The Trevor Project is ideal for LGBTQ youth in immediate crisis due to its free, 24/7 availability and specialized training. Talkspace is better suited for individuals seeking ongoing therapy and mental health support, with the convenience of online access and insurance coverage, but it's not designed for crisis intervention.
| Attribute | The Trevor Project Crisis Support | Talkspace Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Crisis intervention methods | Phone, text, and chat; empathetic and professional assistance, focusing on the contact's feelings, de-escalating the immediate crisis, and creating a safety plan; harm reduction approach. | Talkspace is not a crisis hotline; encourages users in crisis to call 988 or NYC WELL (1-888-NYC-WELL). Keeps emergency contact information on file. |
| Therapist qualifications | Training in counseling skills, LGBTQ identity, and The Trevor Project's support model; support from supervisors and access to process groups and wellness resources. Volunteer Crisis Counselors must have demonstrated knowledge, cultural competency, and experience in crisis care or customer care. A bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, or psychology is preferred. | Therapists are fully licensed with 3,000 hours of clinical experience, verified, and background-checked. Includes LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, or providers with PhDs in clinical psychology, averaging 7-10 years of experience. |
| Specialization in LGBTQ mental health | Specifically for LGBTQ young people. | Offers specialty services for LGBTQ individuals, including therapists specializing in transgender or gender nonconforming individuals, addressing gender identity, dysphoria, and social or medical transitions. |
| 24/7 availability | Yes | Provides 24/7 access to therapists via text, audio, and video messaging, but therapists generally reply once or twice a day and work five days a week. |
| Communication channels (text, call, video) | Phone (TrevorLifeline), text (TrevorText), and online chat (TrevorChat) | Offers communication through text, audio, and video messaging. Some plans include live video sessions. |
| Cost and subscription plans | Free | Messaging Therapy: $69/week, billed monthly as $276/month; Video + Messaging Therapy: $99/week, billed monthly as $396/month; Video + Messaging + Workshops: $109/week, billed monthly as $436/month; Couples Therapy + 4 Live Sessions: $109/week, billed monthly as $436/month; Psychiatry: Initial Evaluation: $299, Single follow-up: $175. |
| Insurance coverage | Not applicable | Accepts insurance from major providers like Cigna, Optum, Carelon, Aetna, TRICARE, Regence, and Anthem. Most insured members have a copay, often around $15 or $30. |
| User privacy and data security | Committed to user privacy and data security; privacy policy outlining information collection and use practices; conversations are confidential, and personal information is protected; security measures are used to protect information but cannot guarantee absolute security. | HIPAA compliant, encrypts communications, and requires secure passwords. Measures to protect personal information and ensure confidentiality, but some reports indicate potential privacy concerns related to data collection and sharing for marketing purposes. |
| Accessibility for different age groups | Primarily serves LGBTQ young people under 25. | Offers services for adults and teens (13-17). NYC Teenspace provides free online therapy for New York City teens aged 13-17. |
| Response time | Aims to provide immediate support, but wait times may occur during high-volume periods. | Therapists typically respond to messages within one to two days, five days per week. |
| Therapist matching process | Counselors are assigned based on availability. | Users are matched with a therapist based on an intake questionnaire. Users cannot choose their therapist. |
| Additional resources and support groups | TrevorSpace, an online safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth; educational resources, advocacy, and peer support programs. | Offers access to live workshops, interactive exercises, and the Talkspace Go app. |
| Ratings | Overall: Not available, Performance: Over 90% of young people served by The Trevor Project sustained de-escalation of their crisis level even four weeks after the interaction. | Not available |