[AirOps]Brightside vs. Thriveworks: Which is better for your needs?

Finding the right mental health platform means weighing what matters most to you, whether that's virtual convenience, in-person connection, subscription pricing, or traditional per-session billing. Both Brightside and Thriveworks offer quality care, but their approaches differ in ways that could shape your treatment experience, especially if you're considering online therapy as your main way to access support.

In this guide, we'll compare Brightside and Thriveworks across key factors including cost, insurance coverage, services offered, and accessibility. Understanding these differences can help you choose the platform that fits your specific needs and circumstances among today's many online therapy platforms.

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, which may appeal to those seeking affordable online therapy.

Brightside vs. Thriveworks: Differences at a glance

Choosing a mental health platform is a significant step, and understanding the key differences between your options is crucial, especially if you're trying to find a therapist who fits your needs. Both Brightside and Thriveworks offer quality mental health services, but they differ in their care models, pricing, and accessibility.

Average cost per session:

• Brightside: Offers monthly subscriptions that include sessions; plans are $95/month for psychiatry, $299/month for therapy, and $349/month for both

• Thriveworks: Copays typically range from $0 to $55 per session; self-pay rates vary by state

Number of providers:

• Brightside: Does not disclose a specific number but includes psychiatrists, physicians, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), and licensed therapists

• Thriveworks: Features a network of over 2,600 clinicians

Modes of communication:

• Brightside: Video appointments and unlimited messaging with your provider

• Thriveworks: Offers in-person sessions at over 340 offices, video appointments, and messaging through a client portal

Services offered:

• Brightside: Psychiatry, therapy, a combined psychiatry and therapy plan, a suicide prevention program, and teen care for ages 13 and up

• Thriveworks: Individual therapy, psychiatry, couples and marriage counseling, family therapy, and child and teen therapy for ages 0 to 17

Insurance acceptance:

• Brightside: Accepts major commercial plans like Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, as well as some Medicare and select state Medicaid plans

• Thriveworks: In-network with over 360 insurance plans, including most major commercial plans and Medicare, but does not accept Medicaid

States covered:

• Brightside: Available virtually in all 50 states and Washington, D.C

• Thriveworks: Provides online and in-person care in 49 states and Washington, D.C.

Number of specialties offered:

• Brightside: Focuses on treating anxiety, depression, and related conditions like ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and PTSD

• Thriveworks: Covers a broad range of specialties, including ADHD, anger management, depression, EMDR, grief, and relationship issues

Inclusivity and patient focus:

• Brightside: Provides specialized care for teens (ages 13+) and has a dedicated suicide prevention program; translation services are also available

• Thriveworks: Serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and offers specialized counseling for couples, families, and the LGBTQIA+ community

Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:

• Brightside: 100% virtual telehealth platform

• Thriveworks: A hybrid model that combines online therapy and in-person appointments

Brightside at a glance

Founded in 2017, Brightside is a virtual mental health platform specializing in anxiety and depression treatment through psychiatry, therapy, or a combination of both. The platform operates on a subscription model and is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with appointments often available within two days.

Brightside's self-pay plans start at $95/month for psychiatry, $299/month for therapy (four 30-minute video sessions), and $349/month for combined care. Insurance is also accepted. New patients begin with a free clinical assessment before booking their first session, and the Brightside app supports appointment scheduling, provider messaging, progress tracking, and self-guided lessons.

Thriveworks at a glance

Established in 2008, Thriveworks is a clinician-founded mental health provider that offers a hybrid model of care. With a network of over 2,600 clinicians and more than 340 physical offices, Thriveworks provides both in-person and online therapy and psychiatry services. Thriveworks serves a wide range of patients, including individuals, couples, families, and children from ages 0 to 17, with most people attending their first session within a week.

The platform is in-network with over 360 insurance plans and offers flexible scheduling with evening and weekend appointments available. For those paying out-of-pocket, initial therapy sessions cost $200 to $240, while initial psychiatry appointments range from $300 to $375, with prices varying by state.

