Rula offers broader coverage and a larger network: With 21,000+ providers across all 50 states compared to Lifestance's 8,000+ providers in 33 states, Rula provides more options for finding a therapist regardless of location.
Costs are typically lower with Rula: The average copay with insurance is around $15 per session at Rula versus $22–$36 at Lifestance, and self-pay rates are more predictable ($150/session vs. $122–$758 depending on state).
Rula offers faster appointment availability: You can often schedule within 24 hours with Rula, while Lifestance typically schedules first appointments within a week.
Lifestance provides specialty treatments: If you need advanced options like TMS, Ketamine therapy, or comprehensive psychological testing, Lifestance is a good choice.
Both platforms accept major insurance and offer hybrid care: Each accepts most major carriers plus Medicare/Medicaid options, and both provide telehealth and in-person sessions.
Finding the right mental health platform shouldn't feel like another obstacle on your path to feeling better. Yet with multiple options available, comparing costs, provider networks, and availability becomes essential because the details matter when you're investing in your wellbeing.
Rula and Lifestance both connect people with therapy and psychiatry services, including online therapy, but they differ in meaningful ways. In this guide, we'll break down how these two platforms compare on pricing, insurance coverage, provider options, and accessibility, so you can make an informed choice about which one fits your needs.
Rula vs. Lifestance: Differences at a glance
Rula and Lifestance are both established mental health providers that connect people with therapy and psychiatry services, with a focus on accepting insurance. While both platforms deliver comprehensive care, they differ in key areas like geographic reach, the size of their provider networks, and how they deliver services.
Understanding these differences is the first step to choosing the right therapist.
Here’s a quick comparison of Rula and Lifestance:
Average cost per session:
Rula: Typically $15 per session with insurance, though this varies by plan; self-pay rates is $150 for individual therapy and $165 for couples or family therapy
Lifestance: A copay of $22 to $36 with insurance, which varies by state; self-pay ranges from $122 to $758, with an average of $210 to $434
Number of providers:
Rula: 21,000+ licensed providers
Lifestance: 8,000+ trained providers
Modes of communication:
Rula: Live video telehealth appointments via Zoom and in-person therapy at provider-operated offices
Lifestance: Online therapy and in-person sessions at over 550 clinic locations
Services offered:
Rula: Individual, couples, family, child (ages 5+), and teen therapy, plus psychiatry and medication management (ages 13+)
Lifestance: Psychotherapy, psychiatry, medication management, psychological testing and evaluation, addiction treatments, and specialty treatments like TMS and Ketamine
Insurance acceptance:
Rula: In-network with over 100 insurance plans, including most major carriers, plus select Medicare and Medicaid plans
Lifestance: Accepts many major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, though coverage varies by state and provider
States covered:
Rula: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Lifestance: 33 states with in-person clinic locations
Number of specialties offered:
Rula: 180+ clinical specialties and modalities
Lifestance: 80+ mental health specialties
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Rula: Providers speak over 40 languages, and 51% of the provider network identifies as BIPOC
Lifestance: Offers care in multiple languages and provides explicitly LGBTQIA+ affirming care for all age groups
Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:
Rula: A hybrid model offering both telehealth and in-person options at provider-operated offices
Lifestance: A hybrid model with online therapy and in-person sessions at over 550 dedicated clinic locations
Rula at a glance
Rula is a comprehensive behavioral health solution that connects patients with a network of over 21,000 licensed therapists and psychiatric providers. The platform is designed to make mental healthcare work for everyone by simplifying access to high-quality, in-network care. Rula offers therapy and psychiatry services in all 50 states and Washington, D.C, with both telehealth and in-person options available. With over 180 clinical specialties, Rula focuses on matching you with a provider who truly gets you, with appointments available as soon as the next day.
"In just over a month of treatment with my therapist, I can say, without reservation that she has helped me make irrevocable breakthroughs in improving my quality of life. I am making strides in weeks I thought would takes months, even though it took me so long to finally get help.” — Rula patient
Getting started is straightforward. You share some basic details and insurance information, and Rula provides a curated list of in-network providers. You can filter this list by specialty, gender, ethnicity, and other preferences to find the right fit. Scheduling an appointment can take as little as three minutes, and with a typical cost of just $15 per session with insurance, Rula makes it easy to begin your journey.
Lifestance at a glance
Founded in 2017, Lifestance is a mental healthcare company focused on providing evidence-based, medically driven treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. The platform has a network of over 8,000 trained providers working across more than 550 clinic locations in 33 states. Lifestance offers both in-person and telehealth services, covering over 80 mental health specialties. Their model is built on providing comprehensive outpatient care, from psychotherapy to advanced specialty treatments.
Lifestance uses an in-house tool called OBIE to match patients with clinicians who are specifically trained to treat their diagnosis, with appointments typically scheduled within a week. Patients can also search for providers based on criteria like visit type, condition, and language. While copays with insurance range from $22 to $36, self-pay costs vary significantly by state, which is a key consideration for affordability.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Clinical outcomes and how we compare
When you’re seeking mental healthcare, you want to know that the treatment you receive is effective. That’s why clinical outcomes and evidence-based approaches are so important. Both Rula and Lifestance track patient progress to ensure they are delivering quality care that helps people feel better.
