Latest news with #NashaAddarichMartínez
CNET
12-08-2025
- Health
- CNET
I Tried Therapy by Headspace, and It Got Personal Real Fast
Written by Nasha Addarich Martínez Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. CNET's expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. When I opened the Headspace app on a Saturday morning a few months ago, I wasn't looking for therapy. I was just poking around to find a good meditation to start my day. I've used Headspace on and off over the years, but this time, something caught my eye: a tab labeled "Care." Out of curiosity, I tapped on it, which led me to a part of Headspace where I could access professional help. There, I could book sessions with a life coach or a licensed therapist directly within the app. It had been a year since I last had therapy, mostly because I hadn't yet found a trusted provider since moving to New York. As someone who's tested almost every therapy app out there, I wasn't sure I'd be impressed. Could a meditation app offer meaningful therapy, or would it be another wellness upsell? As of now, I've had six sessions with my therapist through the Headspace app, plus some homework and self-reflection. Here's what I found. Headspace's therapy feature is built within the app, so you don't need a new login or an upgrade to your subscription. Just tap the "Care" tab, choose your availability and therapist, and you're ready to book your first session. A few key things to keep in mind: Therapy is billed per session. I pay $30 per appointment using my Cigna insurance. Pricing will vary depending on your provider and coverage. You'll be prompted to enter your insurance information prior to booking. You'll only be charged after your session. Sessions are 45 minutes, and you can usually book your first one within a few days. Your therapist will determine the frequency. I see mine weekly. The cancellation window is 48 hours before your appointment. If you cancel within this window, you will be charged $125. There is no matching done by algorithms or jumping to a third-party platform. What I like about Headspace that sets it apart from platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace is that you're not matched with a provider based on an algorithm. You can choose who you want to work with based on location, availability and areas of specialty, such as depression, trauma, relationships and anxiety. Each therapist profile includes: A photo of them and their name (I used this info to look up more on them through Google) Specialties and therapeutic approaches A short bio with some background information You can't message therapists before booking, which may be a downside for some. Typically, therapists offer a free consultation call so you can get to know them before you decide if they're the right choice for you. However, the profiles (and my Google search) gave me enough information to feel confident in my choice. I found a therapist who aligned with my values and my desire to incorporate spirituality (without religion) into my care. And she made sure to remember that detail every week. If your first match isn't quite right, you can request a new therapist through the Member Support team. They'll help you find someone who's a better fit, at no extra cost. Be sure to initiate this process or cancel pre-booked sessions with your therapist at least 48 hours in advance to avoid late cancellation fees. Before your first appointment, you'll have an intake session and take a short mental health screening. The questions are designed to evaluate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Then, we discussed my goals and how I'd like to measure progress. It's important to note that every therapist will approach goals and success metrics differently. Be sure to discuss how you'd like to approach your treatment with them. Therapy sessions occur over video within the Headspace mobile app or on your computer. To access them via your computer, you'll need to download Zoom and use the Zoom link provided in your confirmation email. What I love most about my sessions is how deep and intentional my therapist is. Alexmi Polanco is warm and attentive and gives me homework each week. Homework includes writing letters to my inner child, practicing affirmations and outlining what my dream future self looks like. We've gone over childhood trauma, dismantled core beliefs that no longer serve me, and I even learned kind and loving ways to show up for myself each day. Integration with Headspace's mental wellness tools is a game changer What makes Headspace shine is how well the therapy feature integrates into Headspace's ecosystem. Between sessions, I use meditation and mindfulness tools from within the app to help reinforce what we're working on. Some other features I've explored are: CBT-based courses Guided breathwork Journaling Sleepcasts and music Ebb, an AI chatbot designed to help you regulate emotions in real time Headspace Therapy Care pros and cons There are many things I love about Headspace, but every app comes with some drawbacks. Pros: You can select the therapist you'd like to see (based on location and availability) Affordable with insurance Seamless integration with Headspace resources High-quality video and audio In-app booking Sessions felt deeply personalized Switching therapists is easy, at no extra cost Cons No client dashboard to track sessions, goals or leave notes No pre- or post-session messaging with your therapist (I was able to message her via email) High late-cancellation fee of $125 Headspace Therapy Care is better for some people This online therapy service is an excellent fit if you: Are dealing with anxiety, depression or stress Prefer a gentle, mindfulness-based therapy approach Already use and enjoy Headspace content Want an online therapy service that integrates with other self-care tools It's not ideal for people who: Need or prefer in-person therapy Want 24/7 access or daily therapist messaging Are in crisis or require higher-level clinical support Therapy by Headspace feels more personalized and less transactional than other apps I've tested, like BetterHelp and Talkspace. The latter two platforms may offer broader networks, daily messaging and more tracking tools, but they feel very corporate in tone, and I prefer Headspace's quality of therapists and care. Headspace feels a lot warmer and deeply reflective. It's a natural extension if you already use the app for meditations or sleep. Too long; didn't read? Headspace's therapy feature exceeded my expectations. It's thoughtfully designed and well integrated into the broader app. It also offers something other online therapy services don't: a vast library of mental wellness tools and resources beyond talk therapy. If you're curious about therapy and already practice mindfulness, this platform is worth exploring.
CNET
09-07-2025
- Health
- CNET
The Oura Ring 4 Has Been a Game Changer for My Sleep, and It's 15% Off Right Now for Prime Day
It's no secret that sleep is important. At this point, I think we all understand that it affects just about every aspect of our well-being -- from mood to athletic performance. But I never really understood how much some of my daily habits affected my sleep quality and, in turn, my energy levels during the day. That is until I started using the Oura Ring. What started as an interesting way of tracking my step count and workouts ended up being a real game changer for my sleep and overall well-being. Right now, all finishes of the Oura Ring 4 are on sale, with some savings as high as $60 off for Prime Day. This is the first time I've seen the Oura Ring 4 on sale, so I would grab it before the offer ends. Unlike bulky smartwatches, the Oura ring is sleek, lightweight and highly comfortable. I wear it all day, every day, and only take it off while I shower (which is when I charge it). Every morning, I check the Oura app to see my sleep score, which breaks down how much sleep I got and how much time I spent in deep, REM and light sleep. For more on sleep, be sure to check out our best sleep trackers and tips on getting better rest tonight. How I use it Nasha Addarich Martínez/CNET The biggest thing I started paying attention to was my "Readiness Score," which tells me how well my body has recovered overnight and how well it handles daytime stress. If my score is low, Oura prompts me to take it easy that day and suggests meditations I can access from within the app. I've also used the ring to tweak my nighttime routine. I used to scroll on my phone before bed, but after seeing how much it disrupted my sleep, I switched to the in-app Headspace meditations instead. I noticed how my sleep quality has improved since then. Why it's worth it Before using an Oura ring, I thought I was getting decent sleep. After using the Oura Ring Gen 3 model for a year and then switching to the Gen 4 (which I have been using for six months), I now realize how much better I feel when prioritizing rest and having a good nighttime routine. I wake up feeling more refreshed and energized. It's also one of the few fitness trackers I don't mind wearing all the time since it looks like a piece of jewelry, not a bulky tech device. If you're curious about how your sleep and recovery impact your overall well-being, the Oura ring is for you. In fact, this gadget is so useful and easy to set up, I think it would make an excellent gift for anyone looking to step up their health and wellness game.
