BetterHelp is a better option for those seeking in-depth therapy with licensed therapists and a wide range of therapeutic approaches. Headspace is more suitable for individuals interested in mindfulness and meditation techniques for stress reduction and overall well-being, especially given its lower cost and accessibility.
| Attribute | BetterHelp Counseling | Headspace Meditation App (Version 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Therapist qualifications and credentials | Licensed therapists with a Master's or Doctorate degree and a minimum of 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience. Therapists are licensed, trained, and accredited at the state level. They include psychologists, family therapists, clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors. | Headspace therapists are licensed in their respective jurisdictions and undergo rigorous vetting. The vetting process examines clinical credentials, experience with mindfulness-based interventions, and digital therapy delivery methods. Headspace mental health coaches are trained professionals who provide personalized care to help you set and reach goals, manage everyday anxiety and stress, and navigate major life events. |
| Range of therapeutic approaches offered | Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, family systems therapy, group therapy, client-centered therapy, humanistic therapy, holistic therapy, gestalt therapy, exposure and response prevention therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. | Headspace offers various evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. CBT combines cognitive restructuring with mindfulness to address anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. ACT focuses on psychological flexibility, teaching acceptance of difficult emotions while committing to value-based actions. |
| User privacy and data security measures | Industry-standard security measures, including 256-bit encryption and SSL encryption. Adherence to strict privacy policies. Users are advised to use two-factor authentication, choose a secure password, and avoid unknown networks. | Headspace encrypts user data at rest and during transit. They have implemented anomaly detection to protect accounts from unauthorized access, such as bot attacks and brute force attacks. Headspace prioritizes customer trust and adheres to standards and controls set by HIPAA, HITRUST, SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001 and 27002. They have a Bug-Bounty Program for external researchers to submit responsible disclosures of vulnerabilities. Headspace is committed to protecting member privacy and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. |
| Cost and subscription options | Subscription model, with costs ranging from $65 to $100 per week, billed every four weeks (monthly cost of $260 to $400). Includes weekly live sessions and messaging with the therapist. Financial aid is available for eligible individuals. | Monthly: $12.99 (with a 7-day free trial), Annual: $69.99 (with a 14-day free trial), Family Plan: $99.99 per year, Student Plan: $9.99 per year |
| Ease of use and platform accessibility | User-friendly platform accessible via website and mobile app. Easy to navigate, with a dedicated chat room for communication with the therapist. Accessible on different devices. | Headspace is a user-friendly app that teaches fundamental breathwork techniques and meditation exercises through progressive courses. The app is easy to navigate and presents mindfulness and meditation courses to beginners in a comfortable format. Headspace is available on iOS and Android devices, and can be accessed in a web browser, though the app is recommended for the full experience. |
| Matching process with therapists/counselors | Detailed questionnaire to match clients with therapists based on their needs and preferences. Considers therapeutic needs, mental health concerns, personal preferences, scheduling compatibility, and therapist specialization. New members are typically matched with a therapist within approximately 12 hours. | Headspace offers mental health coaching where you can get matched and text with a coach and schedule sessions. Headspace therapy makes it easier to start feeling better, from finding the right therapist to easy scheduling. |
| Availability and responsiveness of support | 24/7 access to chats for reaching the therapist. Customer service can be reached through the app, website, phone ((888) 688-9296), or email (contact@betterhelp.com). | For questions about data handling or security concerns, you can email security@headspace.com. They aim to respond within three business days. |
| Effectiveness in addressing specific mental health concerns | Effective for treating mild to moderate mental health conditions like stress, relationship issues, anxiety, and depression. Shown to reduce symptoms of depression. 72% of clients experience symptom reduction within the first 12 weeks of therapy. | Headspace helps users reduce stress, improve sleep, and manage anxiety through evidence-based techniques. It offers guided meditations, CBT-based exercises, and mindfulness tools designed to reduce anxiety and stress. The app can improve focus and increase energy by utilizing meditation for anxiety and depression. Studies suggest that digital mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduce perceived stress. |
| Meditation techniques offered (Headspace) | Not available | Headspace uses techniques from Burmese and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Core techniques include focused attention, body scan, noting, visualization, loving-kindness, skillful compassion, resting awareness, and reflection. The app offers both calming and insight meditation techniques. |
| Progress tracking and goal setting features | Tools for tracking progress and setting goals for mental wellness. Standardized assessments like PHQ-9 and GAD-7 are administered every 45 days to monitor therapeutic progress. | The mobile app allows progress tracking, personalized recommendations, and reminders to keep your mindfulness practice consistent. Headspace includes a self-care tracker to follow your mental health journey and share insights with your mindfulness coach or therapist. The app has features to track the frequency of your sessions, duration, and types of meditations you prefer. Headspace can help you set and reach goals, manage everyday anxiety and stress, and navigate major life events. |
| Integration with other health and wellness apps | Not available | While specific integrations aren't detailed, Headspace aims to be a comprehensive mental health solution, suggesting potential for integration with other wellness practices. |
| User reviews and ratings | Many positive reviews, with users appreciating the convenience, accessibility, and affordability of the platform. Live therapy sessions received an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on over 1.7 million client ratings in 2024. 82% of clients reported they would recommend their therapist to others. | The Headspace app has 4.8 stars from 1M reviews on the Apple App Store and 4.5 stars from 314K reviews on the Google Play Store. |