Amwell vs. Alma: Compare costs, access, and care

Choosing an online therapy platform can feel like a lot when you're already managing stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. Alma and Amwell both provide access to professional care, but they take different approaches, including what you'll pay, whether in-person sessions are available, and how you connect with providers.

This guide walks through the main differences between Alma and Amwell, including pricing, insurance options, services offered, and where each platform stands out. By comparing these online therapy platforms side by side, you can get a clearer picture of which one aligns with your needs.

You could also consider Rula when exploring mental healthcare options. Rula works with a nationwide network of over 21,000 licensed providers, accepts most major insurance plans, and offers both therapy and psychiatry through virtual and in-person appointments. With insurance, many patients pay around $15 per session, making it a strong option for affordable online therapy.

Alma vs. Amwell: Differences at a glance

Both Alma and Amwell offer mental healthcare through online therapy platforms, but they differ significantly in their approach, cost structure, and service delivery models, so if you’re trying to find a therapist that fits your needs, it helps to compare them side by side.

Average cost per session:

• Alma: $130 to $380 per session out-of-pocket; copy varies by provider and insurance coverage

• Amwell: $99 or less per therapy session; $199 for an initial psychiatry visit, and $95 for follow-up psychiatry visits; insurance copays vary

Number of providers:

• Alma: 24,000+ providers across the network

• Amwell: 2,200+ providers

Modes of communication:

• Alma: Virtual (video) and in-person therapy sessions

• Amwell: Virtual only (video and phone appointments); secure messaging available; no in-person options

Services offered:

• Alma: Individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, therapy for children and teens, and medication management

• Amwell: Individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, group therapy, online psychiatry, grief counseling, LGBTQ counseling, and more

Insurance acceptance:

• Alma: Accepts major insurance plans including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Oscar, Optum, and others; does not accept Medicare or Medicaid

• Amwell: Accepts 55+ insurance plans including Anthem Blue Cross, multiple Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, UnitedHealthcare, Highmark, Horizon BCBS, and others; does not accept Medicare or Medicaid

States covered:

• Alma: All 50 states plus Washington, D.C.

• Amwell: All 50 states plus Washington, D.C.

Number of specialties offered:

• Alma: Does not publish a specific count; offers treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, chronic illness or pain, ADHD, and more

• Amwell: Does not publish a specific count; specializes in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, bereavement and grief, depression, insomnia, life transitions, LGBTQ+ counseling, PTSD and trauma, and more

Inclusivity and patient focus:

• Alma: Prioritizes culturally responsive care; offers directory filtering by identity factors

• Amwell: LGBTQ+ affirming with specialized training through the Fenway Institute; culturally responsive care for diverse populations

Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:

• Alma: Both virtual and in-person therapy available

• Amwell: Virtual-only platform; no in-person therapy options

Alma at a glance

Alma is a mental healthcare platform founded in 2017 with a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable care. It operates as a directory-based service connecting clients with over 24,000 independent therapists and psychiatrists across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Many of these providers are private practice therapists, and you can choose between virtual and in-person therapy options, giving you flexibility in how you receive care.

Out-of-pocket costs typically range from $130 to $380 per session. The sign-up process is straightforward, allowing you to search the directory by insurance, language, and availability before booking a free 15-minute consultation.

Amwell at a glance

Amwell is a telehealth platform founded in 2006 that offers virtual-only mental health services alongside other medical specialties. It operates through the Amwell Medical Group, a nationwide network of multi-disciplinary providers who deliver care exclusively on the platform. All services are provided via HIPAA-compliant video and phone appointments, available 24 hours a day across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Pricing is straightforward, costing $99 or less per therapy session, $199 for initial psychiatry visits, and $95 for follow-up psychiatry visits. You can review provider profiles, including their education and treatment approach, then select and schedule appointments at your convenience.

Rula at a glance

Rula is a mental health platform founded in 2019 that helps people find licensed therapists covered by insurance and schedule care through its platform. It connects patients with a nationwide network of more than 21,000 licensed providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with appointments available as soon as tomorrow. Sessions can take place via live video (Zoom), and in-person therapy appointments are also available through provider-operated offices.

