Talkspace vs. BetterHelp vs. Regain: Which is The Best Online Therapy Platform
Last Update on September 12, 2023 : Published on February 18, 2021
The content in this article is thoroughly researched and written based on the extensive testing and reviewing by a reviews team and does not reflect the viewpoints of the Calm Sage editorial team. Calm Sage could receive a commission from product purchased mentioned or featured in this article.
Telehealth or Online therapy has seen a surge in the last year. When lockdown and social distancing norms limited the access to seek help from mental health professionals, that is when online platforms came to force. Telehealth has been a part of the mental health field for quite a long time now.
But the myths around online therapy still make a person second guess his choices. That is natural to be concerned with the confidentiality, authenticity, and effectiveness of online therapy platforms.
However, the leading online therapy platforms- Talkspace, BetterHelp, and Regain have demystified these myths and made people believe that teletherapy is legit! Wondering how?
Also Read: Top 10 Online Therapy and Counseling Programs
What is so unique, defining, and promising about these leading telehealth platforms that they have become such a great hit? Let us explore and find the answer for you ourselves.
But before that, let us understand the power of online therapy platforms by getting answers to the most common questions that pop in our head on hearing “Online Therapy.”
Debunking Online Therapy Myths:
1. Are Online Therapists Effective?
Yes. Online therapy is as effective as traditional therapy. You will have the same level of experienced and certified professionals helping you work through your problem.
It is just that the mode of communication between you and your therapist will be virtual. The methodology, assessment, and solution approach will remain the same on both platforms.
2. Is Online Therapy Safe?
Yes. Online therapy platforms value your confidentiality and help you maintain your privacy. Some Of the platforms like 7 Cups of Tea also allow you to stay anonymous while seeking help.
Apart from it, the professionals are licensed in their field of expertise which can be cross-checked by you through reviewing their profile. Online therapy platforms don’t share your private information with any third party.
Also Read: Why You Should Not Neglect Ongoing Therapy?
3. Who Can Benefit from Online Therapy?
Long answer short- Everyone. You, me, your neighbor, or your relative, everyone can benefit from online therapy. However, people who have a busy schedule, fear of stigma, or anxiety for visiting a clinic can in particular benefit from online therapy.
What are the Benefits of Online Therapy over In-person Therapy?
Now this one is interesting! Both online and traditional therapy have their own pros and cons. However, there are certain areas where telehealth has an upper hand over in-person therapy.
- You can connect with your therapist at your convenience, instead of tweaking your schedule for the appointments.
- You can maintain anonymity.
- You can switch therapists without paying extra.
- Telehealth is found to be cheaper than in-person therapy.
- You can talk to your therapist 24/7.
- You get a chance to be a part of group therapy.
With these answers, we can now understand why telehealth is being popularized these days. But with so many options available out there picking the right online therapy platform can be a daunting task.
So, here we are reviewing the three leading online counseling platforms for you- Talkspace vs. BetterHelp vs. Regain. Time to find out which is the best one!
Talkspace vs. BetterHelp vs. Regain Counseling
Talkspace vs. BetterHelp vs. Regain: A Basic Overview
Session Types
Unlimited text messages (basic plan).
Live chat, and live video calls (premium plan).
(No phone call sessions available).
Unlimited text messages live chat, live phone sessions, and live video calls.Unlimited text messages, live chat, live phone sessions, and live video calls.
| Specifications | Talkspace | BetterHelp | Regain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $80 weekly | $60 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks) and it is based on your location, preferences, and therapist availability. | $60 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks) and it is based on your location, preferences, and therapist availability. |
| Mobile Apps | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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Talkspace vs BetterHelp vs Regain: In-depth
Counselors Credentials
- Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, LICSW, LISW, LICSW, etc)
- Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT, LCMFT, LIMFT, etc.)
- Mental Health Counselor (LMHC, LCMHC, LMHP, LPMHC, etc.)
- Professional Counselor (LPC, LPCC, LCPC).
- Experienced Psychologists (PhD / PsyD)
- All of them have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field
- Accredited psychologists (Ph.D./PsyD).
- Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT).
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC or LPCC)
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW / LMSW)
- They also hold Masters or Doctoral Degrees in the field.
- They are certified by the state’s professional board.
- They hold at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of experience.
- Their specific area of expertise is relationship counseling.
- Accredited psychologists (Ph.D./PsyD).
- Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT).
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC or LPCC).
- They also hold Masters or Doctoral Degrees in the field.
- They are certified by the state’s professional board.
- They hold at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of experience.
- Their specific area of expertise is relationship counseling.
The one major factor that decides the authenticity and effectiveness of telehealth or even offline therapy is the team of experts they have.
