Frequently Asked Questions

• What is online therapy, and how does it work?

  Online therapy provides access to licensed mental health professionals through secure video sessions. With Headspace, you can schedule and attend therapy sessions directly within the app or online—making it easy to get the care you need from the comfort of your own space.

• How is online therapy with Headspace different?

  Headspace offers access to care from licensed therapists plus daily support to help you feel better and build resilience - all in one place. What sets us apart is:

  • Insurance-covered care: Therapy sessions may be covered by your insurance. (*Availability and cost may be limited based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.)
  • Support beyond sessions: Between sessions, access our science-backed programs, guided meditations, sleep support, and Ebb - our empathetic AI companion. (*Access with a Headspace content subscription; may require an additional purchase.)
  • Seamless scheduling and switching: Book or switch therapists easily in the app.
• How do I access therapy in the Headspace app?

  If you’re eligible for Headspace therapy, you can access it directly through the Headspace app by tapping on the “Care” tab. From there, you’ll be able to check your insurance coverage, browse available therapists, and book your first session. If you don’t see the Care tab, therapy may not be available under your current plan or location.

• Who should consider online therapy, and is it right for me?

  Headspace therapy is designed for anyone facing emotional or mental health challenges. It’s especially helpful if you:

  • Are navigating a tough life transition (like a breakup, job change, or caregiving stress)
  • Struggle with anxiety, depression, or mood swings
  • Want a more approachable, affordable way to start therapy

  Please note: Headspace therapy is currently available to adults 18+ residing in the U.S and only available in english.

• Who are the therapists on Headspace?

  Headspace provides access to a large network of professionally licensed therapists with training in areas such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, stress, and more. Our providers bring years of experience and diverse specializations to meet different mental health needs.

• What can I expect from my first online therapy session?

  Your first session will be focused on understanding you—your goals, challenges, and background. Your therapist will review your intake, begin to build rapport, and start shaping a plan for your ongoing care.

  Between sessions, you’ll have access to personalized content, meditations, and sleep tools in the Headspace app to support your ongoing progress

• How do I find the best therapist for my needs?

  You’ll share your availability and get to choose from a selection of therapists that best meet your needs. To help prepare your therapist for your first session, you’ll also have a chance to share more about your goals and specific needs. And if it’s not the right fit, you can switch therapist.

• How will I communicate with my therapist?

  You’ll meet with your therapist through secure, private video sessions inside the Headspace platform. You’ll also be able to manage appointments and update your preferences directly through the app. Between sessions, you’ll also have access to guided meditations, programs, and mindfulness content in the Headspace app to support your progress.

  *Access with a Headspace content subscription, may require additional purchase.

• Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?

  Absolutely. If your first match isn’t quite right, you can request a new therapist through our Member Support team. We’ll help you find someone who’s a better fit, at no extra cost.

• How does online therapy on Headspace compare to in-person therapy?

  Therapy through Headspace offers licensed professional care from the comfort of home, with flexible scheduling and tools to support you between sessions if you have a Headspace content subscription. It’s designed to fit into your life—without the commute—and deliver meaningful results. Plus, therapy may be covered by your insurance, making it more affordable.

• Is online therapy private and secure?

  Yes. Headspace follows strict HIPAA and industry standards to protect your privacy and keep your sessions confidential.

• How much does Headspace online therapy cost?

  Costs vary depending on your insurance coverage. Many users pay as little as $0 per session with insurance. During onboarding, after you provide your insurance details, we’ll show you an estimated co-pay based on Headspace’s historical claims. You’ll be able to see how much you’ll owe before your first session and when you'll be charged.

  If you’re not using insurance, out-of-pocket sessions cost $149.

  Note: Information on how to cancel or reschedule a session—including late and cancellation fees—is available during onboarding and in your account settings. We recommend reviewing this before your first session.

  Most Headspace members pay between $0–$35 per session when using insurance. During onboarding, after you provide your insurance details, we’ll show you an estimated co-pay based on Headspace’s historical claims. You’ll be able to see how much you’ll owe before your first session and when you'll be charged. Headspace is in-network with over 45 major insurance plans—including Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, and Blue Cross Blue Shield—and continues to expand coverage.