Rula consistently delivers strong clinical outcomes that exceed national benchmarks by more than 10%. After receiving care through Rula, 93% of patients report feeling better about their symptoms, 94% feel comfortable with their provider, and 98% find a provider who meets their preferences.
Lifestance also tracks its clinical effectiveness through patient-reported data. The company collected surveys from more than 950,000 patients and found that 73% experienced clinically significant improvement in depression symptoms. Furthermore, 79% of patients showed clinically significant improvement in anxiety symptoms.
Cost and insurance coverage
Both Rula and Lifestance prioritize making mental healthcare accessible by accepting insurance and offering self-pay options. Rula is in-network with more than 100 insurance plans, including most major carriers. Lifestance also accepts most major insurance plans, though specific coverage can vary by state and provider.
Insurance plans accepted by 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 plans accepted by Lifestance
Lifestance also works with over 300 insurance plans, including commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid options, but acceptance depends on your state and chosen provider. The platform verifies your insurance coverage during the intake process to confirm whether your plan is accepted by your provider.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
With Rula, patients using insurance typically pay around $15 per session. The exact amount depends on your specific plan, benefits, and deductible, but Rula provides a personalized cost estimate before your first appointment so there are no surprises.
At Lifestance, the typical copay for an ongoing session with insurance ranges from $22 to $36. This cost can vary by state and your specific insurance plan, so it's important to verify your benefits.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Rula and Lifestance make it easy to use pre-tax funds for your care. They both accept health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards for out-of-pocket expenses. At Rula, you can enter your HSA/FSA card as your payment method or submit receipts for reimbursement.
Self-pay pricing
If you don't have insurance or prefer to pay out-of-pocket, both platforms offer self-pay rates.
Rula self-pay rates:
$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
Lifestance's self-pay rates vary by state, ranging from $122 to $758 per session. The average self-pay cost across all states is between $210 and $434.
Mental health services offered
The range of services a platform offers is crucial because everyone's mental health needs are different. Rula and Lifestance both provide comprehensive mental health services, but they differ in their clinical approaches, specialty offerings, and the types of providers available in their networks. Understanding what each platform emphasizes can help you find care that's tailored to your specific situation.
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Rula’s network of providers is trained in over 180 evidence-based approaches tailored to individual needs.
Most common approaches:
Behavioral therapy:
Experiential therapy:
Humanistic therapy:
Rula's network also includes licensed psychiatric practitioners, such as psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who provide medication management for people ages 13 and older.
Whether you're exploring therapy online or need psychiatric support, a PMHNP can create personalized treatment plans, and prescribe medication to support your mental health journey.
Treatment approaches offered by Lifestance
Lifestance offers a broad spectrum of evidence-based therapies and specialized treatments.
Common approaches include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Talk therapy (individual, couples, and family sessions)
Trauma-focused therapy, including EMDR
Mindfulness-based therapy
Art therapy
Internal family systems
TMS therapy
Ketamine therapy and Spravato
Lifestance’s psychiatrists and nurse practitioners can prescribe a range of medications, including antidepressants and ADHD medications. The platform also offers standalone psychiatry services, so you can receive medication management without being enrolled in therapy.
Inclusivity and specialized care
Representation matters in mental healthcare. Whether you're looking for a provider who speaks your language, shares your faith, or has lived experience with your community, Rula and Lifestance platforms offer ways to search for providers based on identity and specialty.
Rula inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Rula’s network of over 21,000 licensed providers includes therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and PMHNPs.
Specializations offered: With over 180 clinical specialties and modalities, you can find a provider with expertise in everything from ADHD and anxiety to PTSD, OCD, and more.
Languages available: The provider network speaks more than 40 languages, allowing you to receive care in the language you’re most comfortable with.
Inclusivity factors: 51% of Rula’s provider network identifies as BIPOC, and providers represent 18 different faiths. The platform’s matching system allows you to filter by gender, ethnicity, and background to find someone who shares your worldview.
Lifestance inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Lifestance’s network of over 8,000 providers includes therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurse practitioners, all of whom are employed by the company. Depending on the state, this may include professionals such as a licensed mental health counselor.
Specializations offered: The platform covers over 80 mental health specialties, including childhood trauma, anxiety disorders, and treatment-resistant conditions, with specialty services like TMS and Spravato.
Languages available: Lifestance offers care in multiple languages, including Spanish, Cantonese, and Vietnamese, though availability varies by clinic location.
Inclusivity factors: Lifestance provides explicitly LGBTQIA+ affirming care and is committed to serving diverse populations, including children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Platform availability and access
Getting care quickly and easily can make all the difference. The logistics of care — how soon you can be seen, whether you can meet virtually or in-person, and how you connect with your provider — directly impact your ability to start and stick with treatment. See how access works with both platforms below.
