Network size differs significantly: Alma offers access to 24,000+ providers with a self-directed search directory, while Thriveworks has 2,600+ clinicians but operates 340+ physical office locations for in-person care.
Insurance coverage varies: Thriveworks accepts over 360 insurance plans including Medicare, while Alma accepts most plans but does not work with Medicare or Medicaid.
Self-pay costs are structured differently: Alma rates range from $130–$380 per session (set by individual providers), while Thriveworks offers more predictable pricing at $160–$240 for therapy sessions depending on appointment type and state.
Access to care timing: Alma reports most people can start therapy within three days, while Thriveworks states most clients begin within one week — both platforms offer evening and weekend availability.
Rula as another option: Rula combines therapy and psychiatry across a large network of 21,000+ providers, accepting most major insurance plans and offering virtual and in-person care with clear upfront costs for many patients.
Choosing a mental health platform can feel overwhelming when you're already dealing with a lot. With so many services available, comparing features and online therapy options takes time and energy. Both Alma and Thriveworks connect people with licensed therapists and accept insurance, but they take different approaches to getting you into care.
In this guide, we'll break down how Alma and Thriveworks compare on the details that matter most: pricing, provider availability, insurance acceptance, and access to care. Understanding these differences can help you choose the platform that actually fits your needs among today's online therapy platforms.
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.
Alma vs. Thriveworks: Differences at a glance
Both Alma and Thriveworks connect people with mental health services and accept insurance, but they differ in their network size, pricing, and how you access care. Alma provides a massive, searchable directory for self-directed matching, while Thriveworks combines a large network of physical offices with online options and more hands-on support if you want to find a therapist based on your preferences.
Average cost per session with insurance:
Alma: Copays vary by insurance plan
Thriveworks: $0 to $55 per session in copays
Self-pay rates:
Alma: $130 to $380 per session (rates are set by individual providers)
Thriveworks: $200 to $240 for initial therapy sessions and $160 to $195 for follow-ups (rates vary by state)
Number of providers:
Alma: 24,000+ providers
Thriveworks: 2,600+ clinicians
Modes of communication:
Alma: Virtual and in-person therapy sessions
Thriveworks: In-person and online video therapy sessions
Services offered:
Alma: Individual, couples, family, and child/teen therapy, plus medication management
Thriveworks: Individual, couples/marriage, family, and child/teen therapy, plus psychiatry and medication management
Insurance acceptance:
Alma: Accepts most insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, but does not accept Medicare or Medicaid
Thriveworks: Accepts over 360 insurance plans, including major plans like BlueCross BlueShield and Medicare, but does not accept Medicaid
States covered:
Alma: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Thriveworks: In-person care in 340+ locations and online care in 49 states and Washington, D.C.
Number of specialties offered:
Alma: Treats conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and addiction, but doesn't publish a specific count of specialties
Thriveworks: Treats conditions like ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and trauma with approaches like CBT and EMDR, but doesn't disclose a specific specialty count
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Alma: Offers therapy for teens (13+) and provides culturally responsive care training for its providers
Thriveworks: Offers therapy for all ages (0-17), provides LGBTQIA+ counseling, and has providers who speak multiple languages
Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:
Alma: Hybrid model with both virtual and in-person options available through its directory
Thriveworks: Hybrid model with over 340 physical offices plus online therapy options
Alma at a glance
Alma is a mental health platform founded in 2017 with a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental healthcare. It connects people with a network of over 24,000 therapists and psychiatrists across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The platform operates as a searchable directory, allowing you to filter providers by insurance, specialty, availability, and session format to find the right fit. Alma offers both virtual and in-person therapy and provides free 15-minute consultations with providers before you commit to care.
You can often start therapy within three days, and the search to find provider matches takes about five minutes. If you're paying out-of-pocket, many therapists on the platform offer sliding scale fees, and you can change therapists at any time to find your perfect match.
