Amwell offers comprehensive care with psychiatry: Amwell provides both therapy and psychiatry services with medication management, accepts major insurance plans, and uses a traditional per-session pricing model ($99 or less for therapy, $199 initial psychiatry visit).
BetterHelp focuses on therapy-only with flexible access: BetterHelp's subscription model ($70–$100/week) includes one live session plus unlimited messaging, a network of 35,000 therapists, and the ability to switch providers at no extra cost but no psychiatry or medication services.
Insurance coverage differs significantly: Amwell accepts many major insurance plans with traditional billing, while BetterHelp has limited, state-dependent insurance acceptance and primarily operates as a self-pay subscription service.
Service scope varies by platform: Amwell offers individual, couples, family, and group therapy plus psychiatry; BetterHelp provides individual therapy only (with couples and teen services through separate sister sites).
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 the right online therapy platform can feel overwhelming when you're already navigating the challenges of seeking mental health support. Both Amwell and BetterHelp offer virtual care, but they're built on distinct models — from how they handle insurance to whether they provide psychiatry services alongside therapy.
In this guide, we'll break down the key differences between Amwell and BetterHelp, covering costs, insurance acceptance, available services, and what each platform does best. Understanding these details can help you choose the option that actually fits your needs and budget.
You could also consider Rula when exploring mental health care 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.
Amwell vs. BetterHelp: Differences at a glance
Here's a quick comparison of Amwell and BetterHelp to help you find a therapist that matches your needs.
Average cost:
Amwell: $99 or less per therapy session; $199 for initial psychiatry visit and $95 for follow-ups; average insurance copay not available
BetterHelp: A subscription model costing $70 to $100 per week; average copay is $23
Insurance acceptance:
Amwell: Accepts many major insurance plans, with out-of-pocket costs varying by plan
BetterHelp: Has limited insurance acceptance in 17 states
Number of providers:
Amwell: Hundreds of mental health providers (exact number not disclosed)
BetterHelp: 35,000 licensed therapists
Modes of communication:
Amwell: Video appointments, phone appointments, and secure messaging between sessions
BetterHelp: Video sessions, phone sessions, live chat, and unlimited asynchronous messaging
Services offered:
Amwell: Individual, couples, family, and group therapy, plus psychiatry and medication management
BetterHelp: Individual therapy only, with no psychiatry or medication management services
States covered:
Amwell: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
BetterHelp: All 50 states and Washington D.C., plus some international availability
Number of specialties offered:
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Amwell: Offers LGBTQ+ affirming care and serves patients ages 10 and up for therapy
BetterHelp: Serves adults 18 and older, with teen services available on a sister site
Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:
Amwell: Virtual-only platform
BetterHelp: Virtual-only platform
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Amwell at a glance
Founded in 2006, Amwell is a comprehensive telehealth platform designed to connect providers, insurers, and patients for accessible, high-quality care. The platform offers both therapy and psychiatry services through its Amwell Medical Group. It serves patients in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with scheduled appointments available during the day, at night, and on weekends.
Self-pay therapy sessions cost $99 or less, while initial psychiatry visits are $199 and follow-ups are $95. Patients can review providers' education, experience, and treatment approach before selecting a therapist, and the platform offers individual, couples, family, and group therapy options. All care is delivered through HIPAA-compliant video sessions and includes features like secure messaging and progress tracking tools.
BetterHelp at a glance
Founded in 2013, BetterHelp is a subscription-based online therapy platform with a network of 35,000 licensed therapists. The service is available across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and internationally in the UK, Australia, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week and include one live session plus unlimited messaging, with sessions available via live chat, phone, or video.
BetterHelp serves adults 18 and older, with teen therapy for ages 13 to 19 available through its sister site, Teen Counseling.
Rula at a glance
Founded in 2019, Rula is a mental health platform that helps people find licensed therapists covered by insurance and schedule online therapy through its platform. Rula connects patients with a nationwide network of 21,000+ providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Care is scheduled and appointment-based, with patients browsing provider profiles, choosing a provider, and booking a time that works for them. Rula also verifies insurance and provides an estimated out-of-pocket cost before the first session.
Rula offers individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, child therapy for ages five and up, teen therapy, and psychiatry for people ages 13 and older. For people using insurance, Rula states patients typically pay about $15 per session, and it also offers self-pay rates ($150 per session for individual therapy and $165 per session for families/couples). Appointments are commonly available as soon as tomorrow, and patients can filter for a better fit using preferences like specialty, availability, and language.
Clinical outcomes and how they compare
When choosing a mental health platform, understanding its clinical outcomes and evidence-based approaches helps ensure you receive care that is proven to work. Both Amwell and BetterHelp track patient progress and satisfaction, though their available data differs.
Amwell clinical outcomes
Amwell demonstrates a strong commitment to quality care through high patient satisfaction. According to its data, 97% of clients reported being very or extremely satisfied with their therapist, and providers have an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.
BetterHelp clinical outcomes
BetterHelp also reports positive clinical outcomes based on its internal data. According to its published 2024 outcomes, 72% of clients experience a reduction in symptoms after receiving care, with 69% achieving reliable improvement and 62% reaching symptom remission.
