychiatric services
Initial evaluation to establish priorities and make the most of talk therapy
Video sessions which are easily accessible regardless of location
Audio messaging for those moments when you're not in the therapy office, but still need to externalize
Is online therapy good for me?
Internet therapy can be an excellent choice for people who work long hours. You have a chance to be in contact with licensed services. Talkspace and BetterHelp offer app services that allow people who are away from home to attend therapy meetings. Online counseling can also be a useful alternative for persons who do not have a physical therapy room. You can contact a licensed provider from your own home without having to drive hours for a meeting.
There's less of a chance that you'll back out or cancel too!
Talkspace vs. BetterHelp therapist qualifications
On both platforms therapists must be certified and have expertise within their field. All the therapists are qualified and certified marriage and family therapists, clinical social work certified professional counselor and psychotherapist. Betterhelp has therapists with over a year of experience.
Online counseling can be a valuable tool for people with different mental struggles to discuss and receive a real opinion. Send therapists an email anytime, seven days a week. Many therapists have specified work hours available at any time, with the option to message at the client's convenience.
Betterhelp provides some useful tools that can be used alongside your treatment plan. The journal is filled with questions on depression and anxiety and there is also a free writing space. Betterhelp provides online webinars on topics such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. These webinars are taught on Zoom by qualified therapists. Talkspace provides psychiatric treatment as a standalone service.
Talkspace vs. BetterHelp cost
Several people prefer online treatment because it provides convenient and economical treatment options. Therapy usually costs between $100 and $200 in most states. These websites offer specialized treatment and support for less than half the price.
Talkspace can be an affordable and convenient way to communicate with others. In terms of Betterhelp versus Talkspace, Betterhelp can offer funding or financial aid as well. Talkspace is currently less expensive.
Compared to most other companies, Betterhelp is significantly cheaper at 80 dollars per week versus Talkspace at $129 per week.
Both Talkspace and Betterhelp app offer customers a live video and audio message option (although with TS, there are extra fees). Talkspace and BetterHelp apps can be downloaded from Google Play. Betterhelp offers banking-grade encryption services. Talkspace and Betterhelps' therapists are licensed in counseling.
Conclusion: Betterhelp vs Talkspace
Both of these platforms have a lot to offer in terms of how they provide mental health services. Live and messaging therapy has come leaps and bounds and it's safer and more convenient than ever. I suppose it boils down to these 10 questions:
How much am I willing to spend?
Is there unlimited messaging therapy or are there strict communication limits?
What is their therapist availability like? How quickly can I be matched?
How many times can I switch therapists in case I don't find a fit on the first try?
How much more expensive are the live therapy sessions versus video and text messaging?
Can the mental health professional I match with prescribe medication?
What kind of therapy am I looking for? Couples therapy? Individual therapy? Treatment for post traumatic stress disorder? Help treating sleeping disorder? Which platform would better suit my needs?
Which interface do you find most user-friendly?
What are the long-term goals you have?
Which platform has online therapists that match your qualifications for language, speciality and ideal medical care?