Thriveworks at a glance
Established in 2008, Thriveworks is a clinician-founded and -led mental health provider that aims to make therapy work better for everyone. The platform offers both in-person and online therapy services. With over 340 physical office locations and a network of more than 2,600 clinicians, Thriveworks provides care for individuals, couples, families, and children of all ages.
Most people start therapy within a week of booking, and the platform accepts over 360 insurance plans. For added convenience, appointments are available on nights and weekends, and a live support team is available seven days a week to help with booking and answer questions.
Rula at a glance
Founded in 2019, Rula is a mental health platform designed to help people find licensed therapists covered by insurance and schedule care through its platform. Rula connects patients to a nationwide network of 21,000+ providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with therapy appointments held via live video and in-person.
Rula offers individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, child therapy, teen therapy, and psychiatry for people ages 13 and older. Getting started with Rula is easy and starts with verifying insurance upfront and showing an estimated out-of-pocket cost before the first session. For people using insurance, Rula states patients typically pay about $15 per session, and appointments are commonly available as soon as tomorrow — self-pay rates are also available.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Clinical outcomes and how they compare
Clinical outcomes are measurements that show whether a therapeutic approach is helping people improve their mental health. When choosing a mental health platform, looking at measurable results helps ensure you're selecting a service committed to making real progress.
Alma clinical outcomes
Alma reports that 80% of people with symptoms of anxiety or depression see improvement within six months of seeing an Alma therapist. The platform also emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship, noting that 97% of people feel seen and heard by their therapist.
Thriveworks clinical outcomes
Thriveworks reports that 75% of individuals with depression or anxiety feel better within three months of starting treatment. The platform also states that 96% of its clients feel truly supported and understood by their therapist.
Rula clinical outcomes
It’s also worth noting that Rula reports consistently strong outcomes: 93% of patients report feeling better about their symptoms after receiving care through Rula, 94% report feeling comfortable with their provider, and 98% find a provider that meets their unique preferences.
Cost and insurance coverage
Alma and Thriveworks accept major insurance plans and offer self-pay options, but they differ in their insurance network size and pricing structures. For people looking for online therapy that takes insurance, both platforms are worth considering depending on plan availability and state.
Insurance plans accepted
Alma insurance networks:
Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (multiple states)
Cigna
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
UnitedHealthcare
Alma doesn't accept Medicare or Medicaid.
Thriveworks insurance networks: Thriveworks is in-network with over 360 insurance plans, including:
Medicare is accepted by most Thriveworks providers, though some license types like LPCs and MFTs cannot accept it due to federal regulations. Thriveworks doesn't accept Medicaid.
Another option to consider is Rula, which is in-network with most major insurance plans and confirms your estimated out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment. Insurance accepted through Rula includes plans like Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, Optum Behavioral Health, Oscar, and UnitedHealthcare. Rula also accepts Medicare (including Medicare Advantage and Medicare fee-for-service) and Managed Medicaid coverage.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
Alma doesn't publish specific copay ranges, as costs vary based on individual insurance plans. Thriveworks states that many clients pay between $0 and $55 per session in copays when using their insurance. The final amount depends on your specific plan and whether you've met your deductible. Because Thriveworks accepts Medicare, it provides an important in-network option for seniors that Alma doesn't.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Both Alma and Thriveworks accept health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards for payment. Therapy is typically eligible for HSA/FSA coverage when it's deemed medically necessary, meaning it addresses symptoms that interfere with daily life or treats a diagnosed condition like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Self-pay pricing
With Alma, sessions cost between $130 and $380, as individual providers set their own rates. Many therapists offer sliding scale fees if you're paying out-of-pocket, and the platform offers free 15-minute consultations to help you find the right fit before committing to paid sessions.
Thriveworks offers self-pay rates that vary by state and session type:
Initial therapy sessions: $200 to $240
Follow-up therapy sessions: $160 to $195
Initial psychiatry appointments: $300 to $375
Follow-up psychiatry appointments: $210 to $300
Mental health services offered
The range of services and treatment approaches a platform offers is key to finding care that addresses your specific needs. Alma and Thriveworks provide access to providers trained in various evidence-based therapies, though the exact methods available depend on the individual therapist. Learn more about the different treatment options and mental health services below.