Rula clinical outcomes
Rula also reports strong outcomes, with 93% of patients saying they feel better about their symptoms after receiving care through Rula. Additionally, 94% of clients find a provider they feel comfortable with and who listens with respect, and 98% find a provider that meets their unique preferences.
Cost and insurance coverage
Amwell and BetterHelp take different approaches to pricing and insurance coverage. Amwell operates on a traditional per-session payment model and accepts a wide range of insurance plans. BetterHelp uses a subscription model with more limited insurance options, focusing instead on a weekly fee that covers its services.
Insurance plans accepted
Amwell partners with many major insurance plans, making it a strong choice for those who want to use their benefits. Accepted plans include:
Academic Health Plans
AlohaCare
Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Multiple Blue Cross Blue Shield state plans (including Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, and Massachusetts)
Capital Blue Cross and Capital Health Plan
MVP Healthcare
United Healthcare
UPMC Health Plan
It is important to note that Amwell does not accept Medicare or Medicaid.
BetterHelp is working with select insurance carriers in 17 states, so availability depends on your plan and location. The platform does not disclose a list of specific in-network insurance plans.
Another option to consider is Rula, which is in-network with over 100 major insurance plans and provides an estimated out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment. Rula works with many commercial insurers, including Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and UnitedHealthcare, and it also accepts Medicare Advantage, Medicare fee-for-service, and Managed Medicaid coverage for select states and insurers.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
With Amwell, your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your specific insurance plan's copay, coinsurance, and deductible. Because Amwell is in-network with many major health plans, virtual care is often a covered benefit. Patients should always verify their specific costs directly with their insurance provider before booking an appointment.
When BetterHelp does accept a patient's insurance plan, the average copay is about $23 per session. However, insurance acceptance is limited and not all therapists on the platform are in-network with every plan.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Both Amwell and BetterHelp accept health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards for payment. Amwell processes HSA/FSA cards for its therapy and psychiatry services. BetterHelp also recognizes therapy as an eligible expense for most HSA/FSA providers.
Self-pay pricing
For those paying out of pocket, Amwell and BetterHelp have distinct pricing structures.
Amwell self-pay rates:
Therapy sessions: $99 or less per session
Psychiatry initial visit: $199
Psychiatry follow-up visits: $95
BetterHelp's subsciption is $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or every four weeks. The platform offers discounted rates for some clients on a need-based basis.
Mental health services offered
The range of services and treatment approaches a platform offers determines whether it can meet your specific mental health needs. Amwell provides a comprehensive suite of services, including psychiatry, while BetterHelp focuses exclusively on therapy.
Treatment approaches offered by Amwell
Amwell offers a wide variety of services to address different mental health needs.
Evidence-based therapy modalities include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Motivational interviewing
Clinical specialties include:
Anxiety and anxiety disorders
Bipolar disorder
Depression
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Medication management is available for adults 18 and older only, but Amwell providers cannot prescribe controlled substances via telehealth.
Treatment approaches offered by BetterHelp
BetterHelp focuses on providing therapy for a broad range of issues, with specialized services offered through sister sites.
Evidence-based therapy modalities include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness-based approaches (e.g., MBCT)
Psychodynamic therapy
Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)
Motivational interviewing (MI)
Exposure-based therapies for anxiety and OCD (e.g., ERP)
Person-centered/humanistic therapy
Attachment-based and narrative therapies
Clinical specialties include:
Depression and anxiety
Relationship issues and trauma
Stress and burnout
ADHD and OCD
Substance use and eating disorders
BetterHelp does not offer medication management or psychiatry services.
Rula’s treatment approaches offered
Rula connects patients with licensed providers across 180+ clinical specialties and modalities, with therapy available for children ages 5 and up and psychiatry available for people 13 and older.
Common approaches used by providers on Rula 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 patients can find support for concerns like anxiety, ADHD, autism, trauma and PTSD, OCD, substance use issues and addiction, and relationship and family needs through family therapy.
Inclusivity and specialized care
Finding a provider you can trust and who understands your unique background is essential for effective therapy. Both platforms offer specialized care, but their approaches to inclusivity differ.
Amwell inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Amwell's network includes licensed therapists, psychologists, board-certified psychiatrists, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs).
Specializations offered: Amwell therapists specialize in treating conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and bipolar disorder. Its psychiatrists specialize in medication management for various mental health conditions.
Languages available: The platform doesn't publicly list language availability. Patients should inquire about language options when selecting a provider.
Inclusivity factors: Amwell offers LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, but does not publish stats regarding provider diversity.
BetterHelp inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: BetterHelp's network consists of 35,000 licensed therapists and mental health professionals. The platform does not offer psychiatric services.
Specializations offered: BetterHelp therapists offer expertise across more than 20 clinical specialties, including depression, anxiety, trauma, postpartum concerns, and ADHD. Specialized services for couples are available through its sister site, Regain.
