Talkspace vs Sanvello (A Detailed Comparison)

This article will compare Talkspace with Sanvello. Both these platforms have spectacular features that can be great for anybody’s mental health care. With the advent of online therapy, the popularity of Talkspace as well as Sanvello is quickly growing.

In the following table, we will be able to check out the features of Talkspace and Sanvello easily at a glance. The review of these platforms will also cover these features briefly for better understanding.

Feature	Talkspace	Sanvello
Types of services	Therapy and Psychiatry	Therapy, Self-care, Meditation, Coaching
Pricing	Min 260 USD	Min 8.99 USD
Payment options	All major credit or debit cards, HSA, FSA	All major credit cards,HSA, FSA
Insurance	Available	Available
Age group	13 years and above	13 years and above

Talkspace

Pros

• It can be accessed from anywhere
• There are no long waiting-periods
• It is pretty affordable

Cons

• There are no group therapy sessions available
• Without insurance coverage it can be expensive
• Internet connection is required always

Sanvello

Pros

• It offers a free version
• It provides a variety of interventions
• It can be used from anywhere

 

Cons

• Therapy options may be expensive
• It cannot be used for emergencies
• It may have too much explicit content for young users

About Talkspace

Talkspace was launched in 2012 by Roni and Oren Frank. The Franks faced plenty of challenges while seeking therapy solutions for their own relationship issues. However, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it inspired them to launch Talkspace to make mental health care affordable and easily accessible.

Picture credit: Talkspace

In Talkspace, the users can communicate with their therapists through an online platform and thus are saved from the trouble of leaving the house to go to the therapist’s office for therapy. In this platform, the therapy is delivered through various formats like unlimited messaging, live chats, audio sessions and even video sessions.

In addition to therapy, Talkspace also provides psychiatry services that can be great for those who require medications or drugs for the treatment of their mental health conditions. The therapy services as well as the psychiatry services are eligible for coverage by insurance through a variety of insurance providers.

About Sanvello

Sanvello is an app that provides many avenues for the purpose of greater mental health. In this app, the user can get access to affordable therapy, self-help guides, coaching and even mindfulness. The app also has a fantastic space for mindfulness for those who are interested in achieving a higher state of self-awareness.

Picture credit: Sanvello

The app offers a free version which has several features that can be useful for mental health. Even though designed as a simple concept with high ease of use, Sanvello is completely scientific and uses cognitive-behavioral techniques and strategies to help those who are struggling with their mental health.

Sanvello was initially called Pacifica, and launched in 2014 by Dale Beermann and Chris Goettel who wanted to simplify CBT concepts for everyone and anyone. The main aim of Sanvello is to help people develop healthy habits such as regular exercise and proper sleep, thereby, giving them more control and ownership over their physique and mental health.

Best features of Talkspace

Talkspace can bring a wide variety of features and advantages for anyone who is seeking mental health care online. Some of the best features of this amazing platform have been described in the section below:

Talkspace allows easy access

In Talkspace, the user has easy access to therapy as the functions of the platform are conducted completely online. Thus, therapy itself becomes very convenient and easily accessible for anyone. This can be great news for those who stay in remote locations which may not have many therapists practicing here.

It makes therapy very simple

The process of therapy becomes very simple in this platform as the user is not required to seek out their therapist. All they have to do is to sign up for the platform and Talkspace takes care of the rest. In comparison, in-person therapy requires a lot of effort and time from the part of the client which is nullified in Talkspace.

There is therapy and psychiatry

Talkspace provides therapy services as well as psychiatry. This can be great for those who require psychotherapy as well as medications or drugs for the management of their mental health conditions. The great thing about Talkspace is that it allows insurance coverage of its therapy as well as psychiatry services.

The platform is pretty affordable

Talkspace is pretty affordable when compared to traditional therapy settings. This is an important factor since the high-cost of therapy is the reason why many cannot seek mental health care in the first place. The plans of Talkspace are definitely cost-effective and can also be covered by insurance.

There are various formats of therapy

There are also various formats of therapy that are available in Talkspace. Thus, the users have more variety to choose from according to their conveniences and preferences. In Talkspace, the therapy can be conducted through live chats, live audio sessions and even live video sessions. There is also an unlimited messaging therapy feature in this platform.

There is couples therapy

Couples therapy is another feature that is offered in Talkspace. This feature can bring partners who are facing difficulties in their relationship closer together. Couples therapy uses behavioral techniques and cognitive techniques to smoothen the communication between partners in a relationship.

Teens therapy is also offered

There is also teens therapy that is offered in Talkspace. This feature is particularly meant for adolescents between 13 years and 18 year of age. Teens therapy can be especially useful since this age group often deals with high levels of stress and anxiety related to many areas of life such as school, friends and even familial relationships.

There is a sleep program

Talkspace additionally offers a sleep program, for those who are struggling to fall asleep or even those who manage to fall asleep but find difficulty in staying asleep through the night. The sleep program goes on for eight weeks and focuses on teaching behavioral strategies and techniques to the participants in order to improve their sleeping behavior.

