When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many of us found ourselves switching from in-person therapy to virtual sessions with our providers. But virtual therapy is nothing new, with the two most popular platforms, Talkspace and BetterHelp, having been founded in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Studies have shown that online therapy platforms are just as effective as online therapy. person, and they are especially useful for people who have difficulty getting to a therapist’s office.
If you’re trying to choose between BetterHelp and Talkspace, it’s important to know that one isn’t inherently “better” than the other. On the contrary, the two have key differences that should be taken into account when making your decision. Here’s a breakdown of those differences.
BetterHelp vs. Talkspace: therapy and psychiatry services
BetterHelp and Talkspace put you in touch with a licensed therapist, who you can communicate with 24/7 via platform messaging services or in real time during scheduled sessions. However, a major difference between the two is that Talkspace offers psychiatric services for those who need both therapy and medication to manage their symptoms. However, Talkspace may not be able to fill all of your prescriptions. Specifically, no controlled substance, such as Adderall, Xanax, Klonopin or Lithium, can be prescribed by Talkspace.
BetterHelp vs. Talkspace: Special Features
Each platform has unique characteristics. The question to ask yourself when deciding between the two is which characteristics would be most beneficial for your mental health and treatment regimen.
When you’re a BetterHelp member, you’ll have access to over 20 therapist-led, live group sessions each week. You also have the option of speaking with your therapist over the phone, a feature that Talkspace does not offer. If you are a parent looking for therapy for your child, BetterHelp also has a sister site called Teen Counseling which allows you to work with your child to choose the best therapist. Like in-person counseling, your child’s virtual sessions are confidential and they are the only ones with access to the “therapy room”. However, the therapist will send you an alert if your child is a danger to himself or to others and intervention is needed.
In addition to Talkspace’s psychiatric services, some of the platform’s special features include in-app assessments and clinical progress tracking; guided self-help exercises; and access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which can help you find resources for financial advice, legal advice, and work-life planning.
BetterHelp vs TalkSpace: pricing
Talkspace offers three plans, ranging from $ 65 per week for unlimited messaging with a therapist to $ 99 per week for unlimited messaging and four live sessions per month. Discounts are offered if you sign up to pay quarterly or semi-annually. Talkspace is covered by some insurance plans, so be sure to ask your insurance provider if the platform qualifies for your benefits.
BetterHelp is slightly more affordable, with plans ranging from around $ 60 to $ 90 per week. For example, for $ 65 per week, you’ll have access to a weekly live session and unlimited text, video, and audio messaging. Unfortunately, BetterHelp does not accept assurances, but do not cross them off the list yet. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, and rates can be as low as $ 40. You’ll need to fill out a financial aid form to see if you qualify, but it’s definitely worth exploring if you think BetterHelp is the best fit for you.
BetterHelp vs. Talkspace: registration process
The Talkspace registration process begins in a private chat room, where a licensed mental health professional will ask you questions about the issues you are facing and what you hope to get out of therapy. You will then receive a list of several therapists who may be suitable for you. If the first therapist you’re paired with isn’t the right partner, you can always switch.
When you register with BetterHelp, you will complete a questionnaire to explain the issues and goals you want to address in therapy. The questionnaire also allows you to specify which type of counselor you would feel most comfortable working with (for example, you can note whether you prefer a woman or a man, or a provider in a certain age range) . Like Talkspace, BetterHelp allows you to easily switch providers if the first match doesn’t work.
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