Cost and insurance coverage: Rula accepts Medicare and select Medicaid plans, with most patients paying $15 per session, while Alma doesn't accept Medicare/Medicaid, and costs vary by provider ($130-$380 self-pay).
Access and scheduling: Rula offers appointments within three days and handles all insurance logistics, while Alma requires you to search their directory and manage scheduling directly with independent providers.
Session formats: Rula focuses primarily on telehealth with some in-person options, while Alma offers both in-person and virtual sessions, depending on the provider you choose.
Support and crisis care: Rula provides 24/7 crisis support, secure messaging through a patient portal, and integrated psychiatric care, while Alma offers free 15-minute consultation calls but limited ongoing platform support.
Provider matching: Rula uses a guided matching process to connect you with in-network providers based on your needs. Alma operates as a searchable directory, allowing you to filter and contact providers independently.
Finding the right mental health platform shouldn't feel like another barrier to getting care. When you're ready to start therapy or see a psychiatrist, you need a clear answer: which service will actually help you access affordable, quality care without the runaround? Rula and Alma both connect you to thousands of licensed providers, but they take different approaches to insurance coverage, cost transparency, and care coordination.
This comparison breaks down what matters most — how much you'll pay, which insurance plans they accept, how quickly you can get started, and what support you'll receive along the way. Whether you prioritize fast access and integrated support or prefer browsing independently, understanding these differences will help you choose the platform that fits your needs and gets you on the path to feeling better.
Rula vs. Alma: Differences at a glance
Rula and Alma are both mental health platforms that help you find therapists and psychiatrists, but they take very different approaches to insurance coverage and care delivery. Rula focuses on making care affordable through broad insurance acceptance and integrated support, while Alma operates as a directory connecting you to independent providers.
Average cost per session:
Rula: $15 per session with insurance
Alma: Varies by provider; $130 to $380 per session for self-pay
Number of providers:
Rula: 21,000+ licensed providers
Alma: 24,000+ licensed providers
Modes of communication:
Rula: Live video sessions, phone sessions with select providers, secure messaging through patient portal, in-person therapy for eligible members
Alma: In-person sessions, virtual video sessions, and text or email between sessions (provider-dependent)
Services offered:
Rula: Individual therapy (ages 5+), couples therapy, family therapy, psychiatric care with medication management (ages 13+)
Alma: Individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, child and adolescent therapy, and medication management
Insurance acceptance:
Rula: In-network with 100+ insurance plans, including Medicare and select Medicaid plans
Alma: Accepts most major insurance plans but does not accept Medicare or Medicaid
States covered:
Rula: All 50 states, including California, Texas, and New York, plus Washington, D.C.
Alma: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Number of specialties offered:
Rula: 180+ clinical specialties and modalities
Alma: Wide range of specialties (specific count not published)
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Rula: Providers speak 40+ languages; specialized care for seniors and LGBTQIA+ individuals
Alma: Directory filtering by provider identity and specialty; educational resources for culturally responsive care
Virtual-only or in-person availability:
Rula: Primarily virtual care with in-person therapy for eligible members; psychiatry is telehealth-only
Alma: Hybrid model with both virtual and in-person sessions available
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Rula at a glance
Rula is a comprehensive behavioral health solution, with a focus on providing online access to therapy, that makes mental healthcare work for everyone through insurance. The platform connects you to a network of 21,000+ licensed providers across all 50 states, handling everything from matching you with the right therapist to managing insurance details so you can focus on feeling better.
"Rula was the only way I was able to find a therapist. Everywhere else I was running into barriers. At a time when I was really struggling, finding help seemed impossible. Rula made it possible," says a Rula patient.
With Rula, you can access individual therapy for ages five and up, couples therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care for ages 13 and up. Most clients have their first appointment within three days, and Rula automatically books recurring sessions to ensure consistency in your care. Most patients pay just $15 per session using insurance, making quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable. Self-pay options are available for patients who either don't have or prefer not to use their insurance.