Rula at a glance

Rula was founded in 2019 as a mental health platform that connects people with licensed therapists covered by their insurance. Rula's network includes 21,000+ licensed providers across all 50 states and D.C., with appointments often available as soon as the next day. Care is available via video (through Zoom) or in person with eligible providers at provider-operated offices.

Rula supports a range of services, including individual, couples, family, child, and teen therapy, as well as psychiatry. Patients can browse and filter in-network providers by preference and switch if the first match isn't the right fit.

Rula accepts insurance and verifies coverage and estimated out-of-pocket costs before a patient's first session. Patients using insurance typically pay around $15 per session. Self-pay rates are $150 for individual therapy, $165 for couples or family therapy, and $225 for an initial psychiatry intake ($175 for follow-ups).

Clinical outcomes and how they compare

Clinical outcomes and evidence-based approaches are essential indicators of a mental health platform's effectiveness. Both Brightside and Thriveworks track patient progress to ensure their services deliver real, measurable improvements, though they use different methods and report on different metrics.

Brightside clinical outcomes

Brightside's data shows that 86% of its patients experience clinically significant improvement within 12 weeks, and 71% achieve remission. This progress is tracked through measurement-based care, using regular check-ins with standard assessments like the PHQ-9 for depression and GAD-7 for anxiety.

Thriveworks clinical outcomes

Thriveworks reports that 75% of its patients with depression or anxiety feel better within three months of starting care. The platform also highlights strong patient-provider relationships, with 96% of clients feeling truly supported and understood by their therapist.

Rula clinical outcomes

According to platform data, 93% of Rula patients say their symptoms have gotten better, 94% feel comfortable with their provider, and 98% confirm they were paired with someone who met their needs — results that surpass national averages by more than 10%.

Cost and insurance coverage

Brightside and Thriveworks accept major insurance plans, but their pricing structures are different. Brightside uses a monthly subscription model, while Thriveworks follows a traditional per-session billing system. Learn more about the differences below.

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 select plans in certain states

• Medicare plans: In-network with Original Medicare Part B nationwide and several Medicare Advantage plans

Thriveworks insurance networks:

• Commercial plans: Accepts over 360 insurance plans, including major carriers like UnitedHealthcare, Humana, BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Cigna, and Anthem

• Medicaid plans: Does not accept Medicaid at this time

• Medicare plans: Majority of its providers accept Medicare

If you’re also considering Rula, it’s designed to make insurance-covered care easier to understand upfront. Therapists and psychiatric practitioners on Rula are in-network with many major insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, Optum Behavioral Health, and Medicare.

Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)

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

At Thriveworks, clients with insurance typically pay a copay of $0 to $55 per session. Your exact copay will depend on your insurance plan's benefits.

HSA/FSA eligibility

Both Brightside and Thriveworks accept health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards for payment. You can use these pre-tax funds to cover copays, session fees, and other eligible mental healthcare costs. These services generally qualify as medically necessary expenses, making them eligible for HSA/FSA use.

Self-pay pricing

Brightside self-pay pricing is subscription-based:

• Psychiatry: $95 per month

• Therapy: $299 per month, which includes an initial 55-minute session, four 30-minute sessions, and unlimited messaging

• Psychiatry and therapy: $349 per month

• Additional therapy sessions: $59 per 55-minute session

Thriveworks self-pay pricing works on a per-session model:

• Initial therapy session: $200 to $240

• Ongoing therapy sessions: $160 to $195

• Initial psychiatry appointment: $300 to $375

• Psychiatry follow-up appointments: $210 to $300

Mental health services offered

The range of services and treatment approaches a platform offers is a key factor in determining if it can meet your specific needs. Brightside and Thriveworks provide evidence-based care but differ in their service models and areas of specialization.

