Headway is more affordable with a larger provider network: Headway has 60,000+ providers, with copays as low as $0–$35 per session and an average wait of 4.9 days for a first appointment.
Thriveworks stands out for its physical clinic locations: Thriveworks operates 340+ physical offices and has 2,600+ clinicians, making it a strong choice for patients who prefer face-to-face therapy.
Thriveworks has wider insurance coverage, while Headway offers Medicaid access: Headway accepts major carriers plus select Medicare and Medicaid plans. Thriveworks accepts 360+ plans including Medicare but not Medicaid.
Self-pay availability varies: Headway requires active insurance to sign up and does not publish standard self-pay rates, while Thriveworks offers transparent self-pay pricing ranging from $160–$240 for therapy and $210–$375 for psychiatry.
Rula is a strong alternative for insurance-based care with broad access: Rula offers access to 21,000+ providers across all 50 states, accepts most major insurance plans, and provides both virtual and in-person care with upfront cost estimates — most insured patients pay around $15 per session.
Getting mental healthcare means weighing what actually matters for your situation — insurance acceptance, provider availability, and session costs all factor in. Headway and Thriveworks both connect you with licensed therapists and psychiatrists for in-person and online therapy, but they take different approaches.
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.
Headway vs. Thriveworks: Differences at a glance
Headway and Thriveworks are two platforms that connect people with therapists and psychiatrists for mental healthcare, and each offers a different experience when you’re ready to find a therapist. Both accept insurance to make care more affordable, but they differ in their network size, service models, and how you access care.
Average cost per session:
Headway: $0 to $35 per session with insurance
Thriveworks: $0 to $55 per session in copays with insurance
Number of providers:
Headway: 60,000+ licensed providers
Thriveworks: 2,600+ clinicians
Modes of communication:
Headway: Browser-based video telehealth and in-person appointments
Thriveworks: Video sessions and in-person appointments at 340+ locations
Services offered:
Headway: Talk therapy and medication management, including individual, couples, family, and child/adolescent therapy
Thriveworks: Individual therapy, psychiatry, medication management, couples/marriage counseling, and child/teen therapy
Insurance acceptance:
Headway: Major plans like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, and select Medicare/Medicaid
Thriveworks: Over 360 plans, including Medicare; does not accept Medicaid
States covered:
Headway: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Thriveworks: 49 states and Washington, D.C.
Number of specialties offered:
Headway: 20+ specialties
Thriveworks: Does not publish a count; lists areas like ADHD, anxiety, and trauma
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Headway: LGBTQIA+ filtering, provider diversity reporting, and 57+ languages
Thriveworks: LGBTQIA+ counseling and specialized therapy for children and teens ages 0–17
Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:
Headway: Hybrid model with telehealth and in-person options
Thriveworks: Hybrid model with online therapy and in-person locations
Headway at a glance
Founded in 2019, Headway 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 60,000+ licensed providers offering talk therapy and medication management through browser-based telehealth and in-person appointments. Most patients can be seen within 4.9 days for therapy and 3.8 days for medication management.
Headway operates on an insurance-first model — new users must have an active, accepted insurance plan to sign up. The platform verifies your benefits and displays your estimated out-of-pocket cost before you book. You can search for providers using filters for specialty, availability, and other preferences, then book directly from their profiles.
Thriveworks at a glance
Thriveworks is a clinician-founded and led mental health provider established in 2008, with with 2,600+ clinicians and 340+ physical locations across the U.S. Services include individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, and child and teen therapy for ages 0–17, alongside psychiatry and medication management. Most patients can start care within a week of booking, with evening and weekend availability.
Thriveworks accepts over 360 insurance plans, with typical copays ranging from $0–$55 per session, though it does not accept Medicaid. You can browse provider profiles online or reach a support team seven days a week for help finding a match. Patients can switch providers at any time at no additional cost.
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. If your first provider isn't the right fit, Rula can help you find another therapist in the network.
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. Self-pay rates are $150 for individual therapy, $165 for couples and family therapy, $225 for an initial psychiatry intake, and $175 for follow-up psychiatry sessions.
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 essential for understanding if a mental health service is helping people make real progress. Both Headway and Thriveworks track patient outcomes to measure the effectiveness of the care delivered through their platforms.
Headway clinical outcomes
Headway reports specific metrics related to symptom reduction and patient engagement. According to its 2023 company report, patients experience a 32% average reduction in PHQ-9 scores within the first 30 days. Other data shows that 71% of patients show measurable improvement in symptoms within 30 days.
Headway also notes that 86% of patients attend at least three sessions, which it considers a strong indicator of early engagement.
Thriveworks clinical outcomes
Thriveworks focuses on patient-reported improvement and satisfaction. The platform states that 75% of its patients with depression or anxiety report feeling better within three months of starting treatment. Additionally, 96% of patients report feeling truly supported and understood by their therapist.
Rula clinical outcomes
Rula's outcome data consistently exceeds national averages by more than 10%: 98% of patients find a provider who meets their needs, 94% feel at ease with their provider, and 93% report meaningful improvement in their symptoms.
Cost and insurance coverage
Both Headway and Thriveworks accept major insurance plans, which helps make mental healthcare more affordable. Headway partners with large carriers like Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, while Thriveworks accepts over 360 different insurance plans.
Insurance plans accepted
Headway partners with major carriers and verifies your benefits upfront, displaying your estimated cost before you book. Accepted plans include:
Aetna
Blue Cross and Blue Shield (in select states)
Cigna
Oscar
Oxford
UnitedHealthcare
Optum affiliates
Select Medicare and Medicaid plans (availability is limited)
Thriveworks accepts over 360 insurance plans — one of the broadest networks among online therapy platforms — though it does not accept Medicaid. Major carriers include:
Aetna
Ambetter
Anthem
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Humana
Medicare
Optum
Tricare
UnitedHealthcare
Rula is also in-network with most major carriers, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, Optum Behavioral Health, and UnitedHealthcare, with Medicare and Medicaid also accepted. Rula confirms your estimated out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment so you know what to expect.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
With Headway, out-of-pocket costs can range from $0 to $35 per session. Your actual cost depends on your specific insurance plan, location, and session length.
Thriveworks reports that many of its patients pay between $0 and $55 per session in copays when using their insurance. Thriveworks verifies your coverage and provides a cost estimate before your first session.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Both platforms allow you to use pre-tax funds for your care. Headway accepts health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards as direct payment methods, though not all cards permit online transactions.
Alternatively, you can download invoices to submit for reimbursement from your HSA, FSA, or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) plan.
Self-pay pricing
Headway's model is built around insurance, and new patients must have an active, accepted insurance plan to sign up. The platform does not publish standard self-pay rates, and this option is generally only available for existing patients if their specific provider offers it.
Thriveworks offers clear self-pay pricing, though 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 and treatment approaches a platform offers is a key factor in determining if it can meet your specific needs. Both Headway and Thriveworks provide individual therapy and psychiatry services, but they differ in the breadth of their specialized care options.
Treatment approaches offered by Headway
Headway's network includes providers trained in a wide range of evidence-based therapy modalities.
Therapy modalities and approaches:
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Gottman Method
Trauma-focused CBT
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Integrative behavioral couple therapy (IBCT)
Emotion-focused therapy (EFT)
Motivational interviewing
Psychodynamic therapy
Strength-based therapy
Narrative therapy
Attachment-based family therapy
Cognitive behavioral family therapy
Multidimensional family therapy
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)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Evidence-based psychotherapy
Talk therapy
Behavioral therapy
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Rula providers support a wide range of needs, including anxiety, ADHD, autism, trauma and PTSD, and OCD. Patients can also find support for substance use issues through addiction therapy.
Common approaches used by providers on Rula 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
Inclusivity and specialized care
Finding a provider who understands your identity, background, and specific challenges is crucial for building trust and making progress in therapy. Both Headway and Thriveworks offer specialized care and aim to connect patients with providers who can meet their unique needs.
Headway inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Headway's network includes 60,000+ licensed providers. These include therapists, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, MDs, and DOs.
Specializations offered: The platform covers more than 25 specialties, including addiction, maternal mental health, and OCD. Patients can filter their search to find providers with relevant expertise.
Languages available: Headway providers offer services in over 57 languages. This increases access for patients who prefer a language other than English.
Inclusivity factors: Headway offers directory filtering for LGBTQIA+ care. The platform has also partnered with Violet to help upskill providers in cultural competence.
Thriveworks inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Thriveworks' network includes 2,600+ clinicians. These are therapists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners qualified to provide therapy, diagnose conditions, and manage medication.
Specializations offered: The platform offers specialized care for conditions like ADHD, PTSD, and depression, highlighting evidence-based methods like EMDR. It also provides dedicated services for couples, families, and children.
Languages available: Thriveworks providers speak multiple languages, including Spanish, Russian, French, and Arabic, though the platform does not publish a total count of available languages.
Inclusivity factors: Thriveworks offers counseling tailored to the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, addressing topics like relationships and self-identity. The platform also has a strong focus on youth mental health, providing therapy for children and teens from ages 0 to 17.
