Online-Therapy.com and Talkspace both offer therapy by video, voice, and messaging, but they solve different problems. Talkspace is built to work with health insurance and offers psychiatry; Online-Therapy.com is a self-pay service built around a structured CBT program with longer weekly sessions. Here’s how to pick the right one for your situation.
OUR PICK
Bottom line
- Choose Talkspace if your insurance covers it or you need medication management
- Choose Online-Therapy.com if you’re paying yourself and want structured CBT, 45-minute weekly sessions, and worksheet feedback
- Online-Therapy.com: 20% off your first month with code THERAPY20
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Side-by-side comparison
| Online-Therapy.com | Talkspace | |
|---|---|---|
| Self-pay price | $48/week first month, then $60–$120/week | $69–$109/week |
| Live sessions | 45 min, 1–2 per week (Standard/Premium) | Up to four 30-min sessions per month |
| Messaging | Unlimited, all plans | Unlimited; replies within 1 working day, 5 days a week |
| Structured CBT program | Yes — 8 sections, 25 worksheets | Workshops on top plan |
| Insurance | No direct billing; HSA/FSA | In-network with many major insurers; HSA/FSA |
| Psychiatry | No | Yes ($299 first evaluation, $175 follow-ups self-pay) |
| Couples | $96–$120/week | $109/week |
| Teens | 18+ (teens only with parental consent) | Teen plans for ages 13–17 |
| Mobile app | No | Yes |
| Choosing a therapist | Automatic match, switch anytime | Pick from matched providers, switch free |
Ready to talk to a licensed therapist?
Online-Therapy.com pairs you with a licensed therapist, weekly live sessions by video, voice or text (Standard plan and up), and a step-by-step CBT program. Use code THERAPY20 for 20% off your first month.
Get started with Online-Therapy.com →Sponsored link · Cancel anytime · Not an emergency service — in crisis, call or text 988
Insurance: Talkspace’s big advantage
Talkspace is in-network with a long list of insurers — including Aetna, Cigna, Optum, many Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, TRICARE, and traditional Medicare in select states — and says most insured members pay a low copay. If your plan covers Talkspace, it will very likely be your cheapest option. Online-Therapy.com doesn’t bill insurance; you pay yourself (HSA/FSA cards accepted) and can request receipts for out-of-network reimbursement.
If you’re paying out of pocket
Without insurance, the math changes. Talkspace’s most popular self-pay plan (video + messaging) is $99 per week and includes up to four 30-minute live sessions a month. Online-Therapy.com’s Standard plan is $72 per week for the first month and $90 after, with a 45-minute live session every week plus the full CBT program. That’s more live time per month for less money — plus worksheets with feedback between sessions.
You don’t have to handle anxiety alone.
Online-Therapy.com connects you with a licensed therapist and a structured CBT program you can follow from home. Use code THERAPY20 for 20% off your first month.
See how it works for anxiety →Sponsored link · Cancel anytime · Not an emergency service — in crisis, call or text 988
Medication and psychiatry
Talkspace offers psychiatry, with prescriber evaluations and follow-ups (covered by some insurers, or $299 for the first evaluation and $175 per follow-up if you pay yourself). Online-Therapy.com provides therapy only and doesn’t prescribe. If you think you need medication, start with Talkspace’s psychiatry, a psychiatrist, or your primary care doctor — you can still combine that with therapy elsewhere.
Therapy style
Online-Therapy.com is structured: an eight-section CBT program, worksheets your therapist answers Monday to Friday, and activity plans. Talkspace is more flexible and messaging-centric, with workshops on its highest plan. If you want a clear step-by-step plan for anxiety, worry, panic, or low mood, Online-Therapy.com’s format is a better match; if you prefer frequent short check-ins and an app, Talkspace fits better.
Which should you choose?
- Your insurance covers Talkspace → Talkspace
- You need medication management → Talkspace psychiatry or your doctor
- You’re a teen (13–17) → Talkspace teen plans, with a parent
- You’re paying yourself and want more live time for the money → Online-Therapy.com Standard
- You want structured CBT with homework and feedback → Online-Therapy.com
Frequently asked questions
Is Online-Therapy.com cheaper than Talkspace?
Without insurance, usually yes for live therapy: $90/week (after the first month) for a 45-minute weekly session plus the CBT program, vs. $99/week for up to four 30-minute sessions a month on Talkspace. With insurance, Talkspace is often cheaper.
Does Talkspace take insurance?
Yes, Talkspace is in-network with many major insurers. Online-Therapy.com doesn’t bill insurance directly.
Can Online-Therapy.com prescribe medication?
No. Its therapists don’t prescribe. Talkspace offers psychiatry.
Ready to talk to a licensed therapist?
Online-Therapy.com pairs you with a licensed therapist, weekly live sessions by video, voice or text (Standard plan and up), and a step-by-step CBT program. Use code THERAPY20 for 20% off your first month.
Get started with Online-Therapy.com →Sponsored link · Cancel anytime · Not an emergency service — in crisis, call or text 988
Sources
- Online-Therapy.com: Pricing
- Online-Therapy.com FAQ: What is the cost for online therapy?
- Online-Therapy.com FAQ: Does Online-Therapy.com accept insurance?
- Online-Therapy.com FAQ: Can my child join?
- Talkspace: Pricing
- Talkspace: Insurance coverage
- Talkspace: Therapists
- Andersson G. et al. (2014). Guided Internet-based vs. face-to-face CBT: a systematic review and meta-analysis. World Psychiatry.