  If you’re not using insurance, out-of-pocket sessions cost $149.

  Therapy by Headspace is eligible for reimbursement through HSA/FSA accounts. While direct HSA/FSA payments aren’t currently accepted, members can pay by card and submit receipts for reimbursement.

  Note: Information on how to cancel or reschedule a session—including late and cancellation fees—is available during onboarding and in your account settings. We recommend reviewing this before your first session.

• Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

  Yes. For many mental health conditions like anxiety, stress, and depression, online therapy is equally effective as in-person care. Research has shown that teletherapy is as effective as in person therapy for mental health conditions that are commonly treated in an outpatient setting, such as anxiety and depression. Therapists can use the same skills and interventions via video as they can in person to treat many client needs. Additionally, research shows that strong client/therapist relationships are built in video sessions, which supports the effectiveness of therapy. However, some mental health needs are better addressed in person given the need for medical support or more robust monitoring. Significant substance use or eating concerns, psychosis, and suicidal thinking that presents significant risk are often better treated with in person care.

• What are the benefits of online therapy?

  • Affordability: Many users are covered by insurance
  • Flexibility: Schedule sessions at times that work for you
  • Convenience: No travel time or waiting rooms
  • Access: Get therapy from from the comfort of your own space
  • Support between sessions: With Headspace, you also get access to our science back programs, guided meditations, sleep support, and Ebb - our empathetic AI companion to help you stay supported. Access with a Headspace subscription, may require additional purchase
• What types of therapy does Headspace offer?

  At Headspace we currently provide individual therapy to adults over our HIPAA compliant telehealth platform. Our network includes therapists trained in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, stress management, and more. Our network includes therapists trained in a variety of research supported treatment approaches like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). Our therapists can treat a variety of mental health needs, from anxiety and depression, to trauma, relationship concerns, and more.

• How does online therapy help with stress, anxiety, and depression?

  Licensed therapists use research-backed interventions such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) approaches to help you:

  • Identify and manage triggers
  • Build resilience
  • Learn coping strategies
  • Reframe negative thought patterns
• How does online therapy fit into a holistic mental health routine?

  Headspace therapy is part of a broader mental health ecosystem. Alongside therapy, members can access guided meditations, stress and sleep support, and our AI companion, Ebb, for daily mental well-being. Access with a Headspace subscription, may require additional purchase.

• How do I know if therapy is working for me?

  You’ll start noticing improvements in how you feel, think, and handle everyday challenges. You will also develop insights into yourself and learn what works for you. Your therapist will help you track progress toward your goals and adjust your approach over time to ensure continued growth.

• Who should not use online therapy?

  Online therapy can be a powerful tool, but it’s not the right fit for every situation. If you’re in crisis, need immediate help, or are experiencing severe mental health symptoms, in-person or emergency care may be more appropriate.

• Can I use Headspace therapy if I have Medicare or Medicaid?

  At this time, Headspace is not enrolled in the Medicare or Medicaid program. As such, we cannot submit claims to Medicare and/or Medicaid on your behalf or provide you with therapy services if this is your primary insurance provider.

  Headspace is in network with select Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) and select managed care Medicaid plans. Please check with your insurance provider to determine if Headspace is in network and available to you.

• Does Headspace offer therapists with diverse backgrounds?

  Yes. Headspace is committed to making therapy inclusive and representative. Our network includes therapists from a range of identities and backgrounds, including diverse racial, cultural, and gender identities, with training and lived experience to support your needs. We aim to help you find a provider who truly understands your story—and if your first match doesn’t feel right, it’s easy to switch.

• Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for therapy by Headspace?

  Yes. Therapy is an eligible expense under most Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). While we don’t currently accept HSA/FSA cards directly for therapy payments, you can still pay out of pocket and submit your receipt for reimbursement.

  We recommend contacting your HSA/FSA provider to confirm eligibility and learn how to submit for reimbursement.

  Coming soon: We're exploring ways to make it even easier to use HSA/FSA funds for therapy by integrating direct payment options in the future.