Alma at a glance
Alma is a platform that supports independent mental health providers while offering a free directory for people seeking care. Founded in 2017, Alma connects you to 24,000+ providers across all 50 states who offer individual, couples, family, and child or adolescent therapy, plus medication management.
Alma's model empowers providers to run their own practices, meaning they set their own rates and decide which session formats to offer. The process typically begins with searching their directory, followed by a free 15-minute consultation call with a provider. Alma also offers a cost estimator tool for select insurance plans to help you understand your potential costs before beginning care.
Clinical outcomes and how we compare
Clinical outcomes and evidence-based approaches matter because they show whether a platform delivers effective care that leads to real symptom improvement. The best platforms track progress and use proven methods to help you feel better.
Rula uses Measurement-Informed Care (MIC) surveys for all therapy clients to track their progress over time. These clinically validated tools help you and your provider understand your journey and ensure your treatment works. This approach has led to strong results: according to recent company data, 93% of people felt better about their symptoms after receiving care through Rula.
Alma also uses evidence-based tools, making assessments like the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) available to providers. According to their data, 80% of people with anxiety and depression see improvement in symptoms within six months of seeing an Alma therapist.
Cost and insurance coverage
Rula is in-network with more than 100 insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, Medicare, and Optum. Understanding whether insurance covers psychiatric care can help you maximize your benefits. Alma also accepts most major insurance plans, but doesn't work with Medicare or Medicaid plans, which may limit access for seniors and low-income individuals.
Insurance plans accepted
Rula accepts:
Alma accepts:
Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
Oscar
Oxford
Rula accepts Medicare and select Medicaid plans, making care accessible to seniors and some low-income individuals, while Alma's exclusion of Medicare and Medicaid plans leaves these populations with a coverage gap.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
With Rula, most patients pay just $15 per session using insurance. They handle the complicated parts by contacting your insurance provider and giving you a clear cost estimate before your first appointment, taking the guesswork out of figuring out your mental health insurance benefits. The online cost estimator tool lets you instantly see if your plan is in-network and what your out-of-pocket costs will be.
Alma's out-of-pocket costs with insurance vary by provider and your specific health plan. They offer a cost estimator tool for members of certain insurance plans to help you understand your payment responsibility, and they verify your eligibility before your first visit.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Both Rula and Alma accept health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to cover out-of-pocket expenses like copays or deductibles. This makes it easy to use pre-tax dollars for your mental healthcare on either platform.
Self-pay pricing
Rula offers transparent, standardized rates:
Individual therapy: $150 per 60-minute session
Couples or family therapy: $165 per 60-minute session
Initial psychiatry session: $225 per 60-minute session
Psychiatry follow-up: $175 per 30-minute session
These standardized rates help you understand exactly what you'll pay, compared to the varying psychiatric visit costs without insurance you might encounter elsewhere.
Alma's pricing varies by provider:
Rates typically range from $130 to $380 per session
Some providers offer sliding scale fees based on financial need
Patients should discuss rates directly with each provider
Mental health services offered
The range of services a platform offers determines whether you can find care that meets your specific needs and access different types of treatment in one place.
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Our network includes licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs). With 180+ specialties, Rula's providers use evidence-based approaches, including:
Most common approaches:
Behavioral therapy:
Insight-oriented:
Relationship-based:
Internal family systems (IFS)
Experiential therapy:
Humanistic therapy:
Rula offers individual therapy for ages five and up, couples therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care with medication management for ages 13 and up.
