Brightside focuses on clinical treatment: The platform specializes in psychiatry and therapy for diagnosed conditions like anxiety and depression, using a subscription model ($95–$349/month) that includes unlimited provider messaging and structured, evidence-based protocols.
Headspace blends therapy with wellness tools: Beyond professional therapy, Headspace offers 1,000+ guided meditations, sleep content, text-based coaching, and an AI companion (ideal if you want a holistic approach without a subscription commitment).
Insurance coverage differs between platforms: Brightside accepts Original Medicare Part B, while Headspace does not. Both accept major commercial plans, but Headspace's pay-per-session model may result in lower costs ($0–$35) for insured members compared to Brightside's monthly subscription.
Communication styles vary significantly: Brightside offers unlimited messaging with providers between sessions (24–72 hour response times), while Headspace provides no between-session messaging for therapy but includes AI support and self-guided content.
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 online therapy platform can feel overwhelming when each option promises something different. Brightside and Headspace both offer virtual mental health support, but they're built for distinct needs: Brightside focuses on clinical psychiatry and therapy for conditions like anxiety and depression, while Headspace combines professional care with meditation and mindfulness tools.
In this guide, we'll compare these two online therapy platforms across key factors including cost, services, insurance coverage, and clinical outcomes. Understanding these differences can help you choose the option that best fits your mental health goals.
You could also consider Rula when exploring online 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. Headspace: Differences at a glance
Brightside and Headspace both offer online mental health support, but they’re designed to meet different needs. Here are the key differences between the two across the factors that matter most.
Average cost per session:
Brightside: Self-pay plans are $95 per month for psychiatry, $299 per month for therapy, or $349 per month for both; copays vary with insurance
Headspace: Most members pay between $0 and $35 per session with insurance; the self-pay rate is $149 per session
Number of providers:
Brightside: Not publicly disclosed
Headspace: Not publicly disclosed
Rula: 21,000+ licensed providers
Modes of communication:
Brightside: Video sessions and unlimited messaging
Headspace: vVdeo sessions and coaching done through text-based chat; no between-session messaging with therapists
Services offered:
Brightside: Services include psychiatry, therapy, a combined psychiatry and therapy plan, medication management, a suicide prevention program, and care for teens ages 13 and up
Headspace: Services include therapy, psychiatry, coaching, guided meditations, sleep content, mindfulness tools, employee assistance program (EAP) services, and an AI companion
Insurance acceptance:
Brightside: Accepts major insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, various Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, Original Medicare Part B, and select Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans
Headspace: Accepts major insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and Anthem, as well as select Medicare Advantage (Part C) and managed Medicaid plans
States covered:
Brightside: Available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Headspace: Available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Number of specialties offered:
Brightside: Treats many conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and PTSD
Headspace: Focuses on six primary areas: anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, sleep, and grief
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Brightside: Offers teen services for ages 13 and up, a dedicated suicide prevention program, and provides translation services with an interpreter
Headspace: Emphasizes culturally responsive care, with 54% of its coaches identifying as BIPOC; services are available in English, Spanish, and French
Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:
Brightside: 100% virtual services
Headspace: Virtual-only therapy
Brightside at a glance
Brightside is a virtual mental health platform founded in 2017 that specializes in precision treatment for anxiety, depression, and a range of related conditions. The platform's mission is to provide tech-enabled care that removes obstacles, delivers targeted treatment, and monitors patient progress throughout their care journey.
Brightside is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with appointments often available in as little as two days. Patients can manage their care through a comprehensive mobile app, which allows them to schedule appointments, message providers, track their progress, and access resources. The platform's unique features include unlimited messaging with providers, a specialized suicide prevention program, and dedicated care for teens starting at age 13.
Headspace at a glance
Headspace, founded in 2010, began as a popular meditation and mindfulness app and has since expanded to offer clinical therapy and psychiatry. The platform positions itself as an everyday mental health companion, providing personalized support that ranges from self-guided tools to professional clinical care. It combines a library of over 1,000 guided meditations and sleep content with traditional therapy and coaching services.
