BetterHelp vs. Geode: Which is better for your needs?

Getting mental healthcare means weighing what actually matters for your situation, whether that's insurance coverage, treatment options, or how you prefer to connect with a provider. BetterHelp and Geode represent two distinct approaches: one offers online therapy across all 50 states, while the other combines in-person and online care with integrated psychiatry in select locations.

In this guide, we'll compare BetterHelp and Geode across cost, services, insurance acceptance, and accessibility to help you determine which platform fits your needs.

Rula is also worth considering as you explore your options. Rula connects patients with a nationwide network of 21,000+ licensed providers, accepts most major insurance plans, and offers both therapy and psychiatry through virtual and in-person care. For many people using insurance, sessions typically cost around $15, making it a more affordable option for comprehensive mental healthcare.

BetterHelp vs. Geode: Differences at a glance

BetterHelp and Geode take distinctly different approaches to mental healthcare delivery. If you're looking to find a therapist based on care type and availability, it's helpful to know that BetterHelp operates as a subscription-based online therapy platform with 35,000 therapists nationwide, while Geode combines in-person and virtual therapy care through physical clinic locations in six states with integrated psychiatry and therapy services.

Here's a look at their key differences.

Average cost per session:

• BetterHelp: $70-$100 per week subscription; $23 average copay per session with insurance

• Geode: Cost varies by insurance; self-pay rates available by contacting their office

Provider network size:

• BetterHelp: 35,000+ licensed therapists

• Geode: Provider count not publicly specified; employs a mix of psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatric physician assistants, and therapists

Communication options:

• BetterHelp: In-app messaging, live chat sessions, live phone sessions, and live video sessions (all virtual)

• Geode: In-person appointments at physical clinic locations, secure video visits, messaging between sessions

Treatment types:

• BetterHelp: Individual therapy only; couples therapy and teen counseling are available through sister companies

• Geode: Therapy, psychiatry, medication management, TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), and Spravato (intranasal Ketamine)

Insurance coverage:

• BetterHelp: Works with select insurance carriers in 17 states; it does not accept Medicare or Medicaid

• Geode: In-network with most commercial insurances and Medicare/Medicare Advantage plans

Geographic availability:

• BetterHelp: All 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., plus international operations in the UK, Australia, France, Germany, and the Netherlands

• Geode: Six states only — Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin

Specialty areas:

• BetterHelp: 20+ clinical specialties, including depression, anxiety, relationships, trauma, grief, and ADHD

• Geode: Five main treatment categories, with subcategories available

Specialized populations served:

• BetterHelp: Teen services are available through its sister site, Teen Counseling (ages 13-19); patients can indicate identity preferences for providers

• Geode: LGBTQ+-affirming clinicians; services for children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients

Care delivery model:

• BetterHelp: Virtual-only platform

• Geode: Hybrid model with physical and online options

BetterHelp at a glance

Founded in 2013, BetterHelp is a subscription-based online therapy platform with a network of 35,000 licensed therapists across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and several countries internationally. Therapy is delivered entirely online through messaging, live chat, phone, and video sessions, with each subscription including one live session per week plus unlimited messaging between appointments.

To get started, you complete a questionnaire and are typically matched with a therapist within 24 to 48 hours. Subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week and include access to additional tools like a digital journal, worksheets, and group webinars. BetterHelp works with select insurance carriers with an average copay of $23 where accepted, and HSA/FSA cards are also accepted. You can switch therapists at any time at no additional cost.

Geode at a glance

Founded in 2021, Geode Health is a hybrid mental healthcare provider that combines in-person and virtual care through physical clinic locations in six states: Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin. It brings local psychiatric practitioners and therapists together to deliver comprehensive, coordinated care, including therapy, psychiatry, medication management, and advanced treatments like TMS and Spravato. Geode focuses on making care accessible by accepting Medicare and most major commercial insurance plans, with same-week appointments available both in-person and virtually.

Initial appointments are typically 60 minutes long, and an intake team provides a confidential assessment to match you with a licensed professional. Geode treats a range of conditions, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and trauma, and positions its practices as safe and welcoming community spaces. To support patients, Geode also offers payment plans for those experiencing financial hardship.

Rula at a glance

Founded in 2019, Rula is a mental health platform that helps people find licensed providers covered by insurance and schedule care through its platform. Rula connects patients with a nationwide network of 21,000+ licensed providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with appointments delivered via live video and in-person therapy.

Rula offers multiple types of care, including individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, child therapy, teen therapy, and psychiatry for ages 13+. Before your first appointment, Rula verifies insurance and confirms an estimated out-of-pocket cost, and many people can find availability as soon as tomorrow. For people using insurance, Rula states patients typically pay about $15 per session, and self-pay rates are also available.

Clinical outcomes and how they compare

Clinical outcomes are one of the most important factors to weigh when comparing mental health platforms — they show whether care actually translates into real symptom improvement for patients.