Treatment approaches offered by Alma
Alma's network includes providers trained in a broad spectrum of therapeutic modalities. You can narrow your search using filters for treatment approach, mental health focus, and provider experience.
Therapeutic approaches you'll find among 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
Alma's directory also includes psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners who provide medication management.
Treatment approaches offered by Thriveworks
Thriveworks offers services for individuals, couples, families, and children. This includes individual therapy, psychiatry for medication management, and specialized counseling for different age groups and relationship dynamics.
Therapy modalities and approaches include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Other evidence-based approaches depending on the provider
Thriveworks' psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners can prescribe medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and mood stabilizers. In some states, certain providers may also prescribe stimulant medications for adult ADHD.
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Rula's nationwide provider network encompasses 180+ clinical specialties and evidence-based treatment modalities, helping you connect with care that matches your distinct needs, identity, and therapeutic goals.
Common approaches used by providers on the Rula platform include:
Trauma-focused therapy, including EMDR and prolonged exposure
Internal family systems (IFS)) and attachment-based approaches
Couples and family therapies, such as the Gottman Method and emotionally focused therapy (EFT))
Mindfulness-based and somatic therapies
Rula providers address a broad spectrum of mental health needs, including anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, relationship difficulties, parenting struggles, and more. For individuals ages 13 and older, Rula also offers psychiatry (medication management) through licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs).
Inclusivity and specialized care
Connecting with a provider who truly gets your background and experiences can make all the difference in therapy. Both Alma and Thriveworks work to offer inclusive care, though their approaches vary.
Alma inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Alma's network includes therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners who can offer therapy and medication management.
Specializations offered: Providers specialize in areas like anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and relationship challenges. You can filter the directory by specialty to find a provider with the right expertise for your needs.
Languages available: You can filter Alma's directory by language to find a provider who speaks your preferred language, though the platform does not publish a complete list of available languages.
Inclusivity factors: Alma prioritizes culturally responsive care by offering expert-led training for its providers on working with marginalized communities. You can also filter the directory by identity factors to find a provider who shares or understands your background.
Thriveworks inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Thriveworks employs psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and licensed therapists.
Specializations offered: Common specializations include ADHD, anxiety, depression, and trauma, with specific services for couples, families, and children. The platform also highlights evidence-based approaches like EMDR for trauma.
Languages available: Providers speak multiple languages, including Russian, English, Spanish, Creole, French, and Arabic, though availability varies by location.
Inclusivity factors: Thriveworks offers LGBTQIA+ counseling for mental health, relationship, and identity-related concerns.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Platform availability and access
How quickly you can get care, how easily you can find a provider, and what session formats are available all determine whether therapy fits into your life.
Rula provides therapy across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with sessions offered through live video and in-person appointments at provider-operated offices. The platform confirms your insurance coverage quickly and lets you book your first session within 24 hours.
How access works with Alma
States served: Alma is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. While virtual therapy is available nationwide, in-person therapy depends on provider locations in your area.
Matching process: Alma uses a self-directed directory where you can browse and filter providers by insurance, specialty, language, and availability. The search process takes about five minutes, and you can book free 15-minute consultations to ensure a good fit.
Session formats: The platform offers both virtual and in-person therapy options. You can filter the directory to find providers who offer your preferred format.
Scheduling: You can often start therapy within three days. The directory allows you to filter by weekday and time of day, and you can switch therapists at any time.
App/portal experience: Alma has a Client Portal with secure messaging for some users, but it does not offer a mobile app.
How access works with Thriveworks
States served: Thriveworks has over 340 physical offices across the U.S. for in-person therapy and offers online therapy in 49 states and Washington, D.C.
Matching process: You can browse provider profiles online or call the platform's live support team for help finding a match. Most people start therapy within one week of booking.
Session formats: Thriveworks offers both in-person and online video sessions. For online appointments, a secure, HIPAA-compliant video link is sent via email.
