Amwell offers nationwide virtual access, while Geode focuses on local, hybrid care: Amwell covers all 50 states with telehealth-only services, whereas Geode operates in just six states but provides both in-person and virtual appointments.
Insurance coverage differs significantly: Amwell works with 55+ plans but excludes Medicare and Medicaid; Geode accepts Medicare and most commercial insurances but not Medicaid — making Geode the better choice for Medicare beneficiaries.
Pricing transparency varies: Amwell lists clear self-pay rates ($99 or less for therapy, $199 initial psychiatry, $95 follow-ups), while Geode does not publicly disclose specific pricing.
Geode offers advanced treatments Amwell doesn't: Geode provides TMS and Spravato alongside standard therapy and psychiatry, plus child and adolescent psychiatry. Amwell limits psychiatry to adults 18+.
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.
Amwell vs. Geode: Which is better for your needs?
Choosing a mental health platform should bring you closer to the online mental healthcare you're looking for, not add another layer of confusion. Yet with countless platforms to choose from, each offering different costs, service areas, and care models, it's common to feel overwhelmed before you even begin comparing your options.
While both Amwell and Geode provide therapy and psychiatry services, their models couldn't be more different. One delivers telehealth-only appointments nationwide; the other combines in-person and virtual care through clinics in just six states. This guide walks you through what each platform offers, from pricing to specialties, so you can choose the one that aligns with your needs.
You might also consider Rula as you explore your options as an alternative to Amwell. Rula connects you with over 21,000 licensed providers nationwide, 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. Geode: Differences at a glance
Both Amwell and Geode offer mental health services but differ significantly in their approach, availability, and care models, including how easy it is to find a therapist. One is built for nationwide virtual access through a telehealth platform, while the other emphasizes local, coordinated care.
Average cost per session:
Amwell: $99 or less for therapy sessions, $199 for an initial psychiatry visit, and $95 for follow-up psychiatry visits; average insurance copays are not published listed online
Geode: Does not publicly list specific pricing
Number of providers:
Amwell: 2,200+ providers
Geode: Total provider count is not listed
Modes of communication:
Amwell: Video and phone appointments, plus secure messaging
Geode: In-person appointments at physical locations, secure video visits, and messaging
Services offered:
Amwell: Online therapy, psychiatry, and medication management
Geode: Therapy, psychiatry, medication management, and advanced treatments like TMS and Spravato
Insurance acceptance:
Amwell: In-network with more than 55 plans but does not accept Medicare or Medicaid
Geode: In-network with most commercial insurances and Medicare, but does not accept Medicaid
States covered:
Amwell: Covers all 50 states and Washington D.C.
Geode: Available in six states (Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin)
Number of specialties offered:
Amwell: Treats conditions like anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, and trauma
Geode: Treats a similar range of conditions, including ADHD and disordered eating
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Amwell: Offers LGBTQ+ affirming care and therapy for children ages 10 and older
Geode: Provides LGBTQ+ affirming care and offers child and adolescent therapy
Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:
Amwell: Virtual-only platform
Geode: Hybrid model with physical locations and virtual options
Amwell at a glance
Amwell is a telehealth platform founded in 2006 that connects patients with licensed mental health providers nationwide. It operates through the Amwell Medical Group, a network of thousands of providers delivering care exclusively on the platform, with appointments available across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Care is offered through HIPAA-compliant video and phone visits, plus secure messaging.
Amwell offers online therapy as well as psychiatry and medication management. Therapy is available for children ages 10 and older with parental consent, while psychiatry is available for adults 18 and older. For self-pay patients, therapy sessions cost $99 or less, with psychiatry initial visits priced at $199 and follow-ups at $95. Amwell is in-network with more than 40 insurance plans, though it does not accept Medicare or Medicaid.
Geode at a glance
Geode is a mental health practice founded in 2021 that operates physical locations in six states while also offering virtual care. With a hybrid model, patients can attend appointments in person at community-based practices or through secure video visits, with secure messaging available as well. Their team includes psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatric physician assistants, and therapists who work as a unified team to support coordinated care.
Geode accepts most commercial insurances and Medicare, though it does not publicly list specific self-pay pricing. To get started, you reach out to their intake team for a confidential assessment and matching. Same-week appointments are often available, and Geode offers child and adolescent therapy and psychiatry with no stated minimum age. In-person practices generally operate Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Rula at a glance
Founded in 2019, Rula is a mental health platform that helps people find licensed therapists covered by insurance and schedule therapy (and other types of care) through its platform. It offers access to a nationwide network of 21,000+ providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with appointment-based care that’s designed to be straightforward—Rula verifies insurance and confirms your estimated out-of-pocket cost before your first session.
Rula provides individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, child therapy (ages 5+), teen therapy, and psychiatry (medication management) for ages 13 and older. You can attend appointments via live video (Zoom), or schedule in-person sessions.
