Calmerry vs. Talkspace: Which Online Therapy Platform Is Right for You?

The surge in online therapy over the past few years has made mental health support more

accessible than ever. With numerous emerging platforms, choosing which one best suits yourneeds can be challenging.

This article compares Calmerry and Talkspace, two popular online therapy services, to help youmake an informed decision.

Calmerry: Personalized Online Therapy Platform

Calmerry, launched during the pandemic in 2020, quickly gained recognition for its tailored,

flexible, and confidential online therapy and counseling services.

One of its standout features is the rapid therapist-matching process, which typically takes just 1-2 hours. According to the service data, 75% of clients are satisfied with the therapist provided.

Calmerry offers therapy through messaging and video sessions, with flexible subscription options designed to fit various needs and budgets. Besides, this online therapy platform includes a variety of free self-help tools. This is especially useful for those seeking comprehensive mental health support.

Talkspace: Accessible and Comprehensive

Talkspace, a large telemedicine provider established in 2012, offers a wide range of online therapy options: individual therapy, teen therapy, and couples counseling.

Talkspace also offers psychiatric services. The online platform aims to cater to diverse mentalhealth needs. It’s praised for its user-friendly interface and accessibility thanks to the insurance partnerships.

Key Comparison: Calmerry vs. Talkspace

Type of Therapy

• Calmerry focuses primarily on individual counseling.
• Talkspace offers a wider range of services, including therapy for individuals, couples, teens, and psychiatric care.

Insurance Coverage

• Calmerry does not currently accept insurance, though they are working on adding this option in the future.
• Talkspace accepts insurance with select providers, making it potentially more affordable for those with coverage.

Cost

• Calmerry’s subscription plans range from $198 to $360 per month. They offer different plans based on the number of live video sessions included.
• Talkspace charges between $276 and $396 per month for its therapy plans, with additional costs for psychiatric services.

Medication Prescription

• Calmerry does not provide medication prescription services.
• Talkspace offers psychiatric services, including medication management, for those who need it.

Communication Channels

• Calmerry offers online therapy through messaging and live video sessions.
• Talkspace provides therapy through messaging, live video sessions, and phone calls.

Therapist Matching Process

• Calmerry is known for its quick therapist-matching process, usually taking just 1-2 hours.
• Talkspace typically matches users with therapists within 24 hours.

Free Self-Help Tools

• Calmerry includes a variety of free self-help tools like a self-help library, guided journaling, mood tracking, and assessments.
• Talkspace focuses more on therapy sessions and workshops and has a Self-Guided app.

Therapist Qualifications

• Both platforms employ licensed therapists such as LMHCs, LPCs, LCSWs, LMFTs, PsyDs, and PhDs. They’re trained in evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, SFBT, trauma-focused therapy, and more.

User Interface and Experience

• Calmerry is praised for its clean, cute, user-friendly interface that focuses on creating a calming environment. Users appreciate the simplicity and supportiveness of the platform.
• Talkspace is known for its sleek and intuitive design, offering easy navigation and multiple communication options. By the way, recently, Talkspace announced new brand identity changes.

Additional Features

• Calmerry stands out for its wide range of additional free tools, enhancing therapeutic engagement and self-help.
• Talkspace offers workshops and psychiatric services, providing a more comprehensive care option for those needing medication management alongside online therapy.

What Clients Say

Clients generally have positive experiences with both Calmerry and Talkspace.

Users appreciate Calmerry for its quick therapist-matching process, affordable pricing, and user-friendly interface. Many highlight the expertise and empathy of the therapists, as well as the valuable free self-help tools offered by the online platform. Some minor issues include occasional technical glitches and time zones with therapists. But overall, the feedback is favorable.

Talkspace users value the platform’s accessibility and the variety of communication options available, including messaging, video, and phone calls. The comprehensive care offered, including psychiatric services, is a significant advantage. Some clients mention delayed responses, not very active online therapists, and issues with insurance coverage. But the general sentiment remains positive.

Subscription Plans and Costs

Please note that those prices are subject to change. These are valid by the date of this review.

Calmerry:

• Messaging Plan: $198 for the first month, $228 monthly after that. Includes unlimited messaging, a personalized therapy plan, self-help library access, mood tracking, guided journaling, and assessments.
• Messaging + 2 Live Video Sessions Plan: $264 for the first month, $310 monthly after that. Includes two 30-minute live video sessions.
• Messaging + 4 Live Video Sessions Plan: $295 for the first month, $360 monthly after that. Includes four live video sessions.
• Additional video sessions can be purchased for 45- and 60-minute durations. Also, clients can upgrade and downgrade their subscriptions.
• Calmerry also offers financial aid with up to 30% off on online therapy for the next 3 months.

Talkspace:

• Messaging Therapy: $236 per month. Unlimited messages and daily therapist responses, five days a week.
• Video + Messaging Therapy: $300 per month. Includes four 30-minute live video sessions.
• Video, Messaging, + Workshops Therapy: $396 per month. Includes weekly workshops alongside regular therapy.
• Psychiatric Services: Start at $435 for an initial evaluation and 1 follow-up session, up to $725 monthly.

Therapy Formats and Communication

Calmerry specializes in individual online therapy, while Talkspace offers a broader range of therapy formats, including services for teens and couples.

Both platforms provide unlimited messaging and live video sessions, ensuring daily responsesfrom therapists five days a week.

Calmerry offers a free-switch therapy feature, allowing users to change therapists easily.

Mental Health Issues Treated

Calmerry:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Grief and loss
• Marriage and relationship counseling
• ADHD
• Self-esteem and confidence issues
• Trauma
• Anger management
• Chronic pain
• Parenting
• Sexuality
• Codependency
• Pregnancy and postpartum counseling
• LGBTQIA2S+ counseling

Talkspace:

• Couples counseling
• Teen counseling
• Stress, anxiety, and depression
• Relationships and parenting problems
• Addictions
• Eating and sleeping disorders
• Trauma
• Anger issues
• Low self-esteem
• Grief and loss
• LGBTQIA2S+ counseling

And many more for both online platforms.

How to Start

Talkspace:

• Users answer a series of questions about their needs and preferences.
• Various subscription plans are available, with payment options including card and Google Pay.
• The matching process takes up to 24 hours.

Calmerry:

• Begins with email registration and a brief survey that takes up to 10 minutes.
• Various subscription plans are offered, with card or Apple/Google Pay options.
• The matching process typically takes up to two hours.
• For those who are not ready to pay, they can access their profile and use self-help tools for free.

Conclusion

Both Talkspace and Calmerry offer valuable online mental health services with unique strengths. Talkspace excels in offering diverse online therapy formats and integrated psychiatric care. Calmerry stands out for personalized therapist matching, flexibility, and additional therapeutic activities.

Choosing between these platforms depends on your preferences and specific mental health needs.

For those seeking a broad range of communication methods and psychiatric care, Talkspace may be more suitable. For users looking for personalized care, Calmerry could be the better choice.

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