Headspace is available across all 50 states, with appointments typically available within two days. The platform's mobile app is central to its experience, offering everything from meditation sessions to an AI companion named "Ebb" for between-session support. Headspace also provides text-based coaching and a free version of its app with mindfulness tools for teens ages 13 to 18 in the U.S.
Rula at a glance
Founded in 2019, Rula is a mental health platform that helps people find licensed therapists and psychiatric practitioners covered by their insurance and book appointments online. Rula's nationwide network spans 21,000+ providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., offering therapy for people ages 5+ and psychiatry (medication management) for ages 13+.
Patients can choose from individual, couples, family, child, and teen therapy, with sessions held via live video on Zoom or in person. After verifying insurance, patients can browse a curated list of in-network providers, filter by preferences like specialty and language, and see an estimated out-of-pocket cost before their first appointment. Many patients using insurance pay around $15 per session (costs vary by plan), and appointments are often available as soon as tomorrow.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Clinical outcomes and how they compare
Evidence-based approaches and measurable clinical outcomes are essential indicators of effective mental healthcare. Both Brightside and Headspace use validated clinical measures to track patient progress and demonstrate the effectiveness of their services.
Brightside clinical outcomes
According to Brightside's reported data, 86% of patients see clinically meaningful improvement within 12 weeks, with 71% reaching remission. The platform monitors this progress through measurement-based care, conducting regular check-ins using validated tools such as the PHQ-9 (for depression) and GAD-7 (for anxiety).
Headspace clinical outcomes
According to Headspace's reported data, 72% of users report reduced anxiety after six weeks of care. Within the same timeframe, 75% of users experience improvement in symptoms related to depression.
Rula clinical outcomes
Rula measures success by tracking clinical improvement and the strength of the patient-provider connection: According to platform data, 93% of patients experience symptom relief, 94% report feeling comfortable with their provider, and 98% were paired with someone who met their individual preferences — outcomes that surpass national averages by more than 10%.
Cost and insurance coverage
Both Brightside and Headspace accept major insurance plans and offer self-pay options, but their pricing structures are quite different. Brightside uses a monthly subscription model, while Headspace offers pay-per-session pricing for therapy.
Insurance plans accepted
Brightside insurance networks:
Commercial plans: Aetna, Ambetter, Anthem (CA only), Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and various Blue Cross Blue Shield state plans
Medicaid plans: Accepts plans in certain states, including CareOregon, Carolina Complete (NC), Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW), Molina Healthcare (NE only), Nebraska Total Care, UnitedHealthcare (NC and NE only), WellCare of North Carolina
Medicare plans: Original Medicare Part B (nationwide), UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (nationwide), Wellcare (nationwide), and several state-specific Medicare Advantage plans
Headspace insurance networks:
Commercial plans: Partners with major health insurance providers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and Anthem
Medicaid plans: Accepts select Medicare Advantage plans (Part C)
Medicare plans: Accepts managed Medicaid care plans like AmeriHealth Caritas D.C. and Castell in Utah
If you’re looking for online therapy that takes insurance, Rula is in-network with most major commercial plans, including Aetna, Anthem, most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente (by referral), Optum, Oscar, and UnitedHealthcare. Rula also accepts Medicare and Medicaid coverage for select states and insurers, and shares an estimated out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
For Brightside, your copay will depend on your specific insurance plan. You can verify your coverage and estimated cost during the sign-up process before committing to your first appointment. The platform handles the details to confirm your benefits.
With Headspace, most members pay between $0 and $35 per session when using their insurance. The platform allows you to check your eligibility and see your estimated cost per session before you book, and its pay-as-you-go model means there is no subscription required.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Both platforms make it easy to use pre-tax health savings. Brightside accepts health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards for direct payment of copays, bills, and prescriptions. Headspace also accepts HSA/FSA cards but notes that you will likely need a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a provider to comply with IRS guidelines.
