BetterHelp vs. Brightside: Compare pricing, insurance, and services

Choosing an online therapy platform can feel like one more big decision at a time when you’re already dealing with a lot. Whether you’re looking for therapy only or a combination of therapy and medication management, having clarity around services and costs can help you make a more confident decision.

BetterHelp and Brightside offer virtual mental healthcare, but their models and areas of focus differ. In this guide, we’ll walk through how they compare in terms of services, pricing, insurance coverage, and overall care approach so you can choose the option that best supports your goals.

Another option to keep in mind is Rula. Rula connects patients to a nationwide network of more than 21,000 licensed providers and works with most major insurance plans. It offers both therapy and psychiatry through virtual and in-person appointments, and many people using insurance pay around $15 per session.

BetterHelp vs. Brightside: Differences at a glance

BetterHelp focuses exclusively on therapy services, while Brightside offers both therapy and psychiatry with medication management. The choice between them depends on whether you need therapy alone or combined mental healthcare — and how you prefer to find a therapist.

Average monthly cost:

• BetterHelp: $280 to $400 per month

• Brightside: $95/month for psychiatry, $299/month for therapy, $349/month for both

Number of providers:

• BetterHelp: 35,000 licensed therapists

• Brightside: Provider count not disclosed

Modes of communication:

• BetterHelp: In-app messaging, live chat, phone calls, and video sessions

• Brightside: Video appointments and unlimited messaging

Services offered:

• BetterHelp: Individual therapy only (couples and teen therapy through sister sites)

• Brightside: Psychiatry, therapy, combined care, suicide prevention program, and teen care

Insurance acceptance:

• BetterHelp: Limited insurance acceptance depending on plan and location

• Brightside: Accepts major insurance including Medicare and select Medicaid plans

States covered:

• BetterHelp: All 50 states, Washington, D.C., and international availability

• Brightside: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Number of specialties offered:

• BetterHelp: Over 20 clinical specialties

• Brightside: Specializes in anxiety, depression, and related conditions; no specialty count listed

Inclusivity and patient focus:

• BetterHelp: Adults 18+, teen services through separate platform

• Brightside: Ages 13+ with parental consent for minors, translation services available

Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:

• BetterHelp: 100% virtual platform

• Brightside: 100% virtual platform

BetterHelp at a glance

Founded in 2013, BetterHelp is a subscription-based online therapy platform with a network of 35,000 licensed therapists, focused exclusively on talk therapy. The platform connects adults 18 and older with licensed therapists through a subscription model that includes multiple communication options.

The subscription costs $280 to $400 per month and includes one live session per week plus unlimited messaging with your therapist. You complete an online questionnaire to get matched with a provider, and you can switch therapists anytime for no additional cost.

Appointments on BetterHelp are typically available within the first couple of days, with no waiting lists to navigate. For those using insurance, sessions average around $23.

Brightside at a glance

Brightside is a mental health platform founded in 2017 that offers both therapy and psychiatry services through a "precision treatment" approach. Available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. for ages 13 and up, Brightside provides standalone psychiatry, standalone therapy, or combined services through monthly subscriptions. The platform uses technology and data to personalize treatment plans for anxiety, depression, and related conditions.

Brightside's therapy plan includes four 30-minute video sessions per month, plus unlimited messaging between sessions. Self-pay pricing is $95/month for psychiatry, $299/month for therapy, and $349/month for combined services. A key advantage is Brightside's acceptance of major insurance plans, including Medicare and select Medicaid plans, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. The platform also offers fast matching, often connecting patients with providers in as little as two days.

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 21,000+ licensed providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with appointments commonly available as soon as tomorrow. Unlike a subscription model, Rula offers scheduled, appointment-based care and confirms your estimated out-of-pocket cost before your first session.

