Care delivery model differs significantly: Amwell is entirely virtual, while Thriveworks offers a hybrid model with 340+ physical locations for in-person sessions alongside online care.
Self-pay costs favor Amwell; insurance copays favor Thriveworks: Amwell charges $99 per therapy session for self-pay, while Thriveworks copays with insurance often range from $0 to $55.
Medicare acceptance is a key distinction: Thriveworks accepts Medicare (though not Medicaid), while Amwell does not accept either program — an important factor for older adults.
Appointment availability varies: Thriveworks typically schedules first sessions within one week, while Amwell psychiatry appointments are available within 14 days and therapy wait times depend on provider 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.
Finding the right mental health platform shouldn't feel like navigating a maze. Yet with so many online therapy options available, choosing between services like Amwell and Thriveworks can feel overwhelming, especially when factors like cost, insurance coverage, and care format all come into play.
Both platforms offer quality mental health support, but they differ in meaningful ways. Amwell provides a fully virtual experience, while Thriveworks offers a hybrid model with over 340 physical locations. In this guide, we'll break down their features, pricing, and specialties so you can make a confident, informed decision about your care.
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, which may appeal to people looking for affordable online therapy.
Amwell vs. Thriveworks: Differences at a glance
Amwell and Thriveworks both offer mental health services, but they differ in their care models, pricing structures, and accessibility options. Understanding these key differences can help you choose the platform that best fits your specific needs and preferences, especially if you're trying to find a therapist who matches your schedule, budget, and preferred format.
Average cost per session:
Amwell: Copays vary by insurance plan; self-pay therapy is $99 per session
Thriveworks: $0 to $55 copay with insurance; self-pay ranges from $160 to $195 for ongoing therapy sessions
Number of providers:
Amwell: Hundreds of providers (no specific number disclosed)
Thriveworks: 2,600+ clinicians
Modes of communication:
Amwell: Video and phone appointments, plus secure messaging in a virtual-only model
Thriveworks: In-person, video, and online sessions through a hybrid model with over 340 physical offices
Services offered:
Amwell: Individual, couples, family, and group therapy, along with online psychiatry and specialized counseling for grief, life transitions, and LGBTQ+ concerns
Thriveworks: Individual, couples, family therapy, and child and teen therapy (ages 0-17), as well as psychiatry
Insurance acceptance:
Amwell: Partners with many health plans like Anthem BCBS and UnitedHealthcare but does not accept Medicare or Medicaid
Thriveworks: Accepts over 360 insurance plans, including UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, and Medicare, but does not accept Medicaid
States covered:
Amwell: All 50 states and Washington D.C.
Thriveworks: In-person care and online care in 49 states and Washington D.C.
Number of specialties offered:
Amwell: Specialties include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and stress management
Thriveworks: Specialties include ADHD, anger, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and trauma
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Amwell: Offers LGBTQ+ affirming care and culturally responsive care
Thriveworks: Provides LGBTQIA+ counseling, therapy for children and teens from ages 0 to 17, and services for couples and families
Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:
Amwell: Virtual platform with no in-person sessions
Thriveworks: Hybrid model offering both virtual sessions and in-person appointments
Amwell at a glance
Founded in 2006, Amwell is a telehealth platform that delivers care through a completely virtual model. Its network includes thousands of multi-disciplinary providers who offer services across all 50 states and Washington D.C. All care is delivered on a HIPAA-compliant video platform, with therapy available for people ages 10 and up and psychiatry for adults 18 and older.
The cost structure is straightforward, with therapy sessions priced at $99 or less, initial psychiatry visits at $199, and follow-up psychiatry visits at $95. Patients can review a provider's education, experience, and treatment approach to choose a good fit, with psychiatry appointments typically available within 14 days. For people seeking an online psychiatrist or exploring telepsychiatry services, this fully virtual model may be especially convenient.
Thriveworks at a glance
Established in 2008, Thriveworks is a clinician-founded and led mental health provider that uses a hybrid model, offering both in-person and online care. With a network of over 2,600 clinicians and more than 340 physical office locations across the U.S., the platform provides a high degree of flexibility. Thriveworks offers services for individuals, couples, and families, including specialized therapy for children and teens from ages 0 to 17, alongside psychiatry.
Most new patients can have their first session within one week. With insurance, copays often range from $0 to $55, while self-pay rates are $200 to $240 for an initial therapy session and $160 to $195 for follow-ups. The platform accepts over 360 insurance plans, offers flexible scheduling with night and weekend appointments, and allows patients to switch providers at any time without extra fees.
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 online therapy through its platform. Rula supports live video telehealth appointments and also offers in-person appointments, with therapy available for people ages 5 and up and psychiatry available for people ages 13 and older.