With insurance, patients typically pay about $15 per session (depending on your benefits and deductible). Self-pay rates are $150 per individual therapy session, $165 per couples or family therapy session, $225 for an initial psychiatry intake, and $175 for psychiatry follow-ups. HSA and FSA cards can be used for out-of-pocket expenses.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Clinical outcomes and how they compare
In any online therapy comparison, clinical outcomes and evidence-based approaches are essential indicators of whether a mental health platform delivers real, measurable improvements in patients' lives. Both platforms track patient progress, but their approaches and reported outcomes differ.
Amwell clinical outcomes
Amwell reviews report that 97% of clients were very or extremely satisfied with their therapist, with an average provider rating of 4.9 out of 5. The platform holds full URAC Accreditation in Telemedicine and NCQA Accreditation in Credentialing.
Geode clinical outcomes
By month 4 of treatment, 78% of Geode patients showed significant improvements in their PHQ9 and GAD7 scores, which are standardized tools for assessing depression and anxiety.
Rula clinical outcomes
Data show that 93% of people felt better about their symptoms after receiving care through Rula. When looking at anxiety and depression scores, 74% of Rula patients showed significant improvement. Rula's clinical outcomes are greater than 10% better than similar competitors, on average.
Cost and insurance coverage
Amwell and Geode take different approaches to insurance and pricing transparency. Amwell provides clear upfront pricing for self-pay patients and works with more than 55 insurance plans, while Geode accepts most commercial insurances and Medicare but does not publicly list specific pricing.
Insurance plans accepted
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 is not in-network with Medicare or Medicaid.
Geode works with most commercial insurance plans and also accepts Medicare and Medicare Advantage, though Medicaid is not accepted.
For more predictable out-of-pocket expenses, Rula may be a good alternative: providers on Rula accept most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente (by referral), Blue Cross Blue Shield, Optum Behavioral Health, and UnitedHealthcare. Rula provides an estimated cost per session upfront, before you book your first visit, with most insured patients paying around $15 per session (based on your specific plan benefits and deductible).
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
Out-of-pocket costs with insurance will vary based on your individual plan coverage, copays, and deductibles. Amwell partners with many health plans and employers to provide virtual care as a covered benefit. Patients should verify coverage with their insurance provider before booking.
Co-payments and fees for Geode also vary by insurance plan. Geode recommends patients check with their insurance provider or contact the office directly to understand their specific costs. Insurance claim processing typically takes about two weeks.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Amwell accepts HSA and FSA cards for payment processing. Geode also accepts HSA and FSA cards. Regardless of the platform you choose, confirm eligibility directly before booking.
Self-pay pricing
Amwell self-pay pricing:
Therapy: $99 or less per session
Psychiatry initial visit: $199
Psychiatry follow-up visits: $95
Geode requires all self-pay patients to sign an agreement outlining the cost for each service and detailing financial obligations. While Geode offers competitive rates for uninsured patients, specific pricing isn't available online — you'll need to contact their office directly to learn what you'll pay.
Mental health services offered
The range of services and treatment approaches a platform offers directly impacts whether you can find care that matches your specific needs. Both Amwell and Geode offer therapy and psychiatry, but they differ in treatment modalities and specialized services.
Treatment approaches offered by Amwell
Amwell providers use evidence-based treatment methods to support patients dealing with conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and OCD.
Therapy modalities available through Amwell include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Beyond therapy, Amwell also offers psychiatry services and medication management.
Treatment approaches offered by Geode
Geode structures its care around five primary treatment areas, each with specialized support options:
Depression and mood
Behavioral and ADHD
Past trauma
Anxiety and panic
Disordered eating
When traditional treatments haven't been effective, Geode provides advanced therapeutic options:
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive treatment for depression that hasn't responded to other approaches, offered at select locations
Spravato® (esketamine): A prescription nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, offered at select locations
Medication management and psychiatry services at Geode are delivered by licensed psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Rula offers individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy, alongside psychiatry services for medication management. Because every provider has their own training and therapeutic style, the exact methods used may vary—but Rula's network spans more than 180 clinical specialties.
With such a broad network, you can find support for a wide variety of mental health needs, including anxiety, ADHD, autism, trauma and PTSD, OCD, and addiction.
Therapeutic approaches available through Rula include:
Trauma-focused therapy
Mindfulness-based and somatic therapies
Inclusivity and specialized care
Finding a provider you can trust and feel comfortable with is essential to making progress in therapy. Both platforms prioritize inclusivity, but they approach it differently based on their care models. Specialized expertise in areas like LGBTQ+ care and cultural competency can significantly impact treatment outcomes.
Amwell inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Amwell's network includes licensed therapists, psychologists, and board-certified psychiatrists.