BetterHelp clinical outcomes

BetterHelp's published 2024 outcomes data shows that 72% of patients experience a reduction in symptoms after receiving care, with 69% achieving reliable improvement. Furthermore, 62% of patients reach symptom remission.

Geode clinical outcomes

Geode reports that by the fourth month of treatment, 78% of patients showed significant improvements on their PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores.

Rula clinical outcomes

It’s also worth noting that Rula reports strong outcomes as well: 93% of patients reporting feeling better about their symptoms after receiving care through Rula, 94% report feeling at ease with their provider, and 98% confirm they were matched with someone who addressed their needs — outcomes that exceed national averages by more than 10%.

Cost and insurance coverage

BetterHelp and Geode take different approaches to cost and insurance acceptance. BetterHelp operates on a subscription model with limited insurance acceptance, while Geode is in-network with most major commercial plans and Medicare.

Insurance plans accepted

BetterHelp works with select insurance carriers in 17 states, though availability depends on your specific plan and location. Not all therapists on the platform accept insurance, and coverage is limited to certain states. BetterHelp does not accept Medicare or Medicaid.

Geode is in-network with most major commercial insurance plans and accepts Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Like BetterHelp, Geode does not accept Medicaid. For either platform, checking with your insurance provider before booking is the best way to confirm your specific coverage.

Rula is another option for people who want to use insurance. The network includes providers in-network with most major carriers — including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, Optum Behavioral Health, Oscar, and UnitedHealthcare — as well as Medicare and Managed Medicaid in select states. Rula verifies your benefits upfront and provides a cost estimate before your first appointment, so there are no surprises when your bill arrives.

Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)

For BetterHelp patients with an accepted insurance plan, the average copay is $23 per session. Keep in mind that insurance acceptance is limited and not all therapists on the platform accept it, so it's worth confirming coverage before signing up.

With Geode, copays and fees vary by insurance plan. To understand what you'll pay out of pocket, contact your insurance provider or reach out to a Geode office directly before booking.

HSA/FSA eligibility

BetterHelp explicitly accepts both health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards for payment. Geode's website does not clearly state HSA/FSA acceptance, so patients should verify eligibility with Geode before scheduling an appointment.

Self-pay pricing

BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or every four weeks, and include one live session plus unlimited messaging. Discounted rates are available for patients who demonstrate financial need.

Geode doesn't publish self-pay rates online — you'll need to contact their office directly for current pricing. Self-pay patients are required to sign an agreement outlining rates and financial requirements, and payment plans are available for those experiencing financial hardship.

Mental health services offered

The range of services and treatment approaches offered by each platform determines whether you can access comprehensive care for your specific needs. BetterHelp focuses exclusively on therapy, while Geode provides integrated psychiatry, medication management, and advanced treatment options.

Treatment approaches offered by BetterHelp

BetterHelp therapists are trained in a range of evidence-based approaches for individual therapy.

Common approaches include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

BetterHelp providers treat a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and grief, stress and burnout, ADHD, OCD, and substance use and eating disorders. The platform does not offer psychiatry or medication management.

Treatment approaches offered by Geode

Geode organizes its services around five core treatment categories, with more specific subcategories available within each:

• Depression and mood

• Behavioral and ADHD

• Past trauma

• Anxiety and panic

• Disordered eating

Advanced treatments include:

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive procedure for treatment-resistant depression, available at select locations

• Spravato® (esketamine): A nasal spray medication for treatment-resistant depression, available at select locations

Geode also offers psychiatry services including medication management through licensed psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.

Treatment approaches offered by Rula

Rula's nationwide network spans 180+ clinical specialties and evidence-based treatment approaches, giving you a wide range of options to find care that aligns with your needs, background, and goals.

Providers commonly use approaches such as:

• 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's network supports a broad range of mental health concerns — from anxiety, depression, and ADHD to trauma and PTSD, OCD, autism, and substance use. Psychiatry is also available through licensed PMHNPs for people ages 13 and older, keeping therapy and medication management under one roof.

Inclusivity and specialized care

Finding a provider who understands your unique identity and experiences is essential for effective therapy. Cultural competency, inclusive practices, and specialized expertise ensure you receive care that respects who you are and addresses your specific needs.

BetterHelp inclusivity and specialization overview

Licensure types: All providers are licensed therapists and mental health professionals, such as LCSWs, LMFTs, and LPCs. The platform does not have psychiatrists or other prescribers.

Specializations offered: BetterHelp's network covers over 20 clinical specialties, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, stress, and parenting issues.

Languages available: Specific languages are not listed, but its international operations suggest multilingual capabilities.

Inclusivity factors: The platform does not state an explicit LGBTQ-affirming or cultural competency program. Teen services are available through a separate platform, and patients can specify their preferences during the matching process.

Geode inclusivity and specialization overview

Licensure types: Geode employs a diverse team of psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), psychiatric physician assistants, and licensed therapists, including specialists in child and adolescent care.

