4 Talkspace Alternatives for Online Therapy in 2024

If you’ve been exploring platforms that provide online therapy services, you may have come across Talkspace, one of the largest platforms available. Talkspace offers messaging-based therapy services that can be quick and convenient for those who need mental healthcare. But it’s important to determine if this is your best option or if a different platform may suit you better. 

There’s no shortage of online therapy platforms, and many have popped up in the past few years as the public’s need for this service has increased. That gives you several alternatives to evaluate to make sure you find the platform that best fits your needs. 

Below, we’ll take a look at why you may want to consider Talkspace alternatives and highlight some of the top options on the market.

Why consider alternatives to Talkspace? 

Talkspace is known for its convenience. There’s no waiting for weeks to see a therapist in person or online via video. Instead, you use text-based or messaging therapy to get the help you need. 

But this may not be the right solution or the best clinical approach for addressing some mental health concerns. In fact, a 2022 review found that using a text-based approach to therapy had mixed results for those with some mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. More research is needed to determine just how effective this kind of therapeutic approach is. 

You might not be comfortable interacting with a therapist via texting or messaging. For some, this may seem impersonal rather than helpful. Talkspace does offer live video sessions — but these are limited per month and only available with higher-level subscriptions. 

With so many online therapy or telehealth platforms available, you have other options to explore. In the following sections, we’ll go over some of the top alternatives to Talkspace. 

1.  SonderMind

SonderMind goes above and beyond when it comes to mental health services. You don’t just get access to online therapy with licensed mental health professionals via video calls — you also have the option to do in-person therapy in some states. 

With SonderMind, you can arrange individual therapy, marriage and couples counseling, group therapy, or adolescent therapy. This makes SonderMind’s offerings more comprehensive than Talkspace’s, making it easier to get the right help for specific mental health concerns. 

SonderMind is a simple, hassle-free way to find a therapist. All you have to do is answer a few questions, and we’ll connect you with a mental health professional who meets your needs. 

Pros 

• Offers a variety of mental health services, including talk therapy and medication management 
• Uses an evidence-based approach and has a dedication to clinical efficacy for better outcomes 
• Provides affordable access to care through insurance plans or competitive self-pay rates 
• Offers flexible scheduling for setting up appointments at your own pace rather than having a subscription-based model with weekly or monthly plans 
• Gives access to mental healthcare services, with an average of 9.8 days from connecting with a therapist to having your first session — much shorter than the industry average of 25 days
• Offers personalized treatment plans using data science and educational tools for improved outcomes  

Cons

• Not yet available in all 50 U.S. states, however, services expand to new states every year
• No texting or messaging therapists 24/7 

Pricing 

SonderMind partners with most major insurance plans to help reduce therapy costs. This includes Medicare, EAP, and FSA/HSA plans. Check with your insurance provider for details on your copays, deductibles, and coinsurance costs. 

SonderMind also has self-pay rates for therapy and psychiatry services. These rates are for those who aren’t using insurance to cover the cost of therapy sessions or medication management. Self-pay rates vary, depending on factors, such as the type of session and the state you live in. 

2.  BetterHelp

BetterHelp is a subscription-based platform, similar to Talkspace. You enter a few details about yourself and the kind of care you’re looking for in order to connect with a therapist. Talkspace can take a couple of days to do this. But BetterHelp typically connects you with a provider more quickly, which may make it a better alternative for you. 

BetterHelp provides individual online therapy services for adults. Couples therapy and teen therapy are available through their partner sites, ReGain and Teen Counseling. You can communicate with your therapist via live chatting, video conferencing, messaging, and phone calls. 

Pros 

• Provides a variety of ways to interact with your therapist 
• Makes it easy to change providers 
• Offers financial aid to bring therapy costs down 
• Includes a large directory of BetterHelp therapists
• Has a user-friendly app and website  

Cons 

• Does not take insurance 
• Does not offer in-person therapy options 
• Does not offer medication management 
• Doesn’t allow you to choose your therapist (but you can switch providers)
• May not be suitable if you’re dealing with more complex or serious mental health issues

Pricing 

BetterHelp has monthly subscriptions that vary in price. Subscriptions typically include a live weekly session and unlimited messaging. Overall, BetterHelp costs tend to be lower than Talkspace. Keep in mind that BetterHelp doesn’t take insurance, but you can explore financial aid options if needed.

3.  Headway 

If you prefer to choose your provider and want the option for in-person therapy, Headway may be a Talkspace alternative to consider. Headway has a large directory of mental health professionals throughout the U.S. You can meet with a provider in person or set up virtual therapy sessions. Certain providers also offer phone consultations. 

Headway gives you multiple filters for selecting a therapist who fits your needs. The platform offers talk therapy and medication management services. It also accepts many plans from major health insurers. 

Pros 

• Offers a directory of over 17,500 mental health providers
• Gives you many filters to narrow down your options for different types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Makes it easy to book therapy sessions on the website instead of having to download a separate app
• May offer same-day availability, depending on the online therapist you choose 
• Estimates your out-of-pocket costs for you based on your health insurance info

Cons 

• Doesn’t offer text-based therapy 
• May experience lengthier waits, depending on provider availability 
• Limited therapy modalities available that could make it more difficult to get the right care  

Pricing 

Headway offers affordable costs for therapy services, generally ranging from $20 to $50 for each session. Note that costs vary, depending on your insurance plan’s coverage. Headway takes several health insurance plans from major providers, including Medicare plans. Private pay is an option if your provider is not in-network — but note that these fees may vary. 

4.  Alma 

Alma is an online therapy platform offering in-person therapy options and the ability to select your therapist. You might consider this alternative to Talkspace if you want more control over who your provider is and how you receive therapy. 

Alma has options for online therapy, in-person therapy, and medication management. You might also have the option to communicate with your therapist through texting or email between appointments, giving you more ways to get in touch if needed.

Pros 

• Has more than 9,000 providers in 50 states for therapy and psychiatric services 
• Offers online and in-person therapy options, medication management, and a combination of medication management and  talk therapy sessions from certain providers 
• Offers the ability to browse through available providers for free, without signing up or getting subscription plans
• Takes many insurance plans for lower costs 
• Includes an online tool showing you your copay after entering your health insurance info 

Cons 

• Has limited providers available for psychiatric care, which may affect availability or access if you need these services 
• May have significantly higher costs without insurance, but this varies by provider 
• Estimated cost tool doesn’t guarantee your final cost 
• May take over a week after connecting with a therapist to get your first appointment 
• Some providers aren’t taking new clients 

Pricing 

This teletherapy platform takes many major insurance plans. You can use Alma’s online tool to estimate your copay amounts — but note that this may not be your actual cost. You may also use Alma without insurance, but your costs may vary based on what your provider charges. Some costs without insurance may be $300 or more per session. 

Get connected with a therapist today with SonderMind 

Talkspace might offer the convenience of text messaging therapy. But if this isn’t the right fit for you, it’s important to choose a mental health support platform that better aligns with your needs. 

SonderMind offers a quick and convenient way to connect with a licensed therapist or other provider to help you start your mental health journey. Find the right provider today.