Languages available: Therapy may be available in multiple languages beyond English, but BetterHelp doesn't provide an explicit list. Patients should inquire about language options during the matching process.
Inclusivity factors: BetterHelp provides LGBTQIA+ affirming care through a related service and lets you specify preferences for therapist identity or background when you're being matched with a provider.
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 access care and how easily you can schedule sessions can significantly impact your therapy experience. Rula is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with scheduled, appointment-based care that allows patients to book live video telehealth sessions and in-person therapy often as soon as the next day.
How access works with Amwell
States served: Amwell is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. It does not operate internationally.
Matching process: Patients review provider profiles, which include education, experience, and treatment approach, and choose a provider that fits their needs.
Session formats: Care is delivered through scheduled appointments via HIPAA-compliant live video or phone. The platform also offers secure messaging between sessions.
Scheduling: Appointments are available during the day, at night, and on weekends. Wait times for therapy depend on provider availability, while psychiatry appointments are typically available within 14 days.
App/portal experience: Amwell is accessible via a web browser or mobile app. The platform includes tools for assessments, progress tracking, scheduling, and messaging with your provider.
How access works with BetterHelp
States served: BetterHelp is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. It also has international availability in the UK, Australia, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Matching process: Patients are matched with a therapist after answering questions about their needs and preferences and typically receive a match within 48 hours. You can switch therapists at any time for no additional cost.
Session formats: The subscription includes one live session per week via audio, video, or live chat, plus unlimited asynchronous messaging with your therapist.
Scheduling: Therapists set their own hours, offering flexible scheduling options that include late-night, weekend, and holiday appointments.
App/portal experience: BetterHelp is available on its website and through mobile apps for Android and iOS. The platform includes tools like a digital journal, worksheets, and goal and habit tracking.
What each platform does best
Both Amwell and BetterHelp have distinct advantages depending on your specific needs, insurance situation, and the type of support you're seeking. Consider which features align best with your mental health goals and practical requirements.
Amwell excels when you need:
Comprehensive mental health services, including both therapy and psychiatry
Medication management and prescription services from board-certified psychiatrists
To use your insurance, as it accepts over most major plans
Multiple therapy formats, including individual, couples, family therapy, and group therapy
A traditional per-session pricing model instead of a subscription
BetterHelp excels when you need:
A large network of therapists to choose from, with 35,000 providers available
A fast matching process to begin therapy quickly
A subscription model that includes unlimited messaging between sessions
The flexibility to switch therapists easily and at no cost
Multiple ways to communicate, including video, phone, live chat, and messaging
Summary: Is Amwell or BetterHelp right for you?
The choice between Amwell and BetterHelp depends on whether you need comprehensive mental health services or therapy-only support. Amwell stands out for its full-spectrum approach, offering both therapy and psychiatry with medication management. This makes it the ideal choice if you need or might need psychiatric care alongside therapy. Amwell's broad insurance acceptance and traditional per-session pricing work well for those who want to use their benefits and prefer paying per visit.
In contrast, BetterHelp's strength lies in its large therapist network, fast matching, and flexible subscription model that includes unlimited messaging. For those paying out of pocket, its weekly subscription may be a more predictable option. The ability to switch therapists at no cost and communicate through multiple methods offers a level of convenience that many users value.
You could also consider Rula as another option. Rula connects patients with 21,000+ providers for therapy and psychiatry, with appointments commonly available as soon as tomorrow in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. It’s in-network with most major insurance plans and provides an up-front cost estimate — patients typically pay about $15 per session when using insurance, with self-pay options also available.
FAQs
Can Amwell or BetterHelp prescribe psychiatric medication?
Amwell offers psychiatry services with board-certified psychiatrists who can prescribe most psychiatric medications, though controlled substances like narcotics, benzodiazepines, and stimulants for ADHD are not permitted. BetterHelp does not offer psychiatry services or medication management, as the platform only works with therapists and counselors.
How does insurance work with Amwell compared to BetterHelp?
Amwell accepts most major insurance plans and operates on a traditional per-session billing model, with out-of-pocket costs depending on your plan's copay, coinsurance, and deductible. BetterHelp is working with select insurance carriers in 17 states, but insurance acceptance is limited and not all therapists on the platform are in-network with every plan — when insurance is accepted, the average copay is about $23 per session.
Why choose Rula for quality of care?
Rula emphasizes measurable results, with 93% of patients saying they feel better about their symptoms after receiving care, alongside a nationwide network of 21,000+ providers across 180+ clinical specialties and modalities. It offers both therapy and psychiatry (medication management), with virtual and in-person options, and it’s in-network with most major insurance plans — so many patients pay around $15 per session with insurance, with clear upfront cost estimates and self-pay options available.
Find care with Rula
Choosing between mental health platforms is an important decision — one that can shape your entire care experience and how much progress you make. With Rula, getting started is straightforward: verify your insurance in minutes, browse providers who match your specific needs and preferences, and see your estimated costs upfront before booking. Appointments are often available as soon as tomorrow, so you can move from searching to starting care without delays.
When you're ready to take the next step, Rula is here to help you find the right provider and the right path forward.
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.
