Headspace vs. Thriveworks: Pricing, coverage, and services compared

Getting mental health care shouldn't feel like another obstacle — but between comparing insurance coverage, weighing costs, and figuring out what type of support you actually need, the decision takes real effort. Headspace and Thriveworks take distinct approaches to mental healthcare: one is an online therapy platform with integrated mindfulness tools, while the other offers a hybrid model with both in-person and online options.

This guide breaks down their key differences in cost, services, and accessibility to help you determine which platform fits your needs.

Rula is also worth considering as you explore your options. Rula connects patients with a nationwide network of 21,000+ licensed providers, accepts most major insurance plans, and offers both therapy and psychiatry through virtual and in-person care. For many people using insurance, sessions typically cost around $15 per session.

Headspace vs. Thriveworks: Differences at a glance

Headspace and Thriveworks both offer mental health services, but they differ in their approach, availability, and service models—especially if you're trying to find a therapist that fits your needs. Learn more about the key differences below.

Average cost per session:

• Headspace: $0–$35 per session with insurance; $149 per session without insurance

• Thriveworks: $0–$55 copay with insurance; $160–$195 for ongoing therapy sessions without insurance

Number of providers:

• Headspace: Provider count is not publicly disclosed

• Thriveworks: 2,600+ clinicians

Modes of communication:

• Headspace: Video sessions for therapy and text-based chat for coaching

• Thriveworks: In-person sessions at over 340 locations and online video sessions

Services offered:

• Headspace: Individual therapy, psychiatry, mental health coaching, guided meditations, and EAP services

• Thriveworks: Individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, child and teen therapy, and psychiatry

Insurance acceptance:

• Headspace: Partners with major providers like Aetna, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, plus select Medicare Advantage and managed Medicaid plans

• Thriveworks: Accepts over 360 insurance plans, including UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Medicare, but does not accept Medicaid

States covered:

• Headspace: Available virtually in all 50 states

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

Number of specialties offered:

• Headspace: Focuses on anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, sleep, and grief

• Thriveworks: Treats a broad range of conditions, including ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma/PTSD, and more

Inclusivity and patient focus:

• Headspace: 54% of coaches identify as BIPOC, and it offers language support beyond English

• Thriveworks: Offers LGBTQIA+ counseling, child therapy for ages 0-17, and services in multiple languages (varies by location)

Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:

• Headspace: Virtual-only platform

• Thriveworks: Hybrid model with both in-person sessions and online video therapy

Headspace at a glance

Founded in 2010, Headspace is a virtual-only mental health platform available across all 50 states. It combines clinical care — including therapy and psychiatry — with a library of self-guided resources like guided meditations, sleep content, and mindfulness exercises. Beyond traditional therapy, Headspace offers a coaching model that provides three text-based sessions per month with board-certified coaches, plus the Ebb AI companion for between-session support.

To get started, you complete an intake form and are matched with a licensed therapist based on your needs. Appointments are typically available within two days, and most members pay between $0–$35 per session with insurance, or $149 without.

Thriveworks at a glance

Thriveworks is a hybrid mental health provider with over 340 physical locations, plus online therapy in 49 states and Washington, D.C. Its network of 2,600+ clinicians provides a broad range of services, including individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, and child and teen therapy for ages 0–17, alongside psychiatry and medication management.

Thriveworks accepts over 360 insurance plans, including Medicare, with typical copays ranging from $0–$55 per session. Appointments are usually available within one week, with evening and weekend availability and a support team accessible seven days a week.

Rula at a glance

Founded in 2019, Rula is a mental health platform that connects patients with licensed therapists and psychiatric providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The network includes 21,000+ licensed providers across 180+ clinical specialties, with individual therapy available for ages 5 and up and psychiatry for ages 13 and older. Care is appointment-based — you browse provider profiles, filter by specialty, availability, and other preferences, and book a time that works for you.

Rula offers both telehealth via Zoom and in-person therapy with eligible providers. With insurance, most patients pay around $15 per session, and Rula confirms your estimated out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment. Many patients can get an appointment as soon as the next day.

Clinical outcomes and how they compare

Evidence-based care and measurable outcomes are essential indicators of effective mental health treatment. Both Headspace and Thriveworks track client progress and report data to show the effectiveness of their services.

Headspace clinical outcomes

According to Headspace data, 72% of patients report reduced anxiety symptoms within six weeks of starting therapy. In that same six-week timeframe, 75% of patients report reduced depression symptoms.

Thriveworks clinical outcomes

Thriveworks tracks outcomes for patients with depression and anxiety over a three-month period. Their data shows that 75% of individuals with these conditions report feeling better within three months of treatment. The platform also reports a high satisfaction metric, with 96% of clients feeling truly supported and understood by their therapist.

Rula clinical outcomes

Rula's outcomes exceed national benchmarks by more than 10% on average: 93% of patients report feeling better after care, 94% feel comfortable with their provider, and 98% find a provider who meets their needs.

