Insurance coverage: Rula accepts 100+ insurance plans with typical copays around $15 per session, while BetterHelp operates on a subscription model ($70-$100/week) without insurance coverage in most locations, but does accept insurance in 17 states.
Service scope: Rula offers comprehensive care, including individual, couples, family, and teen therapy plus psychiatry services, whereas BetterHelp focuses primarily on individual therapy for adults.
Provider selection: Rula lets you choose from curated, in-network therapists after reviewing profiles and videos, while BetterHelp uses an automated matching system based on a questionnaire.
Communication options: BetterHelp provides four ways to connect (video, phone, chat, unlimited messaging), while Rula focuses on live video sessions with messaging through their patient portal.
Clinical outcomes: Rula tracks progress using proven clinical measures and reports outcomes 10% better than similar competitors, with patients typically feeling better after three sessions.
Finding affordable, accessible mental health care shouldn't feel like solving a puzzle, but when you're comparing online therapy platforms, the differences matter more than you might think. Rula and BetterHelp both aim to make therapy easier to access, yet they take distinct approaches to what they offer, how they handle costs, and the types of care you can receive.
Understanding those differences helps you choose support that fits your needs, budget, and goals. In this guide, we break down how each platform works, from pricing and insurance use to provider qualifications and available services, so you can feel confident you’re choosing a path that supports real progress.
Rula vs. BetterHelp: Differences at a glance
Rula and BetterHelp each offer accessible ways to start therapy, but they operate on different models that affect what you’ll pay and the type of care you can receive. A quick comparison can help you understand how those differences may matter for your needs.
Average cost per session:
Rula: $15 with insurance
BetterHelp: $70 to $100 per week without insurance; about $19 copay with insurance
Number of therapists:
Rula: Over 21,000
BetterHelp: Over 35,000
Modes of communication:
Rula: Live video sessions, messaging through the patient portal
BetterHelp: Live video, phone, chat, and unlimited messaging
Services offered:
Rula: Individual, couples, family, child, and teen therapy, plus psychiatry
BetterHelp: Individual therapy, support groups, and psychoeducation
Insurance acceptance:
Rula: In-network with 100+ insurance plans
BetterHelp: Accepts major insurance plans in 17 states (including Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Texas, Florida, New York, Arkansas, Indiana, and Pennsylvania)
States covered:
Rula: All 50 states, including California, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, plus Washington, D.C.
BetterHelp: All 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
Number of specialties offered:
Rula: Over 180 clinical specialties and modalities
BetterHelp: Wide range, but exact number not specified
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Rula: 51% of providers in Rula's network are Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC), and the providers in Rula's network speak over 40 different languages.
BetterHelp: BetterHelp’s therapist matching process meets over 93% of client preferences. Patients can indicate a preference for therapist gender, race, religion, age, and LGBT+ identity.
Virtual and in-person availability:
Rula: Primarily virtual, with in-person options
BetterHelp: Virtual-only
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 mission to make mental healthcare work for everyone. The platform combines comprehensive services, support at every step, and clinical accountability in one place. Rula's network includes more than 21,000 licensed mental health providers across 180+ clinical specialties and modalities, offering care that ranges from individual, couples, family, child, and teen therapy to psychiatry and medication management. Most providers meet remotely, with some in-person options available.
If you have health insurance through a major company, you can likely use it with Rula. They’re in-network with over 100 insurance plans, and most people pay about $15 per session. Rula also tracks clinical outcomes using proven measures — 93% of patients report feeling better after receiving care.
Getting started with Rula is straightforward. You verify your insurance coverage, browse personalized provider matches, and can often schedule your first appointment for as soon as tomorrow. Rula handles all the insurance complexities, so you can focus on finding the right support and beginning care with confidence.
BetterHelp at a glance
BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, offering 100% virtual care through a subscription model. Since 2013, the platform has focused on removing traditional barriers to therapy by offering convenient, accessible mental healthcare. Their network includes more than 35,000 licensed therapists who provide individual therapy. BetterHelp partners with major insurance carriers in 17 states, but coverage remains limited. Instead, the platform is known for its subscription model, which typically costs between $70 and $100 per week.
In addition to weekly therapy sessions, BetterHelp offers messaging, support groups, psychoeducational classes, and a broad library of self-care tools. About 69% of clients use at least one of these resources to supplement their care.
The BetterHelp experience begins with a detailed questionnaire that helps match you with a therapist based on your needs, preferences, and background. Once matched, you can communicate with your therapist through live video sessions, phone calls, live chat, or unlimited messaging, all for a flat weekly fee.
Clinical outcomes and how they compare
When you’re choosing a therapy platform, it’s important to know that the treatment you receive is effective and evidence-based. Clinical outcomes show whether people actually get better, not just whether they attend sessions.
Rula’s clinical outcomes:
Clinical outcomes are 10%+ better than similar national groups, on average.
93% of patients report feeling better about their symptoms after receiving care.
Patients typically report improvement after just three sessions.
