BetterHelp vs Thriveworks: Compare pricing, access, and services

When looking for the right mental health platform, it's important to weight what matters most to you — whether that's cost, insurance coverage, or the type of care you need. BetterHelp and Thriveworks both offer paths to online therapy, but they take distinct approaches. One is subscription-based and fully virtual; the other combines online and in-person care with broader insurance acceptance.

In this guide, we'll compare BetterHelp vs. Thriveworks across pricing, access, and therapist options. Understanding these differences can help you choose the platform that actually fits your situation.

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.

BetterHelp vs. Thriveworks: Differences at a glance

BetterHelp and Thriveworks take different approaches to mental healthcare delivery. If you're trying to find a therapist that fits your needs, it helps to know that BetterHelp operates as a subscription-based online therapy platform, while Thriveworks offers both in-person and online care through physical offices across the U.S.

Average cost per session:

• BetterHelp: $70 to $100 per week for a subscription that includes one live session and unlimited messaging; average copay is $23 per session with insurance

• Thriveworks: $0 to $55 copay per session with insurance; self-pay rates vary depending on session type and state

Provider network size:

• BetterHelp: 35,000 therapists

• Thriveworks: 2,600+ clinicians

Session formats:

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

• Thriveworks: In-person therapy, secure video sessions, and messaging through a client portal

Treatment types:

• BetterHelp: Individual therapy only; couples and teen counseling are available through sister sites, but the platform does not offer medication management

• Thriveworks: Individual therapy, psychiatry and medication management, couples and marriage counseling, child and teen therapy (ages 0-17), and family therapy

Insurance coverage:

• BetterHelp: Limited insurance acceptance that is dependent on your plan and location

• Thriveworks: Accepts over 360 insurance plans, including Medicare

Geographic availability:

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

• Thriveworks: 49 states and Washington, D.C. (excluding Vermont)

Specialty areas:

• BetterHelp: Over 20 clinical specialties, including depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and parenting issues

• Thriveworks: Specialties include ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, EMDR, and trauma/PTSD

Demographic and cultural considerations:

• BetterHelp: Specific inclusivity programs not explicitly described, but patients can indicate identity preferences for providers

• Thriveworks: Diverse clinician backgrounds; LGBTQIA+ affirming care; languages vary by location

Care delivery model:

• BetterHelp: Virtual-only platform

• Thriveworks: Hybrid model offering both in-person care and online video sessions

BetterHelp at a glance

Founded in 2013, BetterHelp is a subscription-based online therapy platform with a network of 35,000 licensed therapists. Subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week and include one live session plus unlimited messaging, with sessions available via in-app messaging, live chat, phone, or video. The platform does not offer psychiatry or medication management.

To get started, you complete a questionnaire and are typically matched with a therapist within 48 hours. Between sessions, you have access to supplementary tools like a digital journal, worksheets, and goal tracking. You can switch therapists at any time at no additional cost.

Thriveworks at a glance

Thriveworks is a clinician-founded mental health provider established in 2008 with a mission to make therapy work better for everyone. It operates on a hybrid model, combining online video sessions with a physical presence of over 340 offices across the U.S. This allows patients to choose the setting that works best for them. The platform's network of over 2,600 clinicians includes therapists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners, enabling it to offer comprehensive services like individual therapy, medication management, couples counseling, and family therapy for all ages. A key focus for Thriveworks is insurance acceptance, as it is in-network with over 360 plans.

Thriveworks prioritizes quick access to care, with most people attending their first session within a week of signing up. The platform offers flexible scheduling, including night and weekend appointments, and has live support available seven days a week. Instead of a subscription, Thriveworks uses a pay-per-session model with no membership fees, so you only pay for the appointments you attend. You can browse provider profiles online to find the right fit or call for assistance, and you can switch clinicians at any time without extra fees.

Rula at a glance

Founded in 2019, Rula is a mental health platform that helps people find licensed therapists 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., offering both live video appointments (using Zoom) and in-person therapy. Instead of a subscription model, Rula supports appointment-based care, with patients selecting a provider and booking a time that works for them.

Getting started with Rula is straightforward. After verifying insurance and sharing a few preferences, Rula provides a curated list of in-network providers along with an upfront estimate of their per-session cost — with many patients paying around $15 per session. From there, patients can review profiles, book an appointment (often as soon as the next day) and manage everything through a secure patient portal. If your first choice isn't the right match, Rula will help you switch to a different provider in its network.

Clinical outcomes and how they compare

When choosing a mental health platform, understanding clinical outcomes helps you evaluate whether the care provided leads to measurable improvements. Evidence-based approaches ensure that treatment methods are effective and grounded in research.

BetterHelp clinical outcomes

According to BetterHelp's 2024 outcomes data, 72% of patients experience a reduction in symptoms, 69% achieve reliable improvement, and 62% reach symptom remission.

Thriveworks clinical outcomes

Thriveworks reports that 75% of individuals with depression or anxiety feel better within three months of treatment. It also emphasizes the therapeutic relationship, with 96% of patients feeling truly supported and understood by their therapist.

