Network size and coverage: Rula offers a larger provider network (21,000+ vs. 12,500+) and covers all 50 states, while SonderMind covers all 50 states but does not accept Medicaid insurance.
Speed of access: Rula provides faster appointment scheduling with sessions available as soon as the next day, compared to SonderMind's up to two-week wait after provider matching.
Cost transparency: Rula offers clear pricing with $15 average copays and personalized cost estimates, while SonderMind's copays aren't disclosed. Sondermind does list its variable self-pay rates ($50-$180) that depend on individual providers.
Technology and support: SonderMind includes a dedicated mobile app with 24/7 self-care tools like meditations and progress tracking, while Rula focuses on a web-based portal.
Provider diversity: Rula emphasizes demographic diversity with 51% BIPOC providers and detailed identity-matching filters, while SonderMind specializes in LGBTQIA+ affirming care and military cultural competency training.
The right mental health support should be easier to access, and the platform you choose plays a big role in how that experience feels. It can shape everything from how soon you can book an appointment to whether your insurance helps cover the cost. Rula and SonderMind both connect people with licensed therapists and psychiatrists, but they take different approaches to provider access, insurance coverage, and how quickly care begins.
In this guide, we’ll break down how Rula and SonderMind compare on the details that matter most: pricing and insurance acceptance, appointment availability, clinical outcomes, and the range of services each platform provides. By understanding where each one stands out, you can choose the option that fits your needs and supports real progress.
Rula vs. SonderMind: Differences at a glance
Rula and SonderMind are both mental health platforms that connect patients with licensed therapists and psychiatrists, but they differ significantly in network size, insurance acceptance, and care delivery models. Understanding these key differences can help you choose the platform that best fits your specific needs and circumstances.
Average cost per session:
Rula: $15 per session with insurance (typical copay)
SonderMind: Varies by plan; self-pay ranges from $50 to $180 for therapy
Number of providers:
Rula: 21,000+ licensed providers
SonderMind: 12,500+ licensed providers
Modes of communication:
Rula: Video via Zoom, in-person therapy, secure patient portal messaging
SonderMind: Video via proprietary platform, in-person therapy, pre-appointment messaging, app with self-care tools
Services offered:
Rula: Individual therapy (ages 5+), couples therapy, family therapy, child therapy, teen therapy, psychiatry (ages 13+)
SonderMind: Individual therapy (ages 6+), couples therapy, family therapy, group counseling, psychiatry, app-based self-care tools
Insurance acceptance:
Rula: In-network with 100+ plans, including Medicare, Medicaid (in many states), and Medicare Advantage
SonderMind: In-network with most major plans, including Medicare and Medicare Advantage; does not accept Medicaid
States covered:
Rula: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
SonderMind: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Number of specialties offered:
Rula: 180+ clinical specialties and modalities
SonderMind: 40+ areas of specialized care
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Rula: 51% of providers identify as BIPOC, 40+ languages represented, detailed filters for identity matching
SonderMind: LGBTQIA+ affirming providers, military cultural competency training, specialty pages for specific populations
Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:
Rula: Both virtual and in-person therapy available nationwide
SonderMind: Both virtual and in-person care options available
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 that connects patients with licensed therapists and psychiatric providers covered by their insurance. The platform focuses on making high-quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable, with appointments often available as soon as the next day, and both online and in-person options. With a network of over 21,000 licensed providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., Rula offers care for individual therapy (ages 5+), couples therapy, family therapy, and psychiatry (ages 13+).
"Finding mental healthcare through insurance can be a daunting task, but Rula made it easy to find a therapist who meets my needs and takes my insurance," says a Rula patient.
Getting started with Rula is designed to be simple and fast — you can schedule an appointment in as little as three minutes. After sharing basic details about your needs and insurance, Rula provides a curated list of in-network therapists. You can filter providers by specialty, gender, ethnicity, age, and faith to find the right match. With insurance, patients typically pay around $15 per session, and Rula provides a personalized cost estimate before your first appointment so there are no surprises.
SonderMind at a glance
SonderMind positions itself as a personalized mental health destination offering therapy, medication management, and app-based self-care tools. The platform connects individuals aged 6 and older with its network of over 12,500 licensed providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. SonderMind offers both virtual and in-person care options to meet different patient preferences.
The sign-up process involves completing an intake questionnaire, after which SonderMind matches you with a provider, typically within 48 hours for therapy. A unique feature is the SonderMind mobile app, which provides 24/7 access to self-care resources like meditations, breathing exercises, and daily reflections for progress tracking. While SonderMind accepts most major insurance plans, it does not accept Medicaid, and self-pay rates for therapy typically range from $50 to $180 based on location, type, and length of session.
Clinical outcomes and how we compare
When choosing a mental health platform, clinical outcomes and evidence-based approaches are critical indicators of care quality and effectiveness. Measuring symptom improvement and patient progress helps ensure that the care you receive is making a meaningful difference in your mental health.
Rula's clinical outcomes:
93% of people felt better about their symptoms after receiving care through Rula.
94% of clients report feeling comfortable with their provider and that their provider listens to them with respect.
98% of patients find a provider that meets their unique preferences.
Rula's clinical outcomes are 10%+ better than other national groups, on average.
SonderMind's clinical outcomes:
84% of clients saw measurable reduction in symptoms in two months.
95% of clients felt a strong connection with their provider.
Both platforms track clinical outcomes, but Rula provides more comprehensive publicly available data on symptom improvement rates and patient satisfaction metrics.
Cost and insurance coverage
Both Rula and SonderMind work with major insurers, but coverage isn’t identical. Here’s what to know about which plans are accepted and what that can mean for your costs.
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.
SonderMind is in-network with many major insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and TRICARE West. However, SonderMind does not accept any Medicaid plans. Due to regulations, it also cannot offer self-pay rates to individuals who have Medicaid as their primary insurance, creating a significant access barrier for this population.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
With Rula, patients using their insurance typically pay an average copay of about $15 per session. The exact amount depends on your specific insurance plan, deductible, and the type of appointment. Rula's commitment to cost transparency means you'll receive a personalized estimate of your cost before your first appointment, so you can proceed with confidence.
For SonderMind, out-of-pocket costs with insurance vary depending on your plan's specific benefits, copay, and deductible. The platform bills you based on your plan's responsibility.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Both Rula and SonderMind allow you to use health savings Account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) funds to pay for out-of-pocket costs. This includes copays, deductibles, and the full cost of sessions if you are paying out-of-pocket. Using these pre-tax dollars can make therapy and psychiatry services more affordable.
Self-pay pricing
For those paying without insurance, Rula offers a clear and consistent pricing structure:
$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
SonderMind's self-pay rates vary by provider. Therapy sessions typically range from $50 to $180 based on location, type, and length of session, while psychiatry visits can range from $122 to $300. This variable pricing structure depends on individual provider rates, making it harder to predict costs upfront.
Mental health services offered
The range of mental health services and treatment approaches offered by a platform directly impacts whether you can find care that matches your specific needs and preferences. Both Rula and SonderMind offer comprehensive services, but they differ in the breadth of specialties, age ranges served, and therapeutic modalities available.
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Rula's network of over 21,000 licensed providers offers more than 180 clinical specialties and modalities, ensuring you can find a provider with expertise in your specific concerns.
Most common approaches:
Behavioral therapy:
Insight-oriented:
Relationship-based:
Experiential therapy:
Rula also offers medication management through licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) for people ages 13 and older. These providers can prescribe medication as part of personalized treatment plans, either alongside therapy or as standalone treatment. Rula's licensed providers offer over 180 clinical specialties, covering everything from anxiety and depression to trauma, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and substance use disorders.
Treatment approaches offered by SonderMind
SonderMind providers offer a wide range of specialties and modalities, though a specific count is not publicly available. The platform emphasizes evidence-based approaches and culturally competent care.
Common therapy approaches:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Psychodynamic approaches
Humanistic therapy
Family therapy approaches
Trauma-informed care
Specialized treatment areas:
LGBTQIA+ support
Children's mental health (ages 6+)
Teen mental health
Military and veteran mental health
Anxiety and depression
Relationship issues
Life transitions
SonderMind provides medication management through board-certified psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners. These services are available with or without concurrent therapy. The platform also offers group counseling and self-care tools in the app.
Inclusivity and specialized care
When it comes to therapy, it's important to find a provider you can trust. Inclusivity and specialized expertise matter because mental healthcare is most effective when patients can work with providers who understand their unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
Rula's inclusivity and specialization overview
Rula is committed to building a diverse provider network to ensure every patient can find a provider who truly gets them.
Licensure types: The network includes licensed therapists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs).
Specializations offered: With over 180 clinical specialties, you can find experts in everything from anxiety and depression to trauma, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and relationship issues.
Languages available: Providers in the Rula network represent over 40 different languages, ensuring accessibility for non-English speaking patients and those who prefer therapy in their native language.
Inclusivity factors: A standout feature is that 51% of Rula's provider network identifies as BIPOC. You can filter providers by gender, ethnicity, age, and faith to find someone who shares your background or worldview. This detailed filtering system allows patients to proactively identify providers who understand their cultural context and lived experiences.
SonderMind's inclusivity and specialization overview
SonderMind also focuses on connecting patients with culturally competent providers, though it provides less specific demographic data about its network.
Licensure types: The network includes licensed therapists, board-certified psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners, all fully licensed and credentialed.
Specializations offered: The platform offers a wide range of specialties, with dedicated pages for LGBTQIA+ support, children, and teens. It also features providers who have completed comprehensive PsychArmor training for cultural competency with the military community.
