Geographic reach: Rula serves all 50 states and D.C. with both telehealth and in-person options, while Geode operates only in six states (Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin), both online and in physical clinic locations.
Provider network size: Rula offers access to 21,000+ licensed providers across 180+ clinical specialties, compared to Geode's smaller network focused on five primary treatment categories with undisclosed provider counts.
Advanced treatment options: Geode provides specialized treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Spravato® (esketamine) for treatment-resistant depression, which aren't available through Rula's network.
Appointment availability: Most Rula patients are seen within three days, but often as soon as tomorrow, while Geode offers same-week appointments typically within days of booking.
Cost transparency: Rula publishes clear self-pay pricing ($150-$225 per session) and provides upfront insurance cost estimates, while Geode requires contacting their office for current self-pay rates and doesn't disclose typical copay amounts.
When you're ready to start therapy or psychiatry, the platform you choose shapes everything from how quickly you can get an appointment to whether you'll find a provider who truly gets your experience. Rula and Geode both connect patients with licensed mental health professionals, but they differ in meaningful ways, including where they're available, the size of their provider networks, the treatment options they offer, and how transparent they are about costs.
This comparison breaks down what sets Rula and Geode apart across the factors that matter most: geographic availability, insurance acceptance, appointment scheduling, service options, and specialized care. By understanding these differences, you'll be better equipped to choose the platform that fits your situation and helps you access the support you need.
Rula vs. Geode: Differences at a glance
Choosing between Rula and Geode depends on your priorities for mental healthcare — whether you need nationwide access, specific insurance coverage, or advanced treatment options. Both platforms offer psychiatry and therapy services, but they differ significantly in geographic reach, provider network size, and service delivery models.
Average cost per session:
Rula: Typically $15 per session with insurance; actual cost varies by insurance benefits and deductible
Geode: Cost varies by insurance plan; specific copay amounts not publicly disclosed
Number of providers:
Rula: 21,000+ licensed providers
Geode: Provider count not publicly disclosed
Modes of communication:
Rula: Secure video appointments via Zoom, in-person therapy, between-session messaging via patient portal
Geode: In-person visits at physical locations, video visits, between-session messaging
Services offered:
Rula: Individual therapy (ages 5+), couples therapy, family therapy, child therapy, teen therapy, psychiatry/medication management (ages 13+)
Geode: Psychiatry, talk therapy (psychotherapy), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), Spravato® (esketamine) treatment, ADHD testing
Insurance acceptance:
Rula: In-network with 100+ insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Kaiser, Optum, Oscar, United Healthcare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid in many states
Geode: In-network with most commercial insurances, including Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Medicare; Medicaid acceptance not explicitly stated
States covered:
Rula: All 50 states, including California, Texas, Florida, and New York, plus Washington, D.C., for both therapy and psychiatry services
Geode: Six states (Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin)
Number of specialties offered:
Rula: 180+ clinical specialties and modalities
Geode: Five main treatment categories, with subcategories available (depression and mood, behavioral and ADHD, past trauma, anxiety and panic, and disordered eating)
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Rula: 51% of provider network identifies as BIPOC; over 40 languages represented
Geode: LGBTQ+-affirming clinicians; services for children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients; specific demographic data not publicly disclosed
Virtual-only and in-person availability:
Rula: Virtual and in-person (telehealth via Zoom available nationwide; in-person therapy at provider-operated offices)
Geode: Virtual and in-person (secure video visits and in-person appointments at physical locations in six states)
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 connects patients with licensed therapists and psychiatric providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., focusing on insurance-covered care with quick appointment availability, often as soon as the next day. Rula's network includes over 21,000 licensed providers representing 180+ clinical specialties, offering individual therapy (ages 5+), couples therapy, family therapy, child therapy, teen therapy, and psychiatry services (ages 13+).
"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 insurance, patients typically pay about $15 per session, and Rula provides a personalized cost estimate before your first appointment. The platform offers both online therapy via Zoom and in-person appointments in select markets, and you can filter providers by specialty, gender, ethnicity, age, faith, and other criteria to find the right match.
Getting started with Rula is simple and straightforward. After verifying your insurance coverage online, you'll see personalized provider matches based on your preferences and needs. From there, you can schedule your first appointment in just a few minutes. Rula takes care of the insurance details and cost transparency upfront, so you can focus on finding the right provider and starting your mental health journey with confidence.
Geode at a glance
Geode is an outpatient mental healthcare provider offering psychiatry, talk therapy, and advanced treatments through physical locations in six states. The platform brings local psychiatric practitioners and therapists together under one roof to deliver coordinated, evidence-based care. Geode offers both in-person visits at its clinics and secure video visits for virtual appointments, with services including psychiatry, psychotherapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), Spravato® (esketamine) treatment, and ADHD testing.
Geode is in-network with most commercial insurance plans and accepts Medicare, though specific copay amounts aren't publicly disclosed. Same-week appointments are available, often within days, and you can book and manage both in-person and video visits online through their patient portal. For uninsured patients, Geode offers self-pay rates, but you must contact their office for current pricing information.