74% of patients experience a clinically meaningful improvement on the PHQ or GAD (used to measure anxiety and depression) within twelve weeks.
BetterHelp’s clinical outcomes:
72% of clients report a reduction in symptoms after receiving care.
69% achieve reliable improvement and 62% reach symptom remission, based on published 2024 outcomes data.
Independent studies show that BetterHelp users experience significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform.
Cost and insurance coverage
The biggest difference between Rula and BetterHelp is how you pay for therapy. Rula is in-network with more than 100 insurance plans, including major providers like Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and Cigna. BetterHelp doesn't accept insurance directly and operates entirely on a subscription model.
Insurance plans accepted
Rula works with most major insurance providers across the country, making it easier to connect with a therapist or psychiatric provider covered under your plan. You can verify your benefits directly on the platform in just a few minutes.
Insurance accepted by therapists on Rula includes:
*Actual cost may vary based on your insurance benefits and deductible. Rula will provide you with a personalized cost estimate prior to your first appointment.
BetterHelp accepts select insurance plans in 17 U.S. states, including Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Texas, Florida, New York, Arkansas, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
With Rula, your out-of-pocket cost depends on your specific insurance plan. Most people with insurance pay around $15 per session, which represents their copay or coinsurance amount. For the most accurate estimate, it’s best to verify your pricing and coverage directly with your insurance provider.
BetterHelp members typically have a copay of around $19 per session, but the final cost varies depending on the plan and provider.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Both Rula and BetterHelp sessions qualify for payment with health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) funds. You can typically use your HSA/FSA card directly for payment on both platforms, allowing you to use pre-tax dollars for your mental healthcare.
Self-pay pricing
If you don’t have insurance or prefer to pay out-of-pocket, Rula offers self-pay rates for both therapy and psychiatry services. Pricing varies by service type:
$150 for an individual therapy session
$165 for a couple's therapy session
$225 for an initial psychiatry evaluation
$175 for a follow-up psychiatry session
BetterHelp’s model is subscription-based, with costs ranging from $70 to $100 per week, billed every four weeks. This cost includes one live session per week plus unlimited messaging.
Mental health services offered
The range of services available can significantly impact which platform works best for your needs. Both platforms offer individual therapy, but they differ in their additional services and specializations.
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Rula connects you with licensed providers across 180+ clinical specialties who use a wide range of evidence-based treatment approaches. They treat a broad range of concerns, including anxiety, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), substance use disorder (SUD), schizophrenia, and more. This breadth makes it easier to find someone with the right expertise for your specific needs.
Most common approaches
Behavioral therapy
Insight-oriented
Relationship-based
Internal family systems (IFS)
Experiential therapy
Humanistic therapy
Treatment approaches offered by BetterHelp
BetterHelp's large network of therapists covers a wide variety of treatment approaches and specializations. You can indicate your preferences during the sign-up process to help get matched with a provider who fits your needs.
Common approaches include:
Trauma-informed therapy
Eye movement reprocessing and desensitization therapy (EMDR)
Internal family systems (IFS) therapy
Gestalt therapy
Narrative therapy
Person-centered therapy
Interpersonal therapy
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
Psychoanalysis
Brief systematic therapy
Attachment-based therapy
Integrative therapy
Exposure therapy
Mindfulness-based therapy
BetterHelp therapists use these modalities to treat depression, anxiety, grief, panic, anger, abuse, parenting challenges, relationship issues, emotional regulation, panic disorder, eating disorders, trauma, and other common concerns. While they have sister sites like ReGain for couples counseling, their main platform is designed for individual therapy for adults, not family therapy or therapy for minors. Additionally, BetterHelp doesn't offer psychiatry or medication management services.
Inclusivity and specialized care
Finding a provider you trust and feel comfortable with is crucial for successful therapy. Having access to a diverse network of providers with specialized expertise makes it more likely you'll find someone who truly understands your background and needs.
Rula’s inclusivity and specialization
Rula is committed to helping you find a provider who truly gets you. The platform makes it easy to search for someone who understands your unique background and circumstances.
Licensure types: Rula’s network includes licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed professional counselors (LPCs), psychologists (PhDs/PsyDs), and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs)
Specializations offered: With over 21,000 providers, you can find specialists in hundreds of areas, including anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, eating disorders, and relationship issues.
Languages available: Providers speak over 40 different languages to support comfortable communication.
Inclusivity factors: Rula’s network is intentionally diverse. 51% of providers identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC), and you can filter for providers based on gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other factors. You can also find therapists who specialize in culturally sensitive care and LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy.
BetterHelp’s inclusivity and specialization
BetterHelp also maintains a large and diverse network of providers, and their intake questionnaire allows you to specify preferences for your therapist’s background and characteristics.
Licensure types: BetterHelp’s network includes psychologists (PhD/PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), and licensed professional counselors (LPCs).
Specializations offered: Therapists treat a wide range of common mental health concerns and use evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-focused therapy, and exposure-based therapies.