Rula supports individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, child therapy (ages 5+), teen therapy, and psychiatry for people ages 13 and older. Most people using insurance typically pay about $15 per session, and Rula confirms your estimated out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment. You can also use self-pay rates ($150 per individual therapy session, $165 per couples or family session, $225 for an initial psychiatry intake, and $175 for follow-up visits), and you can use HSA/FSA to cover out-of-pocket costs.

Clinical outcomes and how they compare

When choosing a mental health platform, understanding clinical outcomes and evidence-based approaches helps ensure you receive care that actually works. Both platforms track patient satisfaction and therapeutic effectiveness, though they measure and report outcomes differently.

Alma clinical outcomes

Alma reports that 80% of people with anxiety or depression symptoms experience improvement within six months of therapy with an Alma provider. The platform also notes that 97% of clients report feeling understood and supported by their therapist.

Amwell clinical outcomes

Amwell shares positive patient satisfaction data, with 97% of clients reporting they were very or extremely satisfied with their therapist. Provider ratings average 4.9 out of 5 stars across the platform. Amwell has earned full URAC Accreditation in Telemedicine, and its clinical partner holds NCQA Accreditation in Credentialing.

Rula clinical outcomes

Rula tracks both symptom improvement and the strength of the provider-patient connection: Data from the platform indicates that 93% of patients experience significant symptom relief, 94% report feeling comfortable and at ease with their provider, and 98% were connected with a clinician who met their particular needs — outcomes that surpass national standards by more than 10%.

Cost and insurance coverage

Both Alma and Amwell accept major insurance plans and offer self-pay options, but their pricing structures and insurance networks differ in important ways. Neither accepts Medicare or Medicaid, but both platforms work with HSA/FSA accounts and can help you navigate in-network benefits. If you're specifically comparing online therapy insurance options, this is one of the most important areas to review.

Insurance plans accepted

Alma insurance networks:

• Aetna

• AllSavers UHC

• Allied Benefit Systems - Aetna

• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

• Carelon Behavioral Health, Inc.

• Cigna

• Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Optum

• Oscar

• UnitedHealthcare

Alma doesn't accept Medicare or Medicaid.

Amwell insurance networks:

• Academic Health Plans

• AlohaCare

• Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Multiple Blue Cross Blue Shield state plans (including Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and more)

• Capital Blue Cross

• Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

• United Healthcare

• UPMC Health Plan

Amwell does not accept Medicare or Medicaid.

If you’re leaning toward Rula, insurance tends to be one of the biggest advantages: therapists on Rula are in-network with most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente (by referral), Optum Behavioral Health, Oscar, and UnitedHealthcare. Patients typically pay about $15 per session when using insurance, and Rula confirms your estimated out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment.

Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)

Out-of-pocket costs with insurance vary depending on your specific plan and provider. People who find an in-network therapist through Alma save an average of 77% on sessions compared to out-of-network rates. Alma's directory allows clients to filter by insurance to find in-network providers and maximize their benefits.

When using insurance with Amwell, clients pay their plan's standard copay for telehealth mental health services. Many health plans and employers partner with Amwell to provide virtual care as a covered benefit. Patients should verify coverage and pricing directly with their insurer.

HSA/FSA eligibility

Both Alma and Amwell accept HSA (health savings account) and FSA (flexible spending account) cards as payment methods. This allows clients to use pre-tax dollars for mental health care, making treatment more affordable.

Self-pay pricing

If you're paying out-of-pocket on Alma, session costs typically range from $130 to $380, depending on the provider you choose. Many therapists in the network offer sliding scale fees for out-of-network payment, which can help make care more affordable.

Amwell's self-pay rates are as follows: Therapy sessions cost $99 or less per session, psychiatry initial visits are $199, and psychiatry follow-up visits are $95.

Mental health services offered

The range of services and treatment approaches a platform offers matters because different mental health concerns require different types of expertise. Both Alma and Amwell provide comprehensive online therapy services, though they differ in their delivery models.

Treatment approaches offered by Alma

Alma connects you with providers who use a wide range of evidence-based treatment methods. The platform lets you filter your search by therapeutic approach, areas of focus, and provider background to find someone who matches your needs.