Rula’s network includes more than 21,000 providers, and the platform offers 180+ clinical specialties and modalities. Patients can share basic details to receive a curated list of in-network providers, browse profiles, and book appointment-based care online as soon as the next day. For people using insurance, Rula states that patients typically pay about $15 per session. For self-pay, Rula lists $150 per session for individual therapy and $165 per session for couples and family therapy, with psychiatry self-pay rates of $225 for an initial intake appointment and $175 for follow-up appointments.
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 and evidence-based approaches are essential indicators of effective mental healthcare. Measurable results help ensure patients receive quality care that leads to real progress on their journey to feeling better.
Amwell clinical outcomes
Amwell reports that 97% of its clients were very or extremely satisfied with their therapist, and the platform maintains a 4.9 out of 5 average provider rating.
Thriveworks clinical outcomes
Thriveworks reports that 75% of its patients with depression or anxiety feel better within three months of starting treatment, and 96% of clients feel truly supported by their therapist.
Rula clinical outcomes
It’s also worth considering Rula as an alternative: Rula reports that 93% of patients feel 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
Amwell and Thriveworks both accept major insurance plans, but their networks and pricing structures have important differences. Learn more about these below.
Insurance plans accepted
Amwell accepts:
Academic Health Plans
AlohaCare
Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem BCBS
ASR Health Benefits
Avera Health Plans
Beacon Health
Multiple Blue Cross Blue Shield state plans (Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, and more)
Capital Blue Cross
Highmark BCBS
Horizon BCBS of New Jersey
UnitedHealthcare
UPMC Health Plan
Amwell doesn't accept Medicare or Medicaid — something to keep in mind for older adults seeking covered care.
Thriveworks accepts over 360 insurance plans, including:
While Thriveworks accepts Medicare, it doesn't work with Medicaid.
Another option to consider is Rula, which is in-network with many major insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, Optum Behavioral Health, and UnitedHealthcare. Rula also states it accepts Medicare (including Medicare Advantage and Medicare fee-for-service) and managed Medicaid coverage for select states and insurers.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
Amwell therapy costs vary by insurance plan. It's always a good idea to verify your specific copay with your insurance provider before booking a session.
Thriveworks notes that with insurance, many of its patients pay a copay between $0 and $55 per session. The actual copay amount will vary based on your specific insurance plan.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Both Amwell and Thriveworks accept health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards for payment. These accounts can be used to cover therapy when it's deemed medically necessary, such as for treating diagnosed conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Self-pay pricing
Amwell self-pay rates:
Therapy: $99 per session
Psychiatry initial visit: $199
Psychiatry follow-up visits: $95
Thriveworks self-pay rates (vary by state):
Therapy initial session: $200-$240
Therapy follow-up sessions: $160-$195
Psychiatry initial appointment: $300-$375
Psychiatry follow-up appointments: $210-$300
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 and Thriveworks provide comprehensive mental health services, but their specific offerings and modalities differ.
Treatment approaches offered by Amwell
Amwell therapists treat a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, and more, using several evidence-based approaches.
Amwell's therapy modalities include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
The platform also offers psychiatry services and medication management.
Treatment approaches offered by Thriveworks
Thriveworks offers comprehensive services for individuals, couples, families, and children.
Therapy modalities include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Evidence-based psychotherapy
Talk therapy
Behavioral therapy
In addition to therapy, Thriveworks provides psychiatry and medication management services.
Rula treatment approaches offered
Rula offers a range of services, such as individual, couples, and family therapy, as well as psychiatry (medication management). Because treatment is provider-specific, the methods used can vary, but Rula states its network spans 180+ clinical specialties.
Through this breadth of care, people can find support for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, ADHD, autism, trauma and PTSD, OCD, and addiction.
Rula's treatment approaches 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 successful therapy outcomes. Inclusivity factors, specialized expertise, and cultural competency all contribute to creating a safe therapeutic environment where you can make real progress.
Amwell inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Amwell includes licensed and board-certified clinicians, such as therapists and psychiatrists.
Specializations offered: The platform offers specialized care for a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, and PTSD. Therapists use evidence-based approaches like CBT and DBT to deliver care.
Languages available: Amwell doesn't publish a comprehensive list of languages spoken by its providers. Patients can review individual provider profiles to find this information.
Inclusivity factors: Amwell is LGBTQ+ affirming, with providers receiving training from the Fenway Institute on best practices for caring for the LGBTQIA+ population. The platform also offers therapy for children ages 10 and up with parental consent.
Thriveworks inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Thriveworks' network of over 2,600 clinicians includes psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and licensed marriage and family therapists (MFTs).
Specializations offered: Thriveworks provides specialized care for conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and trauma, with a focus on modalities like CBT and EMDR.
Languages available: Providers at Thriveworks speak multiple languages, including Russian, Spanish, French, Creole, and Arabic. Patients can review provider profiles to find a match based on language.