Rula clinical outcomes

Rula tracks clinical outcomes with a focus on symptom relief and the quality of the patient-provider relationship. According to platform data, 93% of patients say their symptoms have improved, 94% report feeling at ease with their provider, and 98% confirm they were matched with someone who addressed their needs — figures that exceed national averages by more than 10%.

Cost and insurance coverage

BetterHelp and Thriveworks take different approaches to insurance and pricing. BetterHelp operates primarily as a subscription service with limited insurance acceptance, while Thriveworks accepts over 360 insurance plans and offers traditional per-session billing.

Insurance plans accepted

BetterHelp partners with major insurance carriers in 17 states, but specific carriers and plan details aren’t publicly listed. Acceptance is limited and depends on your specific insurance plan and location.

Thriveworks accepts 360+ commercial insurance plans and Medicare, but does not accept Medicaid. The platform verifies your coverage during onboarding so you can see your expected costs before your first visit.

Another option to consider is Rula, which works with many major insurance plans and shares a personalized cost estimate before your first appointment. Therapists on Rula are in-network with coverage from providers like Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, Optum Behavioral Health, and UnitedHealthcare, with Medicare and Medicaid also accepted.

Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)

For patients whose plans are accepted by BetterHelp, the average out-of-pocket copay is about $23 per session — what you'll pay is highly dependent on your specific plan and location.

With Thriveworks, the typical copay for an insured patient ranges from $0 to $55 per session. The final cost depends on your individual insurance plan's details, such as your deductible and coinsurance.

HSA/FSA eligibility

Both BetterHelp and Thriveworks accept health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards for payment. This allows you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for your care.

Self-pay pricing

BetterHelp uses a subscription model with consistent weekly pricing, while Thriveworks charges per session with rates that vary by state and service type.

Betterhelp's subscription ranges from $70 to $100 per week, which is typically billed every four weeks for a total of $280 to $400 per month. The subscription covers one live session per week (via video, phone, or chat) and unlimited messaging with your therapist.

Thriveworks self-pay rates vary depending on the session type and state:

• Initial therapy session: $200 to $240, depending on your state

• Ongoing therapy sessions: $160 to $195 per session, depending on your state

• Initial psychiatry appointment: $300 to $375

• Ongoing psychiatry sessions: $210 to $300

Mental health services offered

The range of services a platform offers determines whether it can meet your specific mental health needs. Understanding what types of therapy, treatment approaches, and specialized services are available helps you find the right fit for your situation.

Treatment approaches offered by BetterHelp

BetterHelp focuses on providing individual therapy for adults, with specialized services for couples and teens available through its sister sites, Regain and Teen Counseling. The platform does not offer medication management or psychiatric services.

Therapy modalities and approaches 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

Treatment approaches offered by Thriveworks

Thriveworks offers a comprehensive suite of services for individuals, couples, families, and children. This includes individual therapy, psychiatry for medication management, and specialized counseling for different age groups and relationship dynamics.

Therapy modalities and approaches include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

• Evidence-based psychotherapy

• Talk therapy

• Behavioral therapy

Treatment approaches offered by Rula

Rula connects patients with licensed providers who offer appointment-based mental healthcare, including individual, couples, and family therapy, as well as psychiatry (medication management). With a nationwide network spanning 180+ clinical specialties and modalities, Rula can help you find care for a wide range of needs — including anxiety, ADHD, autism, trauma and PTSD, OCD, and addiction.

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

Inclusivity and specialized care

Finding a provider who understands your unique background, identity, and experiences is essential for effective therapy. True inclusivity means more than a diverse provider directory — it's built on language availability, specialized expertise, and a commitment to identity-affirming care.

BetterHelp inclusivity and specialization overview

Licensure types: BetterHelp's network has 35,000 licensed therapists and mental health professionals. The platform does not include psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners, so providers cannot prescribe medication.

Specializations offered: With over 20 clinical specialties, you can find a therapist who focuses on issues like depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, stress, and parenting. The intake questionnaire helps match you with a provider based on your specific needs.

Languages available: The specific languages supported by BetterHelp providers are not listed on its website. However, its international presence suggests that multilingual therapists are available.

Inclusivity factors: BetterHelp offers teen services for ages 13-19 through its sister site, Teen Counseling. The platform does not explicitly state that it has an LGBTQIA+ affirming program or a formal cultural competency program, but you can specify your preferences during the matching process.

Thriveworks inclusivity and specialization overview

Licensure types: The Thriveworks network includes therapists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners. This mix of provider types allows for comprehensive care that includes both talk therapy and medication management.

Specializations offered: Providers at Thriveworks specialize in treating a range of conditions, including ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, and trauma, using evidence-based approaches like EMDR. Treatment is tailored to each patient's needs.

Languages available: The provider network includes clinicians who speak multiple languages, such as Russian, English, Spanish, Creole, French, and Arabic. Language availability varies by location and provider.

Inclusivity factors: Thriveworks offers LGBTQIA+ counseling for issues related to mental health and identity. It also provides services for children and teens and has specialized therapy formats for couples and families.

Platform availability and access

How quickly you can access care and the logistics of scheduling sessions can significantly impact your therapy experience. Platform accessibility, including geographic coverage, the matching process, and scheduling flexibility, determines whether treatment can realistically fit into your life.

