Initially when I opened the Therapy by Headspace feature I expected nothing more than a 2 minute scroll. As it goes, Headspace is a meditation and mindfulness app after all. This time, however, one thing in the app did catch my interest — a “Care” tab offering me direct access to licensed therapists and life coaches.
As someone who has dabbled with various therapy apps in the past, I was unsure if Therapy by Headspace would be able to provide a worthwhile experience or if would simply be another wellness upsell disguised as wellness. I went through six sessions along with some self-reflection exercises after each session, and — here is my experience with Therapy by Headspace and why it could be a game-changer.
How Therapy by Headspace Works
Therapy by Headspace is different in that it is incorporated directly into the Headspace app and doesn’t require an additional login or subscription upgrade. Tap on the Care tab, select your therapist and time slot, and schedule your sessions. The process is simplified and easy to use.
Pricing based on insurance coverage With my Cigna, I have a copay of $30/session. Sessions are 45 minutes long and typically ready within a few days. It allows you to choose your therapist according to location, availability, and even specialties: anxiety, trauma, depression, etc. Unlike an app such as BetterHelp or Talkspace, which uses algorithms to link you to therapists, this aspect is personal to Therapy by Headspace.
What Makes Therapy by Headspace Different
Therapy by Headspace is great for allowing you to choose your therapist after looking at their profile — including photo, background, specialties and therapeutic approaches. While you cannot message therapists prior to booking, and although I suggest finding a therapist in your area through the internet, I was able to find someone who shared my values and needs in therapy from their succinct, but effective profiles.
And if your first match seems off, there is an easy process to switch therapists without additional charge which is always reassuring when trying to find someone you feel comfortable opening up to about your mental wellbeing
What Therapy Sessions Look Like
I engaged in a mental health screening which was created to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety before I started therapy. Next, my therapist and I discussed specific goals based on my personal progress, and I actively engaged in 45-minute weekly video sessions via the app (or Zoom on desktop).
My therapist Alexmi Polanco was intentional and compassionate in every session. It started with weekly assignments — letters to my inner child, affirmations, visualizing my future self. We processed childhood trauma, unlearned limiting beliefs, and became gentle to myself.
Works with mental wellness tools from Headspace
The difference with Therapy by Headspace is that it seamlessly integrates with the larger Headspace ecosystem for wellness. In the gaps between sessions, I turned to meditation, breathwork and journaling, and also to some of the CBT-based courses in the app, to build on my healing.
It then also has Ebb, a chatbot powered by an AI which conducts devices to balance real-time emotions — making the therapy experience even more dynamic.
Therapy: The Benefits and the Drawbacks | Headspace
Pros
- See real profiles and specialties before choosing your therapist
- Affordable with insurance options
- Flawless connectivity with mindfulness and self-care resources
- Sessions with high-quality video and audio
- Personalized, warm therapy experience
- Facilitating a free therapist change
Cons
- Lack of a client dashboard to leave notes or track goals
- There is no messaging within the app before or after a session (but email messaging is possible)
- 24-48 hours prior: $125 late cancellation fee
Who is Therapy by Headspace for?
Use this solution when you:
- Experience anxiety, depression, or stress
- Prefer mindfulness-based therapy
- You may also use Headspace for meditation or sleep
- Looking to get into online therapy with integrated self-care elements
It may not suit those who:
- Need in-person therapy
- Have access to (not to say message) therapists 24/7
- Is in crisis, or requires high-level clinical treatment
Comparison of Headspace Therapy to Other Platforms
Unlike BetterHelp and Talkspace —both of which can feel transactional—Therapy by Headspace feels a bit more human. They address quality therapists and mindfulness including, producing a more human, and thoughtful experience of therapy. This is naturally a step into therapy if you already appreciate the meditation content on Headspace.
Final Thoughts
Therapy by Headspace was exactly what I needed and then some. Provides compassionate and customized care built into an established mindfulness platform. Therapy by Headspace is another smart, accessible option for anyone curious to test their way into therapy (and who already appreciates meditation and mindfulness).
FAQ
Yes, Therapy by Headspace is competitive and accessible with insurance considering coverage, offers sessions around $30.
Of course, you can also choose your own therapist, through their profiles, specialties and availability, so you get to decide.
Through Headspace, sessions are 45 minutes long, and occur over video (via the app or Zoom on desktop).
Does it connect with Headspace to access their meditation, breathwork, journaling, and/or AI chatbot tools?Yes, it connects with headspace.
If you’d like to change therapists, you can do so by contacting Member Support at no additional charge.