Languages available: Therapy is available in multiple languages beyond English.
Inclusivity factors: BetterHelp has specialized platforms like Pride Counseling for the LGBTQIA+ community and allows you to request therapists from specific backgrounds during the matching process.
Platform availability and access
The logistics of accessing care — from finding a provider to scheduling sessions — should be simple and stress-free. How each platform handles these details can meaningfully impact your experience.
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. Here’s what accessing care through Rula looks like:
States served: Rula is available in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
Matching process: After verifying your insurance, Rula provides a curated list of in-network providers. You can review their profiles, watch introductory videos, and choose the therapist who feels like the best fit.
Session formats: Sessions are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant video appointments.
Scheduling: You can view a provider's real-time availability and book your first session directly from their profile, often for as soon as tomorrow.
App/portal experience: Rula's patient portal lets you manage appointments, handle billing questions, and communicate with the support team.
How access works with BetterHelp
BetterHelp is designed for convenience and quick access to therapy through an automated matching system. The platform prioritizes ease of use and flexible communication options. Here’s what accessing care through BetterHelp looks like:
States served: BetterHelp is available nationwide and in numerous countries outside the United States.
Matching process: After completing a detailed questionnaire, BetterHelp's algorithm matches you with a therapist. You don't choose your provider initially, but you can request a new one if needed.
Session formats: BetterHelp offers live video sessions, phone calls, live chat sessions, and unlimited asynchronous messaging.
Scheduling: You can coordinate your video, voice, or chat sessions directly with your therapist through in-app messaging.
App/portal experience: BetterHelp provides a user-friendly mobile app and web portal where you can message your therapist, join sessions, and access additional tools such as journaling features.
What each platform does best
Choosing between Rula and BetterHelp depends on your specific needs, insurance situation, and preferences for how you want to access and pay for therapy. By looking at where each platform is strongest, you can make a thoughtful decision grounded in what matters most for your care.
Rula is best for you if you:
Want to use your health insurance to make therapy more affordable, with most people paying about $15 per session.
Need both therapy and psychiatry in one coordinated platform, including medication management.
Prefer to choose your own therapist from a curated list of in-network providers.
Are seeking couples, family, child, or teen therapy, in addition to individual care for adults.
Value a platform that tracks clinical outcomes and offers evidence-based care.
Appreciate having real people available to help with scheduling, insurance questions, and support.
Want the option for in-person appointments, depending on provider availability.
BetterHelp is best for you if you:
Don’t have insurance or prefer not to use it.
Want predictable, flat weekly pricing without worrying about copays or deductibles.
Want the ability to message your therapist between sessions, including asynchronous communication.
Prefer a quick, automated matching process instead of choosing your own therapist.
Are focused on individual therapy for adults and don’t need psychiatry, medication management, family therapy, or therapy for minors.
Like having multiple ways to meet, such as video, phone, live chat, or unlimited messaging.
Summary: Is Rula or BetterHelp right for you?
The choice between Rula and BetterHelp ultimately comes down to how you want to pay for therapy and what type of care you need. If you have health insurance and want comprehensive mental healthcare that includes both therapy and psychiatry options, Rula offers a more complete solution at a lower out-of-pocket cost. The platform's focus on clinical outcomes and coordinated care makes it particularly valuable for people who want to ensure they're making real progress.
If you don't have insurance or prefer the simplicity of a flat subscription fee, BetterHelp provides convenient access to individual therapy with flexible communication options. The platform's strength lies in its large network, quick matching process, and the ability to message your therapist anytime.
When making your decision, consider these key questions:
Do you have health insurance you’d like to use?
Do you think you might need medication in addition to therapy?
Is it important to you to choose your own therapist?
What’s your preferred way to communicate with a mental health provider?
Your answers to these questions will help guide you toward the platform that's the best fit for your situation and goals.
Rula FAQs
How quickly can I get matched with a therapist on Rula?
After you verify your insurance coverage, you can browse available providers right away and often schedule your first appointment for as soon as tomorrow. Most people meet with a provider within five days.
What happens if my therapist on Rula isn't a good fit?
Rula’s care coordination team can help you transition to a new in-network provider at no additional cost, ensuring you find someone who feels like the right match.
Does Rula offer evening and weekend appointment times?
Many Rula providers offer flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, to accommodate different work schedules and time zone preferences.
Will Rula take my insurance?
Rula is in-network with more than 100 insurance plans nationwide. You can verify your coverage on the platform in just a few minutes to confirm your benefits and estimated cost.
What’s the cost of care with Rula?
Most people with insurance pay about $15 per therapy session, depending on their specific plan. Rula also offers self-pay rates, which vary by service type. You’ll receive a personalized cost estimate before your first appointment.
Find care with Rula
If you’re ready to start therapy, Rula can help you take the next step with clarity and confidence. You can verify your insurance benefits in minutes, explore in-network providers who match your needs, and often schedule your first appointment as soon as tomorrow. When you’re ready, Rula is here to guide you to care that fits your life.
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
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.
