Key Takeaways:
- Both BetterHelp and Talkspace offer specialised support for people going through divorce
- BetterHelp typically costs £240-280 per month with weekly live sessions included
- Talkspace starts from £260 per month and offers psychiatry services for complex cases
- BetterHelp has a larger therapist network with over 30,000 licensed professionals
- Talkspace provides more flexibility with messaging-only plans
- Both platforms offer similar features including video, phone, and text therapy
- Neither service is covered by the NHS, but some private insurance may contribute
- Response times vary: BetterHelp therapists typically respond within hours, Talkspace within 24 hours
Going through a divorce can feel overwhelming, and finding the right support matters. You might be struggling with anxiety, grief, or simply need someone to talk to who understands what you’re facing. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace have made it easier than ever to access professional mental health support from home, but which one is actually better for divorce?
This guide compares both platforms in detail, looking at cost, therapist qualifications, features, and which might suit your specific needs during separation or divorce. By the end, you’ll know exactly which service could help you through this difficult time.
What Is Online Therapy and How Does It Work?
Online therapy (also called teletherapy or e-therapy) connects you with licensed therapists through digital platforms. Instead of visiting a therapist’s office, you communicate via video calls, phone calls, or messaging through a secure app or website.
For people going through divorce, online therapy offers several benefits:
- Access therapy from home when you’re feeling vulnerable
- Flexible scheduling around work and childcare
- Often more affordable than traditional face-to-face therapy
- Connect with specialists who understand divorce-related issues
- Maintain privacy during a sensitive time
Both BetterHelp and Talkspace function similarly. You complete an assessment about your needs, get matched with a therapist, and begin communicating through your preferred method.
BetterHelp Overview: What You Need to Know
BetterHelp launched in 2013 and has become one of the world’s largest online therapy platforms. The service operates in the UK and connects users with licensed therapists, counsellors, and psychologists.
How BetterHelp Works
After signing up, you’ll answer questions about your mental health, what you’re dealing with (such as divorce), and your preferences for a therapist. The platform’s algorithm matches you with someone from their network who specialises in your concerns.
You can communicate with your therapist through:
Live sessions: Video or phone calls scheduled at times that work for you
Messaging: Send text messages anytime, and your therapist responds regularly
Live chat: Real-time text conversations during scheduled times
If you don’t feel your therapist is the right fit, you can switch at any time without additional charges.
BetterHelp Therapist Qualifications
All BetterHelp therapists must have:
- A master’s degree or doctoral degree in their field
- At least three years and 2,000 hours of hands-on experience
- Current licence to practise in their country
- Relevant credentials (UKCP, BACP, or equivalent)
For divorce support, many therapists on BetterHelp list relationship issues, grief, and life transitions as specialities.
BetterHelp Cost and Pricing
BetterHelp charges between £240 and £280 per month (approximately £60-70 per week). The exact cost depends on your location, current promotions, and therapist availability.
This monthly fee includes:
- One 30-45 minute live session per week
- Unlimited messaging with your therapist
- Access to worksheets and activities
- Group therapy sessions (optional)
BetterHelp offers financial aid for those who cannot afford the full price. The platform is not covered by the NHS, but some private insurance providers may offer partial reimbursement.
Talkspace Overview: What You Need to Know
Talkspace started in 2012 and operates similarly to BetterHelp. The platform connects users with licensed mental health professionals through a secure app and website.
How Talkspace Works
You start by taking a brief assessment about your mental health concerns, including divorce or separation. Talkspace then recommends therapists who match your needs.
Communication options include:
Messaging therapy: Send unlimited text, voice, or video messages to your therapist
Live video sessions: Scheduled video calls (available on certain plans)
Live audio sessions: Phone-style therapy calls
Psychiatry services: Access to prescribers for medication management (if needed)
One feature that sets Talkspace apart is its psychiatry option. If you’re dealing with depression or anxiety related to your divorce that might benefit from medication, you can see a psychiatrist through the same platform.
Talkspace Therapist Qualifications
Talkspace therapists must meet similar standards:
- Licensed mental health professionals (therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists)
- Master’s or doctoral degrees in their field
- Minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work
- Current license to practise
Many Talkspace therapists specialise in divorce, relationship issues, and family conflicts.