Rula is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. You can verify your insurance, match with in-network providers for therapy or psychiatry, and schedule your first appointment — often as soon as tomorrow. Rula offers both live video sessions on Zoom and in-person appointments, handling the logistics so you can focus on getting care.

How access works with BetterHelp

States served: BetterHelp is a virtual-only platform available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. It also operates internationally in the UK, Australia, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Matching process: After you complete an online questionnaire, BetterHelp matches you with a therapist, typically within 48 hours. You can switch therapists at any time for no additional cost.

Session formats: The platform is entirely virtual, offering multiple ways to communicate with your therapist. A subscription includes one live session per week (via video, phone, or chat) plus unlimited asynchronous messaging.

Scheduling: Therapists set their own hours, offering flexible scheduling options that may include late-night, weekend, or holiday appointments. You can view a therapist's schedule and book a time that works for you.

App/portal experience: BetterHelp is available as a mobile app for Android and iOS and can also be accessed through a web browser. The platform includes tools like a digital journal, worksheets, and progress tracking features.

How access works with Thriveworks

States served: Thriveworks offers a hybrid model with in-person care available at over 340 office locations. Online therapy is available in 49 states and Washington, D.C.

Matching process: You can browse provider profiles online to choose a therapist or call for help with matching. Most people are able to start therapy within one week of signing up.

Session formats: You can choose between in-person therapy at a physical office or secure video sessions. The platform also offers between-session messaging through its client portal, though this is not a primary feature.

Scheduling: You can book appointments online or by phone, with night and weekend availability. You can reschedule or cancel for free up to 48 hours before your appointment, and payment is not required until after your session.

App/portal experience: Thriveworks has a client portal for messaging and offers progress tracking and goal-setting features. The platform does not have a dedicated mobile app.

What each platform does best

Whether you prioritize insurance coverage, scheduling flexibility, or access to medication management, understanding each service's unique advantages helps you find the right fit.

BetterHelp excels when you need:

• A virtual-only therapy experience accessible from anywhere

• Flexible communication options, including messaging, live chat, phone, and video

• Continuous support through unlimited messaging between sessions

• A predictable subscription cost with financial aid options available

• A large network of 35,000 therapists to choose from

• Additional self-care tools like a digital journal and worksheets

Thriveworks excels when you need:

• The option for in-person therapy at a physical office

• To use your insurance, as it accepts over 360 plans, including Medicare

• Comprehensive services that include psychiatry and medication management

• Care for your whole family, including children, teens, and couples.

• Flexible scheduling with night and weekend appointments

• A pay-per-session model with no subscription or membership fees

Summary: Is BetterHelp or Thriveworks right for you?

BetterHelp and Thriveworks both offer paths to mental healthcare, but they're designed around different experiences. BetterHelp is built as a subscription-based, virtual-only platform with 35,000 therapists focused on individual therapy — ideal if you want unlimited messaging, flexible communication formats, and predictable monthly costs. Thriveworks is often a better fit for people who prioritize insurance acceptance and in-person options, with 340+ physical offices and coverage through 360+ insurance plans.

You could also consider Rula as another option. Rula offers appointment-based therapy and psychiatry (medication management) in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with live video sessions on Zoom and in-person therapy at provider-operated offices, often with appointments available as soon as tomorrow. Rula works with insurance and shares an estimated out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment (with patients typically paying about $15 per session).

FAQs

How do BetterHelp and Thriveworks differ in pricing and billing?

BetterHelp operates on a subscription model, charging $70 to $100 per week (billed monthly at $280 to $400), which you can cancel at any time for any reason. Thriveworks uses a pay-per-session model with no membership fees, meaning you only pay for the appointments you attend —and you won't be charged until after your session.

Can I use insurance with BetterHelp vs. Thriveworks?

BetterHelp has limited insurance acceptance that depends on your specific plan and location, with an average copay of $23 per session where insurance is accepted. Thriveworks accepts over 360 insurance plans, with typical copays ranging from $0 to $55 per session.

Do BetterHelp and Thriveworks both offer psychiatry and medication management?

BetterHelp focuses exclusively on individual therapy and does not offer medication management or psychiatric services. Thriveworks offers comprehensive services including both therapy and psychiatry, with psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medications like antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers, and in some states, stimulants for adult ADHD.

Why choose Rula for quality of care?

Rula puts measurable outcomes at the center of care, with 93% of patients reporting they feel better about their symptoms after receiving care through Rula — alongside a nationwide network of 21,000+ licensed providers across 180+ clinical specialties and modalities. Rula offers therapy and psychiatry through both virtual and in-person appointments, works with many major insurance plans, and provides an estimated out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment (with many patients paying around $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 make progress. Rula makes it straightforward to get started: verify your insurance in minutes, browse providers who specialize in what you're looking for, and see your estimated costs upfront before you book. Many appointments are available as soon as tomorrow, so you can receive real support without unnecessary delays.

Whether you need therapy, psychiatry, or both, Rula's network is built to help you find the right match and start making measurable progress on your mental health journey.