Languages available: Information on the number of languages spoken by providers is not publicly disclosed.
Inclusivity factors: SonderMind has LGBTQIA+ affirming providers and offers care for all ages with no upper age restriction. The platform's specialized military/veteran cultural competency training, ensuring providers understand the specific challenges faced by service members and their families.
Platform availability and access
Access to mental healthcare shouldn't be complicated or time-consuming. The ease of finding a provider, scheduling appointments, and attending sessions can significantly impact whether people get the help they need when they need it.
How access works with Rula
Rula is designed to make it easier to get started with therapy or psychiatry, without the usual insurance confusion or scheduling friction. After you share your state, insurance information, and care preferences, the platform helps you quickly find in-network providers who match what you’re looking for. Here’s what accessing care through Rula looks like:
States served: Rula is available in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., for both therapy and psychiatry services.
Session formats: Most sessions take place through secure, HIPAA-compliant video appointments via Zoom. In-person therapy is also available depending on provider availability.
Scheduling: You can view a provider’s real-time availability and book directly through the platform, often in as little as a few minutes. Many people are able to schedule their first appointment as soon as the next day.
App/portal experience: Rula’s patient portal is accessible through any web browser and works well on computers, tablets, and mobile devices. You can manage appointments, attend sessions, complete forms, view billing information, and message your provider or support team all in one place.
How access works with SonderMind
SonderMind offers care in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., covering the entire United States. The process starts with a short intake questionnaire, and the platform then matches you with a provider based on your needs, insurance, and availability (typically within 48 hours for therapy or one day for psychiatry). Here’s what accessing care through SonderMind looks like:
Session formats: SonderMind offers both virtual and in-person sessions. Virtual sessions take place through its video platform, which supports up to two devices at once. For couples or family sessions, this can mean participants need to join from the same location.
Scheduling: You can view provider availability and schedule sessions through your SonderMind account portal. Appointments are available seven days a week, and booking is handled online based on the provider’s open time slots.
App/portal experience: SonderMind offers a mobile app that allows you to manage scheduling, access session links, and explore a library of self-care tools. These include guided meditations, breathing exercises, daily reflections, and progress tracking features designed to support you between sessions.
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.
Rula is best for:
People who need broad insurance coverage, including Medicaid, and want clear, upfront cost estimates.
Anyone who needs to see a provider quickly, with appointments available as soon as tomorrow.
Patients seeking a provider with a specific background, ethnicity, language, and faith.
Families seeking care for younger children, with therapy available for ages 5 and up.
Those who value a diverse provider network, with 51% of providers identifying as BIPOC.
SonderMind is best for:
People who want a mobile app with built-in self-care tools like meditations and progress trackers.
Veterans or military family members who would benefit from providers with specialized cultural competency training.
Individuals whose insurance is in-network with SonderMind and who do not require Medicaid coverage.
Those who appreciate having additional support resources available 24/7 through the app.
Summary: Is Rula or SonderMind right for you?
Both Rula and SonderMind connect people with quality mental health providers, but they serve different needs and priorities. Rula stands out for its vast insurance acceptance, including Medicaid, and its commitment to rapid access, with appointments available in as little as 24 hours. Its large, diverse network and detailed provider filters make it easier to find a therapist who truly understands your identity and experiences, whether you need care for a young child or want to see a provider in person.
SonderMind offers a strong platform experience with its integrated mobile app and self-care tools, which may appeal to those who value between-session support. Its specialized training for providers working with the military community is also a notable strength. However, its lack of Medicaid coverage and potentially longer wait times for a first therapy appointment are important limitations to consider.
To help make your decision, consider these questions:
How important is it that my insurance is accepted?
How quickly do I need to start therapy?
Is a diverse provider network with specific identity filters a priority for me?
Would I benefit from an app with self-guided exercises between sessions?
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, Optum, Oscar, and United Healthcare. We also accept some Medicare Advantage plans in select states, as well as employer-based plans not listed.
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.
What ages do Rula providers treat for therapy and for psychiatry?
Our network of therapists can treat children, teens, and adults ages five and up. For psychiatry and medication management, providers serve patients ages 13 and older.
Can Rula help me switch providers if it's not a good fit?
Absolutely. Rula's network of 21,000+ licensed providers makes it easy to find the care you need. If you don't feel like your first choice is a match, we'll help you switch to a different provider in our network.
Find care with Rula
With Rula, you can verify your insurance in minutes and connect with licensed providers across 180+ clinical specialties — with virtual appointments nationwide and in-person options. You’ll see clear cost estimates upfront, and you can filter for what matters most, from specialty and availability to language, background, and faith.
But the real value goes beyond the stats: Rula makes it easier to find a provider who feels like the right fit and gives you support along the way. When you’re ready to get started, Rula is here to guide you to care that fits your life.
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.
