Finding the right person can feel daunting for people considering online therapy. The list of mental health services (and services offered) seem endless to individuals seeking treatment. What are the most important things to consider? Can online counseling really substitute for in-person treatment in a mental health crisis?

This post compares Talkspace, a specialized HIPAA-compliant online therapy platform, and BreakThrough Therapy — a Telehealth leader absorbed by MDLive in 2021. We examine the differences between their online features and availability.

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Dedicated online therapy platforms like Talkspace and BetterHelp have many advantages. However, more general options may be better for specific use cases we’ll explore below.

At a Glance: Primary Services Offered

Talkspace

• Depression Disorders
• Relationship Counseling Services
• Anxiety & Stress Management
• Parenting Support
• LGBTQIA+ Support
• Chronic Illness Counseling
• Eating Disorders
• Anger Management
• Childhood Abuse
• Major Life Changes Support
• Loss & Grief Counseling
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• PTSD & Trauma Counseling
• Substance Abuse
• Family Conflict Resolution & Counseling
• Bipolar Disorder

Breakthrough Therapy via MDLive

• Addiction
• Aging & Caregiver Support
• Anxiety & Stress Management
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression Disorders
• Loss & Grief Counseling
• LGBTQIA+ Support
• Major Life Changes Support
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorders
• Parenting Support
• Phobias
• Relationship Counseling
• PTSD & Trauma Counseling

Talkspace vs. Breakthrough Therapy: Our Quick Verdict

From the perspective of online mental health services, Talkspace leads in several areas. The most notable of these is communication methods. Talkspace offers unlimited messaging, video sessions, SMS, and even telephone calls.

On the other hand, Breakthrough Therapy services are exclusively on the MDLive app. The app is not certified as HIPAA-compliant on its website, Apple Store, or Google Play pages. We covered the importance of HIPAA compliance in online therapy apps here.

Talkspace also trumps Breakthrough in insurance coverage, affordability and available mental health professionals.

It’s worth noting that Breakthrough Therapy does lead Talkspace in some areas. The MDLive app tops the industry with a 4.7-star rating over 50,000 user reviews.* This makes it the most widely used telehealth app in the country.

Breakthrough also has instant brand recognition and public trust under the MDLive banner. Americans have relied on the company since 2009, and not just for mental health treatment. MDLive brings a stellar reputation established over more than a decade of service.

So which of the two is best for mental health therapy? Let’s compare Talkspace and BreakThrough in detail to help you decide.

*Information as listed on the Apple App Store as of February 2023

Comparison of Features

Price and/or Payment Plans

• Talkspace services range from $69-$129 a week depending on your subscription plan. Covered by most major insurance providers.
• Breakthrough services start at $108 per session before insurance. Partial coverage with select health insurance plans. Pay-per-session only, with no subscription models available.

Specialization

• Talkspace is a dedicated therapy provider offering a very wide range of courses. These include everything from simple talk therapy to couples counseling.
• Breakthrough is not a specialized therapy provider (which can be a strength or a weakness). The MDLive ecosystem offers urgent care, primary care, mental health and dermatology services.

Available Therapists

• Talkspace boasts over 3,000 licensed mental health professionals on staff. Therapists are trained in a variety of courses and techniques (e.g. flooding, existential therapy).
• Breakthrough offers therapy only as a component of their telehealth ecosystem. As a result, they have a limited selection of therapists to choose from.

Text or Chat Support

• Talkspace gives users unlimited messaging with chat support integrated into its app interface. Users can arrange availability periods and chat times with their therapists.
• Breakthrough offers only live sessions, with no chat or text support.

Communication Platforms

• Talkspace enables patients to communicate with their therapists online and over the phone. Available on desktop via web browser, on iOS and Android, or by regular telephony.
• Breakthrough offers access to health services solely through the MDLive app. Patients can contact their mental health professional by appointment only.

