Brightside offers nationwide virtual-only care with transparent pricing: Available in all 50 states with subscription-based plans ($95/month for psychiatry, $299/month for therapy), making it ideal for those who prefer predictable costs and online convenience.
Geode Health provides hybrid in-person and virtual care in six states: Physical clinics in Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin offer face-to-face options plus advanced treatments like TMS and Spravato for treatment-resistant conditions.
Insurance coverage differs significantly between platforms: Brightside accepts some Medicaid plans alongside commercial insurance and Medicare, while Geode Health insurance does not include Medicaid but works with most commercial plans and Medicare.
Clinical outcomes are strong for both, with different measurement timelines: Brightside reports 86% of patients show clinically significant improvement within 12 weeks, while Geode Health reports 78% improvement by month four of treatment.
Inclusivity approaches vary: Geode Health explicitly emphasizes LGBTQIA+ affirming care with a focus on queer people of color, while Brightside offers translation services and teen care starting at age 13.
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.
Choosing a mental health platform can feel daunting when you're navigating stress or anxiety, particularly when you're comparing online therapy with traditional face-to-face options. While Brightside and Geode Health both deliver quality mental healthcare, their models differ significantly. Brightside operates entirely online with coast-to-coast availability, whereas Geode Health blends physical clinic locations with virtual care in a handful of states.
In this guide, we'll break down how these two platforms compare on cost, services, insurance coverage, and accessibility. Whether you prefer the convenience of online-only care or want an in-person option, understanding these differences can help you choose the path that actually fits your life.
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.
Brightside vs. Geode: Differences at a glance
Both Brightside and Geode Health provide mental healthcare, but they differ significantly in how they deliver it. And if you’re trying to find a therapist, these differences can shape what’s easiest to access. Brightside operates as a nationwide virtual-only platform with a subscription model, while Geode Health combines in-person and virtual care through physical clinics in six states.
Average cost per session:
Brightside: Offers monthly subscriptions that include sessions; plans are $95/month for Brightside psychiatry, $299/month for therapy, or $349/month for both
Geode: Costs vary by insurance plan; exact costs aren't available online
Number of providers:
Brightside: Total number of providers is not publicly disclosed
Geode: Total provider count is unlisted; team includes psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and therapists
Modes of communication:
Brightside: Care is delivered through video sessions and unlimited messaging with your provider
Geode: Offers in-person and virtual appointments
Services offered:
Brightside: Provides psychiatry, therapy, a combined psychiatry and therapy plan, a suicide prevention program, and specialized care for teens ages 13 and up
Geode: Provides therapy, psychiatry, medication management, psychotherapy, and advanced treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Spravato (intranasal Ketamine)
Insurance acceptance:
Brightside: Accepts many major commercial insurance plans, Medicare (including Original Medicare Part B and select Medicare Advantage plans), and some state-specific Medicaid plans
Geode: In-network with most commercial insurances and Medicare, but doesn't accept Medicaid
States covered:
Brightside: Available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Geode: Available in six states: Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin
Number of specialties offered:
Brightside: Treats over 16 specific conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD (with non-stimulant medication), PTSD, and bipolar disorder
Geode: Nine main conditions, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, OCD, mood disorders, disordered eating, and trauma
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Brightside: Features a dedicated suicide prevention program, teen care for ages 13 and up, and offers translation services with interpreters
Geode: Provides LGBTQIA+ affirming care and specialized services for children and adolescents
Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:
Brightside: A 100% virtual-only telehealth platform
Geode: Hybrid model with physical locations and secure online video visits
Brightside at a glance
Brightside is a nationwide virtual mental health platform founded in 2017, designed for people who prefer online therapy. The company focuses on precision treatment at scale through tech-enabled care. Its subscription-based model offers psychiatry, therapy, or a combination of both for patients ages 13 and up. The platform is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and appointments can often be scheduled in as little as two days.
The cost structure includes $95 per month for psychiatry, $299 per month for therapy, and $349 per month for both. To sign up, you take a free clinical assessment, add insurance or select a self-pay plan, and book your first session. Therapy subscriptions include four 30-minute video appointments per month, unlimited messaging, and a mobile app for managing care.
Geode at a glance
Geode Health is a hybrid mental health provider founded in 2021 that offers both physical clinics and virtual care options. The organization focuses on accessible and effective care. A unified team model brings psychiatric practitioners and therapists together under one roof in six states: Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.
You can typically schedule same-week appointments in person or virtually. Provider types include psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatric PAs, and therapists. They also provide advanced treatments like TMS and Spravato alongside traditional therapy and medication management.
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. It connects people with a nationwide network of more than 21,000 licensed providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with appointments commonly available as soon as tomorrow. Care is appointment-based, and people can book telehealth visits via live video (Zoom), with in-person therapy also available.