 

There are high levels of safety

There are also high levels of safety in Talkspace as the platform is completely HIPAA compliant. Therefore, users are assured of the highest level of security of their privacy and confidentiality through features like end to end encryptions, multi-step authentications and even firewalls. There is also an added element of safety as the user and the therapist do not need to meet in-person.

It provides a better client-therapist fit

Talkspace brings a great fit between the client and the therapist through the smart use of artificial intelligence. The platform collects the details of the user during the sign-up stage and uses this data to match them with a suitable therapist. The users are also free to choose their therapists from the platform’s directory.

Best features of Sanvello

Sanvello offers a whole library of options for those who are trying to improve their mental health. The great thing about Sanvello is that it can be used by anyone and everyone, and not just those who have a mental health condition.

 

Sanvello is very scientific

While the app may seem quite easy and simple at a glance, it is pretty scientific in nature. The behavioral techniques and cognitive strategies used in this app have all been backed by research and mainly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Thus, the users of Sanvello are guaranteed of high quality mental health care in this platform.

It offers mindfulness

There are also mindfulness practices that are taught through Sanvello. Mindfulness is the art where the individual increases their self-awareness and thus attain higher psychological benefits. Self-awareness, in turn, is very important for personal growth and development. Mindfulness is coached in Sanvello through a useful combination of formats and modes.

It has online journaling

Sanvello also has an online journaling feature through which the individual can wrote in a journal and improve their mental health. Journaling is a very effective tool that is encouraged by all mental health professionals. Journaling not only helps in learning but can also be superb by providing a space for healthy expression and venting.

It offers visualization

Visualization is an exercise that is used for various purposes but mostly for relaxation. In visualization, the individual is guided by a script, by audio or even by video to visualize a scenario or situation which can help them relax and destress. Visualization is not only used for relaxation but also to increase focus and even arousal levels.

It provides mood tracking

Mood tracking is another feature that is provided in Sanvello. While it may seem insignificant for many, it can provide a great deal of information for those who are trying to regulate their moods and emotional states better. Mood tracking can also be great for those who are trying to figure out why they experience many fluctuations throughout the day.

It helps in building healthy behaviors

Sanvello mainly aims at building healthy behaviors among individuals. These behaviors can include regular exercise, following a healthy diet and even for moderating intake of alcohol or caffeine. In addition to this, it can also be great for those who are trying to bring a better sleep pattern into their lives by instructing them in sleep hygiene.

It helps in meditation

It can also help in meditation by providing guides and tutorials. Meditation can help in relaxation and also in increasing focus and concentration. Meditation, as a tool in specific, has been used for many centuries and its validity still stands today. While it may seem like a lengthy process, Sanvello simplifies this and provides a concise step by step guide.

Pricing of Talkspace

Talkspace is quite affordable, especially when compared to in-person therapy. The pricing of the platform, however, can vary depending on the plan being chosen. The pricing of the plans have been adjusted keeping in mind the affordability of the user. There is also insurance coverage allowed in the platform, which can further reduce the costs of therapy.

The costliest plan in Talkspace is the Unlimited Messaging Therapy Ultimate while the cheapest plan in the platform is the Unlimited Messaging Therapy Plus plan. The therapy in Talkspace can cost anywhere from $260 to $396 per month. The cost of the subscription is much lesser if the user is opting for a longer period of therapy, which is highly recommended.

 

Pricing of Sanvello

Sanvello is also an affordable option in comparison to in-person therapy or traditional therapy. This app offers a free version which can be of great use for those who are looking for simple strategies to improve their mental health. The app also provides various plans like coaching, self-care and therapy which users can choose from according to their needs.

The therapy plan in Sanvello can cost the user $140 for the first appointment, which is then reduced to $85 in the following appointments. The therapy plan in Sanvello is covered by insurance. If the user is looking for basic self-care, this plan can cost them $8.99 every month or $53.99 for the whole year.

Signing up for Talkspace

Talkspace is pretty easy to sign up for and this process can be completed on the website or through the platform’s app. To sign up for this mental health care platform, all the user requires to do is to follow these steps given below:

In the website or the app of Talkspace, click on the ‘Get Started’ option. This will lead you to the next page where you will have to fill out your email address and also create a password for your account. In addition to this, Talkspace will ask you to set a nickname for your account which will be the main source of identity throughout your intervention sessions.

Signing up for Sanvello

To sign up for the Sanvello platform, new users will have to go the website or app of the platform and click on the ‘Sign up’ option. In the page that follows, users can provide their nickname to protect their identity and provide anonymity. Once they have created their account, the platform will guide them in connecting with the right mental health professional in their area.

Tips to use Talkspace

Talkspace conducts its operations completely online. While this is definitely effective, the nuances of online therapy through platforms like Talkspace can be difficult to wade through for many. A few tips to improve the experience in Talkspace have been explored below:

• While using the live therapy options in Talkspace, make sure the selfie view of the camera is off. This is especially for live video sessions. Otherwise, you will be more focused on yourself and your flaws rather than what your therapist is saying.

