Geographic reach: Geode operates in six states with a community-based model. Thriveworks offers in-person care at 340+ locations and online therapy in 49 states.
Provider network size: Thriveworks has 2,600+ clinicians compared to Geode's smaller, unlisted team, offering more options for finding a provider match.
Advanced treatment options: Geode provides specialized services like TMS and Spravato for treatment-resistant conditions that Thriveworks doesn't offer.
Insurance coverage: Thriveworks accepts over 360 insurance plans while Geode works with most commercial plans and Medicare; neither accepts Medicaid.
Rula as another option: Rula offers therapy and psychiatry through 21,000+ providers, accepting most major insurance plans with clear upfront costs.
Choosing a mental health provider involves balancing logistics with finding care that actually helps, and the differences between platforms matter when making a decision: Geode offers advanced treatments in select states, while Thriveworks provides nationwide access with a larger provider network.
In this guide, we'll break down how these two platforms compare on features, pricing, insurance coverage, and clinical outcomes. Understanding these specifics can help you choose the option that fits your situation and gets you into care faster.
You could also consider Rula when exploring mental healthcare options. Rula works with a nationwide network of over 21,000 licensed providers. It 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.
Geode vs. Thriveworks: Differences at a glance
Geode and Thriveworks offer comprehensive mental health services with in-person and virtual options. They differ significantly in their geographic reach, provider network size, and specific services offered, which can help you decide which platform better fits your needs when you’re ready to find a therapist.
Average cost per session:
Geode: Copays vary by insurance; contact their office for self-pay pricing
Thriveworks: Many patients pay between $0 and $55 per session in copays with insurance
Number of providers:
Geode: Total provider count is unlisted; team includes psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and therapists
Thriveworks: Over 2,600 clinicians in the network
Modes of communication:
Geode: Offers both in-person and online virtual sessions
Thriveworks: Provides in-person and online video sessions
Services offered:
Geode: Offers therapy, psychiatry, medication management, and advanced treatments like TMS and Spravato
Thriveworks: Offers individual therapy, psychiatry, couples counseling, and therapy for children (ages 0-17) and families
Insurance acceptance:
Geode: In-network with most commercial plans and Medicare; does not accept Medicaid
Thriveworks: Accepts over 360 plans, including major carriers and Medicare; does not accept Medicaid
States covered:
Geode: Available in six states: Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin
Thriveworks: Offers in-person care at 340+ locations with online therapy in 49 states
Number of specialties offered:
Geode: Lists nine specialty areas, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma
Thriveworks: Lists over 12 specialty areas, including ADHD, depression, and grief
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Geode: Provides LGBTQIA+ affirming care and specialized services for children and adolescents
Thriveworks: Offers LGBTQIA+ counseling for children, teens, couples, and families; providers speak multiple languages
Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:
Geode: Hybrid model with community-based physical locations and secure online video visits
Thriveworks: Hybrid model with physical offices and flexible online therapy options
Geode at a glance
Geode Health is a mental health provider founded in 2021 that brings local psychiatric practitioners and therapists together to deliver coordinated care. Its team of mental health specialists offer holistic treatment and operate both in-person and virtually in six states.
Geode provides same-week appointments, with most patients able to see a provider within a week or less. In addition to standard therapy and Geode psychiatry services, Geode offers advanced treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Spravato.
New patients connect with an intake team for a confidential assessment to find the right provider. Initial appointments typically last 60 minutes. For those facing financial difficulties, Geode offers payment plans.
Thriveworks at a glance
Established in 2008, Thriveworks is a clinician-founded and clinician-led mental health provider with an extensive network of over 2,600 clinicians across more than 340 offices nationwide. Thriveworks provides services for individuals, couples, and families, including adults, teens, and children, and accepts over 360 insurance plans.
Most people who sign up with Thriveworks can start therapy within one week of booking. The platform offers flexible scheduling, with appointments available on nights and weekends, and has a support team available seven days a week. There are no membership fees, and patients can choose their own therapist.
Thriveworks also allows patients to reschedule or cancel for free up to 48 hours before an appointment and switch providers at any time without extra fees. In addition to its many in-person locations, online therapy is available in 49 states and Washington, D.C.
Rula at a glance
Founded in 2019, Rula is a mental health platform that helps people find licensed therapists covered by insurance. Rula offers live video telehealth and in-person sessions, and therapy is available for ages 5+ (psychiatry is available for ages 13+).
Rula operates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with 21,000+ providers across 180+ clinical specialties and modalities. Most insured patients pay about $15 per session, with costs confirmed upfront before the first appointment.
Patients can browse in-network providers, filter by preferences like availability and language, and book online, with appointments commonly available as soon as tomorrow. If your first choice isn't the right match, Rula will help you switch to a different provider in its network.
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 mental health treatment is effective. Tracking measurable improvements helps ensure patients are making real progress toward their goals.
Geode clinical outcomes
78% of Geode patients showed significant improvements on their PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores by the fourth month of treatment. These are standardized screening tools used to assess and monitor symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively.
Thriveworks clinical outcomes
According to Thriveworks, 75% of people experiencing depression or anxiety report improvement within three months of starting treatment. The platform also highlights the importance of the provider-patient connection, noting that 96% of clients feel genuinely heard and supported by their therapist.
Cost and insurance coverage
Both Geode and Thriveworks accept most major insurance plans, which helps make mental healthcare more accessible and affordable. Geode health insurance coverage includes most commercial plans and Medicare, while Thriveworks accepts most insurance plans and Medicare. Neither platform accepts Medicaid at this time.
Insurance plans accepted
Geode accepts most major commercial insurance plans and is in-network with Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Geode does not accept Medicaid, similar to Thriveworks. Confirming your specific coverage with your insurance provider before booking is the best way to verify eligibility with either platform.
Thriveworks accepts over 360 insurance plans, including UnitedHealthcare, Humana, BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Cigna, and more. The platform also work with Medicare.
Another option to consider is Rula, which works with many major insurance plans nationwide, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, Optum Behavioral Health, Oscar, and UnitedHealthcare. Rula also accepts Medicare and Managed Medicaid coverage for select states and insurers. The platform provides a personalized cost estimate prior to your first appointment.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
For patients using insurance with Geode, the copay varies by plan. The company states that it is unable to determine exact billing details before an appointment. Patients should check with their insurance provider or contact a Geode office directly for specific cost information about Geode cost and coverage.
With Thriveworks, many patients pay between $0 and $55 per session in copays when using their insurance. The actual copay amount depends on your individual insurance plan and coverage details.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Geode accepts health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards, along with credit cards and debit cards. Thriveworks also accepts both HSA and FSA cards for its services. Both FSAs and HSAs can be used to cover therapy when it's deemed medically necessary, which means it addresses symptoms that interfere with daily life or treats a diagnosed condition like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Self-pay pricing
Geode doesn't publish its self-pay pricing online, so patients should contact the office for its current rates. The platform offers payment plans for patients experiencing financial hardship.
Thriveworks' self-pay rates vary by state:
Initial therapy sessions: $200 to $240
Follow-up therapy sessions: $160 to $195
Initial psychiatry appointments: $300 to $375
Follow-up psychiatry appointments: $210 to $300
Mental health services offered
The range of services a platform offers is important because different mental health challenges require different types of treatment. Both Geode and Thriveworks provide comprehensive services, including therapy and psychiatry, but with some differences in their specialized treatment options.
Treatment approaches offered by Geode
Geode's offerings fall into five primary treatment areas, each containing subcategories:
Depression and mood
Behavioral and ADHD
Past trauma
Anxiety and panic
Disordered eating
For treatment-resistant conditions, Geode provides advanced interventions:
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive treatment option for depression that hasn't responded to other approaches, offered at select locations
Spravato® (esketamine): A prescription nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, offered at select locations
Medication management and psychiatry services are available through Geode's licensed psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.
Treatment approaches offered by Thriveworks
Thriveworks offers comprehensive 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)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Psychiatric providers can prescribe antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers, and some antipsychotics — ADHD medication is available in some states.
Rula treatment approaches offered
Rula offers appointment-based mental healthcare, including individual therapy, couples, and family therapy, as well as psychiatry (medication management).
Because Rula’s nationwide network includes 180+ clinical specialties and modalities, patients can connect with providers who support a wide range of needs, including anxiety, ADHD, autism, trauma and PTSD, OCD, and addiction.
Rula's treatment approaches include:
EMDR and prolonged exposure
The Gottman Method
Inclusivity and specialized care
Finding a provider you can trust and who understands your unique background is essential for effective therapy. Both Geode and Thriveworks prioritize creating inclusive environments, but they approach it in different ways.
Geode inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Geode employs psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants (PAs), and therapists.
Specializations offered: The platform has several core specialty areas, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma, plus child and adolescent services.
Languages available: Geode doesn't publicly list the specific languages its providers speak.
Inclusivity factors: Geode affirms diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, races, and ethnicities. Practices are positioned as LGBTQIA+ affirming, safe community spaces.
Thriveworks inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: The Thriveworks network includes over 2,600 clinicians, including psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication.
Specializations offered: The platform has many specialty areas, including ADHD, depression, EMDR, and relationship issues.