Talkspace Cost and Pricing
Talkspace offers several pricing tiers:
Messaging only: £260 per month – Unlimited messaging with responses typically within 24 hours
Messaging + Live: £310 per month – Unlimited messaging plus one 30-minute live video session per month
Messaging + Live (Premium): £390 per month – Unlimited messaging plus four 45-minute live sessions per month
Psychiatry services cost extra, typically around £260 for an initial consultation and £90 for follow-ups.
Like BetterHelp, Talkspace is not NHS-funded, but some private insurance plans may cover part of the cost.
Direct Comparison: BetterHelp vs Talkspace for Divorce
Therapist Network and Availability
BetterHelp has a larger network with over 30,000 therapists globally. This means you’re more likely to find someone quickly who specialises in divorce support. The platform operates across multiple time zones, making it easier to find appointment times that work with your schedule.
Talkspace has a smaller network of around 5,000 therapists. While this is still substantial, you may have fewer options initially. However, Talkspace therapists often have more availability for messaging-based support throughout the day.
Winner for divorce support: BetterHelp, due to the larger specialist network.
Communication Methods and Flexibility
Both platforms offer similar communication methods, but there are differences in how they work:
BetterHelp:
- Weekly live sessions are included in the base price
- Messaging is unlimited, and therapists typically respond multiple times daily
- You can send messages anytime and receive responses when your therapist is available
- Live sessions can be video or phone-based
Talkspace:
- Messaging-only plans are available at a lower cost
- Therapists respond within 24 hours (often faster)
- Live sessions require higher-tier plans or can be added on
- The app interface is considered more user-friendly by many reviewers
Winner for flexibility: Talkspace, especially if you prefer messaging over live sessions.
Cost Value for Divorce Therapy
When comparing value for money:
| Feature | BetterHelp | Talkspace |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost (basic) | £240-280 | £260 |
| Live sessions included | 4 per month (weekly) | 0 (messaging only) |
| Unlimited messaging | Yes | Yes |
| Psychiatry services | No | Yes (additional cost) |
| Financial aid available | Yes | Limited |
BetterHelp offers better value if you want regular live sessions. At £240-280 per month with four sessions included, you’re paying roughly £60-70 per session plus unlimited messaging.
Talkspace is more affordable if you’re comfortable with primarily text-based therapy. However, if you need live sessions, the costs can exceed BetterHelp once you add them on.
Winner for value: BetterHelp for most people wanting live sessions, Talkspace for those preferring messaging.
Specialisation in Divorce and Relationship Issues
Both platforms have therapists who specialise in divorce, but the approach differs slightly:
BetterHelp therapists often focus on:
- Emotional processing of separation
- Coping with grief and loss
- Co-parenting challenges
- Rebuilding self-esteem after divorce
- Managing conflict with ex-partners
Talkspace therapists cover similar areas but also:
- Offer more structured CBT and DBT approaches
- Can connect you with psychiatry for anxiety or depression
- May provide couples therapy before separation (through Talkspace Couples)
Winner: Tie – both platforms have qualified specialists, and the best choice depends on your preferred therapy style.
Privacy and Security
Online therapy platforms must comply with data protection laws. Both BetterHelp and Talkspace:
- Use encrypted communications
- Comply with GDPR in the UK
- Store data securely on protected servers
- Allow you to use an alias if preferred
Neither platform will contact your spouse or share information without your consent. This is particularly important during divorce proceedings when privacy matters.
Winner: Tie – both platforms meet high security standards.
User Experience and App Functionality
BetterHelp has a straightforward app that works well on phones and tablets. The interface is clean, and switching between messaging and live sessions is simple. Some users report the app can be slightly slow when loading video sessions.
Talkspace consistently receives praise for its app design. The messaging interface feels more like texting, which many users find comfortable. Video sessions load quickly, and the overall experience is polished.
Winner: Talkspace for app design and user experience.
Which Platform Is Better for Different Divorce Situations?
You’re Newly Separated and Need Immediate Support
If you’ve just separated and need someone to talk to urgently, BetterHelp might be the better choice. The larger therapist network means you can often get matched within 24 hours and schedule your first live session quickly.
Practical tip: When completing your initial assessment, be specific about needing urgent support due to recent separation. This helps the matching algorithm prioritise your case.
You’re Dealing with Complex Mental Health Issues
If your divorce has triggered significant depression, anxiety, or you have existing mental health conditions that might benefit from medication, Talkspace offers an advantage with its psychiatry services.