Rula offers multiple types of therapy — including individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, child therapy (ages 5+), and teen therapy — plus psychiatry for ages 13+ in states where Rula is available. Patients can choose live video appointments (via Zoom) and, with eligible providers, in-person therapy. Rula accepts insurance, including many major commercial plans, and also offers self-pay rates; Rula patients using insurance typically pay about $15 per session.

Clinical outcomes and how they compare

Clinical outcomes and evidence-based approaches help you understand whether your treatment is working effectively. Both platforms track patient progress using validated assessment tools, but they serve different patient populations and measure different types of care.

BetterHelp clinical outcomes, based on published 2024 outcomes data:

• 72% of clients experience a reduction in symptoms after receiving care.

• 69% of clients achieve reliable improvement in their mental health.

• 62% of clients reach symptom remission.

Brightside clinical outcomes:

• Within 12 weeks, 86% of patients experience clinically significant improvement.

• 75% of individuals achieved remission from Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder within 12 weeks.

• 77% of people no longer had any suicidal thoughts after just 12 weeks of treatment.

It’s also worth noting that Rula reports strong outcomes, with 93% of patients reporting they feel better about their symptoms after receiving care through Rula. On average, Rula's clinical outcomes are greater than 10% better than those of similar competitors.

Cost and insurance coverage

The ability to use your existing insurance can make mental healthcare more affordable and accessible. Brightside operates as an insurance-first platform, accepting major plans including Medicare and select Medicaid. BetterHelp offers more limited insurance coverage, as it operates primarily as a self-pay subscription service with limited insurance integration. This difference significantly impacts your out-of-pocket costs and payment options.

Insurance plans accepted

BetterHelp has limited insurance acceptance that varies by plan and location; so far, it only works with major insurance carriers in 17 states. BetterHelp doesn't typically accept Medicare and Medicaid.

Brightside accepts a wide range of major insurance plans including:

• Aetna

• Cigna

• UnitedHealthcare

• Multiple Blue Cross Blue Shield plans across states

• Original Medicare Part B and many Medicare Advantage plans

• Select Medicaid plans in specific states including North Carolina, Nebraska, Oregon, and Washington

If you want an option that’s built around using insurance (rather than a monthly subscription), Rula is in-network with many major plans, including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Kaiser Permanente. Rula also accepts Medicare Advantage, Medicare fee-for-service, and Managed Medicaid coverage for select states and insurers, and it will confirm your estimated out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment.

Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)

BetterHelp is in-network with major insurance carriers in select states. If your plan is accepted, you typically pay an average copay of approximately $23 —be sure to verify coverage availability and your exact out-of-pocket cost directly to get an accurate estimate.

With Brightside, your out-of-pocket cost depends on your specific insurance plan — copays typically range from $15 to $30 per visit, plus any pharmacy copays for prescribed medications.

HSA/FSA eligibility

Both BetterHelp and Brightside accept health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards. This allows you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for subscriptions, copays, or other eligible mental healthcare expenses.

Self-pay pricing

BetterHelp self-pay pricing:

• $280 to $400 per month, billed weekly or every four weeks

• Includes one live session per week and unlimited messaging

• Additional sessions may be available for an extra fee

Brightside self-pay pricing:

• Psychiatry only: $95 per month plus pharmacy copays

• Therapy only: $299 per month

• Combined plan: $349 per month

• Additional 55-minute therapy sessions: $59 each

Mental health services offered

The range of services available is a key differentiator between these platforms. Your choice should depend on whether you need therapy alone or believe medication management could be part of your treatment plan, as well as the specific types of therapy that might best support your goals.

Treatment approaches offered by BetterHelp

BetterHelp focuses exclusively on talk therapy, connecting you with licensed professionals who use evidence-based methods. The platform offers over 20 clinical specialties but doesn't provide psychiatry or medication management services.

Common therapy approaches:

• 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

Treatment approaches offered by Brightside

Brightside provides integrated care combining therapy with psychiatric services when needed. The platform specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and related conditions using a data-driven approach.

