How do I check your employer benefits or insurance first?

Before paying out of pocket, check whether your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) — call your HR department or check your benefits portal. EAPs often include 5–10 free therapy sessions per year. Also check your health insurance's mental health benefits — some plans partially cover Talkspace.

How do I complete the intake questionnaire?

Download BetterHelp or Talkspace from the App Store or Google Play. Open the app and answer the intake questionnaire — it asks about your mental health history, what you want to work on, and preferences for your therapist (specialty, gender, language, etc.). This takes about 10 minutes and is used to match you with an appropriate therapist.

How do I review your therapist match and accept or request a change?

The app will suggest a matched therapist and show their credentials, areas of specialty, and a brief bio. If the match feels right, accept it. If you would prefer someone different — different specialty, different background, different communication style — you can request a new match at no charge. There is no limit on how many times you can switch.

How do I schedule your first session?

Once matched, tap Schedule a Session and choose a day and time from your therapist's available calendar. Sessions are typically 45–50 minutes. You will receive a reminder notification before the session. At the scheduled time, open the app and tap Join Session to connect.

How do I use messaging between sessions?

Both platforms allow you to message your therapist between live sessions. You can share thoughts, describe difficult moments as they happen, or ask follow-up questions. Therapists typically respond once or twice per day on weekdays. This ongoing communication is one of the main benefits of these platforms compared to traditional weekly office appointments.

TekSure — Free Tech Help for Beginners & Seniors

Online therapy apps connect you with a licensed therapist through your phone or computer. Instead of driving to an office and sitting in a waiting room, you can attend therapy sessions from a comfortable place at home — by video call, phone call, or even by exchanging text messages.

BetterHelp and Talkspace are the two largest online therapy platforms in the United States. Both work with licensed therapists — psychologists, licensed counselors, and licensed clinical social workers — who are credentialed and background-checked by the platforms.

BetterHelp matches you with a therapist based on your preferences and needs. Subscription plans start around $65–$100 per week and include one live session (video or phone) plus unlimited text messaging with your therapist between sessions. You can change your therapist at any time for free.

Talkspace works similarly but also offers psychiatric services, including the ability to speak with a prescriber who can write prescriptions for mental health medications — which BetterHelp does not offer. Talkspace also works with many employer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and some insurance plans.

These services are best for people dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, grief, or life transitions. They are generally not appropriate for crisis situations, active suicidal thoughts, severe psychiatric conditions requiring intensive treatment, or substance use disorders requiring medical detox.

Cost is a major consideration. These services are not inexpensive at full price, and insurance coverage for them is inconsistent. However, many employers include mental health benefits through Talkspace or through an EAP (Employee Assistance Program) that covers a set number of free therapy sessions per year. Check your benefits first.

Quick Tip: If cost is a barrier, search for "open path collective" — it is a nonprofit that offers affordable therapy sessions ($30–$80 per session) with licensed therapists for people who cannot afford standard rates.

Important disclaimer: Online therapy platforms are not appropriate for mental health emergencies. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) immediately. Online therapy does not replace in-person psychiatric care for serious mental health conditions.

Online Therapy Apps Like BetterHelp and Talkspace: How They Work and Who They Help

Check your employer benefits or insurance first

Complete the intake questionnaire

Review your therapist match and accept or request a change

Schedule your first session

Use messaging between sessions

Still have questions?

Official Resources

Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

Related Guides