Cost difference: Rula averages $15 per session with insurance, while Brightside averages $15 to $30, depending on the plan.
Provider network size: Rula offers 21,000+ licensed providers across 180+ specialties with extensive demographic filters. Brightside doesn't disclose provider count but focuses on technology-enhanced matching.
Service delivery options: Rula provides both virtual (Zoom) and in-person therapy in select markets, while Brightside is virtual-only with a comprehensive mobile app experience.
Age requirements: Rula serves children as young as five for therapy and 13+ for psychiatry. Brightside only serves ages 13+ through their Teen Program and adult services.
Insurance acceptance: Rula accepts 100+ plans, including broad Medicare and Medicaid coverage, while Brightside doesn't provide a list of accepted insurance plans.
Choosing a mental health platform matters; it shapes how quickly you get care, who you work with, and whether treatment fits your budget. Rula and Brightside both connect you with licensed providers for virtual therapy and psychiatry, but their networks, pricing structures, and service models look quite different. Understanding where each platform excels helps you find care that actually works for your situation.
This guide breaks down how Rula and Brightside compare on cost, provider availability, service delivery, age requirements, insurance acceptance, and more. By examining these practical differences, you can identify which platform aligns most with your therapy goals.
Rula vs. Brightside: Differences at a glance
Both Rula and Brightside offer virtual mental health care, but they differ in their approach, provider networks, insurance acceptance, and service models. Understanding these differences helps you choose the platform that best fits your specific needs and preferences.
Average cost per session:
Rula: About $15 per session with insurance
Brightside: $15 to $30 average copay per session with insurance
Number of providers:
Rula: 21,000+ licensed providers
Brightside: Provider count not publicly disclosed
Modes of communication:
Rula: Live video (Zoom), in-person therapy, and between-session messaging via patient portal
Brightside: Video sessions and unlimited messaging via mobile app
Services offered:
Rula: Individual therapy (ages 5+), couples therapy, family therapy, child therapy, teen therapy, psychiatry/medication management (ages 13+)
Brightside: Psychiatry, therapy, combined care, Teen Program (ages 13 to 17), suicide prevention, intensive outpatient care
Insurance acceptance:
Rula: In-network with 100+ insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid
Brightside: Accepts commercial plans, Original Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage plans, and select Medicaid plans in certain states
States covered:
Rula: All 50 states, including California, Texas, Florida, and New York, plus Washington, D.C.
Brightside: All 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
Number of specialties offered:
Rula: 180+ clinical specialties and modalities
Brightside: Specific specialty count not disclosed
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Rula: 51% of the provider network identifies as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), 40+ languages represented, and filters for gender, ethnicity, age, and faith
Brightside: Free language services with qualified interpreters
Virtual-only and in-person availability:
Rula: Both virtual (Zoom) and in-person therapy
Brightside: Virtual-only platform
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Rula at a glance
Rula is a mental health platform that connects people with licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). The platform offers both telehealth appointments via Zoom and in-person sessions at provider-operated offices. Rula serves individuals ages five and older for therapy and ages 13 and older for psychiatry, emphasizing quick and easy access. With 93% of people feeling better about their symptoms after receiving care through Rula, the platform delivers measurably strong clinical outcomes alongside accessibility.
"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 typically pay about $15 per session with insurance, though costs vary based on your specific plan and benefits. The platform also offers self-pay options starting at $150 for individual therapy sessions. You can schedule an appointment in as little as three minutes through Rula's web-based patient portal, where you can filter providers by clinical specialties, insurance acceptance, availability, and demographic preferences to find the right match.
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.
Brightside at a glance
Brightside is a virtual-only mental health platform founded in 2017 that offers psychiatry, therapy, and combined care plans. The platform uses a measurement-based, technology-enabled approach featuring proprietary tools like PrecisionRx, which analyzes over 100 data points to support medication selection. Brightside serves adults 18 and older and teens ages 13 to 17 across all 50 states, offering specialized programs including a Teen Program, Suicide Prevention Program, and Intensive Outpatient Program.
The average copay with insurance at Brightside ranges from $15 to $30 per session. For self-pay patients, Brightside uses a monthly subscription model: $95/month for psychiatry only, $299/month for therapy only, and $349/month for combined care. The platform centers around a mobile app where you can message your care team, track progress, and book sessions. After completing an initial assessment and verifying insurance, you can typically schedule an appointment within two days.