Inclusivity factors: Thriveworks offers LGBTQIA+ counseling for issues related to mental health and self-identity. The platform also provides therapy for children and teens from ages 0 to 17, as well as services for couples and families.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Platform availability and access
The speed at which you can start treatment and the ease of scheduling sessions both play an important role in your overall experience with mental healthcare.
Rula, for instance, operates nationwide across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., offering both virtual sessions through Zoom and in-person appointments at provider-operated offices — with care available as soon as the next day.
How access works with Amwell
States served: Amwell is a virtual-only platform available in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
Matching process: Patients can browse provider profiles, reviewing their education, experience, and treatment approach to find a good fit. You can filter by state to see therapists licensed to practice in your location.
Session formats: All sessions are conducted virtually via video or phone. The platform also offers secure messaging between sessions.
Scheduling: Care is offered by scheduled appointment, with day, night, and weekend availability. Psychiatry appointments are typically available within 14 days, while therapy wait times depend on provider availability.
App/portal experience: Amwell has a mobile app and web portal for scheduling, attending visits, and messaging providers. The platform includes centralized tools for records and progress tracking.
How access works with Thriveworks
States served: Thriveworks offers in-person care at over 340 locations, with online care available in 49 states and Washington D.C.
Matching process: You can browse provider profiles online or call a support team for help finding a match. Most people can start therapy within one week, and you can switch providers at any time without extra fees.
Session formats: Thriveworks offers both in-person and online video sessions. A secure, HIPAA-compliant video link is sent via email before virtual appointments.
Scheduling: You can book online or by phone, with night and weekend appointments available. Most patients have their first session within seven days.
App/portal experience: Thriveworks uses a client portal for booking and managing appointments. Between-session messaging is available, though it is not a primary feature of the platform.
What each platform does best
Understanding what each platform does best can help you identify which one aligns with your priorities and care preferences. Below, find the key strengths of Amwell and Thriveworks to help you decide which might be the right fit.
Amwell excels when you need:
A virtual-only care model with no in-person sessions
Lower self-pay rates for therapy ($99 per session) and psychiatry follow-ups ($95)
Secure messaging between sessions as a standard feature
Straightforward, per-session pricing without a subscription
Access to multiple therapy types, including individual, couples, family, and group therapy
Thriveworks excels when you need:
A hybrid care model with the option for both in-person and virtual sessions
Access to physical office locations, with over 340 across the U.S.
Faster initial appointment availability, with most sessions scheduled within one week
To use Medicare for your mental healthcare coverage
A broader insurance network, with over 360 plans accepted
Therapy for young children, with services available for children under 5
Summary: Is Amwell or Thriveworks right for you?
Amwell and Thriveworks differ most in how care is delivered. Amwell is virtual-only with lower self-pay rates ($99 for therapy, $95 for psychiatry follow-ups), while Thriveworks offers a hybrid model with 340+ physical locations, lower insurance copays, and Medicare acceptance.
Amwell is the better fit if you prefer fully virtual care or need lower self-pay rates. For in-person sessions, Medicare coverage, or lower insurance copays, Thriveworks is likely the stronger choice.
Rula is worth considering as well. With 21,000+ licensed providers across all 50 states, Rula supports individual, couples, family, and child therapy, plus psychiatry for people ages 13 and older, available via video or in person with eligible providers. Rula verifies insurance coverage and estimated costs before your first session, with patients using insurance typically paying around $15 per session.
FAQ
How much does therapy cost with Amwell and Thriveworks?
With Amwell, self-pay therapy is $99 per session, and insurance copays vary depending on plan. Thriveworks reports that with insurance, many patients pay a copay between $0 and $55 per session, while self-pay rates range from $200 to $240 for initial therapy sessions and $160 to $195 for follow-up sessions, depending on your state.
Can you choose your own therapist on Amwell and Thriveworks?
Yes, both platforms allow you to choose your own therapist. On Amwell, you can browse provider profiles and review their education, experience, and treatment approach to find a good fit, filtering by state to see therapists licensed in your location. Thriveworks also lets you browse provider profiles online to find someone who meets your needs, or you can call their support team for help with matching.
Why choose Rula for quality of care?
Rula stands out for its reported outcomes, with 93% of patients saying they feel better about their symptoms after receiving care, along with 94% feeling comfortable with their provider. It offers access to 21,000+ providers across 180+ specialties, with therapy and psychiatry available via live video and in-person. Rula also verifies insurance and confirms an estimated out-of-pocket cost before your first visit, with many insured patients paying about $15 per session.
Find care with Rula
Choosing between mental health platforms is more than comparing features — it's about finding care that actually helps you feel better. With Rula, you can verify your insurance in minutes, browse providers who match your specific needs and preferences, and see your estimated cost upfront before your first session. Many people book appointments as soon as tomorrow, so you can start making progress without the usual 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.