You can work with a therapist for talk therapy and see a psychiatrist for medication management, all within the same platform. This integrated approach can be particularly helpful when you’re struggling to function day-to-day.
You Have a Limited Budget
When money is tight (common during divorce), Talkspace’s messaging-only plan at £260 per month provides professional support at a lower cost than BetterHelp. You’ll still get unlimited messaging and can upgrade later if you want live sessions.
Alternatively, BetterHelp offers financial aid applications that can reduce your monthly cost significantly. If approved, this might make BetterHelp more affordable than Talkspace.
You Prefer Messaging Over Video Calls
Some people feel more comfortable writing about their feelings than talking on video. If you’re someone who processes emotions better through writing, Talkspace’s messaging-focused approach works well.
You can send messages throughout the day as thoughts occur to you, and your therapist will respond regularly. This ongoing support can feel less formal than scheduled sessions.
You Want Regular Live Sessions
If you prefer traditional therapy with scheduled appointments, BetterHelp includes four live sessions per month in its base price. This structure can help you maintain consistency in your therapy, which is valuable during the ups and downs of divorce.
You’re Co-Parenting and Need Practical Strategies
Both platforms can help with co-parenting challenges, but consider what type of support would help most:
BetterHelp is good for emotional support around co-parenting conflicts and processing your feelings about shared custody.
Talkspace might be better if you need specific behavioural strategies. Many Talkspace therapists use CBT techniques that provide practical tools for managing difficult conversations with your ex-partner.
What Research Says About Online Therapy Effectiveness
Studies show that online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy for many conditions, including anxiety and depression related to divorce.
A 2022 study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that online cognitive behavioural therapy produced similar outcomes to in-person therapy for relationship distress and separation anxiety.
The NHS recognises online therapy as a legitimate treatment option and offers some digital mental health services through its Talking Therapies programme, though these don’t typically cover commercial platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace.
Online therapy works particularly well for divorce support because:
- You can access help when you’re most distressed (late at night, after a difficult co-parenting exchange)
- The messaging format lets you articulate complex feelings in writing
- There’s no need to arrange childcare or travel to appointments
- You can maintain therapy even if you move house during the divorce
Alternatives to BetterHelp and Talkspace
While BetterHelp and Talkspace are popular choices, other options exist:
NHS Talking Therapies
Free mental health support through the NHS. You can self-refer without a GP appointment. Wait times vary by area (typically 4-8 weeks), and you’ll receive evidence-based treatments like CBT.
When to choose this: If cost is a major concern and you can wait for an appointment.
Private Face-to-Face Therapy
Traditional in-person therapy through organisations like BACP or UKCP. Costs typically range from £50-120 per session.
When to choose this: If you prefer meeting someone in person and want to build a longer-term therapeutic relationship.
Divorce-Specific Support Services
Organisations like Relate offer divorce counselling and support. They provide face-to-face, phone, and online options with therapists who specialise in relationship breakdown.
When to choose this: If you want support specifically tailored to separation and divorce, including possible couples counselling before finalising your decision.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Started with Online Therapy for Divorce
Step 1: Assess Your Needs and Preferences 
Before choosing between BetterHelp and Talkspace, consider:
- Do you want live video sessions or prefer messaging?
- What’s your budget for therapy?
- Do you need psychiatry services or medication support?
- How quickly do you need to start?
- What time of day works best for therapy?
Write down your answers. This clarity will help you choose the right platform.
Step 2: Complete the Initial Assessment
Both platforms require an assessment before matching you with a therapist. Be honest about:
- Your current emotional state
- Whether you’re considering self-harm (if yes, you may be directed to crisis services)
- What you want to achieve from therapy
- Your divorce situation (early separation, ongoing proceedings, post-divorce adjustment)
This assessment typically takes 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Review Your Therapist Match
Once matched, review your therapist’s profile. Look for:
- Specialisations in divorce, relationships, or family issues
- Their therapeutic approach (CBT, person-centred, psychodynamic)
- Years of experience
- Any additional qualifications
If the match doesn’t feel right, you can request a different therapist immediately.
Step 4: Schedule Your First Session or Start Messaging
For BetterHelp: Schedule your first live session within the app. Most users can book within 2-3 days. You can also start messaging your therapist immediately while waiting for the live session.