Specializations offered: The platform focuses on a few core specialty areas, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, and trauma, along with medication management and advanced treatments.

Languages available: Geode doesn't specifically list the languages offered by its providers.

Inclusivity factors: Geode promotes an intentional culture of inclusion that is explicitly LGBTQIA+ affirming and addresses care barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals and queer people of color.

Platform availability and access

How quickly you can access care and the logistics of scheduling appointments significantly impact your treatment experience. Understanding each platform's availability, matching process, and session formats helps you choose a service that fits your schedule and preferences.

Rula is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with appointment-based care delivered via live video and in-person therapy available through provider-operated offices — many people can find availability as soon as the next day. The platform offers therapy and psychiatry in one platform, so patients can manage their care in a single place.

How access works with BetterHelp

States served: BetterHelp is available in all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and internationally in the UK, Australia, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Matching process: After completing an online questionnaire, you are typically matched with a therapist within 24 to 48 hours. You can switch providers at any time at no additional cost.

Session formats: All services are delivered virtually through four methods: in-app messaging, live chat, live phone sessions, and live video sessions.

Scheduling: Therapists set their own hours, offering flexible scheduling that includes late-night, weekend, and holiday availability.

App/portal experience: The platform is accessible via a mobile app and website, and it includes tools like a digital journal, worksheets, and goal tracking.

How access works with Geode

States served: Geode is only available in six states: Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Matching process: Patients can verify insurance to find in-network providers, then browse available therapists and psychiatric providers before booking an appointment.

Session formats: Geode offers a hybrid model, allowing you to choose between in-person appointments at physical clinics and secure online video visits.

Scheduling: Appointments are available within a week and can be managed online via the patient portal. Regular office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

App/portal experience: Geode does not have a mobile app but offers an online system for scheduling and secure messaging with your care team.

What each platform does best

Both platforms have real strengths, but they serve different needs — consider which features align with your specific needs and goals.

BetterHelp excels when you need:

• Nationwide access across all 50 states or international availability

• Completely virtual care with multiple communication methods (messaging, chat, phone, video)

• The flexibility to switch therapists easily and at no additional cost

• A predictable subscription model with potential financial aid

• A large provider network (35,000 therapists) and a quick matching process

Geode excels when you need:

• Comprehensive services, including psychiatry and medication management

• The option for in-person care at a physical clinic

• Advanced treatments like TMS or Spravato

• Same-week appointment availability

• Explicitly LGBTQ-affirming and culturally competent care

Summary: Is BetterHelp or Geode right for you?

BetterHelp and Geode serve meaningfully different needs. BetterHelp is a strong fit if you want nationwide access to virtual therapy with flexible communication options and a predictable weekly cost. Geode is the better option if you're in one of its six service states and need comprehensive psychiatric care, in-person appointments, or advanced treatments like TMS or Spravato® that aren't available through virtual-only platforms.

Insurance is worth factoring in as well. Geode is in-network with most major commercial plans and Medicare, while BetterHelp's insurance acceptance is more limited and excludes Medicare entirely.

Rula is worth considering, too. It combines broad insurance acceptance, a network of 21,000+ providers across all 50 states, and both therapy and psychiatry in one place — with 93% of patients reporting they feel better after care and most insured patients paying around $15 per session.

FAQs

Does BetterHelp or Geode offer access to psychiatrists?

BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists — including LCSWs, LMFTs, and LPCs — who provide therapy only and cannot prescribe medication. Geode's team includes psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and physician assistants alongside therapists, making it possible to receive both therapy and medication management through the same provider network.

Can BetterHelp or Geode prescribe medication if I need it?

BetterHelp therapists cannot prescribe medication — the platform does not employ psychiatrists or other prescribers. Geode's psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and physician assistants can prescribe medication and provide medical management for mental health conditions, making it the stronger option if medication may be part of your treatment.

How does switching providers work on BetterHelp compared with Geode?

BetterHelp allows you to switch therapists at any time for no additional cost through their platform, typically matching you with a new provider within 24 to 48 hours. Geode uses an intake team to conduct an assessment and match you with a licensed professional, with appointments typically available within a week — if your first match isn't the right fit, you can contact their team to discuss alternative options.

Why choose Rula for quality of care?

Rula is built around measurable outcomes and broad access to care. 93% of patients report feeling better after treatment, with results that exceed national benchmarks by more than 10% on average. With 21,000+ providers across 180+ specialties, appointments often available as soon as the next day, and most insured patients paying around $15 per session, Rula is a strong option for people who want quality care that's accessible and affordable.

Find care with Rula

Getting started with Rula is straightforward: verify your insurance, browse in-network providers who fit your needs, and book your first appointment — often as soon as tomorrow. You'll see your estimated out-of-pocket cost upfront, so there are no surprises when your bill arrives.

Whether you're looking for therapy, psychiatry, or both, Rula's network of 21,000+ licensed providers makes it easier to find the right fit and start making progress.