Languages available: Providers across the Thriveworks network speak multiple languages, including Russian, English, Spanish, Creole, French, and Arabic.
Inclusivity factors: Thriveworks offers LGBTQIA+ counseling for mental health, relationships, and self-identity.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Platform availability and access
How quickly you can access care and how easily you can schedule appointments can make the difference between getting help when you need it and waiting weeks or months. Understanding each platform's availability can help you choose the option that fits your timeline and location.
Rula is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., offering scheduled, appointment-based care with live video telehealth and in-person therapy appointments (commonly available as soon as tomorrow).
How access works with Geode
States served: Geode is available in Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Matching process: Patients contact an intake team for a confidential assessment. The team then matches the individual with a licensed professional based on their needs.
Session formats: Geode offers both in-person appointments at its physical offices and secure online video visits.
Scheduling: Same-week appointments are available; most patients are seen within a week. Regular hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
App/portal experience: Patients can schedule appointments online with secure messaging for non-urgent questions. Geode doesn't have a mobile app.
How access works with Thriveworks
States served: Thriveworks has 340+ in-person locations, and online therapy is available in 49 states.
Matching process: Patients can browse provider profiles to choose their own therapist or call support for help. Switching providers is free at any time.
Session formats: Thriveworks offers both in-person sessions at its physical locations and online video sessions via a HIPAA-compliant link.
Scheduling: Most people start therapy within one week of booking. Appointments are available on nights and weekends, with free cancellation up to 48 hours in advance.
App/portal experience: Thriveworks has a client portal for messaging between sessions and offers progress-tracking capabilities. The platform doesn't have a dedicated mobile app.
What each platform does best
Understanding what each platform does best can help you make an informed choice based on your priorities. Geode and Thriveworks each have unique strengths, and recognizing these differences makes it easier to identify which option aligns with your situation.
Geode excels when you:
Need access to advanced treatment options like TMS or Spravato for treatment-resistant conditions
Live in Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, or Wisconsin and prefer a local, community-based practice
Value a unified team approach where specialists coordinate to provide holistic care
Require payment plans to manage the cost of care due to financial hardship
Thriveworks excels when you:
Need broad geographic access, with in-person and online options available nationwide
Want to choose from a large network of over 2,600 clinicians with diverse specializations
Require appointments on nights or weekends to fit your schedule
Prefer transparent self-pay pricing and low out-of-pocket copays with insurance
Geode Health vs. Thriveworks: Which is right for you?
Geode and Thriveworks differ most in scale and specialization. Geode operates a community-based model across six states, with a coordinated team approach and advanced treatments like TMS and Spravato. Thriveworks offers nationwide coverage with 2,600+ clinicians, broader insurance acceptance, and more comprehensive family services.
Geode is the stronger fit if you live in one of its six service states and need advanced or coordinated care. For broader geographic access, family therapy, or flexible scheduling outside traditional hours, Thriveworks is likely the better choice.
Rula is worth considering as well. With 21,000+ licensed providers across all 50 states, Rula supports therapy and psychiatry across 180+ clinical specialties, available via video or in person with eligible providers. Rula verifies insurance coverage and estimated costs before your first session, with patients using insurance typically paying around $15 per session.
FAQs
Can Geode or Thriveworks tell me my exact out-of-pocket cost?
Geode can't determine exact billing details prior to your appointment. Thriveworks provides self-pay rates upfront on provider profiles. Most clients using insurance pay between $0 and $55 per session in copays, though exact costs depend on your individual plan.
What are the cancellation policies at Geode and Thriveworks?
Geode requires 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule without a fee. Cancellations with less notice, no-shows, or late arrivals result in a $125 fee for initial appointments and $75 for follow-ups.
Thriveworks allows free cancellation or rescheduling up to 48 hours before your appointment. It charges a $135 fee for cancellations within 48 hours, no-shows, or arriving more than 10-15 minutes late.
Why choose Rula for quality of care?
Rula stands out for clinical outcomes and scale: 93% of patients report feeling better about their symptoms after care, backed by a network of 21,000+ providers across 180+ specialties. Rula supports therapy (ages 5+) and psychiatry (ages 13+) via video or in person, accepts most major insurance plans including Medicare, and provides upfront cost estimates before your first session — with patients using insurance typically paying around $15 per session.
Find care with Rula
Choosing between mental health platforms is an important decision—one that can shape how quickly you get help and how supported you feel along the way. With Rula, you can verify your insurance coverage in minutes and browse providers who match your needs.
You can book an appointment as soon as tomorrow. You'll see your estimated costs upfront, so there are no surprises—just a clear path to getting started.
When you're ready to take the next step, Rula is here to help you find care that works.
Rula Health
Rula’s editorial process
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.
