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    Getting Started with Talkspace Online Therapy

    Talkspace offers text, audio, and video therapy with licensed therapists. Find out how to create an account, pick a plan, and start your first session.

    4 min read 6 stepsApril 20, 2026Verified April 2026
    1

    Create Your Account

    ~19s
    Download the Talkspace app from the App Store or Google Play, or go to talkspace.com. Tap "Get started" and enter your email address along with a password. You will also enter some basic information about yourself, including your age and what you are hoping to work on in therapy — for example, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, or relationship challenges.
    2

    Check Whether Insurance Covers Your Plan

    ~30s
    On the plan selection screen, enter your insurance information to see if Talkspace is covered. Many employer health plans and some state Medicaid plans are accepted. If your insurance is accepted, your cost may be just a copay per session. If you are paying out of pocket, compare the messaging-only plan against the plans that include live sessions to find what fits your budget.

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: Even if Talkspace is not in-network, your insurance company may still reimburse part of the cost. Ask your insurer about out-of-network mental health benefits.

    3

    Browse and Choose Your Therapist

    ~21s
    Talkspace will show you a set of therapist profiles that match your needs. Each profile includes the therapist's license type (such as LCSW or LPC), years of experience, areas of specialty, and a personal statement about their approach. Take time to read through a few profiles before selecting. There is no rush — you want someone who feels like a good fit.
    4

    Send Your First Message

    ~21s
    Once you select a therapist, you will enter a private messaging room. Start by introducing yourself and describing what brought you to therapy. Be as open as you are comfortable being — your therapist uses your messages to understand your situation and tailor their response. Your therapist will respond within one business day, and ongoing conversations happen through this same message thread.
    5

    Schedule a Live Video Session if Your Plan Includes It

    ~22s
    If you chose a plan with live sessions, tap the calendar icon inside your chat to see your therapist's available time slots. Book a time that works for you and add it to your phone's calendar. You will join the session directly through the Talkspace app — no separate software is needed. Video sessions typically last 30 to 45 minutes.
    6

    Switch Therapists If Needed

    ~24s
    If you do not feel a connection with your therapist after a few exchanges, it is completely fine to switch. Go to your account settings and select "Change therapist." Talkspace will show you new options. Finding the right match sometimes takes a try or two, and that is normal.

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: You do not have to give a reason for switching therapists. Your comfort with the relationship is the most important factor.

    You Did It!

    You've completed: Getting Started with Talkspace Online Therapy

    Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

    Talkspace is an online therapy service that lets you work with a licensed therapist through your phone or computer. It is designed for people who want professional mental health support but may have a hard time fitting traditional in-office appointments into their schedule, or who live far from a therapist's office.

    Unlike in-person therapy where you see your therapist for a set hour each week, Talkspace allows ongoing messaging. You can send text, audio, or video messages to your therapist whenever something is on your mind, and your therapist will respond with recorded video or text replies — typically once or twice per day on weekdays.

    One big difference between Talkspace and in-person therapy is cost and insurance. Talkspace accepts many major insurance plans, including some Medicaid plans depending on your state. This makes it much more affordable for people who have coverage. If you do not have insurance, self-pay plans start around $69 per week for messaging only, with higher-cost plans that include live video sessions.

    When you sign up, you fill out a short questionnaire about what you are looking for, and Talkspace matches you with therapists you can choose from. You can read each therapist's bio, specialties, and approach before selecting one. Switching therapists is allowed at any time.

    Talkspace also offers psychiatry services if you need medication evaluation or management — this is a separate service from therapy and involves a licensed psychiatrist rather than a therapist.

    This guide is for therapy only. If you are in crisis, please call or text 988 immediately.

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    Official Resources

    Medicare.govMedlinePlus — Health InfoAARP Health & Technology

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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    Getting Started with Talkspace Online Therapy — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure