Talkspace Takes Therapy Online, Secures $50 Million in Series D Funding

The Daily Struggle for Self-Care

Struggling with mental health issues can be an
uphill battle. Celebrities like musician Dave 1 (of the band Chromeo) and
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps have been public about their anxiety and
depression, but the stigma around mental health continues. People can think
these aren’t “real” problems because they’re not something you can see. There
are also religious and cultural barriers to seeking help.

The pace of modern life doesn’t always make it
easy either. We’re constantly under pressure to tune in rather than tune out.
There’s a robust industry in self-care products and rituals, but not all of us
have the time or money to spend on scented oils and massages.

What if there was a better way to handle our
mental health, one that fits in with our busy lives?

There is A Better Option for Therapy

When you acknowledge that it’s time to talk to a
therapist, there are the additional hurdles of a) finding one you’ll connect
with and b) finding one that’s affordable. Scrolling through Talkspace reviews
helps you discover affordable options that are actually cheaper than
traditional therapy.

Talkspace is an online therapy service dedicated
to providing the same high-quality care that you’d receive in a traditional
therapist’s office, but without the hefty price tag. Some traditional
therapists can cost upwards of $150 per week, but Talkspace plans start at
just $65 per week.

The company’s capabilities with data science
allow more people than ever to find and commit to a therapist that will help
them.

On the site, instead of having to do your own
research to find a therapist, you start with an initial consultation and are
then matched with the licensed therapist that’s right for you. Once you get
your therapist, you can chat with them literally anytime.

You don’t have to wait to schedule an
appointment, although you can schedule regular meetings if you and your
therapist agree that it will work best. Your chat “room” is always open for you
to share your thoughts, fears, and frustrations with your therapist.

When you’re having a panic attack or have a hard
time getting out of bed, your chat room is there, and your therapist will
respond when they have a moment. This is truly therapy for the modern world.

Giving Everyone Access to Therapy

Talkspace reviews have praised this novel
approach to therapy. In 2015, a Bustle article described their online
therapy as life-changing. Because online talk therapy is largely
self-directed (you have to put in the work to respond to your therapist’s
messages), you can achieve much larger realizations about how your surrounding
circumstances are affecting you.

The online therapy company recently picked up $50
million in Series D funding. This is a positive sign that the company has a
good foundation and is using this extra capital to improve and expand.

According to TechCrunch, several of the company’s
existing investors are still contributing capital. The therapy service has
partnered with Optum Health to expand its reach. Total funding now stands at
about $110 million.