Rula accepts 100+ insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid (select states), while Lyra Health is only accessible through employer-sponsored benefits — your access to Lyra depends entirely on whether your workplace offers it.
Out-of-pocket costs differ significantly: Rula typically costs $15/session with insurance and offers transparent self-pay rates ($150–$225), whereas Lyra's costs vary by employer plan, with many members receiving free sessions.
Both platforms offer virtual and in-person care, but Lyra provides additional options like text messaging and a mobile app, while Rula operates through a web-based portal with Zoom sessions.
Provider networks vary in size and reach: Rula has 21,000+ U.S. providers across all 50 states, while Lyra offers 30,000+ providers globally across 200+ countries.
Diversity and language options differ: Rula's network is 51% BIPOC with care in 40+ languages; Lyra offers care in 65+ languages with LGBTQIA+ affirming identity-based matching.
Finding the right mental health platform shouldn't feel like a research project. But when you're comparing options like Rula and Lyra Health, the differences in cost, coverage, and access can get confusing fast, especially when what you really want is to start feeling better with online therapy.
Both platforms connect you with licensed providers for therapy and psychiatry, but they work very differently. In this guide, we'll break down how each one handles insurance, pricing, provider networks, and services so you can make a confident choice about your care.
Rula vs. Lyra Health: Differences at a glance
Both Rula and Lyra Health are online therapy platforms that deliver mental health services, but they differ significantly in their access models, pricing structures, and provider networks. If you're ready to find a therapist, understanding these differences helps you choose the behavioral health platform that best fits your specific needs, coverage, and preferences.
Average cost per session:
Rula: Typically $15 per session with insurance (varies by plan, benefits, and deductible); self-pay rates are $150 for individual therapy and $165 for couples or family therapy
Lyra Health: Cost depends on your employer's plan; many members receive a set number of sessions at no cost, while others may have low copays
Number of providers:
Rula: 21,000+ licensed providers (including 15,000+ therapists)
Lyra Health: 30,000+ providers globally
Modes of communication:
Rula: Live video (Zoom) telehealth appointments and in-person therapy
Lyra Health: In-person, video conferencing, and text messaging
Services offered:
Rula: Individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, child therapy (ages 5+), teen therapy, and psychiatry or medication management (ages 13+)
Lyra Health: Therapy, coaching, psychiatry, specialty care, self-paced resources, digital skill-building programs, and medication management
Insurance acceptance:
Rula: In-network with 100+ insurance plans
Lyra Health: Primarily accessed through employer-sponsored benefits and does not accept Medicare or Medicaid
States covered:
Rula: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Lyra Health: U.S. coverage is not specified by state, but offers international access in 200+ countries and territories
Number of specialties offered:
Rula: 180+ clinical specialties and modalities
Lyra Health: Specific number not disclosed, but specialties include anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, and neurodiversity support
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Rula: 51% of the provider network identifies as BIPOC, with care available in 40+ languages and matching based on specialty, gender, ethnicity, age, and faith
Lyra Health: LGBTQIA+ affirming with identity-based matching, care in 65+ languages, and Centers of Excellence for women's mental health, kids, and teens
Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:
Rula: Both virtual (Zoom) and in-person therapy available
Lyra Health: Both virtual and in-person care options available
Rula at a glance
Rula is a comprehensive behavioral health solution that connects you with licensed therapists and psychiatric providers covered by your insurance. Among therapist platforms, the platform serves individuals ages five and older for therapy and ages 13 and older for psychiatry across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. With a network of over 21,000 licensed providers offering 180+ clinical specialties, you can easily find the right fit and schedule an appointment as soon as tomorrow.
"I’ve found my entire experience with Rula to be helpful and positive. It’s changed my life for the better.” — Rula patient
Rula supports individual, couples, family, child, and teen therapy, plus psychiatry, with sessions held via live video on Zoom or in person. After verifying insurance, you can browse a curated list of in-network providers, filter by preferences like specialty and language, and see a personalized out-of-pocket cost estimate before your first appointment. Many patients using insurance pay around $15 per session.
Lyra Health at a glance
Lyra Health is a comprehensive workforce mental health solution primarily accessed through employer-sponsored benefits. As part of the broader corporate wellness software landscape, Lyra serves more than 20 million people globally and connects employees to a network of 30,000+ providers across 200+ countries and territories. The platform offers therapy, coaching, psychiatry, and self-paced digital resources, with an AI-powered matching system to help you find the right provider.
Your access to Lyra depends on your employer's specific plan, with many members receiving a set number of sessions at no cost. Members can choose from individual, group, couples, and family therapy sessions via video, in-person, or text messaging.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Clinical outcomes and how we compare
Choosing a mental health platform is ultimately about one thing: getting better. These numbers reflect what patients actually experience after receiving care through each platform.