Clinical outcomes and how we compare
Clinical outcomes and evidence-based approaches are critical indicators of a platform's effectiveness in helping people achieve meaningful mental health improvements. Comparing published data helps patients make informed decisions about which service may best support their recovery journey.
Rula clinical outcomes:
93% of people felt better about their symptoms after receiving care through Rula.
94% of clients find a provider they feel comfortable with and who listens to them with respect.
98% find a provider that meets their unique preferences.
Rula's clinical outcomes are greater than 10% better than those of similar competitors, on average.
Brightside clinical outcomes:
Within 12 weeks, 86% of patients experience clinically significant improvement.
75% of individuals achieved remission from Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder within 12 weeks.
77% of people no longer had any suicidal thoughts after just 12 weeks of treatment.
Cost and insurance coverage
Rula is in-network with more than 100 insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid, with typical copays around $15 per session. Brightside also accepts most major insurance plans, including commercial plans, Original Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage plans, and select Medicaid plans in certain states. Both platforms offer self-pay options for those without insurance or who prefer not to use their benefits.
Insurance plans accepted
Insurance accepted by therapists on Rula:
*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.
Insurance accepted by Brightside:
Most major commercial insurance plans nationwide
Original Medicare Part B
Multiple Medicare Advantage plans
Select Medicaid plans in North Carolina, Nebraska, Oregon, and Washington
*Brightside's Medicaid acceptance is limited to specific plans in select states.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
With Rula, the typical copay is about $15 per session, though this varies based on your specific insurance plan, benefits, and deductible status. Rula verifies your benefits and provides a personalized cost estimate before your first appointment to ensure complete transparency about costs.
Brightside's average copay ranges from $15 to $30 per session. Like Rula, your final cost depends on your plan's specific terms for copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Brightside submits claims directly to your insurance company, and you're responsible for any cost-sharing requirements your plan requires.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Both Rula and Brightside accept health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards. You can use these tax-advantaged funds to cover out-of-pocket expenses like copays, deductibles, or self-pay fees. This makes mental healthcare more accessible by allowing you to pay with pre-tax dollars.
Self-pay pricing
Rula uses a straightforward per-session pricing model for those paying without insurance:
$150 for an individual therapy session
$165 for a couple's therapy session
$225 for an initial psychiatry session
$175 for a follow-up psychiatry session
Brightside offers a monthly subscription model for self-pay clients:
$95/month for psychiatry-only care
$299/month for therapy-only care
$349/month for combined psychiatry and therapy care
$59 per additional therapy session beyond monthly plan inclusions
Mental health services offered
The range of services a platform offers directly impacts whether it can meet your specific needs, from therapy modalities to medication management to specialized programs. Understanding what each platform provides helps ensure you choose a service that aligns with your treatment goals and clinical requirements.
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Rula's network of over 21,000 providers offers more than 180 clinical specialties and a comprehensive array of evidence-based treatment approaches.
Most common approaches
Behavioral therapy
Insight-oriented
Relationship-based
Internal family systems (IFS)
Experiential therapy
Humanistic therapy
Rula also offers medication management through licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) for people ages 13 and older. These providers conduct psychiatric evaluations, prescribe medications, and create personalized treatment plans as part of comprehensive care. Rula's licensed providers offer over 180 clinical specialties, ensuring you can find expertise that matches your specific needs.
Treatment approaches offered by Brightside
Brightside provides care through several distinct service types and specialized programs designed for different levels of mental health needs.
Therapy approaches:
Evidence-based therapy integrating Unified Protocol (UP)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Behavioral activation (BA)
Specialized programs:
Teen Program
Suicide Prevention Program
Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Substance Use Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Brightside's psychiatric providers prescribe common medications like SSRIs and SNRIs but do not prescribe controlled substances such as benzodiazepines or stimulants.
Inclusivity and specialized care
Finding a provider you can trust and who understands your unique background, identity, and experiences is essential for effective therapy. Inclusivity factors like provider diversity, language access, and cultural competency directly impact therapeutic outcomes and patient comfort.