Scheduling: Appointments are available on nights and weekends, and you can book online or by phone. Rescheduling or cancellation is free up to 48 hours before your appointment.
App/portal experience: Thriveworks doesn't have a mobile app, but it offers between-session messaging through its client portal or email. The platform also provides progress tracking and has a live support team available seven days a week.
What each platform does best
Understanding what each platform does well helps you choose based on what actually matters for your situation. Think about what you need most: maybe it's a large provider network, specific insurance acceptance, or the option to meet in person, and use that to guide your decision.
Alma excels when you need:
Access to a large provider network of over 24,000 professionals
Nationwide virtual therapy coverage in all 50 states
Free 15-minute consultations to find the right therapist before committing
A self-directed search to filter providers by insurance, specialty, and availability
Quick access to care, with the ability to start therapy within three days
Sliding scale fees from many providers for out-of-network payment
Thriveworks excels when you need:
Access to physical office locations, with over 340 offices across the U.S.
Broader insurance acceptance, with over 360 in-network plans
Medicare coverage for therapy and psychiatry services
More predictable self-pay pricing with published rate ranges
Appointments on nights and weekends
Live support available seven days a week for matching and scheduling
Summary: Is Alma or Thriveworks right for you?
Alma and Thriveworks take different approaches to mental healthcare, and the right choice depends on your priorities. Alma offers a significantly larger provider network (24,000+ vs. 2,600+) with a self-guided directory, making it ideal if you want maximum choice and prefer to browse providers yourself. However, it accepts fewer insurance plans and does not work with Medicare.
Consider Alma if you prioritize provider selection, want to start therapy quickly, and value free consultations before committing. Choose Thriveworks if you need Medicare coverage, want access to physical office locations, prefer more predictable self-pay pricing, or value having live support to help with matching and scheduling.
Rula is also worth considering. With 21,000+ licensed providers across all 50 states, Rula supports individual, couples, family, child (ages 5+), and teen therapy, plus psychiatry for people ages 13 and older — available via video or in person, often as soon as the next day. Rula verifies insurance coverage and estimated costs before your first session, with patients using insurance typically paying around $15 per session.
FAQs
How do I choose a therapist on Alma or Thriveworks?
On Alma, you use a self-directed directory to browse and filter providers by insurance, specialty, language, and availability. The search takes about five minutes, and you can book free 15-minute consultations before committing. Thriveworks lets you browse provider profiles online or call their live support team for help finding a match, with most people starting therapy within one week of booking.
How do Alma and Thriveworks verify insurance coverage before I book?
Alma offers a cost estimator tool for select insurance plans that shows your payment responsibility and deductible information before booking, while for other plans you can browse in-network therapists in the directory. Thriveworks verifies insurance eligibility and emails you your out-of-pocket costs, including copays, coinsurance, or deductible, before confirming your appointment. You can also call their support team to confirm coverage.
Can I switch therapists if the first provider isn't a good fit?
Yes, both platforms allow you to switch providers. On Alma, you can change therapists at any time with no restrictions. Thriveworks also lets you switch providers anytime with no questions asked and no extra fees—just call them and they'll help you find a better match.
Why choose Rula for quality of care?
Rula stands out for its clinical accountability and scale: 93% of patients report feeling better about their symptoms after care, and 98% find a provider who meets their unique preferences. With 21,000+ providers across 180+ specialties, Rula supports therapy and psychiatry via video or in person, accepts most major insurance plans (including Medicare and Managed Medicaid in select states), and provides upfront cost estimates before your first session.
Find care with Rula
Choosing between mental health platforms is an important decision — one that shapes not just your access to care, but your entire experience getting better. If you're ready to move forward, Rula makes it straightforward to start. You can verify your insurance coverage in minutes, browse providers who match your specific needs and preferences, and see your estimated costs upfront before booking. Most appointments are available as soon as tomorrow, so you can begin making real progress without the wait.
Rula Health
Rula’s editorial process
Rula’s editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness.
Members of Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