Rula offers individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, child therapy (ages 5+), teen therapy, and psychiatry (medication management) for ages 13+. The platform works with insurance and also offers self-pay rates, and it will confirm an estimated out-of-pocket cost before the first appointment. People using insurance typically pay about $15 per session, while self-pay rates are $150 per session for individual therapy and $165 per session for family or couples therapy (psychiatry self-pay is $225 for an initial intake 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 critical indicators of whether a mental health platform delivers measurable improvement. Both platforms track patient progress with standardized assessment tools to ensure care is actually helping.
Brightside clinical outcomes
Brightside serves a high-acuity population, with 75% of incoming patients having severe or moderately severe depression and 47% reporting suicidal ideation. Across the entire patient population, 86% experience clinically significant improvement within 12 weeks, and 71% achieve remission. The platform uses measurement-based care with regular PHQ-9 and GAD-7 check-ins to monitor progress.
Geode clinical outcomes
Geode Health tracks results to demonstrate value at each visit using evidence-based methods. By month four of treatment, 78% of patients show significant improvements in their PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores. Their unified team approach coordinates care among specialists to address negative thought patterns effectively.
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
Brightside offers transparent self-pay subscriptions and accepts major insurance plans, including Medicare and some Medicaid plans. Geode Health works primarily through insurance with most commercial plans and Medicare, but they do not publicly list specific self-pay rates.
Insurance plans accepted
Brightside insurance networks:
Commercial/Exchange: Brightside partners with Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare (across all states), Ambetter, Allegiance, Meritain, and select Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, and Highmark plans depending on your state.
Medicare: Brightside works with Original Medicare Part B in all states, plus certain Medicare Advantage plans through UnitedHealthcare, Wellcare, and state-specific Blue Cross Blue Shield plans.
Medicaid: Brightside accepts certain Medicaid plans in North Carolina, Nebraska, and Oregon.
Geode Health insurance networks:
Commercial/Exchange: Geode Health works with the majority of major commercial insurance carriers. Coverage specifics depend on your state and plan, so you'll want to confirm directly with Geode or your insurer.
Medicare: Geode Health is in-network with Medicare, covering both Original Medicare and certain Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicaid: Geode Health doesn't currently accept Medicaid coverage.
If you're considering Rula, the platform is designed to simplify the insurance process. Providers on Rula accept most major insurance carriers, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, Optum Behavioral Health, and UnitedHealthcare. Your out-of-pocket costs depend on your specific plan, and Rula provides an estimated cost upfront before you schedule your first session.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
Brightside allows patients to add insurance during sign-up to confirm coverage and copays. Specific copays vary by plan and are confirmed during enrollment. You can use insurance for both psychiatry and therapy services.
Geode Health co-payments and fees vary by insurance plan. Patients should check with their insurer or contact the Geode office for specific cost information.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Brightside explicitly accepts both HSA and FSA cards for copays, bills, or prescriptions, enabling pre-tax payments. Geode Health mentions accepting credit cards, debit cards, and HSA cards for electronic submissions, though FSA acceptance is not explicitly confirmed.
Self-pay pricing
Brightside self-pay rates:
Psychiatry: $95 per month for medication management
Therapy: $299 per month for four video sessions and unlimited messaging
Psychiatry + therapy: $349 per month for combined care
Additional therapy: $59 per 55-minute session
Geode requires all self-pay patients to sign an agreement outlining the cost for each service and detailing financial expectations. Self-pay rates are described as competitive for uninsured patients, but exact pricing isn't available online — you'll need to reach out to the office directly for specific costs.
Mental health services offered
The range of services matters because needs vary, as some people benefit most from therapy alone while others need medication management. Both platforms offer core psychiatry and therapy, but they differ in specialized options like fully online programs or in-clinic advanced treatments.
Treatment approaches offered by Brightside
Brightside's primary focus is treating anxiety and depression, though the platform also provides care for ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, postpartum depression, and substance use disorder.
Therapeutic approaches include:
Evidence-based therapy incorporating the Unified Protocol (UP)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Behavioral activation (BA)
The platform also provides psychiatry services and medication management alongside therapy.
Treatment approaches offered by Geode
Geode structures its care around five main treatment areas, each with specialized support options:
Depression and mood
Behavioral and ADHD
Past trauma
Anxiety and panic
Disordered eating
When traditional approaches haven't been effective, Geode provides advanced treatment options:
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive treatment for depression that hasn't responded to other interventions, offered at certain clinic locations
Spravato® (esketamine): A prescription nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, offered at certain clinic locations
Medication management and psychiatry services are delivered by Geode's licensed psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Through a network of over 21,000 providers, Rula offers therapy and psychiatry services, including medication management, across 180+ clinical specialties and treatment modalities. This wide-ranging network means you can find care that's specifically suited to your mental health needs.
Common therapeutic approaches available through Rula providers include:
Trauma-focused methods, including EMDR and prolonged exposure therapy
Internal family systems (IFS)) and attachment-based therapy
Couples and family therapy methods, including the Gottman Method and emotionally focused therapy (EFT))
Mindfulness-based and somatic approaches
With this range of treatment options, Rula providers can support concerns such as anxiety, ADHD, autism, trauma and PTSD, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Providers on Rula also offer care for substance use concerns, including addiction.