Therapy approaches:

• Evidence-based therapy integrating Unified Protocol (UP)

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles

• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

• Behavioral activation (BA)

Brightside also offers psychiatry and medication management, but providers cannot prescribe controlled substances such as benzodiazepines or stimulants.

Treatment approaches offered by Rula

Rula connects you with a nationwide network of providers offering more than 180 clinical specialties and evidence-based treatment approaches, so you can find care that fits your specific needs, background, and goals.

Common approaches used by providers on Rula include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT))

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

• 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 treat a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, OCD, autism, addiction, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, and more—with options like family therapy available.

In addition to therapy, Rula offers medication management through licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) for people ages 13 and older.

Inclusivity and specialized care

Finding a provider who understands your unique background and experiences is crucial for effective therapy. Both platforms serve diverse populations but take different approaches to matching and specialization.

BetterHelp inclusivity and specialization overview

Licensure types: BetterHelp's network includes licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed psychologists with master's or doctoral degrees.

Specializations offered: The platform covers over 20 clinical specialties including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, grief, stress management, postpartum challenges, eating disorders, and substance use concerns. Therapists use evidence-based approaches tailored to your specific needs.

Languages available: While BetterHelp operates internationally in the UK, Australia, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, specific languages offered for therapy sessions aren't disclosed in available research.

Inclusivity factors: BetterHelp serves adults 18 and older, with teen services available through a separate platform called Teen Counseling for ages 13 to 19. The platform doesn't explicitly describe LGBTQ+ affirming care or cultural competency programs as platform-wide features, though you can specify preferences during matching.

Brightside inclusivity and specialization overview

Licensure types: Brightside's network includes licensed therapists for therapy services and psychiatric providers, including psychiatrists, physicians, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners for medication management.

Specializations offered: The platform specializes in anxiety, depression, and related conditions with all therapists experienced in evidence-based care for these areas. Specific conditions include generalized anxiety disorder, major depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and substance use disorders.

Languages available: Brightside offers translation services through interpreters for patients who need them, making care accessible to some non-English speakers, though specific languages aren't listed.

Inclusivity factors: Brightside serves patients ages 13 and up with parental consent required for minors, offering specialized teen care with fast appointment availability. While individual providers may specialize in LGBTQ+ care, this isn't described as a platform-wide filter or policy.

Platform availability and access

How easily you can access care significantly impacts your treatment experience and consistency. Factors like platform accessibility, geographic coverage, provider matching, and scheduling flexibility, are important to take into account when comparing BetterHelp and Brightside.

Rula offers appointment-based care in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with live video appointments via Zoom (and in-person therapy appointments with eligible providers). Appointments are commonly available as soon as tomorrow, and Rula handles matching and care coordination so you can focus on getting the care you need.

How access works with BetterHelp

BetterHelp offers wide-reaching access to care through a straightforward sign-up process and multiple options for connecting with your therapist.

States served: Available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with localized markets in the UK, Australia, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Matching process: After completing a brief questionnaire about your needs and preferences, you're matched with an available therapist, typically within 48 hours. You can switch therapists at any time for no additional cost.

Session formats: Each subscription includes one weekly live session — available via video, phone, or live chat — along with unlimited messaging between appointments. You have the flexibility to change how you connect with your therapist depending on what works best for you.

Scheduling: You coordinate session times directly with your provider, who sets their own hours. Many therapists are available during evenings and weekends.

App/portal experience: BetterHelp is accessible via iOS and Android apps and web browsers. The platform includes additional tools like digital journaling, worksheets, and goal-tracking features.

How access works with Brightside

Brightside's access model is built around its virtual-only platform and integrated mobile app experience.

States served: Brightside is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., for patients ages 13 and older (with parental consent required for minors). The platform operates entirely virtually with no in-person services.

Matching process: After completing a free clinical assessment about your symptoms and mental health needs, you'll add your insurance or payment details and get matched with an available provider. Many patients connect with their provider in as little as two days.

