BetterHelp vs Headspace
Choose BetterHelp if you want a weekly therapy subscription with a choice of video, phone, or live chat sessions; choose Headspace if you prefer video therapy billed per session, with a separate option for meditation and sleep content. Both currently offer online sessions with licensed therapists, so this is a viable comparison—not simply therapy versus a meditation app. Check your eligibility and price before enrolling, since insurance coverage and availability vary.
Last updated October 26, 2026.
At a glance
| Dimension | BetterHelp | Headspace |
|---|---|---|
| Live therapy format | Video, phone, or live chat | Video sessions |
| Uninsured therapy price | Typically $70–$100 per week | $149 per session |
| Therapy billing | Weekly subscription; billed weekly or monthly | Per-session pricing |
| Included sessions | One live session per week with a subscription | Sessions booked individually |
| Therapist messaging | Message anytime with a subscription | Not published |
| Insurance | Select plans; coverage varies | Select plans; coverage varies |
| Session length | Generally 30–45 minutes | 60-minute intake; 45-minute follow-ups |
| Meditation and sleep content | Journaling, worksheets, and webinars | Separate content subscription: $12.99/month or $69.99/year |
| Therapy availability | Available in the U.S. and selected other countries | U.S. residents aged 18+; English only |
| Platforms | Online and in-app | Online and in-app |
| HSA/FSA | Accepts HSA/FSA cards | Eligible for reimbursement; no direct HSA/FSA payments |
Scroll the table sideways to compare each row.
Which should you choose?
Choose BetterHelp if
- People who prefer phone or live chat to video therapy
- People who want therapist messaging between weekly sessions
- People who prefer a weekly therapy subscription
Choose Headspace if
- People who prefer to pay for video therapy by the session
- U.S. adults whose insurance covers Headspace therapy
- People who want a separate meditation and sleep-content subscription
The verdict
The deciding factors are how you want to meet and pay for therapy. BetterHelp fits people who want a recurring weekly session, between-session therapist messaging, and alternatives to video; its uninsured subscription typically costs $70–$100 per week. Headspace fits people who want video appointments priced individually, particularly if their insurance covers them, or who also want a separate subscription for guided meditations and sleep tools. Neither price is a reliable indication of what an insured individual will pay.
BetterHelp vs Headspace: common questions
- Does Headspace offer therapy, or only meditation?
- Headspace offers online video therapy with licensed therapists for eligible U.S. adults. Its guided meditation and sleep content are available through a separate subscription, which may require an additional purchase.
- How do BetterHelp and Headspace therapy prices compare without insurance?
- BetterHelp typically charges $70–$100 per week for a subscription that includes one live session per week and therapist messaging. Headspace lists out-of-pocket therapy at $149 per session. These are different billing models, so compare them against how often you expect to attend.
- Can I use insurance for BetterHelp or Headspace therapy?
- Both BetterHelp and Headspace offer insurance-covered therapy through eligible plans. Coverage and individual costs depend on factors including your plan, location, and therapist; check eligibility with each service before booking.
- Can I choose a phone or text-based therapy session?
- BetterHelp offers live therapy by phone, video, or chat, although some features may be limited when using insurance. Headspace describes its directly available therapy sessions as video appointments.
- Can I message my therapist between sessions?
- BetterHelp includes asynchronous therapist messaging with its subscription; therapists respond when available. Headspace does not publish an equivalent between-session therapist-messaging feature for its direct therapy offering.
- Do I need a Headspace meditation subscription to book therapy?
- Headspace lets new members start therapy enrollment without an existing meditation subscription. Access to its guided meditations, sleep tools, and other subscription content between sessions may require a separate purchase.
- Can I pay with an HSA or FSA?
- BetterHelp says it accepts HSA and FSA cards. Headspace says its therapy is eligible for HSA/FSA reimbursement, but it does not currently accept direct HSA/FSA payments for those sessions.
- Who can use Headspace therapy?
- Headspace states that its directly available online therapy is for U.S. residents aged 18 or older and is available only in English. Eligibility and appointment availability also depend on location and coverage.