How access works with Rula
States served: Rula offers therapy and psychiatry in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., including Ohio, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. In-person therapy is also available nationwide at provider-operated offices.
Matching process: After you share your needs and insurance details, Rula provides a curated list of in-network providers. You can filter this list by specialty, gender, ethnicity, and more to find the right match. If your first choice isn't a perfect fit, Rula will help you switch.
Session formats: Rula offers a hybrid model with telehealth appointments via Zoom and in-person sessions, giving you the flexibility to choose what works best for you.
Scheduling: You can schedule an appointment in as little as three minutes. Appointments are often available as soon as the next day and are guaranteed within three days.
App/portal experience: Rula uses a web-based patient portal for secure, HIPAA-compliant messaging with your provider. While there is no mobile app, the portal is accessible on any computer, tablet, or mobile device.
How access works with Lifestance
States served: Lifestance has over 550 physical clinic locations across 33 states, including California, Florida, New York, and Texas.
Matching process: Lifestance uses its OBIE matching system to connect you with a clinician specifically trained to treat your diagnosis. You can also search for providers based on criteria like insurance, gender, and language.
Session formats: Lifestance offers both online therapy and in-person sessions at its dedicated clinic locations. All sessions are by appointment only.
Scheduling: Patients are typically scheduled for their first appointment within a week. You and your clinician will then schedule future appointments based on your preferences.
App/portal experience: Lifestance provides a secure patient portal for between-session messaging and communication with your provider. Along with Rula, this places both among the best online therapy services for people who want digital access paired with insurance-based care.
What each platform does best
Each platform brings distinct strengths to the table, and understanding these differences can help you choose the option that aligns with your priorities. As you weigh your options, consider the practical details that will shape your experience: Does the platform work with your insurance? How soon can you start? What type of care setting feels right for you?
Rula excels when you need:
Nationwide coverage: With therapy and psychiatry available in all 50 states and D.C., Rula offers access to care no matter where you live.
Quick access to care: You can often get an appointment as soon as the next day, with most appointments scheduled within three days.
Extensive provider choice: Choose from a diverse network of over 21,000 licensed providers with 180+ specialties.
Lower typical costs with insurance: With a typical copay of around $15, Rula is an affordable in-network option.
Transparent self-pay pricing: Clear, upfront costs for therapy and psychiatry sessions if you’re paying out-of-pocket.
Flexible care options: Rula’s hybrid model of telehealth and in-person care at provider offices gives you choices.
Lifestance excels when you need:
A dedicated clinic in your area: If you live in one of the 33 states served and prefer a consistent in-person experience, Lifestance’s 550+ clinics are a strong option.
Specialty treatments: Lifestance offers advanced treatments like TMS, Ketamine therapy, and Spravato for treatment-resistant conditions.
Comprehensive testing services: If you need psychological testing and evaluation for diagnostic clarity, Lifestance provides these services.
An integrated care model: All clinicians are employed by Lifestance, creating a unified network and care experience.
Explicitly LGBTQIA+ affirming care: Lifestance has a clear non-discrimination policy and a focus on inclusive care.
Summary: Is Rula or Lifestance right for you?
The biggest differences between Rula and Lifestance come down to access, cost, and specialization. Rula offers broader nationwide coverage, a larger provider network, faster scheduling, and lower typical costs with insurance. Lifestance operates dedicated clinics in 33 states and provides specialty treatments like TMS and comprehensive psychological testing.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your individual needs. If you value nationwide access, provider choice, quick scheduling, and affordability, Rula is likely the better fit. If you need specialty treatments or in-depth testing and live near a Lifestance clinic, that may be the right choice. Consider which platform works with your insurance, whether you prefer virtual or in-person care, and how quickly you want to start; answering these questions will help you find the support you need.
Rula FAQs
Are therapists on Rula in-network with insurance?
Yes, therapists on the Rula platform are in-network with most major insurance plans. Rula patients typically pay $15 per session, although your individual cost may vary based on your insurance benefits and deductible. Rula will work with your insurance to confirm your estimated per-session cost before your first appointment.
What are Rula's cash rates for therapy and psychiatry sessions if I'm not covered by insurance?
Rula offers a cash rate of $150 per session for individual therapy and $165 per session for families or couples. The cash rate for psychiatry sessions is $225 for an initial 60-minute intake session and $175 for 30-minute follow-up sessions, and you can also use your HSA or FSA to cover out-of-pocket expenses.
How soon can I meet with a Rula provider via live video?
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.
What ages can Rula providers treat for therapy and for psychiatry?
Rula's network of therapists are able to treat children, teens, and adults ages 5 and up. For psychiatry and medication management, providers are able to serve patients ages 13 and up.
Find care with Rula
Choosing the right mental health platform matters because the details, who you see, how quickly you can start, and what you'll pay, directly shape your ability to make progress. With Rula, getting started is straightforward. You can verify your insurance coverage in minutes, browse providers who match your specific needs and preferences, and see your estimated costs upfront before booking. Most people can schedule their first appointment as soon as tomorrow, so you can begin your journey without delays.
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.