Self-pay pricing
Brightside self-pay:
Psychiatry only: $95 per month
Therapy only: $299 per month (includes four 30-minute video sessions)
Psychiatry + Therapy: $349 per month
Additional therapy sessions: $59 per 55-minute session
Headspace self-pay:
Therapy sessions: $149 per session (pay-as-you-go)
Headspace app subscription: $12.99 per month or $69.99 per year (for meditation and mindfulness content)
Mental health services offered
The range of services a platform offers is crucial for determining if it can meet your specific needs. Brightside is structured around clinical treatment for diagnosed conditions, while Headspace blends clinical care with a wide array of wellness and self-care tools.
Treatment approaches offered by Brightside
Brightside's primary focus is treating anxiety and depression, though the platform also provides care for ADHD (using non-stimulant medications), 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.
Treatment approaches offered by Headspace
Headspace providers typically use several evidence-based therapeutic methods, including:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness-based stress reduction approaches
Goal-focused mental health coaching
In addition to traditional therapy, Headspace provides text-based coaching (three sessions monthly with an app subscription), a library of guided meditations, sleep resources, mindfulness practices, and an AI companion called Ebb for support between sessions.
Licensed psychiatric practitioners on the platform offer medication management, though controlled substances are not prescribed.
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Rula connects patients with licensed providers across 180+ clinical specialties and modalities, making it possible to find care for a wide range of needs, whether you're looking for support with anxiety, ADHD, autism, trauma and PTSD, OCD, or addiction.
Some of Rula's modalities include:
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 provides psychiatric services for patients ages 13 and up, including support with medication management.
Inclusivity and specialized care
Finding a provider who understands your background and needs is essential for building trust and making progress. Brightside and Headspace approach inclusivity differently, with Brightside offering specialized programs and Headspace focusing on culturally responsive care.
Brightside inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Brightside's therapists hold master's or doctorate degrees in fields like clinical psychology or social work. Its psychiatric providers include psychiatrists, physicians, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs).
Specializations offered: The platform specializes in treating over 16 mental health conditions, including complex issues like PTSD, bipolar disorder, and OCD. It also offers a dedicated suicide prevention program and teen-specific care for adolescents ages 13 and up.
Languages available: Brightside can provide an interpreter for patients who require translation services during their appointments.
Inclusivity factors: Brightside expands access by serving teens starting at age 13, accepting Medicare and select Medicaid plans, and offering a program for high-acuity patients with suicidal ideation. Its virtual model makes care available in all 50 states.
Headspace inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Headspace therapists are licensed mental health professionals. Its mental health coaches are nationally board-certified or hold master's-level degrees in psychology-related fields with extensive training and experience.
Specializations offered: The platform's therapy services focus on six main areas: anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, sleep, and grief. It also offers goal-oriented mental health coaching and specialized programs for sleep and mindfulness.
Languages available: Headspace offers its services in English, Spanish, and French, though availability may vary by provider.
Inclusivity factors: Headspace emphasizes culturally responsive care, with 54% of its coaches identifying as BIPOC. It provides a free mindfulness app for teens in the U.S. and offers therapy for children (ages 6+) and teens (ages 13-17) through certain EAP and employer plans.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Platform availability and access
How you access care, from scheduling appointments to communicating with your provider, can greatly influence your experience.
Rula offers appointment-based care in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., delivered via live video (Zoom) and in-person therapy appointments, with availability as soon as the next day.
How access works with Brightside
States served: Brightside is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., as a virtual telehealth platform.
Matching process: You start by taking a free clinical assessment. After providing your insurance or selecting a self-pay plan, you can book your first session with a provider matched to your needs. You can switch providers at any time.
Session formats: Psychiatry involves video consultations and unlimited messaging (72-hour response). The therapy subscription includes four 30-minute video sessions per month and unlimited messaging (24-hour weekday response).
Scheduling: Appointments are often available in as little as two days, with many providers offering evening and weekend hours. You can manage all scheduling through the Brightside app or website.
