The Top 5 Mental Health Startups of 2020

1. Talkspace

Talkspace is one of the leading online therapy providers in the modern virtual mental health landscape. Founded in 2012, Talkspace matches users with a licensed therapist they can communicate with via video, audio, or text messages. Subscription plans for one-on-one therapy, as well as couples and teens therapy, are available through the Talkspace platform. In March, Talkspace announced it was offering 1,000 months of free therapy to healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has since stated that these free therapy hours have been completely booked, but that medical personnel on the front lines can now access the Talkspace Unlimited Messaging Therapy Plan at 50% off

2. BetterHelp 

BetterHelp is an online counseling platform and subsidiary of digital health giant Teladoc (NYSE: TDOC), which acquired BetterHelp in 2015. Counseling sessions are available for adults, teens, and couples. BetterHelp offers monthly memberships for sessions costing from $60 to $100 each week. BetterHelp's counselors are licensed and credentialed professionals, and include clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, and accredited psychologists.

Once you sign up for the BetterHelp platform, you will be assigned a counselor based on your particular needs. You can message your counselor at any time using a mobile device. In addition to online messaging, you can communicate with your counselor via live chat, video, or phone, depending on your preference. BetterHelp has an app on Google Play and the App Store

4. Brightside

Brightside is a relative newcomer to the mental health start-up scene. Founded in 2017, Brightside offers services in some states to those 18 and up who are struggling with depression. The company partners with a network of licensed therapists and doctors across the country and has a clinical advisory board of professionals who have graduated from leading universities, including Yale and Stanford

The company offers several monthly subscription plan options: Brightside Medication, Brightside Therapy, and Brightside Medication + Therapy. Medication plans are available in 27 states. Therapy services are available to residents of 11 states. Brightside has stated that it intends to add more states into its network soon, along with video chat options.

If you choose the Brightside Medication Plan only, the cost is $95 per month plus $15 per prescription or your pharmacy copay. With this plan you receive a virtual assessment, monthly prescriptions sent to your home for the duration of your care plan, and ongoing access to your doctor, who will oversee your treatment. The combined Brightside Medication + Therapy plan is $240 per month plus $15 per prescription or your pharmacy copay and includes unlimited online messaging with your therapist. If you choose the Brightside Therapy Plan only, the cost is $165 per month for unlimited online chat with your assigned therapist.