Getting the most out of therapy starts with finding a provider who suits you. At Talkspace, we’ll ask a few questions about your preferences, then match you with a qualified professional so you can begin care right away.
If you prefer to browse all available providers (US only) before making a decision, visit Find a Provider Using the Talkspace Directory.
The Provider Matching Process
The matching process is facilitated by our proprietary algorithm and takes an average of 48 hours to match you with a provider.
During the sign up process or when changing providers, you'll be asked about your:
- Areas of concern
- Provider's gender preference
- Preferred language (subject to provider availability in your state)
Additionally, our system considers:
- State of residence: Due to legal requirements, you must be matched with a provider licensed in your current state.
- Talkspace coverage: The matching process ensures that the provider options you see are covered by your health plan benefits.
While we strive to accommodate your preferences, there are factors that our system doesn't use in the matching process, including:
- Provider's availability for live sessions (this can be discussed after matching)
- Provider's self-identifying characteristics (e.g., religious beliefs, sexual orientation)
- Provider's specific certifications
- Provider's years of experience in a particular focus area
If you have a specific provider you’d like to work with, please contact our Support team with the provider’s first and last name after creating your account.
Please note that in some cases, we may not be able to match you with your requested provider due to licensing restrictions or conflicts with your health insurance plan.
Changing Providers
Outside of the initial matching process that occurs when you first sign up for Talkspace, you may request to change providers at any time.
You can’t change providers while your room is still waiting for a match. Once you’re matched, here’s how to request a new provider through your account:
- Sign in at www.talkspace.com or on the Talkspace app.
- Click on Account (
) located on the top-right corner of the screen.
- Click Change provider (same option is available if you click on Payment and plan).
- Select the plan you’d like to change provider for.
- If your provider preferences, state, and session type are the same, click Looks good.
- To change any of those, click Update my preferences.
- Review the list of matches and select your new provider.
- When offered, either Book now (if available) or choose Book later.
- Set your chat history sharing preferences and click Continue.
- Important: you cannot update this sharing preference after you select it.
- Complete the remaining prompts to confirm the switch.
NOTE: If you need a different type of provider, such as a therapist or a prescriber, you will need to add the appropriate service to your account. For example, add therapy if you need a therapist, or psychiatry if you need a prescriber.