Session formats: All live appointments are conducted via video, with unlimited messaging available between sessions. Therapists typically respond within 24 hours on weekdays.

Scheduling: You can book appointments, including evenings and weekends, directly through the Brightside app or website. The platform offers flexible scheduling to fit your availability.

App/portal experience: Brightside's mobile app serves as the central hub for care. Through the app, you can manage appointments, message your care team, track progress with validated assessments, and access self-guided therapy lessons between sessions.

What each platform does best

Understanding what each platform does best can help you choose the option that aligns with your specific needs and priorities. While both provide quality virtual mental healthcare, they're designed with different strengths in mind.

BetterHelp excels when you need:

• Therapy-only services without medication management

• Maximum flexibility in communication methods (video, phone, live chat, messaging)

• Access to a large network of 35,000 therapists

• International availability in multiple countries

• A simple subscription model with predictable monthly costs

• Additional platform tools like journaling and goal tracking

Brightside excels when you need:

• Psychiatry and medication management services

• Combined therapy and psychiatric care in one platform

• Strong insurance acceptance including Medicare and Medicaid

• Fast provider matching in as little as two days

• Treatment for severe conditions or suicidal ideation

• Specialized teen care for ages 13 and up

Summary: Is BetterHelp or Brightside right for you?

The biggest difference between these platforms is their scope of services: BetterHelp offers therapy exclusively, while Brightside provides integrated therapy and psychiatry care. BetterHelp operates as a self-pay subscription service with limited insurance options, whereas Brightside works directly with major insurance plans to reduce your costs.

BetterHelp is likely the better choice if you're looking for flexible, accessible talk therapy and plan to pay out-of-pocket, want multiple communication options with your therapist, or need international availability. Brightside is better if you need medication as part of your treatment, want to use insurance to cover costs, are dealing with moderate to severe depression or anxiety, or need care for a teen aged 13 or older.

You could also consider Rula if you want scheduled, appointment-based care with the option to use insurance. The platform connects patients with 21,000+ licensed providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., offering therapy and psychiatry through virtual and in-person appointments. Rula confirms your estimated out-of-pocket cost upfront, and many insured patients pay around $15 per session.

FAQs

How do BetterHelp and Brightside differ when it comes to insurance coverage?

BetterHelp operates primarily as a self-pay subscription service with limited insurance acceptance that varies by plan and location — currently working with major carriers in only 17 states. Brightside accepts a wide range of major insurance plans, including Medicare and select Medicaid, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs depending on your specific plan and benefits.

How does switching providers work on BetterHelp vs. Brightside?

BetterHelp allows you to switch therapists at any time for no additional cost through their matching system. Brightside also makes it easy to switch providers; you can change your provider or therapist anytime directly from your account settings.

How do BetterHelp and Brightside compare in communication options?

BetterHelp offers four communication methods: messaging with your therapist, live chat, phone calls, and video conferencing, which you can use at different times based on your needs and convenience. Brightside provides video appointments for live sessions plus unlimited messaging between sessions.

Why choose Rula for quality of care?

Rula reports strong outcomes, with 93% of patients saying they feel better about their symptoms after receiving care, and it supports this with a nationwide network of 21,000+ licensed providers across 180+ clinical specialties and modalities. Unlike subscription-based platforms, Rula offers scheduled therapy and psychiatry appointments, accepts over 100 major insurance plans, and confirms your estimated out-of-pocket cost before your first session; many insured patients pay around $15 per session (cost varies by appointment type, benefits, and deductible).

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. Rula makes it straightforward to get started. You can verify your insurance benefits in minutes, browse providers who match your specific needs and preferences, see your estimated costs upfront, and often book your first appointment as soon as tomorrow. Whether you need therapy, psychiatry, or both, Rula connects you with the right care through your insurance, so you can focus on making real progress.