Treatment approaches offered by Brightside

Brightside specializes in anxiety and depression but also treats ADHD (with non-stimulant medication), bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, postpartum depression, and substance use disorder.

Therapeutic modalities include:

• Evidence-based therapy integrating Unified Protocol (UP)

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles

• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

• Behavioral activation (BA)

Brightside also offers psychiatry services and medication management.

Treatment approaches offered by Thriveworks

Thriveworks treats a broad range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, grief, and relationship issues. The platform takes an individualized approach to treatment, matching patients with providers based on clinical need and provider expertise.

Therapeutic modalities vary by provider but include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

• Evidence-based psychotherapy

• Talk therapy

• Behavioral therapy

Rula treatment approaches offered

Rula connects patients to a nationwide network of 21,000+ licensed providers offering 180+ clinical specialties and modalities. Because Rula’s network is broad, patients can find providers who support many concerns, including anxiety, ADHD, autism, trauma and PTSD, OCD, and addiction.

Common therapeutic modalities offered by 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

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 needs is essential for building trust and making real progress. Both platforms offer specialized services for different populations, but their approaches to inclusivity vary.

Brightside inclusivity and specialization overview

Licensure types: Brightside's psychiatry team includes psychiatrists (MDs), physicians, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Its therapists hold master's or doctorate degrees in fields like clinical psychology or social work.

Specializations offered: The platform specializes in treating anxiety and depression, with additional expertise in conditions like ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. It also offers a dedicated Suicide Prevention Program and a Teen Care program for adolescents ages 13 to 17, making it a notable option for online therapy for teens.

Languages available: Brightside offers translation services with an interpreter for patients who need language support. You can inquire about these services during the sign-up process.

Inclusivity factors: Brightside serves patients ages 13 and up, offering specialized teen care with fast appointment availability. While individual providers may specialize in LGBTQ+ care, there is no platform-wide filter or policy.

Thriveworks inclusivity and specialization overview

Licensure types: Thriveworks' network of over 2,600 clinicians includes psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and licensed therapists with a wide range of credentials and specializations.

Specializations offered: The platform offers a broad range of specialized care, including EMDR for trauma, CBT, couples counseling, and family therapy. It also provides LGBTQIA+ counseling to address mental health, relationship, and identity concerns.

Languages available: Providers in the Thriveworks network speak multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Russian, French, and Arabic, though availability varies by location.

Inclusivity factors: Thriveworks serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, with dedicated services for children and teens. The platform also offers LGBTQIA+ specific counseling.

Platform availability and access

How quickly you can access care and how easily you can navigate a platform are important parts of your treatment experience. Brightside's fully virtual model and Thriveworks' hybrid approach each offer distinct advantages for accessibility.

Rula offers appointments via live video (Zoom) and in-person therapy with eligible providers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with availability commonly stated as soon as tomorrow.

How access works with Brightside

States served: Brightside is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., offering consistent virtual access regardless of your location.

Matching process: You start with a free clinical assessment, which helps the platform match you with the right provider for your needs. You can switch providers at any time through your account settings if the initial match isn't a good fit.

Session formats: All appointments are conducted via secure video. Therapy subscriptions include four 30-minute sessions per month, and you can message your provider anytime.

Scheduling: Appointments are often available in as little as two days, with many providers offering evening and weekend slots. You can schedule and manage appointments through the Brightside mobile app or website.

App/portal experience: The comprehensive mobile app allows you to schedule sessions, message your care team, track your progress with clinical assessments, and access self-guided therapy lessons.

How access works with Thriveworks

States served: Thriveworks offers online therapy and in-person care in 49 states and Washington, D.C.

Matching process: You can browse provider profiles online to find a clinician who fits your needs or call their support team for help with matching. You can switch providers at any time at no extra cost.

Session formats: You can choose between in-person sessions at a physical office or online sessions via a secure video link.

Scheduling: Most people can schedule their first session within a week. Evening and weekend appointments are available, and you can book online or by phone.