• You can also use the other resources that Talkspace provides outside your therapy sessions. The Talkspace website is filled with amazing articles and blogs that can help in many other areas of life such as career, finances and even legal issues.

• Talkspace provides an unlimited messaging feature through various modes. This can really come in handy, even if your therapist is guaranteed to respond only a limited number of times. Through the messaging feature, you can experience healthy expression and even increased reflection.

• Another thing to remember while using Talkspace is to ensure that you have the right space with the right privacy to conduct your live therapy sessions. Otherwise, you might face continuous distractions and disturbances.

Tips to use Sanvello

Sanvello can be a superb app for self-care and can definitely lead to an improvement in mental health if used right. Some suggestions to help you make the most of it are:

• Go through the blog of the app. Here, you can find numerous lists and articles that can play an important role in psychoeducation and also provide plenty of tips and techniques for coping with mental health issues.

• Journaling can be great for anyone’s mental health. If you are not that into writing your thoughts on paper, you can always use the journaling feature in Sanvello. This is pretty easy and can be used while you are on the go and thus can provide continuous access to journaling.

• Find a group chat or a community which is active all the time. In these communities, you can share your thoughts and also find a great resource bank full of tips and suggestions to improve your mental health.

Personal experiences in Talkspace

Talkspace is one of the most popular platforms for online therapy today, servicing more than 1.5 million clients every day. Some of the best things that users have personally loved about this platform have been summarized in the points below:

• Most of the users have been thoroughly satisfied with the therapy that they have received in Talkspace. They have also mentioned that the online nature of the therapy makes it very comfortable for them to open up with their mental health professional which has further increased the effectiveness of their therapy itself.

• Users have also found the Talkspace app very easy to use and intuitive in matching them with the right therapist.

• However, many users who have been going to traditional therapy for a long time may take time to adjust to the features in Talkspace. They also may not like all the plans of Talkspace, especially the most basic plan which does not offer any live sessions and only includes messaging therapy.

 

Personal experiences in Sanvello

Sanvello is also a pretty easy and very popular app that many are using for their mental health. Users have experienced positives and negatives in Sanvello, such as:

• Users of Sanvello have been satisfied with the way guided meditations, visualizations and other aspects are conducted in this app. The steps are pretty easy and simple to follow and the app can also make the process quite interactive.

• Sanvello also provides many group chats which cover various topics. Participants of these group chats have mentioned the resourcefulness of these chats through which they are exposed to more personal experiences and coping strategies.

•  Many therapy-goers have found the app quite useful in learning and retraining in CBT techniques and strategies. Thus, Sanvello can be a great toolkit for someone who is already going to therapy and would like to practice coping techniques outside of therapy sessions.

Conclusion

While Talkspace and Sanvello both provide online therapy, there are stark differences between the approaches of these two platforms. Talkspace is mostly hardcore therapy and psychiatry, while Sanvello can be great for anyone who is seeking for self-care or self-help services through an interactive app.

Talkspace provides therapy as well as psychiatry services in one space and therefore is better recommended for those individuals who have diagnosed mental health conditions. The therapy services in this platform are also eligible for insurance coverage and can be conducted through several formats that the user can choose according to their preferences.

Sanvello does provide therapy but also offers self-care services, coaching services among many others. The app is basically a toolkit comprising of several mental health tools like visualization, guided meditation and even journaling. Thus, Sanvello can be a super recommendation for those who are going to therapy but require extra help on the side.

BetterHelp: A Better Alternative

BetterHelp is certainly the best option when it comes to mental health or online therapy. In this platform, users can experience therapy in various formats like unlimited messaging, live chats, live audio sessions and even live video sessions.

Furthermore, there are spaces for couples therapy, teens therapy and even group therapy sessions available in this platform. The services in BetterHelp are pretty affordable. For those who are unemployed or furloughed due to the pandemic, BetterHelp also offers financial assistance or aid. This aid can also apply to those who are disabled or have veteran status.

Frequently asked questions:

Does Sanvello cost money?

Yes, Sanvello costs money. The premium version in the app can cost the user $8.99 per month and the costs can also vary according to the type of plan that is being chosen. However, the app also provides a free version which offers a wide range of features.

Who owns Sanvello?

Sanvello is owned by UnitedHealth Group company.

Can Talkspace therapists prescribe medication?

No, Talkspace therapists cannot prescribe medication. However, the platform offers a psychiatry service through which licensed and certified psychiatrists can prescribe necessary medication for the user.

Can you get a diagnosis from Talkspace?

No, you cannot get a diagnosis from Talkspace. While the mental health professionals in this platform are definitely licensed and certified they cannot provide a diagnosis for the user. They are also not allowed to provide certificates or letters related to psychological status or mental health of the user.

If you like this article, please post your comments and questions below.

Citations

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talkspace

https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/talkspace

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/07/technology/talkspace.html

https://benefits.baesystems.com/document/45

https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/newsroom/2020/2020-03-20-sanvello-premium-access-covid-19.html

https://ionic.io/resources/case-studies/sanvello

https://strategyinsights.eu/sanvello-health-inc/

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