Treatment approaches offered by Alma
Alma's network consists of independent psychotherapists and prescribers licensed in their respective states. Providers offer therapeutic approaches, including:
Body-focused therapy:
Biofeedback and neurofeedback training
Hypnotherapy
Neuro-linguistic programming therapy
Somatic experiencing/sensorimotor therapy
Cognitive and behavioral therapy:
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Applied behavioral analysis (ABA)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
Motivational interviewing
Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT)
Solution-focused therapy
Couples/marital/relationship therapy:
Emotion-focused therapy for couples (EFT-C)
Gottman Method
Insight-oriented therapy:
Interpersonal psychotherapy
Psychoanalysis
Psychodynamic therapy
Mindfulness-based therapy:
Compassion-focused therapy (CFT)
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
Trauma-focused therapy:
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Prolonged exposure therapy
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT)
Other types of therapy:
Attachment-focused psychotherapy
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT)
Internal family systems (IFS)
Multicultural/culturally informed therapy (CIT)
Narrative therapy
Structural family therapy
Alma's directory includes providers who offer individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, child or adolescent therapy, and medication management. Since providers operate independently, the specific approaches and specialties available depend on the individual practitioner you choose.
Inclusivity and specialized care
Finding a provider who understands your unique identity, cultural background, and life experiences is essential for effective therapy. The best platforms prioritize diversity and cultural competence in their provider networks.
Rula's inclusivity and specialization
Rula makes it easy to find a provider who understands your unique needs and background.
Licensure types: Rula's network includes licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs).
Specializations offered: With over 21,000 providers, you can find specialists in 180+ clinical areas, including anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, eating disorders, teen services, senior psychiatry services, couples therapy, family therapy, and parenting support.
Languages available: Providers speak over 40 different languages to support comfortable communication.
Inclusivity factors: Rula's network is intentionally diverse, with specialized care for teens (therapy ages 5+, psychiatry ages 13+) and seniors. 51% of Rula's providers identify as BIPOC, and you can find LGBTQIA+ providers and affirming care approaches. Rula's acceptance of Medicare and select Medicaid plans makes care accessible to older adults and low-income individuals.
A Rula patient shares:
"She has been the first therapist I've ever had where I never felt the need to hide any aspect of my issues or identity."
Alma's inclusivity and specialization
Alma prioritizes provider education on culturally responsive care and offers robust filtering options in its directory.
Licensure types: Alma's network includes independent psychotherapists and prescribers licensed in their practice states.
Specializations offered: Alma offers a wide range of specializations, including anxiety, trauma, relationships, addiction, depression, LGBTQIA+ issues, personal growth, and PTSD.
Languages available: Alma provides language support through directory filtering, though specific languages aren't published.
Inclusivity factors: Alma offers directory filtering by provider identity, specialty, and therapeutic style. The platform provides provider education on culturally responsive care for marginalized communities and programming to improve access for Black women and girls. However, Alma's exclusion of Medicare and Medicaid limits access for seniors and low-income individuals.
Platform availability and access
Access to mental healthcare shouldn't be complicated by confusing logistics or long wait times. The ease of finding a provider and scheduling appointments can make the difference between getting help and giving up.
How access works with Rula
Rula is designed to handle all the complicated insurance and scheduling details so you can focus on your mental health progress. The platform guides you through each step and keeps you informed about what's happening with your care.
States served: Rula serves all 50 states and Washington, D.C., for both therapy and psychiatry
Matching process: The platform's guided process matches you with licensed, in-network providers based on your needs and preferences. If it's not the right fit, they'll help you switch to a different provider.
Session formats: Sessions are conducted via live video sessions using a secure Zoom link, phone sessions with select providers, in-person therapy for select members, and telehealth-only psychiatry.
Scheduling: Appointments are available as soon as the next day, with most clients seeing a provider within three days. Rula automatically books recurring appointments for the next four weeks after your first session.
App/portal experience: Patients can communicate with their provider between sessions through secure messaging, manage appointments and billing details, access 24/7 crisis support, and receive prescriptions through telehealth.
How access works with Alma
Alma's platform centers around its provider directory, giving you tools to search for and connect with independent practitioners.
States served: Alma is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Matching process: Patients can search the directory using filters for care type, specialties, treatment approaches, and session format.
Session formats: Alma offers in-person sessions, virtual video sessions through HIPAA-compliant browser-based telehealth, or a hybrid approach combining both formats. Between-session communication policies (text or email) vary by provider.