Cost and insurance coverage

Both Headspace and Thriveworks accept insurance and offer self-pay options, but they differ in their insurance networks and pricing structures. Headspace partners with major health insurance providers, with select Medicare Advantage and managed Medicaid plans. Thriveworks accepts over 360 insurance plans, but it does not accept Medicaid.

Insurance plans accepted

Headspace partners with most major insurers across the U.S., including

• Aetna

• Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Cigna

• Anthem

• UnitedHealthcare

• Optum

It's also in-network with select Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and select managed Medicaid care plans.

Thriveworks accepts 360 insurance plans, including UnitedHealthcare, Humana, BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Cigna, Optum, Anthem, Tricare, and Ambetter. The majority of providers accept Medicare, but do not work with Medicaid.

Rula accepts most major insurance plans — including Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Optum, and UnitedHealthcare — as well as Medicare Advantage, Medicare fee-for-service, and managed Medicaid in select states. Before your first appointment, Rula confirms your estimated out-of-pocket cost so you know what to expect.

Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)

With Headspace, most members pay between $0–$35 per session when using their insurance. The platform shows you an estimated cost per session before you book, though final costs can vary based on your specific insurance plan.

Thriveworks clients typically pay between $0–$55 per session in copays when using insurance. Your actual copay amount will depend on your individual plan and coverage details. It's always a good idea to verify coverage and pricing directly with your insurer before starting treatment.

HSA/FSA eligibility

Both Headspace and Thriveworks accept health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) payments for therapy services. Both platforms require that therapy is deemed medically necessary to qualify. This often means you will need a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a provider to use these funds.

Self-pay pricing

Headspace charges $149 per session for therapy on a pay-as-you-go basis. An optional app subscription is also available for $12.99 per month or $69.99 per year, which provides access to the platform's library of guided meditations, sleep content, and mindfulness tools.

Thriveworks self-pay rates vary by state and appointment type, with separate pricing for initial and follow-up sessions:

• Initial therapy session: $200–$240

• Follow-up therapy sessions: $160–$195

• Initial psychiatry appointment: $300–$375

• Follow-up psychiatry appointments: $210–$300

Mental health services offered

Headspace and Thriveworks take different approaches to the types of care they offer. Headspace centers on individual therapy and psychiatry integrated with self-guided wellness tools, while Thriveworks covers a broader range of services — including couples, family, and child therapy — for patients at different life stages.

Treatment approaches offered by Headspace

Headspace combines clinical care with self-guided wellness tools and mental health coaching. Therapy covers a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, sleep, and grief. Common therapeutic approaches used by Headspace providers include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

• Psychodynamic therapy

• Interpersonal therapy

Beyond therapy, Headspace offers text-based coaching with board-certified coaches, access to 1,000+ guided meditations, sleep content, mindfulness exercises, and the Ebb AI companion for between-session support.

Medication management is available through licensed psychiatric practitioners, though providers cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Treatment approaches offered by Thriveworks

Thriveworks offers a broad range of services for individuals, couples, families, and children. Therapy is available for a wide range of concerns, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, relationship issues, and more. Common therapeutic approaches used by Thriveworks providers include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

• Psychodynamic therapy

Psychiatry and medication management are also available through licensed psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners, with some providers able to prescribe stimulant medication for adult ADHD in select states.

Treatment approaches offered by Rula

Rula's nationwide network spans 180+ clinical specialties and evidence-based treatment approaches, giving you a wide range of options to find care that aligns with your needs, background, and goals. Providers commonly use approaches such as:

• 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

Rula providers support a range of concerns, including anxiety, ADHD, autism, trauma and PTSD, OCD, and addiction. Psychiatry is also available through licensed PMHNPs for people ages 13 and older, keeping therapy and medication management in one place.

Inclusivity and specialized care

Finding a provider who understands your unique background, identity, and experiences is crucial for effective therapy. Both platforms prioritize inclusivity but approach it differently through their provider networks and service offerings.

Headspace inclusivity and specialization overview

Licensure types: Headspace provides clinical care through licensed therapists and psychiatric practitioners. Its mental health coaches are nationally board-certified with extensive supervised training.

Specializations offered: The platform's primary focus areas are anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, sleep, and grief. Coaches provide goal-oriented support using techniques from CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based stress reduction.

Languages available: Therapy and coaching is offered primarily in English, though app content is available in multiple languages.

Inclusivity factors: Headspace promotes culturally responsive care, with 54% of its mental health coaches identifying as BIPOC. The platform also offers free access to its app for teens ages 13-18 in the U.S. through partnership programs.

Thriveworks inclusivity and specialization overview

Licensure types: The Thriveworks network includes therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners. These providers are qualified to diagnose conditions, provide therapy, and manage medication.

Specializations offered: Thriveworks offers a comprehensive range of specializations, including ADHD, anger management, bipolar disorder, EMDR for trauma, and relationship issues. It also provides specialized services for couples, families, and children.

Languages available: Services are available in multiple languages, including Russian, English, Spanish, Creole, French, and Arabic, depending on the provider and location.