Rula clinical outcomes
Rula tracks success through both symptom improvement and the quality of the therapeutic relationship. Platform data shows that 93% of patients see relief from their symptoms, 94% feel comfortable and at ease with their provider, and 98% are matched with a provider who fits their specific needs and preferences — results that exceed national benchmarks by over 10%.
Lyra Health clinical outcomes
Among adults receiving cognitive processing therapy or prolonged exposure through Lyra, 82.91% demonstrated reliable improvement or recovery in PTSD symptoms. For anxiety and depression, reliable improvement rates stayed above 81% across follow-up periods in the year after treatment. Overall, 9 out of 10 members get better — with recoveries that are twice as fast compared to traditional care.
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. Lyra Health operates primarily through employer-sponsored benefits and does not accept Medicare or Medicaid, making your access dependent on your workplace 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.
Lyra Health is accessed strictly through employer-sponsored benefits or health plans. In some instances, Lyra and your employer make access available through your medical plan, where you might be responsible for cost-sharing. Medication management services are billed through health plans, and you can check your specific coverage details by logging into your Lyra account.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
Patients typically pay $15 per session with insurance through Rula. Your actual cost varies by appointment type, insurance benefits, and deductible, but Rula provides a personalized cost estimate prior to your first appointment so you know exactly what to expect.
With Lyra Health, your cost depends entirely on your employer's plan. Many members receive a set number of therapy or coaching sessions at no cost, while others may have low copays for extended care. All cost details are clearly provided before booking, and Care Navigators are available 24/7 to help answer questions.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Both platforms offer ways to use your pre-tax dollars for care. Rula explicitly accepts HSA (health savings account) and FSA (flexible spending account) cards to cover out-of-pocket expenses, allowing you to enter the card as payment or submit a receipt for reimbursement. Lyra Health's cost-sharing estimates do not automatically account for these funds, but you can often apply them based on your employer's benefits.
Self-pay pricing
If you prefer to pay out-of-pocket or don't have insurance, Rula offers clear, upfront self-pay 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
Lyra Health offers a self-pay option when sessions are not covered by an employer benefit, but specific pricing is not publicly disclosed.
Mental health services offered
The range of services offered matters because different people need different types of support. Both platforms offer evidence-based treatment approaches, but they differ in how they structure their care.
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Rula's licensed providers offer over 180 clinical specialties and modalities. You can easily find providers who specialize in ADHD, anger management, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, and many other areas.
Most common approaches
Behavioral therapy
Experiential therapy
Humanistic therapy
Beyond therapy, Rula provides medication management services delivered by licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) for individuals 13 and up. Psychiatric care is available on its own or paired with therapy for a more complete approach to treatment.
Treatment approaches offered by Lyra Health
Lyra Health connects members with providers who specialize in evidence-based therapies and structured programs. The therapists in their network commonly practice:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Interpersonal therapy
Behavioral activation
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Lyra provides therapy, coaching, and specialty care for complex needs like addiction and suicidality. The platorm also features dedicated Centers of Excellence for kids and teens, neurodiversity support, and women's mental health. Psychiatric care and medication management are available and can be seamlessly integrated with your therapy or coaching plan.
Inclusivity and specialized care
Finding a provider you can trust and feel comfortable with is essential to successful therapy. Both platforms prioritize inclusivity through diverse provider networks and specialized matching, making it easier to connect with someone who understands your background and needs.
Rula inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Rula's network includes licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). You have access to over 21,000 licensed providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Specializations offered: Rula's licensed providers offer over 180 clinical specialties and modalities. Providers specialize in everything from child and teen therapy to complex conditions like bipolar disorder and trauma.
Languages available: Rula's provider network offers care in 40+ languages. You can easily filter providers by language preference during the matching process.
Inclusivity factors: More than half of Rula's providers (51%) identify as BIPOC. You can use the platform's search filters to match with a provider by gender, ethnicity, age, or faith — making it easier to find someone who understands your background and perspective.
Lyra Health inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Lyra's network includes licensed therapists, coaches, psychiatrists, and physicians, offering access to 30,000+ providers globally.
Specializations offered: Lyra's providers offer evidence-based therapies for anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship struggles. The platform features 6,500+ teen-specialized providers and dedicated support for pregnancy, postpartum, and midlife transitions.
Languages available: Lyra's provider network offers care in 65+ languages across 200+ countries and territories.
