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Reviews

Reviews & Comparisons

Independent guides that explain how mental health services work, what they cost, who they may suit and what to consider before choosing one.

Our comparisons are editorially independent. Some links may earn us a commission; this never affects our evaluations, and inclusion is not a medical endorsement. Affiliate disclosure

Comparisons

Compare mental health services

In depth

Provider reviews

Head to head

Provider vs. provider

All comparisons
  • Provider vs. Provider

    Talkspace vs. BetterHelp

    The two biggest online therapy services, compared on price, insurance, session length, psychiatry, teens and couples, and privacy — with a clear answer on which to choose.

    Updated Sep 2026

  • Provider vs. Provider

    BetterHelp vs. Sesame

    A weekly therapy subscription versus a cash-price marketplace for therapy, psychiatry and refills. How BetterHelp and Sesame compare on cost, choice of clinician and medication.

    Updated Sep 2026

  • Provider vs. Provider

    Talkspace vs. Sesame

    Both offer online therapy and psychiatry with non-controlled prescriptions. The difference is how you pay — Talkspace through insurance or a weekly plan, Sesame per visit at an upfront cash price.

    Updated Sep 2026

  • Provider vs. Provider

    BetterHelp vs. PlushCare

    BetterHelp is a weekly talk-therapy subscription; PlushCare offers per-session video therapy plus online doctors who can prescribe. Here’s how they compare on price, insurance and medication.

    Updated Sep 2026

  • Provider vs. Provider

    Talkspace vs. PlushCare

    Both take insurance and can prescribe non-controlled medication. Talkspace is a mental-health specialist with messaging therapy and psychiatry; PlushCare is a medical practice with per-session video therapy.

    Updated Sep 2026

  • Provider vs. Provider

    PlushCare vs. Sesame

    Both offer online therapy and non-controlled prescriptions by video. PlushCare takes insurance; Sesame shows upfront cash prices and lets you choose your clinician.

    Updated Sep 2026

How we evaluate services

Every service in our comparisons is assessed against the same criteria. Commercial relationships never change our criteria, our findings or the order in which services appear. Full methodology.

  1. Clinician credentials

    Are clinicians licensed, and can you verify their credentials and the jurisdictions they practice in?

  2. Evidence-based care

    Does the service offer approaches with research support, and does it measure progress?

  3. Pricing transparency

    Are total costs, billing frequency and cancellation terms clear before you sign up?

  4. Insurance and affordability

    Does it accept insurance, provide superbills, or offer lower-cost options?

  5. Privacy and data practices

    How is health information stored and shared? Is any data used for advertising?

  6. Safety and crisis policy

    Does the service screen for risk, explain what happens in a crisis and refer to higher levels of care when needed?

  7. Access and fit

    How quickly can you start, can you choose or switch clinicians, and are formats (video, phone, messaging) suitable?

Our review principles

  • We evaluate every service against the same published criteria.
  • We don’t publish star ratings or scores we can’t substantiate, and we never publish fake reviews.
  • Commercial relationships never affect inclusion, order or conclusions.
  • We re-verify pricing, insurance and policies regularly and show the date we last checked.
  • Inclusion is not a medical endorsement — the right care depends on your individual needs.