Inclusivity and specialized care
Feeling comfortable with your provider is essential to making progress in therapy. Inclusivity goes beyond availability, as providers need training and cultural competency to meet your specific needs.
Brightside inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Therapists on the platform have earned master's or doctoral degrees in clinical psychology or social work, and psychiatric care is provided by psychiatrists, physicians, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs).
Specializations offered: Brightside addresses more than 16 mental health conditions and provides specialized programming for patients with high-acuity needs, including a dedicated Suicide Prevention Program.
Languages available: Interpreter-assisted translation services are offered for patients requiring language support.
Inclusivity factors: The platform provides specialized care for teens starting at age 13, with an emphasis on clinical accessibility and evidence-based approaches.
Geode inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Providers include board-certified psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatric PAs, and licensed therapists.
Specializations offered: Geode treats nine primary conditions and offers advanced treatments like TMS and Spravato for treatment-resistant depression.
Languages available: Specific languages offered or translation services are not detailed on the platform.
Inclusivity factors: Geode makes an explicit commitment to LGBTQIA+ affirming care and addresses barriers for queer people of color.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Platform availability and access
Access affects whether you can stick with treatment, including how quickly you can book and whether you need to travel. If you’re considering Rula too, it’s available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with appointments commonly available as soon as tomorrow.
How access works with Brightside
States served: Brightside operates as a virtual telehealth platform across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Matching process: After completing a free clinical assessment and entering your insurance information or choosing self-pay, you can schedule your first appointment with a matched provider.
Session formats: Psychiatry includes video appointments and unlimited messaging with a 72-hour response time. Therapy subscriptions provide four 30-minute video sessions monthly plus unlimited messaging with 24-hour weekday responses.
Scheduling: First appointments are frequently available within two days, and many providers have evening and weekend availability. All scheduling can be handled through the Brightside app or website.
App/portal experience: Through the Brightside Health app, you can book sessions, communicate with your care team via messaging, monitor your progress using clinical assessments, and explore self-guided educational content.
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 paired with a licensed professional who fits their particular needs.
Session formats: Geode offers both face-to-face appointments at their clinic locations and secure virtual video sessions.
Scheduling: Most patients can get an appointment within the same week, typically within seven days. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
App/portal experience: You can schedule appointments online and use secure messaging for non-urgent questions. Geode does not have a mobile app.
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.
Brightside excels when you need:
Nationwide access across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
100% virtual convenience with evening and weekend appointment options
Transparent subscription pricing for straightforward budgeting
Quick access to care, often in as little as two days
Unlimited messaging between video sessions for ongoing support
Care for high-acuity conditions, including severe depression and suicidal ideation
Geode excels when you need:
In-person care options at physical clinics in six specific states
Hybrid flexibility to switch between face-to-face and virtual visits
Advanced treatment options like TMS and Spravato for treatment-resistant conditions
LGBTQIA+ affirming care with a specific focus on queer people of color
A coordinated team approach where mental health specialists work together under one roof
Payment plans for financial assistance during hardship
Summary: Is Brightside or Geode right for you?
Brightside and Geode take different approaches to mental healthcare. Brightside is a nationwide, virtual-only platform with transparent subscription pricing and unlimited provider messaging. Geode offers hybrid in-person and virtual care through community-based clinics in six states, with an insurance-based model and specialized interventions like TMS.
Brightside may be the better fit for people who need nationwide access, prefer virtual care, or want specialized support for high-acuity conditions. Geode tends to work well for people in one of its service states who prefer in-person appointments or prioritize LGBTQIA+ affirming care.
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.
FAQ
Where is Brightside available?
Brightside is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., but it operates as a 100% virtual platform with no in-person appointments. Geode Health offers both in-person care at physical clinics and virtual visits, but it's only available in six states: Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Does Brightside or Geode accept insurance?
Both platforms accept insurance, but their coverage differs. Brightside accepts major commercial plans along with Original Medicare Part B, multiple Medicare Advantage plans, and select Medicaid plans, and verifies your coverage and copay during sign-up. Geode accepts Medicare and most major commercial insurance plans in its local markets, though it does not accept Medicaid. Both platforms show expected costs before you book your first appointment.
Does Brightside 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. Brightside is virtual-only, with all sessions delivered through video. 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?
Rula stands out on measured results, with 93% of people reporting they felt better about their symptoms after care and 74% showing significant improvement in anxiety and depression scores. You also get breadth without losing affordability: 21,000+ providers across 180+ specialties, therapy and psychiatry with virtual (Zoom) and in-person therapy options, most major insurance plans accepted with upfront cost estimates, and many insured patients paying about $15 per session.
Find care with Rula
Choosing between mental health platforms is an important decision — one that can shape how supported you feel and how much progress you make. If you're ready to move forward, Rula makes it straightforward to get started. You can verify your insurance in minutes, browse providers who match what you're looking for, and often book your first appointment as soon as tomorrow. You'll see your estimated cost upfront, so there are no surprises — just a clear path to care that fits your life.
Rula Health
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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.