Clinical outcomes and how we compare
Clinical outcomes and evidence-based approaches are critical indicators of a mental health platform's effectiveness in helping patients achieve meaningful progress. Tracking standardized metrics like symptom improvement and patient satisfaction provides transparency into the quality of care delivered.
When looking at anxiety and depression scores, 74% of Rula patients showed significant improvement, and Rula's clinical outcomes are more than 10% better than those of similar competitors, on average. Additionally, 93% of people felt better about their symptoms after receiving care through Rula.
Geode also tracks outcomes using standardized screening tools to assess and monitor depression and anxiety symptoms. Within three months of treatment, 78% of patients showed significant improvement.
Cost and insurance coverage
Rula is in-network with more than 100 insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and Medicare. Geode also accepts most major commercial insurance plans and Medicare, but it's worth noting that Geode doesn't explicitly state Medicaid acceptance while Rula accepts Medicaid in many states. A key difference is that Rula provides transparent self-pay pricing on its website, while Geode requires patients to contact the office for current self-pay rates.
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.
Geode accepts most major commercial plans, such as Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, but its website doesn't explicitly confirm Medicaid acceptance. Patients are encouraged to verify coverage with their specific plan before booking appointments.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
When using insurance, Rula patients typically pay about $15 per session. This cost can vary based on your specific insurance benefits, deductible status, and the type of appointment, but Rula confirms your estimated per-session cost before your first appointment to ensure transparency.
Geode is in-network with most commercial insurance plans and accepts Medicare, but doesn't publicly disclose typical copay amounts or cost ranges. To understand your out-of-pocket costs, you'll need to contact your insurance provider or Geode's office directly.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Rula and accepts health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards for payment. This allows you to use pre-tax dollars to cover out-of-pocket expenses for therapy and psychiatry, and you can typically enter your HSA/FSA card as your payment method or submit receipts for reimbursement. Geode Health doesn't explicitly state HSA/FSA acceptance.
Self-pay pricing
For patients who are uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket, Rula offers clear, transparent pricing:
$150 for an individual therapy session
$165 for a couples therapy session
$225 for an initial psychiatry session
$175 for a follow-up psychiatry session
Geode offers self-pay rates but doesn't publish them online. To find out current rates for therapy and psychiatry sessions, you must contact Geode's office directly.
Mental health services offered
The range of services offered by a mental health platform determines whether it can meet your specific needs, from different therapy approaches to medication management. Understanding what types of care are available helps ensure you can access comprehensive support as your needs evolve.
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Rula's network of licensed providers offers over 180 clinical specialties and a wide array of evidence-based treatment approaches to treat:
Most common approaches
Behavioral therapy
Insight-oriented
Relationship-based
Internal family systems (IFS)
Experiential therapy
Humanistic therapy
Rula offers medication management through licensed psychiatric providers, including psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), for people ages 13 and older. These providers can prescribe and manage medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which can be accessed as a standalone service or in combination with therapy.
Treatment approaches offered by Geode
Geode provides a coordinated set of services that includes talk therapy, psychiatry, and advanced treatments for specific conditions:
Treatment categories
Depression and mood
Behavioral and ADHD
Past trauma
Anxiety and panic
Disordered eating
Service types
Psychiatry (medication management)
Talk therapy (psychotherapy)
Child and adolescent psychiatry
Child and adolescent therapy
ADHD testing
Advanced treatments
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive procedure for treatment-resistant depression, available at select locations
Spravato® (esketamine): A nasal spray medication for treatment-resistant depression, available at select locations
Geode's psychiatric practitioners can prescribe and manage a wide range of medications, including controlled substances when clinically appropriate.
Inclusivity and specialized care
When it comes to therapy, it's important to find a provider you can trust and who understands your unique background and experiences. Inclusivity in mental healthcare means having access to providers who share similar identities, speak your language, and have expertise in the specific challenges you're facing. At Rula, 94% of clients find a provider they feel comfortable with and who listens to them with respect.
Rula's inclusivity and specialization overview
Rula is committed to helping every patient find a provider who truly gets them:
Licensure types: Rula's network includes licensed therapists (LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCs), psychologists (PhDs, PsyDs), psychiatrists (MDs, DOs), and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs).
Specializations offered: With over 180 clinical specialties, you can find experts in ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, substance use, grief and loss, relationship issues, and many other areas.
Languages available: Providers in the Rula network represent over 40 different languages.
Inclusivity factors: 51% of Rula's provider network identifies as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and you can filter providers by gender, ethnicity, age, and faith to find someone who shares your background and worldview.
Geode's inclusivity and specialization overview
Geode also focuses on providing inclusive care, though it offers less public data on its provider network:
Licensure types: Geode's network includes board-certified psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatric physician assistants, and licensed therapists.
Specializations offered: Care is organized into five main treatment categories (with subcategories), including depression and mood, behavioral and ADHD, and past trauma.
Languages available: Geode doesn't disclose the specific languages offered by its providers.
Inclusivity factors: Geode features LGBTQ+-affirming clinicians and discusses its commitment to inclusive care, but doesn't publicly disclose demographic data about its provider network.