App/portal experience: The Brightside Health app lets you schedule appointments, message your care team, track your progress with clinical assessments, and access self-guided lessons.
How access works with Headspace
States served: Headspace is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Matching process: You begin by completing intake forms about your history and goals. After checking your insurance coverage and estimated cost, you can schedule an appointment and get matched with a therapist based on their specialty.
Session formats: Therapy is delivered through live video sessions on a pay-per-session basis. Coaching is conducted via text-based chat. Headspace doesn't offer between-session messaging for therapy but provides access to its app content and AI companion.
Scheduling: Appointments are typically available within two days, with flexible scheduling that includes after-work hours and weekends. You can increase or decrease your session frequency as needed without a subscription commitment.
App/portal experience: The Headspace app is a core part of the experience, used for scheduling therapy, accessing meditations, and interacting with the Ebb AI companion. Coaching sessions also take place within the app.
What each platform does best
Understanding what each platform does best can help you choose the option that aligns with your priorities. Brightside and Headspace both provide meaningful mental health support, but each one stands out in different ways based on what you're looking for in your care.
Brightside excels when you need:
Comprehensive medication management for conditions like anxiety and depression
Unlimited messaging with your provider between sessions
Integrated psychiatry and therapy in a single subscription plan
Treatment for high-acuity conditions, including suicidal ideation
Mental health services for teens starting at age 13
Predictable monthly costs with a subscription model
Headspace excels when you need:
The flexibility of pay-per-session therapy without a subscription
Text-based mental health coaching for goal-oriented support
Culturally responsive care from a diverse provider network
Lower per-session costs when using insurance
An AI companion and sleep resources for between-session support
Services available in English, Spanish, or French
Summary: Is Brightside or Headspace right for you?
The right choice depends on what kind of mental health support you're looking for. Brightside is a clinical-focused platform specializing in psychiatry and therapy for diagnosed conditions like anxiety and depression, with a subscription model that includes multiple sessions and unlimited provider messaging. Headspace combines pay-per-session therapy with an extensive library of self-guided mindfulness and wellness tools.
Brightside may be the better fit for people who need comprehensive medication management or treatment for a high-acuity condition. Headspace tends to work well for people who want a holistic approach that combines therapy with mindfulness practices, coaching, and pay-as-you-go flexibility.
Rula is also worth considering for people who want an insurance-based path to therapy or psychiatry, with an upfront out-of-pocket estimate before the first appointment. The platform supports therapy for ages 5+ and psychiatry for ages 13+ across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with sessions held via Zoom and in-person therapy available.
FAQs
How do Brightside and Headspace differ in pricing?
Brightside uses a monthly subscription model ($95–$349/month depending on services) that includes unlimited provider messaging and scheduled sessions, while Headspace offers pay-per-session therapy ($149 self-pay or $0–$35 with insurance) with no subscription required for clinical care, plus an optional app subscription ($12.99/month or $69.99/year) for meditation and mindfulness content.
How do Brightside and Headspace compare on psychiatry and medication management?
Both Brightside and Headspace offer psychiatry services with medication management, but neither platform prescribes controlled substances. Brightside uses a precision psychiatry approach and offers non-stimulant ADHD medications, while Headspace provides medication management for psychotropic drugs through licensed psychiatric providers.
Why choose Rula for quality of care?
Rula emphasizes outcomes and access together, with 93% of patients reporting they feel better about their symptoms after receiving care through the platform. Its nationwide network of 21,000+ licensed providers spans 180+ clinical specialties and modalities, offering therapy and psychiatry through virtual appointments on Zoom and in-person therapy. Rula is in-network with most major insurance plans and provides a personalized cost estimate before your first appointment, with typical insured costs around $15 per session.
Find care with Rula
Choosing the right mental health platform is an important decision — one that can shape your entire experience and progress. You can verify your benefits in minutes, browse providers who match your specific needs and preferences, and see your estimated out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment. Many people can schedule as soon as tomorrow, so when you're ready to take the next step, Rula is here to help you find care that fits your life.
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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.