Inclusivity factors: Lyra is LGBTQIA+ affirming with identity-based matching that lets you choose providers based on race, gender, and LGBTQIA+ identity. Providers receive ongoing cultural competency training to ensure they deliver anti-oppressive, culturally responsive care.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Platform availability and access
How you access care matters just as much as the care itself. Mental health support should simplify your life, not complicate it. Knowing how each platform operates gives you clarity and confidence before you even book your first session.
How access works with Rula
States served: Rula provides therapy and psychiatry services across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., including states like North Carolina, Michigan, and California.
Matching process: Once you share your insurance details and care preferences, Rula generates a personalized list of providers for you to review. You can narrow your options by specialty, availability, identity, and other factors to find the right fit before scheduling.
Session formats: Rula gives you the option to attend live video sessions or meet with a provider in person at their office. You decide which format works best for your schedule and comfort level.
Scheduling: Booking an appointment takes about three minutes. Many appointments are available as soon as the following day.
App/portal experience: Rula's secure patient portal lets you manage your care from any device: computer, tablet, or phone. Through the portal, you can book sessions and send secure messages to your provider.
How access works with Lyra Health
States served: Lyra Health is accessible globally in 200+ countries and territories, but only through employer-sponsored benefits. You can't use the platform independently if your workplace doesn't offer it.
Matching process: You start by answering a few quick questions, and an AI-powered system matches you to the right provider based on your clinical needs and identity preferences.
Session formats: Lyra offers in-person appointments, video conferencing, and text messaging, all manageable through their dedicated mobile app.
Scheduling: Members can book an appointment in as little as one day for themselves or a family member.
App/portal experience: Lyra's mobile app lets you manage your care, access self-guided resources, and communicate with providers. Care Navigators are available 24/7 to assist with booking and matching.
What each platform does best
Understanding what each platform does best helps you choose based on what's most important for your specific situation.
Rula excels when:
You need broad insurance coverage, including Medicare and Medicaid (for select states), and want to know your out-of-pocket cost upfront.
You prefer the flexibility of choosing between virtual video sessions and in-person therapy at provider-operated offices.
You want fast access to care, with the ability to schedule an appointment in as little as three minutes and be seen as soon as tomorrow.
You value a diverse network where 51% of providers identify as BIPOC and care is available in 40+ languages.
You need clear, transparent self-pay pricing if you choose not to use insurance.
Lyra Health excels when:
Your employer offers Lyra as a benefit and you want to maximize your employee mental health benefits.
You need global access to care across different countries and time zones.
You want comprehensive support that includes evidence-based coaching alongside traditional therapy.
You prefer managing your care and accessing self-guided digital resources through a mobile app.
You value having 24/7 Care Navigator support to help you find the right provider.
Summary: Is Rula or Lyra Health right for you?
The biggest practical difference between these two platforms comes down to how you access them. Rula works with your own insurance — more than 100 plans, including Medicare and Medicaid in select states — and offers transparent self-pay pricing if you don't. Lyra Health is built around employer-sponsored benefits and doesn't accept Medicare or Medicaid, so your access depends entirely on what your workplace offers.
Beyond access, both platforms deliver meaningful care, but in different ways. Rula gives you the flexibility to see someone in person or virtually, a diverse network where 51% of providers identify as BIPOC, and a cost estimate before your very first appointment. Lyra works best for employees whose companies offer it, particularly if you want coaching alongside therapy, global access, or a mobile app to manage your care.
Rula FAQs
How much do Rula patients typically pay per session with insurance?
Rula patients typically pay $15 per session, though your individual cost may vary based on your insurance benefits and deductible. Rula will 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 via live video?
You can connect with a Rula provider via live video as soon as tomorrow. After verifying your insurance, browse available providers, filter by specialty and preferences, and book your first appointment in minutes. All video sessions happen on Zoom, so you can join from anywhere private with internet access. In-person therapy at provider offices is also available.
Is Rula or Lyra Health better for insurance coverage?
Rula is generally the better choice if you want to use your own insurance. Rula is in-network with 100+ insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid in select states, so most people can access care directly. Lyra Health doesn't accept Medicare or Medicaid and is only available through an employer-sponsored benefit, so your access depends entirely on whether your workplace offers it.
Which is cheaper, Rula or Lyra Health?
Cost depends on how you access each platform. With insurance, Rula patients typically pay around $15 per session, and self-pay rates are transparently listed at $150–$225. Lyra Health's cost depends on your employer's specific plan. Many members get a set number of free sessions, but pricing isn't standardized or publicly disclosed.
Find care with Rula
Choosing between mental health platforms matters because the right fit can make all the difference in how quickly you start feeling better. With Rula, you can verify your insurance in minutes, browse providers who specialize in what you're going through, and see your estimated cost before booking. Most people find an appointment as soon as tomorrow because getting help shouldn't mean waiting weeks to start.
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.
