BetterHelp vs Talked: Which is better for Australians?

Online therapy has transformed how people access mental health support. Two popular platforms, BetterHelp and Talked, promise convenience and professional, confidential care. Each offers attractive benefits—but how do they stack up, especially for Australians?

In this article, we’ll break down how these platforms compare, covering pricing, therapist qualifications and matching, insurance rebates, data privacy, and more.

Key features at a glance

Let’s get to know BetterHelp

BetterHelp is a US-based platform and one of the largest global providers of online therapy. It connects users to mental health professionals from different places worldwide, although most of them are from the US.

BetterHelp pros:

• Global access to licensed therapists

• Multiple communication options

• Therapist matching service

• Supports individual, teen, child, and couples therapy

• Financial aid available

• Easy-to-use app with a journaling tool

BetterHelp cons:

• Talk therapy only (no diagnoses or medications)

• Primarily US-based therapists

• Limited control over therapist selection

• Subscription and upfront payment required

• No Medicare, insurance, or NDIS rebates

• No group therapy

• US-based customer support (can be difficult to reach for Australian timezones)

Get to know Talked

Talked connects clients with registered clinical and general psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists, and social workers from Australia. Although it welcomes clients from anywhere in the world, Talked primarily serves Australian needs, offering Medicare rebates and culturally relevant care.

Talked pros:

• Australian-registered therapists

• Full control to choose your therapist & communication method

• Free, unlimited 15-minute consultations

• Some therapists can provide mental health diagnoses

• Supports individual therapy (adult, teen, child, etc.)

• Supports couples therapy

• Pay-per-session with no upfront payment

• Medicare rebates available

Talked cons:

• Australian-only therapists

• No group therapy

• No prescription services

The signup process

BetterHelp

BetterHelp asks a series of questions to assess your needs and preferences, after which you’ll be prompted to give your payment information to complete the signup process.

A subscription payment is required upfront, and only after subscribing will you be able to message a therapist and start a session.

Talked

Talked lets you use its matching tool or manually choose a therapist before creating an account, and vice versa. You also have the option to meet multiple therapists for free until you find someone you feel aligned and comfortable with.

You will be asked for your payment details during signup, but fees will be charged 48 hours before your therapy session (not the free consultation).

Therapist matching

Both platforms have a matching tool that automatically finds therapists who fit your needs and preferences.

BetterHelp’s matching tool can take a few hours or several days to give results, mainly due to the therapists’ availability. If the initial match doesn’t feel right, you can request another match or choose someone from a list of therapists they’ll provide.

On Talked, you will instantly see your match or choose someone from its directory. You can filter the directory however you want—therapist type, their areas of expertise, and more.

Initial consultations

Therapy works best when you feel safe, comfortable, and aligned with your therapist. This is where initial consultations help.

You can get to know therapists for a few minutes before committing to a 40- or 50-minute session, helping you avoid investing time and money in a match that may not be the right fit.

Talked gives you the option to book 15-minute initial consultations for free. BetterHelp doesn’t offer this service, but it does encourage users to switch therapists if something doesn’t feel right.

Not sure what to talk about in an initial consultation? Here are some ideas:

• Ask questions about their therapeutic approaches

• Clarify what you can expect in sessions

• Discuss your main concerns or therapy goals

• Explore their availability and scheduling flexibility

Therapist qualifications

BetterHelp works with thousands of therapists, mainly based in the US and other countries. All of these therapists are believed to have valid qualifications in their respective jurisdictions, but concerns have been raised about the platform’s rapid expansion and recruitment process.

Some people (therapists included) have questioned the consistency of therapist standards and suitability, especially for users outside of the US. Some relevant readings on this are:

• The Guardian’s article about BetterHelp expanding in Australia

• Financial Times’ article about BetterHelp expanding in the UK

Meanwhile, Talked’s therapists are all registered in Australia and accredited by peak bodies like AHPRA, ACA, or PACFA. This standard ensures they meet national standards and are well-versed in the Australian context.

Some therapists, specifically clinical psychologists, are also qualified to diagnose and treat complex mental health conditions.

You can learn more about Talked’s therapist qualifications here.

Cost, rebates, and insurance cover

BetterHelp costs $90 to $140 AUD per week of subscription. This might seem less expensive than other options at first glance, especially if you intend to have multiple sessions every week.

However, if you’re like most people who hope to see a therapist just once or twice a month, or once every few months, then a subscription model might not be the best option for you.

Additionally, if you have Medicare or a private insurance that covers psychology sessions, you will not be able to use them on BetterHelp. Here’s a price comparison between BetterHelp vs Medicare-covered sessions to help you out.

On a positive note, BetterHelp offers financial aid to people who cannot afford therapy. Check the instructions here on how to apply.

Meanwhile, Talked lets you pay per session and use Medicare (Mental Health Treatment Plan required), private health insurance, workers’ compensation claim, or NDIS funding. You can also sort and filter therapists according to their fees.

You can book multiple sessions on Talked if you’re already committed to a therapist, and then pay for one session at a time, 48 hours before each appointment.

In-app journal

Both Talked and BetterHelp offer an in-app journal where you can jot down any thoughts, feelings, and reflections. 

BetterHelp lets you share entries to your therapist, while Talked lets you share either full entries or AI-generated summaries. You will not be forced to share your journal entries, of course—that decision is completely up to you. 

Employee assistance programs (EAP)

Both platforms offer mental health EAP to workplaces on a pay-per-use basis, although BetterHelp’s EAP is not currently as well-known in Australia as it is in the USA.

Also, a key difference between the two platforms is how Talked lets users seamlessly continue their therapy using Medicare or private insurance after they’ve used up their EAP credits.

You can learn more about Talked’s Beyond EAP here and BetterHelp’s EAP offerings here.

Data privacy concerns

Talked complies with Australian privacy laws, ensuring confidential handling of client data with no reported breaches.

BetterHelp, however, has faced scrutiny over its data practices, including a 2023 fine from the US Federal Trade Commission for sharing user information with third parties. While BetterHelp has since updated its policies, this history still raises concerns for users prioritising strict privacy.

The bottom line

The key to effective therapy is finding a therapist you feel connected to and comfortable with. A strong therapeutic relationship often matters more than the platform itself, so choosing a service that allows you to explore and assess fit is essential.

BetterHelp offers global access, flexible communication, and financial aid, but it lacks Medicare rebates and has faced privacy concerns. Its subscription model may suit users looking for continuous, accessible support.

Talked focuses on Australian clients, offering local therapists, Medicare rebates, NDIS support, and free initial consultations. Its pay-per-session model and compliance with Australian regulations make it a strong option for those wanting culturally relevant care.

Both platforms have unique strengths. No matter which one you choose, prioritising your mental health is the most important step.