For Talkspace: Send your first message introducing yourself and explaining what you’re dealing with. Your therapist will respond within 24 hours and begin working with you.
Step 5: Set Goals for Your Therapy
During your early sessions, work with your therapist to set specific goals:
- “I want to reduce my anxiety about court proceedings”
- “I need to develop better communication with my ex about the children”
- “I want to process my grief about the marriage ending”
Clear goals help you measure progress and ensure therapy stays focused on what matters most to you.
Step 6: Commit to Regular Engagement
Online therapy works best when you engage consistently. This might mean:
- Attending your scheduled live sessions
- Messaging your therapist several times per week
- Completing any worksheets or homework they suggest
- Being honest about what is and isn’t working
If you’re not finding therapy helpful after 3-4 sessions, discuss this with your therapist or consider switching to a different professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online therapy as good as face-to-face therapy for divorce?
Research shows that online therapy is equally effective for many issues related to divorce, including anxiety, depression, and relationship distress. The key factor is finding a qualified therapist you connect with, whether online or in person. Some people find online therapy more convenient during divorce because they can access support from home when feeling vulnerable.
Will my therapist appear in court or write reports about my divorce?
No. Therapists on BetterHelp and Talkspace provide emotional support, not legal services or custody evaluations. They will not write court reports, testify in proceedings, or communicate with your solicitor unless you specifically request this (which typically requires separate arrangements and fees). Your therapy remains confidential and separate from legal proceedings.
Can I use online therapy if I’m in crisis?
Both platforms are designed for ongoing mental health support, not crisis intervention. If you’re having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, you should contact emergency services (999), the Samaritans (116 123), or attend A&E. Once you’re stable, online therapy can provide ongoing support to help you cope with difficult emotions related to your divorce.
How long should I stay in therapy during my divorce?
This varies greatly depending on your needs. Some people benefit from short-term therapy (8-12 weeks) to get through the acute phase of separation. Others continue for months or even years as they process their emotions, rebuild their lives, and adjust to co-parenting. Discuss your goals with your therapist, and they can help you decide when you’re ready to finish or take a break.
Can couples use these platforms together before divorcing?
BetterHelp offers couples therapy through a separate service. Talkspace also has a couples therapy option. However, if you’re certain about divorcing, individual therapy is often more helpful than couples therapy at this stage. Couples therapy works best when both people want to save the relationship.
What happens to my therapy if I can’t afford to continue?
Both platforms allow you to pause or cancel your subscription at any time. BetterHelp offers financial aid applications that can reduce costs. If you need to stop therapy due to finances, discuss this with your therapist. They may be able to provide resources for lower-cost options or help you develop strategies to continue managing on your own.
How do I know if my therapist is properly qualified?
Both BetterHelp and Talkspace verify therapist credentials before allowing them on the platform. You can view your therapist’s qualifications, licence number, and specialisations in their profile. In the UK, look for credentials like UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) or BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). If you have concerns about your therapist’s qualifications, you can contact the platform’s support team.
Can I switch between BetterHelp and Talkspace?
Yes, there are no contracts tying you to either platform. If you start with one service and find it’s not meeting your needs, you can cancel and sign up for the other. However, you’ll need to start fresh with a new therapist, which means rebuilding that therapeutic relationship. Consider giving your current platform at least 3-4 sessions before deciding to switch.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Both BetterHelp and Talkspace provide quality online therapy for people going through divorce. Your best choice depends on your specific situation:
Choose BetterHelp if:
- You want weekly live video or phone sessions included in the base price
- You prefer a larger therapist network with more specialist options
- You need to start therapy quickly
- You value financial aid options if money is tight
Choose Talkspace if:
- You prefer messaging-based therapy and want the most affordable option
- You need psychiatry services for medication management
- You appreciate a more polished, user-friendly app experience
- You want flexibility to add live sessions when needed rather than having them included automatically
Neither option is definitively “better” – they’re different tools that work for different people. The most important factor is finding a therapist you connect with who can support you through this difficult time.
Many people find that having any form of professional support during divorce makes a significant difference to their wellbeing. Whether you choose BetterHelp, Talkspace, or another option, taking that first step to prioritise your mental health is what matters most.
Remember that therapy is just one part of getting through divorce. Combining professional support with practical help (such as mediation services, legal advice, and family support) can give you the best possible chance of moving forward positively.