1. Talkspace:
The professionals at Talkspace are:
2. BetterHelp:
The professionals at BetterHelp are:
3. ReGain:
The professionals at ReGain are:
Our Take: The three platforms are backed with experienced, licenced, and certified therapists. Making them legit and authentic therapy platforms for its users
Channels Of Communication
- Basic plan: You can connect with your therapist through unlimited messaging alone.
- Premium plans: You get the option of a live face-to-face video session.
- Note: The platform doesn’t offer phone therapy sessions in any plan.
While you might not be able to knock at the door of a therapist here you can definitely connect with them through different channels. The three platforms have different criteria to offer different ways of communicating with the therapist.
For BetterHelp and ReGain you can connect with your therapist through all channels irrespective of the plan. In the case of Talkspace, unlimited messaging is offered in the basic plan, with an upgrade you can also get a chance to have a one-on-one video session with your therapist.
1. Talkspace
2. BetterHelp:
You can connect with your therapist via unlimited text messages, live chat, live phone sessions, and live video calls (irrespective of the plan that you opt for).
3. ReGain:
It offers unlimited messaging and weekly real-time counseling sessions. You can also choose between live chat, phone call, or video call.
Our Take: The communication options provided by BetterHelp and ReGain have an upper hand in terms of price paid.
Talkspace vs BetterHelp vs Regain: Pricing
- Messaging Therapy for $65/week ($260/month): Under this plan, you’ll get unlimited text, video, and audio messaging with guaranteed daily responses 5 times a week.
- Messaging + 1 Live Video for $79/week ($316/month): Under this plan, you’ll get unlimited text, video, and audio messaging with guaranteed daily responses 5 times per week. Additionally, you’ll get one live 30-minute session per month.
- Messaging + 4 Live Videos for $99/week ($396/month): Under this plan, you’ll get unlimited text, video, and audio messaging with guaranteed daily responses 5 times per week. Additionally, you’ll get four live 30-minute sessions per month.
- BetterHelp ranges from $60 to $90 per week (billed every 4 weeks) and it is based on your location, preferences, and therapist availability.
- ReGain ranges from $60 to $90 per week (billed every 4 weeks) and it is based on your location, preferences, and therapist availability.
Sometimes pricing can make a big difference in accessing online counseling services. For some a cheaper plan tops the priority list while for others it might be the amount of services offered that matters the most. It is interesting to see how the three platforms Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain prices, plans, and services differ widely.
1. Talkspace
2. BetterHelp:
3. ReGain:
Our Take: Each of the three platforms have their unique pricing and plan options. Depending on your budget and requirements you may opt for either of them. By and large the prices are pretty close.
Talkspace vs BetterHelp vs Regain: Switching the Therapist
The three platforms offer the feasibility to its users to change the therapist if s/he is not a good fit. The process of changing the therapist is also easy and hassle-free. So on this ground BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Regain stand on the same ground.
Talkspace vs BetterHelp vs Regain: Apps and Device Support
All the three platforms Talkspace, BetterHelp, and Regain have user-friendly websites and mobile applications. The application is compatible with both iOS and Android.
Talkspace vs BetterHelp vs Regain: Specialization
From the above discussion one thing is clear that the three platforms share some similar and different features in terms of plan, pricing, and other special features. However, they are unique in terms of their specialization! There is one factor that makes these individual platforms unique.
Talkspace vs BetterHelp vs Regain: Final Verdict
We have to say that all three platforms are the best telehealthcare companies providing high-quality and supportive services. Their team of experts will surely help you develop effective coping strategies.
But if you look at the specialization section you might be able to figure out that if you are looking for psychiatric services and unlimited messages Talkspace is your go-to platform. In case you are looking to chat with a therapist in real-time then go for BetterHelp and in case of relationship-related issues opt for Regain.
Have you tried any of these telehealth services? Do share your experience with us in the comments section below. Also do let us know in the comments section which out of the three telehealth services are you going to opt for- Talkspace, BetterHelp, or Regain?
Thank you for reading!
We have also reviewed other online therapy services independently Check our Them also:
Faithful Counseling Review: Best Online Christian Therapy
Regain Counseling: An Honest Review of The Renowned Couple Counseling Service
Teen Counseling Review: Helping Teens Thrive Through Professional Guidance
Honest BetterHelp Review: Get The Best Mental Health Help You Need
Pride Counseling Review: Get The Best Therapist For LGBTQ Community
About The Author
Anjali Singh
Anjali Singh is a content curator in the field of Mental Health. She is currently done Ph.D. in Psychology. Her aim is to light up the world with positive vibes through her words, her idea of life is ‘Grow through what you go through’. Apart from this, she is a big-time pet lover.