Treatment modalities available through Alma providers:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

• Psychodynamic therapy

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

• Mindfulness-based therapy

• Emotionally focused therapy (EFT)

• Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)

• Narrative therapy

• Somatic experiencing

• Trauma-focused CBT

• Motivational interviewing

• Exposure and response prevention (ERP)

• Internal family systems (IFS)

• Attachment-based therapy

• Gottman Method

The platform also includes psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners who offer medication management services.

Treatment approaches offered by Amwell

Amwell offers several evidence-based treatment methods to address different mental health needs.

Therapy modalities available through Amwell include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

• Motivational interviewing

Areas of clinical focus include:

• Anxiety and anxiety disorders

• Bipolar disorder

• Depression

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Medication management through psychiatry is available for adults 18 and older, though controlled substances cannot be prescribed via telehealth through Amwell.

Treatment approaches offered by Rula

If you want options (without having to juggle multiple systems), Rula supports a wide range of therapy types and specialty areas across its nationwide network of 21,000+ licensed providers, spanning 180+ clinical specialties and modalities. That means you can look for care that fits what you’re dealing with now and adjust as your needs change.

Providers on Rula support many common concerns, including anxiety, ADHD, autism, PTSD, OCD, and addiction. Treatment approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, and many others. Rula also offers psychiatry services for medication management for people ages 13 and older, helping you access comprehensive mental healthcare in one place.

Inclusivity and specialized care

Finding a provider you can trust and who understands your unique background is essential to effective therapy. Both platforms prioritize inclusivity, though they approach it differently to help you find the best experience for your situation.

Alma inclusivity and specialization overview

Licensure types: Alma's network includes licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs).

Specializations offered: The platform offers treatment for a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, chronic illness or pain, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and addiction.

Languages available: Alma's directory allows clients to filter providers by language, though the platform does not publish a comprehensive list of all languages offered.

Inclusivity factors: Alma prioritizes culturally responsive care and offers expert-led sessions for providers on working with members of marginalized communities. The platform allows directory filtering by identity factors to help clients find providers who understand their background.

Amwell inclusivity and specialization overview

Licensure types: Amwell's network includes licensed therapists and board-certified psychiatrists who specialize in medication management.

Specializations offered: Amwell offers specialized care for anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, bereavement and grief, depression, insomnia, life transitions, LGBTQ+ counseling, OCD, panic attacks, PTSD, social anxiety, and stress management.

Languages available: Amwell does not publish specific information about the languages available through their provider network.

Inclusivity factors: Amwell is explicitly LGBTQ+ affirming and leverages the Fenway Institute to train providers on best practices for caring for the LGBTQIA+ population.

Platform availability and access

How quickly you can access care, how you schedule appointments, and how easy the platform is to use all impact whether you'll actually get the help you need. Alma and Amwell take different approaches to connecting clients with providers, which affects the overall experience. Understanding these logistics upfront can help you choose a platform that fits your schedule.

If you’re considering Rula, therapy is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with appointments available as soon as tomorrow via live video (Zoom), plus in-person therapy options through provider-operated offices.

How access works with Alma

• States served: Available in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.

• Matching process: Clients search and filter Alma's directory based on their specific needs. Filters include insurance acceptance, language, availability, virtual or in-person preference, and specialty areas.

• Session formats: Both virtual (video) and in-person therapy sessions are available. Clients can filter the directory by session format preference and book free 15-minute consultation calls before committing to ongoing care.

• Scheduling: Clients can instantly book free 15-minute consultations through the platform. One-on-one therapy can start within three days, and clients have the flexibility to change therapists anytime until they find the right match.

• App/portal experience: Alma offers a client portal for early access users, which includes secure messaging with providers. The platform does not currently offer a dedicated mobile app for all users.

How access works with Amwell

• States served: Available in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.

• Matching process: Clients select their state to see therapists licensed in that area. You can review provider profiles, including education and approach to treatment, and choose a provider that works for you.

• Session formats: This is a virtual-only platform with HIPAA-compliant video and phone appointments. There are no in-person therapy options, but secure messaging is available between sessions.

• Scheduling: All care is by scheduled appointment, with psychiatry appointments typically available within 14 days. Therapy appointment wait times depend on individual provider availability, but day, night, and weekend options are offered.

