When I opened the Headspace app on a Saturday morning a few months ago, I wasn't looking for therapy. I was just poking around to find a good meditation to start my day.
I've used Headspace on and off over the years, but this time, something caught my eye: a tab labeled "Care." Out of curiosity, I tapped on it, which led me to a part of Headspace where I could access professional help. There, I could book sessions with a life coach or a licensed therapist directly within the app.
It had been a year since I last had therapy, mostly because I hadn't yet found a trusted provider since moving to New York. As someone who's tested almost every therapy app out there, I wasn't sure I'd be impressed. Could a meditation app offer meaningful therapy, or would it be another wellness upsell?
As of now, I've had six sessions with my therapist through the Headspace app, plus some homework and self-reflection. Here's what I found.
How Therapy by Headspace works
Headspace's therapy feature is built within the app, so you don't need a new login or an upgrade to your subscription. Just tap the "Care" tab, choose your availability and therapist, and you're ready to book your first session.
A few key things to keep in mind:
- Therapy is billed per session. I pay $30 per appointment using my Cigna insurance. Pricing will vary depending on your provider and coverage.
- You'll be prompted to enter your insurance information prior to booking. You'll only be charged after your session.
- Sessions are 45 minutes, and you can usually book your first one within a few days. Your therapist will determine the frequency. I see mine weekly.
- The cancellation window is 48 hours before your appointment. If you cancel within this window, you will be charged $125.
- There is no matching done by algorithms or jumping to a third-party platform.
You choose the therapist who's right for you
What I like about Headspace that sets it apart from platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace is that you're not matched with a provider based on an algorithm. You can choose who you want to work with based on location, availability and areas of specialty, such as depression, trauma, relationships and anxiety.
Each therapist profile includes:
- A photo of them and their name (I used this info to look up more on them through Google)
- Specialties and therapeutic approaches
- A short bio with some background information
You can't message therapists before booking, which may be a downside for some. Typically, therapists offer a free consultation call so you can get to know them before you decide if they're the right choice for you. However, the profiles (and my Google search) gave me enough information to feel confident in my choice. I found a therapist who aligned with my values and my desire to incorporate spirituality (without religion) into my care. And she made sure to remember that detail every week.
If your first match isn't quite right, you can request a new therapist through the Member Support team. They'll help you find someone who's a better fit, at no extra cost. Be sure to initiate this process or cancel pre-booked sessions with your therapist at least 48 hours in advance to avoid late cancellation fees.
What sessions can look like
Before your first appointment, you'll have an intake session and take a short mental health screening. The questions are designed to evaluate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Then, we discussed my goals and how I'd like to measure progress. It's important to note that every therapist will approach goals and success metrics differently. Be sure to discuss how you'd like to approach your treatment with them.
Therapy sessions occur over video within the Headspace mobile app or on your computer. To access them via your computer, you'll need to download Zoom and use the Zoom link provided in your confirmation email.
What I love most about my sessions is how deep and intentional my therapist is. Alexmi Polanco is warm and attentive and gives me homework each week. Homework includes writing letters to my inner child, practicing affirmations and outlining what my dream future self looks like. We've gone over childhood trauma, dismantled core beliefs that no longer serve me, and I even learned kind and loving ways to show up for myself each day.
Integration with Headspace's mental wellness tools is a game changer
What makes Headspace shine is how well the therapy feature integrates into Headspace's ecosystem. Between sessions, I use meditation and mindfulness tools from within the app to help reinforce what we're working on. Some other features I've explored are:
- CBT-based courses
- Guided breathwork
- Journaling
- Sleepcasts and music
- Ebb, an AI chatbot designed to help you regulate emotions in real time
Headspace Therapy Care pros and cons
There are many things I love about Headspace, but every app comes with some drawbacks.
Pros:
- You can select the therapist you'd like to see (based on location and availability)
- Affordable with insurance
- Seamless integration with Headspace resources
- High-quality video and audio
- In-app booking
- Sessions felt deeply personalized
- Switching therapists is easy, at no extra cost
Cons
- No client dashboard to track sessions, goals or leave notes
- No pre- or post-session messaging with your therapist (I was able to message her via email)
- High late-cancellation fee of $125
Headspace Therapy Care is better for some people
This online therapy service is an excellent fit if you:
- Are dealing with anxiety, depression or stress
- Prefer a gentle, mindfulness-based therapy approach
- Already use and enjoy Headspace content
- Want an online therapy service that integrates with other self-care tools
It's not ideal for people who:
- Need or prefer in-person therapy
- Want 24/7 access or daily therapist messaging
- Are in crisis or require higher-level clinical support
How Headspace compares to BetterHelp and Talkspace
Therapy by Headspace feels more personalized and less transactional than other apps I've tested, like BetterHelp and Talkspace. The latter two platforms may offer broader networks, daily messaging and more tracking tools, but they feel very corporate in tone, and I prefer Headspace's quality of therapists and care.
Headspace feels a lot warmer and deeply reflective. It's a natural extension if you already use the app for meditations or sleep.
Too long; didn't read?
Headspace's therapy feature exceeded my expectations. It's thoughtfully designed and well integrated into the broader app. It also offers something other online therapy services don't: a vast library of mental wellness tools and resources beyond talk therapy.
If you're curious about therapy and already practice mindfulness, this platform is worth exploring.