Both Lyra Health and Headspace v2025 are strong contenders in the mental health services market. Lyra Health excels in employer-sponsored benefits and comprehensive care, while Headspace v2025 provides more direct access for individuals with a wider network and varied subscription options. The choice depends on individual needs, insurance coverage, and whether access is primarily through an employer.
| Attribute | Lyra Health | Headspace v2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy Modalities Offered | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Biofeedback, Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness techniques | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based interventions. Therapists are trained in transdiagnostic care. |
| Provider Network Size and Diversity | Large network of licensed therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors. Emphasizes cultural competence and offers identity-based matching (race/ethnicity, gender, LGBTQIA+ identity). Includes providers with expertise in treating addiction, supporting LGBTQIA+ patients, and caring for BIPOC communities. Over 3,900 evidence-based providers specializing in child and teen mental health. | Access to a network of 15,000 licensed providers, and also 70,000+ via extended networks. Members can select providers based on modality, specialty, availability, and identity factors such as gender, race, and sexual orientation. |
| Cost per Session/Subscription | Operates on a business-to-business (B2B) model, charging employers a per-employee-per-month (PEPM) fee. Some employers offer Lyra as a benefit, providing a certain number of free sessions per year (e.g., 25 free sessions per year). After the free sessions, additional therapy or medication management sessions may be billed through the individual's medical plan, subject to in-network outpatient mental health cost-sharing. | Headspace App Subscription: $12.99 per month or $69.99 per year. Mental Health Coaching + Headspace App Subscription: $99.99 per month (includes three mental health coaching sessions). Therapy by Headspace (without insurance): $149 per session. Coaching Subscription: $99.99 USD per month, sometimes with a promotional rate of $49.99 for the first month. |
| Insurance Coverage and In-Network Options | Integrates with various insurance plans. Coverage and costs depend on the specific plan. | Partners with over 45 national and regional insurance plans, including Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. With insurance, therapy sessions may cost $0–$35. |
| User Interface and App Usability | User-friendly and intuitive interface. The app and website offer a consistent experience. The app allows users to access well-being resources, schedule appointments, complete video lessons and exercises, message providers, and track progress. | The app offers guided meditation, mindfulness tips, and music for sleep. It aims to be user-friendly. |
| Specialized Programs | Centers of Excellence (COEs) for neurodiversity, women's mental health, and chronic conditions. Lyra Renew for substance use and mental health recovery. Lyra DBT for severe emotional dysregulation and suicidality. Medication Management: Access to physicians for medication consultation and management. | Programs for anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and sleep disorders. Content related to grief and parenting is also available. |
| Availability of Medication Management | Provides access to medication management services through physicians with special training in mental health medication prescribing. Services include in-depth consultation, follow-up sessions, and digital support. | Psychiatrists within the Headspace network can prescribe medication, excluding controlled substances that require in-person visits. |
| Crisis Support and Emergency Resources | Provides 24/7 on-call DBT support for members struggling with suicidal thoughts or self-injury. The Lyra Wellbeing Hub app offers 24/7 access to expert counselors via phone or chat. | For emergencies: Call 911 (or 000 in Australia, 112 in Europe). Crisis support: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text). Additional resources: SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP). Headspace also provides links to international crisis support lines. |
| Integration with Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) | Can be integrated with EAPs. Offers manager consultations to assist with workplace issues related to employee mental health. | Integrates with EAPs, offering a unified mental health and wellbeing experience, work-life services, and critical incident support. |
| Data Privacy and Security Measures | Uses a HIPAA-compliant and secure platform. Has a dedicated security team and implement organizational and technical controls to protect data. Undergoes annual audits to maintain compliance with the HITRUST Common Security Framework (CSF). Complies with data security breach notification requirements under applicable law. | Committed to protecting member privacy and adheres to standards like HIPAA, HITRUST, SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001 and 27002. They have policies and procedures for incident response and vulnerability management. |
| Progress Tracking and Outcome Measurement | Uses clinically validated assessments (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD-7) to track progress. Collects feedback after care sessions to understand progress and tailor treatment plans. The platform allows users to track symptoms and progress over time. | Uses a measurement-based care approach, tracking symptoms and progress with tools like PHQ-9 and GAD-7. They leverage AI to analyze clinical data and track provider performance. |
| Accessibility Features | The Lyra Wellbeing Hub app offers resources in multiple languages. | Working on global language expansion throughout 2026. |