Specializations offered: Clinical specialties include anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, trauma, and LGBTQ+ counseling. Child therapy is available for ages 10 and older with parental consent, while psychiatry is only available for adults 18 and older.
Languages available: Specific languages offered are not disclosed on the website. Patients can review provider profiles before booking to identify language capabilities.
Inclusivity factors: Amwell offers LGBTQ+ affirming care with providers trained by the Fenway Institute.
Geode inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Geode employs psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatric physician assistants, and therapists. All providers work as part of a unified team for coordinated care.
Specializations offered: Clinical specialties include anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, and disordered eating. Child and adolescent therapy and psychiatry are available.
Languages available: Specific languages offered are not disclosed on the website.
Inclusivity factors: Geode maintains an intentional culture of inclusion affirming sexual orientations, gender identities, races, and lived experiences.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Platform availability and access
How you access care — finding a provider, booking appointments, and attending sessions — can make or break your experience with a mental health platform. Amwell and Geode offer fundamentally different access models.
Rula is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with appointment-based care through live video (Zoom) and the option to schedule in-person therapy with eligible providers.
How access works with Amwell
States served: Amwell provides services across the entire United States, including all 50 states and Washington D.C.
Matching process: You browse available provider profiles and use state filters to find therapists who are licensed in your location. Once you've reviewed their qualifications, experience, and approach to treatment, you choose the provider that feels right for you.
Session formats: All sessions are conducted through HIPAA-compliant video or phone appointments. You can also communicate with your provider between sessions using secure messaging.
Scheduling: You can schedule appointments at any time, with providers offering availability throughout the day, in the evening, and on weekends. While wait times for therapy depend on the specific provider you choose, psychiatry appointments are typically available within two weeks.
App/portal experience: Amwell's mobile app and web portal let you schedule appointments, attend sessions, and track your progress over time. The platform includes secure provider messaging and automatic appointment reminders.
How access works with Geode
States served: Geode provides services in six states: Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Matching process: New patients contact an intake team for a confidential assessment, after which they're matched with a licensed professional who fits their particular needs.
Session formats: Geode offers both in-person appointments at their physical practice locations and secure video sessions.
Scheduling: Most patients can be seen within the same week, typically within seven days of reaching out. Standard practice hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
App/portal experience: Geode provides online appointment scheduling and secure messaging for non-urgent questions. A mobile app is not currently available.
What each platform does best
Understanding what each platform does best helps you choose based on the factors that matter most to you.
Amwell excels when you need:
Nationwide access across all 50 states and Washington D.C.
Virtual-only convenience for attending sessions from home or work
Transparent self-pay pricing with clear upfront costs
Couples and family therapy options
Flexible scheduling with day, night, and weekend availability
Geode excels when you need:
In-person care options at physical practice locations
Medicare acceptance for your insurance coverage
Advanced treatment options like TMS and Spravato
Child and adolescent psychiatry services
A unified team approach where psychiatrists and therapists work together
Summary: Is Amwell or Geode right for you?
Amwell and Geode take different approaches to mental healthcare. Amwell is a nationwide virtual-only platform with transparent flat-rate pricing. Geode operates physical practices in six states, offering both in-person and virtual care along with advanced treatments like TMS.
Amwell may be the better fit for people who need nationwide access or prefer the convenience of virtual-only care. Geode tends to work well for people in one of its service states who value the option of in-person care or have Medicare coverage.
Rula is also worth considering for people who want insurance-based care with the option of therapy or psychiatry (medication management) 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 Amwell or Geode accept insurance?
Both platforms accept insurance, but their coverage differs. Amwell works with more than 55 commercial insurance plans but does not accept Medicare or Medicaid. Geode accepts Medicare and most major commercial insurance plans in its local markets, though it does not accept Medicaid. Geode's Medicare coverage is a meaningful differentiator for patients on that plan.
How much does Amwell cost compared to Geode?
Amwell uses transparent flat-rate pricing, with therapy sessions at $99 or less and psychiatry visits at $199 for initial appointments and $95 for follow-ups. Geode bills through insurance, with out-of-pocket costs depending on your specific plan, copay, and deductible. Payment plans are available through Geode for patients experiencing financial hardship.
Does Amwell or Geode offer in-person therapy?
Geode offers in-person therapy through community-based clinics across its six service states, with virtual visits also available. Amwell is virtual-only, with all sessions delivered via video or phone. People who want the option of face-to-face appointments will find Geode the more flexible choice, though it's only an option if you live in one of Geode's service states.Why choose Rula for quality of care?
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 therapy at provider-operated offices in some locations. 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 where to get mental health support is a big decision — one that can shape not just your experience, but your progress. If you're ready to take the next step, Rula makes it straightforward: verify your insurance in minutes, browse providers who match what you're looking for, and see your estimated cost before your first session. Many people can book an appointment as soon as tomorrow.
When you're ready, Rula is here to help you move 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.