Rula's inclusivity and specialization overview
Rula demonstrates a strong commitment to helping every patient find a provider who truly understands them through its large and diverse network.
Licensure types: Rula's network includes licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs).
Specializations offered: With over 180 clinical specialties available, Rula covers a comprehensive range of mental health concerns, including ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, trauma and PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, substance use, grief, relationship issues, parenting support, LGBTQ+ issues, and cultural identity concerns.
Languages available: The provider network represents 40+ languages, allowing you to find therapists who speak your preferred language and understand your cultural context.
Inclusivity factors: 51% of Rula's provider network identifies as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), demonstrating significant racial and ethnic diversity. You can filter providers by gender, ethnicity, age, and faith to find clinicians who share your background and worldview.
Brightside's inclusivity and specialization overview
Brightside takes steps to ensure accessible and inclusive care for its members across diverse populations.
Licensure types: Brightside's network includes licensed therapists for therapy services and psychiatrists, physicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and PMHNPs for medication management.
Specializations offered: Brightside treats a range of conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, panic disorder, PMDD, and insomnia. The platform offers specialized programs for teens and those with higher-acuity needs like suicidal ideation.
Languages available: For people whose primary language is not English, Brightside offers free language services, including qualified interpreters and written information in other languages. However, the platform doesn't provide a specific list of supported languages.
Inclusivity factors: Brightside maintains a formal non-discrimination policy and offers a dedicated Teen Program for adolescents ages 13 to 17. While some individual providers may specialize in serving LGBTQ+ communities, this isn't described as a platform-wide filter or policy.
Platform availability and access
How quickly you can access care, how easily you can schedule appointments, and how flexible the platform is in meeting your needs are critical factors in choosing a mental health service. Barriers to access, like long wait times, complicated scheduling, or limited provider availability, can delay treatment when you need it most.
How access works with Rula
Rula is designed to remove barriers to care by offering both flexibility and speed in accessing mental health services.
States served: Rula is available in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., for both therapy and psychiatry services. The platform offers virtual appointments via Zoom, with in-person therapy available.
Matching process: After you provide your insurance information and preferences, Rula gives you a curated list of in-network providers. You can filter this list by specialty, gender, ethnicity, age, faith, language, appointment availability, and session format to find the right fit.
Session formats: You can choose between live video sessions via Zoom for telehealth appointments or in-person therapy, where available. Between-session messaging is available via a secure, HIPAA-compliant patient portal, though availability depends on individual provider preferences.
Scheduling: You can schedule an appointment in as little as three minutes through Rula's online portal. Appointments are commonly available as soon as tomorrow. All scheduling is managed through a secure, web-based patient portal.
App/portal experience: Rula uses a web-based patient portal rather than a mobile app. The portal is accessible through browsers on computers, tablets, or mobile devices and includes features for scheduling appointments, messaging providers when available, and managing your care.
How access works with Brightside
Brightside's access model centers around its virtual-only platform and comprehensive mobile app experience.
States served: Brightside is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., for adults 18 and older and teens 13 to 17. However, it's a virtual-only platform with no in-person services available. Brightside's Intensive Outpatient Program is available in select states only.
Matching process: You begin by completing an online assessment about your mental health needs and symptoms. After verifying your eligibility and insurance coverage, you can choose from available providers based on your assessment results.
Session formats: All care is delivered through video sessions and unlimited messaging with your care team via the Brightside Health mobile app. The platform also offers interactive self-guided video lessons between sessions and group therapy through IOP programs.
Scheduling: The average wait time for a first appointment is two days, with some providers offering next-day availability. You can book and manage all sessions directly through the mobile app, which also provides flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends.
App/portal experience: Brightside offers a full-featured mobile app for iOS and Android that serves as the central hub for your care. Through the app, you can message providers anytime, track progress with built-in tools, book sessions, access educational content, and switch providers if needed.
What each platform does best
Choosing between mental health platforms isn't about finding the "perfect" service; it's about finding the right fit for your unique situation, preferences, and treatment goals. By looking at where each platform is strongest, you can make a thoughtful decision grounded in what matters most for your care.
Rula excels when you need:
Both virtual and in-person therapy options: Rula stands out as offering both virtual and in-person therapy in select markets, providing flexibility for those who prefer face-to-face sessions or want to combine telehealth with occasional in-person visits.