Platform availability and access
Access to mental healthcare shouldn't be complicated or time-consuming — the right platform makes it easy to find a provider, verify insurance, and schedule appointments quickly. Geographic availability, appointment wait times, and scheduling flexibility are critical factors that determine whether you can get help when you need it most.
How access works with Rula
Rula removes barriers to care with nationwide coverage and a streamlined process. The platform provides therapy and psychiatry services in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., making it ideal for patients anywhere in the U.S. or those who relocate frequently.
After you share your preferences and insurance information, Rula provides a curated list of in-network providers that you can filter by specialty, gender, ethnicity, age, faith, and other criteria.
Appointment scheduling: You can book appointments through the online portal in just a few minutes. Most patients can see a provider in three days or less.
Session formats: You can choose between live video sessions via Zoom or in-person therapy. Between-session messaging is available via the patient portal.
App/portal experience: Rula provides a web browser-based patient portal for managing appointments, messaging providers, and handling payments.
Provider switching: If your first provider isn't a match, Rula helps you find a different therapist in the network.
How access works with Geode
Geode's access is centered around its physical locations in six states: Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin. You check your insurance to find in-network providers in your area, get matched with a therapist or psychiatric provider, and then book an in-person or virtual visit.
Appointment scheduling: Same-week appointments are available, often within days, and you can book and manage both in-person and video visits online through the patient portal.
Session formats: Geode has in-person clinics and also offers secure video visits for virtual appointments.
App/portal experience: There is a patient portal for scheduling, messaging, prescription renewal requests, and viewing upcoming visits/
Geographic availability: Geode operates in only six states, which limits access for patients in other parts of the U.S.
What each platform does best
By looking at where each platform is strongest, you can make a thoughtful decision grounded in what matters most for your care. Both Rula and Geode offer high-quality mental health services, but each excels in different areas that may align better with your specific needs and circumstances.
Rula is best if you prefer:
Nationwide access: Serving all 50 states and D.C. makes Rula ideal for patients anywhere in the U.S. or those who relocate frequently.
Rapid appointment availability: With appointments available as soon as tomorrow, Rula is best for patients who need immediate access to care.
Large provider network: Over 21,000 providers with 180+ specialties offer extensive choice and the ability to find highly specialized care.
Transparent pricing: Published self-pay rates and upfront cost estimates help you understand costs.
Strong insurance acceptance: Rula is in-network with 100+ plans, including Medicare Advantage and Medicaid, in many states.
Diverse provider network: 51% of Rula's providers are BIPOC, and Rula offers over 40 languages, ensuring you can find culturally competent providers.
Quick scheduling: You can schedule an appointment in as little as three minutes through the online portal.
Geode is best if you prefer:
Advanced treatment options: TMS and Spravato® for treatment-resistant depression aren't available through Rula.
Coordinated care model: Geode brings psychiatry and therapy together under one roof at physical locations.
In-person focus: For patients who strongly prefer in-person care and live in one of Geode's six service states, Geode may feel more accessible.
ADHD testing: Geode explicitly offers ADHD testing services as part of its offerings.
Expert-led supervision: All psychiatric services are delivered under the supervision of a board-certified psychiatrist.
Summary: Is Rula or Geode right for you?
Rula and Geode both provide high-quality mental healthcare, but they serve different needs based on geographic reach, provider network size, and service delivery options. Rula offers nationwide availability across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., while Geode operates in only six states. Rula's network of over 21,000 providers and 180+ clinical specialties offers extensive choice, while Geode's smaller network focuses on coordinated care with advanced treatments like TMS and Spravato®.
When deciding between Rula and Geode, consider these questions:
Do you need flexible care in multiple states?
How quickly do you need care?
Are you seeking specialized treatments?
Is having a large provider network important to you?
How important is upfront cost transparency?
Rula FAQs
What insurance plans does Rula accept for therapy and psychiatry?
Rula accepts commercial plans from most major insurance carriers, including Aetna, Anthem, most Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield plans, Cigna, Kaiser, Optum, Oscar, and United Healthcare, though coverage varies by state. We also accept some Medicare Advantage plans in California and select states.
How much do Rula patients typically pay per session with insurance, and will I get a cost estimate before my first appointment?
Rula patients typically pay $15 per session, though your individual cost may vary based on your insurance benefits and deductible. As a benefit of using Rula, we'll contact your insurance carrier and provide you with an estimate of your per-session cost before your first appointment.
How soon can I meet with a provider on Rula?
Providers in Rula's network are typically available to meet via live video as soon as the next day.
What types of care can I get through Rula?
Providers in Rula's network specialize in individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care (medication management).
What ages do Rula providers treat for therapy and for medication management?
Our network of therapists can treat children, teens, and adults ages five and up. For psychiatry and medication management, providers are able to serve patients ages 13 and up.
Find care with Rula
With Rula, you get access to 21,000+ licensed providers across 180+ specialties, virtual options nationwide, in-person therapy in select markets, 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.
When you're ready to take the next step, Rula is here to guide you to care that's accessible, affordable, and built around helping you make real progress.
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.