Scheduling: Free 15-minute consultation calls are available with providers, who typically respond within two to three business days. Scheduling is handled directly with your chosen provider, and payment plans are available for outstanding balances.
App/portal experience: Alma offers a client portal to select clients only, with no platform-based crisis support. Communication and scheduling are managed directly with providers, and insurance eligibility is verified before your first visit.
What each platform does best
Choosing between Rula and Alma depends on your specific needs, insurance situation, and preferences for how you want to access and manage your care. By looking at where each platform is strongest, you can make a thoughtful decision grounded in what matters most for your mental health journey.
Rula excels if you:
Need fast access to care, with appointments available within days.
Want transparent, upfront cost estimates before starting therapy.
Have Medicare or a state Medicaid plan.
Prefer standardized, clear pricing for self-pay sessions.
Need integrated psychiatric care and medication management.
Value having 24/7 crisis support available.
Want automatic appointment scheduling and insurance handling.
Prefer a platform that manages all the logistics for you.
Alma excels if you:
Prefer browsing a directory and having more control over your provider search.
Want free consultation calls with multiple therapists before deciding.
Prioritize access to in-person therapy.
Want a provider who offers sliding scale pricing.
Are comfortable managing scheduling and communication directly with your provider.
Prefer working with independent practitioners who set their own policies.
Summary: Is Rula or Alma right for you?
Rula and Alma both connect you to large networks of mental health providers, but they serve different needs and preferences. Rula is an integrated behavioral health solution that focuses on providing fast, affordable, and comprehensive care through insurance, with support at every step of your journey.
Alma functions as a provider directory that connects you to independent practitioners, giving you more control over your search process, with the option of free consultation calls. While Alma offers more in-person options and some sliding-scale pricing, it provides less integrated support and doesn't accept Medicare or Medicaid, which can be barriers for certain populations.
To help you decide, consider these questions:
Do you need to get started with therapy quickly?
Are you covered by Medicare or Medicaid?
Do you prefer a platform that handles insurance and scheduling for you?
Is having 24/7 crisis support important to you?
Do you prefer to have consultation calls with multiple providers before choosing?
Rula FAQs
How quickly can I get matched with a provider through Rula?
Most people are able to schedule their first appointment within three days. After you verify your insurance, Rula matches you with licensed, in-network providers based on your needs and preferences, and you can book directly from their availability.
What types of care does Rula offer?
Rula connects you with licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and PMHNPs. Services include individual therapy (ages 5+), couples therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care with medication management for ages 13 and older.
What conditions do providers on Rula treat?
Providers on Rula specialize in more than 180 clinical areas, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, eating disorders, substance use concerns, autism, relationship issues, parenting challenges, and senior mental health needs.
Will Rula take my insurance?
Rula is in-network with more than 100 insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, Optum, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, and select Medicaid plans. You can verify your coverage on the platform in minutes to confirm your benefits and estimated session cost.
What’s the cost of care with Rula?
Most people with insurance pay around $15 per session, depending on their plan. Rula provides an upfront cost estimate before your first appointment so you know what to expect. Self-pay rates are also available for therapy and psychiatry services.
Does Rula provide crisis support?
Yes. Rula offers 24/7 crisis support through the patient portal, helping you access appropriate resources whenever you need urgent emotional support.
Find care with Rula
If you're ready to start therapy or see a psychiatrist, Rula makes it straightforward to get the care you need. The platform handles the complicated parts — verifying your insurance, matching you with the right provider, and managing all the logistics — so you can focus on what matters: making real progress on your mental health.
Alex Bachert
Alex Bachert is a freelance copywriter and mental health advocate. Since earning her masters degree in public health, she has focused her career on creating informative content that empowers people to prioritize their health and well-being. Alex has partnered with organizations like Ro, WellTheory, and Firsthand, and her work has been recognized by the Digital Health Association.
When she’s not writing about mental health, Alex is usually playing pickleball, meeting with her local board of health, or enjoying time with her three kids.
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.