App/portal experience: Thriveworks has a client portal for messaging providers and managing appointments. While it doesn't have a dedicated mobile app, the platform uses measurement-based care to track progress and optimize outcomes.

What each platform does best

By looking at where each platform is strongest, you can make a thoughtful decision grounded in what matters most for your care. Both Brightside and Thriveworks excel in different areas, so understanding these distinctions helps you choose the service that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.

Brightside excels when you need:

• Rapid access to care, with appointments available in as little as two days

• Predictable monthly subscription pricing with included sessions and unlimited messaging

• Specialized, measurement-based treatment for anxiety and depression with proven outcomes

• 100% virtual care that is accessible from anywhere in all 50 states

• Integrated psychiatry and therapy in a single, coordinated platform

• A comprehensive mobile app for managing all aspects of your care

• Acceptance of select Medicaid plans in certain states

Thriveworks excels when you need:

• The choice between in-person care at a physical office or online therapy

• Broad insurance acceptance, with over 360 plans

• Diverse services, including couples therapy, family therapy, and child therapy for ages 0 to 1

• A large provider network with a wide variety of specializations, including EMDR

• Traditional per-session billing without a subscription commitment

• The flexibility to switch between in-person and virtual appointments

• Live phone support seven days a week for scheduling and assistance

Summary: Is Brightside or Thriveworks right for you?

Brightside and Thriveworks represent two distinct approaches to mental healthcare. Brightside is a virtual-only, subscription-based platform specializing in anxiety and depression, with predictable monthly costs and fast access to care. Thriveworks offers a hybrid model with 340+ physical locations, broader services including couples and family therapy, and traditional per-session billing.

Choose Brightside if you want virtual-only care with subscription pricing and specialized treatment for anxiety or depression. Choose Thriveworks if you prefer the option of in-person therapy, need couples or family counseling, or are seeking care for young children.

Rula is worth considering as well. With a network of 21,000+ licensed providers across all 50 states, Rula supports individual, couples, family, and child therapy, plus psychiatry for people ages 13 and older. Care is available via video or in person with eligible providers, and Rula verifies insurance coverage and estimated costs before your first session. Patients using insurance typically pay around $15 per session.

FAQs

How much does therapy cost with Brightside and Thriveworks?

With Brightside, you pay a monthly subscription fee that includes sessions and unlimited messaging — $95/month for psychiatry, $299/month for therapy, or $349/month for both. With Thriveworks, clients with insurance typically pay a copay of $0 to $55 per session, while self-pay rates range from $200 to $240 for initial therapy sessions and $160 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state.

Can I switch providers with both platforms if the first match isn't right?

Yes, both platforms allow you to switch providers at any time. With Brightside, you can switch providers directly from your account settings, while Thriveworks offers free provider switches with no extra fees: just call their support team to get matched with someone new.

How quickly can I schedule my first appointment with Brightside or Thriveworks?

Brightside often has appointments available in as little as two days, with many providers offering evening and weekend slots that you can book through their mobile app or website. Thriveworks reports that most people can schedule their first session within a week, with flexible scheduling including evening and weekend appointments available both online and in-person at over 340 office locations.

Why choose Rula for quality of care?

Rula stands out for measurable outcomes at scale, with 93% of patients reporting feeling better about their symptoms after receiving care — strong results alongside a nationwide network of 21,000+ licensed providers across 180+ specialties. Rula offers therapy plus psychiatry (medication management), with virtual and in-person therapy options, and it verifies insurance and estimates your out-of-pocket cost upfront. Many insured patients pay about $15 per session, with self-pay options available.

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 of getting better. If you're ready to move forward with clarity and confidence, Rula makes it straightforward to connect with the right provider through your insurance. You can verify your coverage and see your estimated costs upfront, browse providers who match your specific needs and preferences, and often book your first appointment as soon as tomorrow. When you're ready to take the next step, Rula is here to guide you to care that works.