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 start care and how easily you can connect with your provider are just as important as finding the right match. Both Headway and Thriveworks aim to reduce wait times and offer flexible scheduling, but they differ in their geographic coverage and booking processes.
Rula also offers appointment-based care in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with live video telehealth appointments using Zoom and in-person therapy appointments at provider-operated offices, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow.
How access works with Headway
States served: Headway is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., offering nationwide access to its provider network.
Matching process: After entering your insurance details, use filters to search by specialty, availability, and other preferences. Then book directly from provider profiles. Headway also offers matching assistance through its support team.
Session formats: Headway supports both in-person appointments and browser-based video sessions that are HIPAA-compliant. Providers can offer either or both formats.
Scheduling: You can book sessions directly on a provider's profile based on their availability. Headway reports an average wait time of just 4.9 days for a first therapy appointment.
App/portal experience: Headway is browser-based and does not have a mobile app. The platform includes a secure messaging portal for communicating with your provider between sessions.
How access works with Thriveworks
States served: Thriveworks offers online therapy in 49 states and Washington, D.C. and has over 340 physical office locations for in-person care.
Matching process: You can browse provider profiles online or call the platform's support team for help finding a match. Most patients are able to start care within one week.
Session formats: Thriveworks offers in-person appointments at its offices or online video sessions. A secure link is sent to your email for virtual visits.
Scheduling: The platform offers flexible scheduling, including appointments on nights and weekends. You can book online or by phone and can reschedule or cancel for free up to 48 hours in advance.
App/portal experience: Thriveworks doesn't have a dedicated mobile app. Patients can communicate with providers between sessions through a client portal or email.
What each platform does best
Understanding where each platform excels can help you make an informed decision based on what's most important for your care. Whether you value access to a broad provider network, the option for face-to-face sessions, or coverage through a specific insurance plan, knowing each platform's strengths makes it easier to find the right fit.
Headway excels when you need:
The largest provider network: With 60,000+ providers, you have more options to find the right match.
Nationwide coverage: Available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. for both telehealth and in-person care.
Low out-of-pocket costs: Costs are as low as $0 per session, with typical copays between $15 and $35.
Fast access to care: The average wait time for a first therapy appointment is under five days.
Multilingual support: Providers offer services in more than 57 languages.
Thriveworks excels when you need:
In-person appointments: With over 340 physical offices, Thriveworks is a strong choice if you prefer face-to-face therapy.
Broad insurance acceptance: In-network with over 360 insurance plans.
Transparent self-pay pricing: Thriveworks publishes its self-pay rates upfront.
Flexible scheduling: The platform offers appointments on nights and weekends to fit busy schedules.
Live support: A support team is available seven days a week to help with booking and matching.
Summary: Is Headway or Thriveworks right for you?
Headway and Thriveworks serve different needs. Headway is the stronger fit if you want fast access to a large provider network, low copays, and a streamlined insurance-first experience — its 60,000+ providers and average wait time of under five days make it one of the more accessible virtual options available. Thriveworks is the better choice if you prefer in-person sessions at a physical clinic, need couples or family therapy, or want transparent self-pay pricing alongside broad insurance acceptance. Keep in mind that Thriveworks does not accept Medicaid, while Headway accepts select 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, most insured patients pay around $15 per session with appointments often available as soon as the next day.
Rula FAQs
How much does therapy cost with Headway and Thriveworks?
With Headway, out-of-pocket costs typically range from $0 to $35 per session with insurance. Your exact cost is calculated and displayed in your account before you book.
Thriveworks reports most patients pay $0 to $55 per session in copays with insurance. Self-pay rates range from $160 to $240 for therapy and $210 to $375 for psychiatry, depending on your state.
Do Headway and Thriveworks accept Medicare and Medicaid?
Headway accepts select Medicare and Medicaid plans, though availability is limited and varies by location. Thriveworks accepts Medicare and over 360 insurance plans but does not accept Medicaid. If you have Medicaid, Thriveworks recommends contacting Medicaid directly to find covered providers.
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 straightforward to find quality care that fits your life.
Find care with Rula
Choosing between mental health platforms is an important decision — one that shapes not just your access to care, but your ability to make real progress.
With Rula, getting started is straightforward. Verify your insurance in minutes, browse in-network providers who match your needs, and see your estimated cost upfront before booking. Many patients can schedule their first appointment as soon as tomorrow, so you can receive real support without delays.
When you're ready to take the next step, Rula is here to help you find a provider who truly gets you.
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.