Community Support

• Talkspace features an interactive community with chat and group support. Also offers therapy tools and resources (e.g. CBT triangles, mind maps).
• Breakthrough has no community support, but does offer a 24/7 crisis counselor hotline. The MDLive website claims the hotline is active 365 days a year. The Breakthrough hotline is stated to be staffed with crisis counselors trained for any mental health crisis.

Service Versatility

• Talkspace offers therapy plans as recurring subscriptions. These are automatically billed on a monthly, quarterly or biannual basis. Frequency is chosen by subscribers in the signup process.
• Breakthrough offers a per-session model that may or may not create affordability issues. This pay-as-you-go system can be preferable for individuals who don’t want regular therapy.

Safety and Privacy

• Talkspace services, apps and partner organizations are uniformly HIPAA-certified. This guarantees the confidentiality and safety of patients’ protected health information (PHI).
• Breakthrough is stated to be HIPAA-compliant on the MDLive FAQ page. However, the company doesn’t make the same claim (or provide certification) for its apps. A requirement for HIPAA certification is compliance with its Minimum Necessary Requirements.

Talkspace vs. Breakthrough: The Winner

Talkspace has a clear advantage in the majority of comparison categories above. However, there are specific use cases where Breakthrough may be better suited. Examples of users who may prefer Breakthrough’s services include:

• Individuals who aren’t seeking regular therapy
  A surprising number of mental health patients don’t want regular therapy. This can be due to several different reasons. In most cases, it’s an issue of financial constraints. Recent studies have also shown that as many as 47% of Americans relate therapy to weakness.
• Individuals looking for a single-care provider
  Many digital healthcare subscribers aren’t just struggling with mental health issues. Some users may also have high blood pressure, thyroid issues or chronic sinusitis. These individuals often prefer to use a single app for accessing care online. In this specific case, the fact that Breakthrough is not a specialized therapy service works in its favor.
• Individuals already using MDLive
  Existing users of the MDLive app would understandably prefer Breakthrough over Talkspace. Getting accustomed to new software ecosystems and interfaces can be tedious. Having mental care and other services consolidated to a single bill is a bonus.

Specific use cases aside, Talkspace is the better choice for most people seeking therapy online. It offers stellar and affordable therapy on a basis you choose upfront. Those looking for regular therapy will find much better accommodations on Talkspace.

Comprehensive HIPAA compliance is a crucial consideration when sharing your health information online. Users of online services should prioritize security and privacy over personal convenience. Talkspace’s across-the-board HIPAA certification is another reason it takes the cake over Breakthrough.

Talkspace is the perfect way to connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your own home. Get started today and make a real difference in your mental health! Sign up for Talkspace and start your journey to emotional well-being.

Quick comparison top online therapy 2023

Online therapy	Cost/Pricing	Services	Insurance	Special Features
Teladoc	$99 per therapy session and $299 for psychiatry	Online sessions with licensed therapists can help with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, and more.	Accepts some insurance plans and offers discounts for some employers and organizations	Offers a wide range of services and solutions for different health needs
Regain	$60 to $90 per week for unlimited messaging and live sessions	Online couples counseling and relationship therapy	Does not accept insurance	Focuses on improving relationships and communication skills
Brightside	$45 to $63 per week, depending on the plan	Online therapy and medication management for depression and anxiety	Accepts some insurance plans and offers financial assistance for eligible customers	Uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and provides personalized treatment plans
Amwell	$99 per 45-minute session for therapy; $269 for initial psychiatry visit; $99 for follow-up psychiatry visit	Online therapy and psychiatry services	Accepts some insurance plans and offers discounts for some employers and organizations	Allows you to hide your face on your own screen during video sessions
Talkspace	$69 to $109 per week for monthly plans; $65 for each additional live session	Online therapy for individuals, couples, and teens; psychiatry services; medication management	Accepts some insurance plans and offers discounts for some employers and organizations	Offers a variety of specialized therapists and a free therapist matching service
Calmerry	$45 to $63 per week depending on the plan	Online therapy for individuals	Does not accept insurance	Offers low-cost plans and flexible scheduling