• App/portal experience: A web-based and mobile app is available for smartphone or tablet video visits. Patients can message providers, receive reminders, and track mental health progress via digital tools, features that some people look for in the best therapy apps.

What each platform does best

Understanding what each platform does well helps you choose based on what's most important for your situation. Alma and Amwell each offer unique strengths depending on what you're looking for — whether that's flexibility in session format, clear upfront costs, fast availability, or particular treatment methods.

Alma excels when you need:

• Both virtual and in-person therapy options, giving you flexibility in how you receive care

• A large provider network with the ability to search and filter by specific criteria like insurance, language, and specialty

• The option to meet providers through free 15-minute consultations before committing to ongoing therapy

• The ability to change therapists anytime until you find the right match

• Quick access to care, with the ability to start therapy within three days

• Sliding scale fees for out-of-network care, which are offered by many providers

Amwell excels when you need:

• Transparent, flat-rate self-pay pricing ($99 or less for therapy)

• 24/7 nationwide availability with day, night, and weekend scheduling options

• A fully virtual platform with mobile app access for convenient care from anywhere

• Evidence-based treatment approaches clearly outlined, such as CBT and DBT

• LGBTQ+ affirming care with specialized provider training through the Fenway Institute

• Secure messaging between sessions and progress tracking tools

Summary: Is Alma or Amwell right for you?

Alma and Amwell take different approaches to mental healthcare. Alma offers both virtual and in-person therapy through a directory of independent providers, with the option to try free consultations before committing. Amwell is a virtual-only platform with providers who work exclusively through its telehealth system, offering structured 24/7 availability and transparent flat-rate pricing.

Alma may be the better fit for people who value the option to see a therapist in person, want a large provider network to choose from, or prefer the flexibility of free consultations. Amwell tends to work well for people who prefer the convenience of virtual-only care with 24/7 availability, want transparent flat-rate pricing, or value integrated features like secure messaging.

Rula is also worth considering for people who want insurance-based care with the option of therapy or psychiatry through a single platform. Rula supports therapy for ages 5+ and psychiatry for ages 13+ across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with sessions held via live video on Zoom and in-person. Patients receive an upfront cost estimate before their first appointment, and appointments are often available as soon as tomorrow.

FAQs

Does Alma or Amwell accept insurance?

Both platforms accept insurance, but their coverage differs. Alma works with more than 30 commercial insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Optum, Oscar, Oxford, and UnitedHealthcare, but does not accept Medicare or Medicaid. Amwell partners with major commercial insurance providers but also does not accept Medicare or Medicaid. Both platforms verify your coverage and provide cost estimates before booking.

How much does Alma cost compared to Amwell?

Alma uses a per-session payment model, with costs typically ranging from $130 to $380 depending on the provider and whether you're using insurance. Amwell offers transparent flat-rate pricing, with therapy sessions at $99 or less and psychiatry visits at $199 for initial appointments and $95 for follow-ups. Both platforms display expected costs before booking.

Does Alma or Amwell offer in-person therapy?

Alma offers both virtual and in-person therapy across its provider network, giving patients flexibility in how they meet with their provider. Amwell is virtual-only, with all sessions delivered via video or phone. People who want the option of face-to-face appointments will find Alma the more flexible choice.

Why choose Rula for quality of care?

Rula emphasizes measurable outcomes, with 93% of patients reporting they feel better about their symptoms after receiving care through the platform. Its nationwide network of 21,000+ licensed providers spans 180+ clinical specialties and modalities, offering therapy and psychiatry (medication management) through virtual appointments on Zoom and in-person. Rula is in-network with most major insurance plans and provides a personalized cost estimate before your first appointment, with typical insured costs around $15 per session.

Find care with Rula

Choosing between mental health platforms is an important decision — one that can shape how quickly you feel better and how supported you feel along the way. If you're ready to move forward, Rula makes it straightforward to get started. You can verify your insurance in minutes, browse providers who match what you're looking for, and see your estimated costs upfront before your first session. Many people book appointments as soon as tomorrow, so you don't have to wait weeks to begin.

When you're ready, Rula is here to help you find care that actually fits your life.