A large, diverse provider network with extensive specialties: With 21,000+ licensed providers offering 180+ clinical specialties, Rula provides more choice and expertise across a wider range of mental health concerns.
Strong cultural matching and inclusivity: Rula's detailed demographic filters and diverse network (51% BIPOC providers, 40+ languages) make it easier to find a provider who shares your background and understands your cultural context.
Lower typical copays with insurance: Rula's average $15 copay is lower than Brightside's $15 to $30 average.
Therapy for younger children: Rula serves children as young as five years old for therapy services, while Brightside's minimum age is 13.
Broad insurance acceptance: Rula accepts 100+ insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, in many states.
Brightside excels when you need:
A comprehensive mobile app experience: If you prefer managing your entire care experience through a mobile app, Brightside's platform is specifically designed for this approach.
Specialized programs for higher-acuity needs: Brightside's Intensive Outpatient Program and Suicide Prevention Program provide structured care for those needing more intensive support.
Predictable monthly subscription pricing: If you anticipate frequent appointments or ongoing medication management, Brightside's monthly plans may be more cost-effective than per-session pricing.
Technology-enhanced medication management: Brightside's PrecisionRx tool and measurement-based approach appeal to those who want data-driven psychiatric care.
Virtual-only convenience: For those who prefer or require completely remote care, Brightside's virtual-only model eliminates the need to consider in-person options.
Summary: Is Rula or Brightside right for you?
Both Rula and Brightside provide quality virtual mental health care nationwide, but they serve different needs and preferences. Rula stands out with its hybrid model offering both virtual and in-person therapy, a massive provider network of 21,000+ professionals, extensive insurance coverage with 100+ plans, and typically lower copays of around $15. This makes Rula a great choice for anyone prioritizing provider choice, cultural matching, affordability with insurance, and the flexibility of in-person care when desired.
Brightside's strengths lie in its technology-driven, virtual experience with a comprehensive mobile app, unlimited messaging, and specialized programs for teens and higher-acuity needs. Its subscription model and measurement-based tools appeal to those who want a fully digital approach to mental healthcare.
To help you decide, consider these key questions:
Do you want the option of in-person therapy, or are you comfortable with virtual-only care?
Is using your insurance a priority, and which platform is in-network with your plan?
Do you prefer per-session pricing or a monthly subscription model?
Are you seeking therapy for a child under 13, or do you need teen-specific programs?
Is it important to filter for provider identity and choose from a very large network?
Do you need specialized intensive programs, or are you seeking standard outpatient therapy or psychiatry?
Rula FAQs
Are therapists on Rula in-network with insurance, and how much do people typically pay per session?
Yes, therapists on the Rula platform are in-network with most major insurance plans. Rula patients typically pay $15 per session, though your individual cost may vary based on your insurance benefits and deductible — we'll work with your insurance to confirm your estimated per-session cost before your first appointment.
What insurance plans does Rula accept?
Rula accepts commercial plans from most major insurance carriers, including Aetna, Anthem, most Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield plans, Cigna, Kaiser (by referral), Optum, Oscar, and United Healthcare. We also accept some Medicare Advantage plans in California and select states.
How soon can I meet with a provider through Rula?
Providers in Rula's network are available to meet via live video as soon as tomorrow. You can explore providers and book your first session in minutes.
How do I choose the right provider on Rula, and can I switch if it's not a good fit?
Rula's network of 21,000+ licensed providers represents more than 180 clinical specialties and diverse backgrounds, making it easier to find care that matches your needs. You can filter by what matters most to you and explore individual profiles until you find a match. If you don't feel like your first choice was a match, don't worry — we'll help you switch to a different provider in our network.
Find care with Rula
Choosing between mental health platforms is an important decision, one that can affect your progress. If you're looking for a service that combines affordability, choice, and flexibility with the clinical expertise to help you feel better, Rula is built for exactly that.
With Rula, you get access to 21,000+ licensed providers across 180+ specialties, virtual options nationwide, in-person therapy, and acceptance of 100+ insurance plans. Beyond the numbers, you get something more valuable: a platform that makes it simple to find the right provider for your unique needs and preferences, with support at every step of our journey.
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.