Inclusivity factors: The platform offers LGBTQIA+ counseling to address mental health, relationships, and self-identity. It also provides therapy for children and teens ages 0-17 and accommodates diverse family structures through its couples and family therapy services.

Platform availability and access

How quickly you can access care, the flexibility of scheduling, and the ease of the matching process can all impact your therapy experience.

Rula offers therapy in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with sessions available via live video on Zoom and in-person therapy appointments. Appointments are usually available as soon as the next day, and Rula handles provider matching and coordination.

How access works with Headspace

States served: Headspace is a virtual-only platform available across all 50 states, with services delivered through video sessions and text-based chat.

Matching process: After you complete intake forms about your history and goals, the platform matches you with a licensed therapist based on your needs and their specialties.

Session formats: Therapy is conducted via live video sessions. Coaching includes three text-based sessions per month and live chat sessions, with availability on evenings and weekends.

Scheduling: Appointments are typically available within two days. You can schedule sessions at times that work for you and adjust the frequency as needed.

App/portal experience: The mobile app provides access to scheduling, coaching, and a library of self-guided resources like meditations and sleep content. The Ebb AI companion offers personalized recommendations between sessions.

How access works with Thriveworks

States served: Thriveworks offers a hybrid model with in-person therapy at over 340 locations plus online therapy in 49 states and Washington, D.C.

Matching process: You can browse provider profiles online to review their specialties and availability or call the support team for help finding a match. Most people can start therapy within one week.

Session formats: You can choose between in-person sessions at a physical office or online video sessions, with the flexibility to switch between them as needed.

Scheduling: Appointments are often available within a week, including on nights and weekends. You can reschedule or cancel for free up to 48 hours before your appointment.

App/portal experience: A client portal is available for scheduling and communication. You can switch providers at any time with no extra fees, and a support team is available seven days a week.

What each platform does best

Headspace and Thriveworks are built around different models of care — knowing where each one excels can help you choose the right fit for your lifestyle and treatment goals.

Headspace excels when you:

• Prefer a fully virtual experience

• Value self-care resources like guided meditations and sleep content

• Need quick access to appointments, typically available within two days

• Are looking for text-based mental health coaching to supplement therapy

• Need services available across all 50 states

Thriveworks excels when you:

• Need couples, family, or child and teen therapy services

• Want the flexibility to switch between in-person and online sessions

• Need evening and weekend appointment availability

• Have Medicare coverage, which is accepted by the majority of its providers

• Value a large provider network with diverse specializations

Summary: Is Headspace or Thriveworks right for you?

Headspace and Thriveworks serve different needs. Headspace is the stronger fit if you want a fully virtual experience with integrated self-care tools, quick appointment availability, and access to text-based coaching alongside traditional therapy. Thriveworks is the better option if you prefer in-person sessions, need couples, family, or child therapy, or want the flexibility to switch between in-person and virtual care. Thriveworks also accepts a broader range of insurance plans, including Medicare, while Headspace is in-network with Medicare and select managed Medicaid plans.

Rula is another option worth considering. With 21,000+ providers across all 50 states, broad insurance acceptance, and both therapy and psychiatry available in one place, it combines the accessibility of a virtual platform with the provider variety that makes finding the right fit more likely. Most insured patients pay around $15 per session, and appointments are often available as soon as the next day.

FAQs

Is Headspace or Thriveworks covered by insurance?

Both platforms accept insurance, but their coverage differs. Thriveworks accepts over 360 insurance plans, including Medicare, making it the broader option for most people with traditional health coverage. Headspace partners with major carriers like Aetna, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, and is also in-network with select Medicare Advantage and managed Medicaid plans.

Does Headspace or Thriveworks offer medication management?

Both do. Headspace offers medication management through licensed psychiatric practitioners, though providers cannot prescribe controlled substances. Thriveworks also offers psychiatry and medication management through licensed psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners, with some providers able to prescribe stimulant medication for adult ADHD in select states.

How much does Headspace cost compared to Thriveworks?

Without insurance, Headspace charges $149 per session for therapy, while Thriveworks ranges from $160–$195 for follow-up sessions and $200–$240 for an initial session, depending on the state. With insurance, Headspace members typically pay $0–$35 per session and Thriveworks copays range from $0–$55. Both platforms accept HSA and FSA cards as forms of payment.

Why choose Rula for quality of care?

Rula is built around measurable outcomes and broad access — 93% of patients report feeling better after care, with results exceeding national benchmarks by more than 10% on average. With 21,000+ providers across 180+ specialties, most insured patients paying around $15 per session, and appointments often available as soon as the next day, Rula makes it easier to find quality care that fits your life.

Find care with Rula

Choosing the right mental health platform is an important decision — one that can shape your entire care experience and how much progress you make. With Rula, getting started is straightforward: verify your insurance in minutes, browse providers who match your specific needs and preferences, and see your estimated costs upfront before booking. Many people can schedule their first appointment as soon as tomorrow, so you can move forward with confidence.