Cost structure: Rula typically costs about $15 per session with insurance, while Talkspace uses subscription plans costing $69–$109 per week (with insurance options, too).
Communication approaches: Rula focuses on live video sessions, while Talkspace emphasizes unlimited messaging with optional live sessions.
Insurance navigation and coverage: Rula works with 100+ insurance plans and offers upfront benefits verification. Talkspace also accepts many major insurers, including Medicare.
Service scope and specialization: Rula provides individual, couples, family, child (5+), teen therapy, and psychiatry, covering 180+ specialties. Talkspace offers individual, couples, teen therapy, and psychiatry with limitations (no controlled substances).
Provider diversity and matching: Rula’s 21,000+ provider network includes 51% BIPOC providers and up to 40+ languages. Talkspace has about 6,000 providers with varied specialties.
Finding mental healthcare that actually works shouldn't require choosing between what you can afford and what you need. But that's exactly the dilemma many people face when comparing online therapy platforms, especially when deciding between Rula and Talkspace.
In this comparison, we'll break down the key differences in cost, insurance coverage, services offered, provider networks, and platform experience, so you can make an informed decision about which approach best serves your mental health needs.
Rula vs Talkspace: Differences at a glance
Rula and Talkspace both offer online therapy, but they take different approaches to mental healthcare. Rula focuses on comprehensive care coordination through insurance, while Talkspace emphasizes messaging-based therapy with subscription pricing.
Average cost per session:
Rula: $15 per session with insurance
Talkspace: $69 to $109 per week subscription ($15-$30 per session with insurance)
Number of providers:
Rula: Over 21,000
Talkspace: Over 6,000 therapists, plus 200 psychiatrists
Modes of communication:
Rula: Live video sessions, in-person therapy, secure messaging through patient portal
Talkspace: Unlimited messaging (text, audio, video), live sessions
Services offered:
Rula: Individual, couples, family, child, and teen therapy, plus psychiatry
Talkspace: Individual therapy, couples therapy, teen therapy, psychiatry
Insurance acceptance:
Rula: In-network with 100+ insurance plans, including Medicare
Talkspace: Accepts many major insurance plans, including Medicare but not Medicaid
States covered:
Rula: All 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
Talkspace: All 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
Number of specialties offered:
Rula: Over 180 clinical specialties and modalities
Talkspace: Over 150 conditions and treatment approaches
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Rula: 51% of providers are BIPOC, over 40 languages spoken
Talkspace: 32 languages spoken, over 30% of providers are BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+
Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:
Rula: Primarily virtual with in-person options
Talkspace: Virtual-only
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 designed to make mental healthcare work for everyone. The platform connects you with vetted licensed providers, handling all the complex insurance details so you can focus on making real progress. Rula's network includes over 21,000 diverse therapists and psychiatric providers representing more than 180 clinical specialties and modalities, and accepts over 100 insurance plans to make care accessible and affordable. Most patients pay around $15 per session using their insurance benefits.
"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 one patient.
Getting started with Rula is straightforward — you'll verify your insurance coverage, browse personalized provider matches, and book your first appointment for as soon as tomorrow. Many providers meet with patients remotely, but in-person options are available.
Talkspace at a glance
Founded in 2012, Talkspace is an online telehealth platform that focuses on mental health support via messaging and live sessions. The platform features flexible communication options — you can choose messaging-only plans, live session plans, or hybrid plans that combine both approaches. Once you sign up, you typically get matched with a provider within two days, and you can switch therapists at any time without extra fees.
Talkspace uses a subscription model ranging from $69 to $109 per week, depending on the plan you select, with separate pricing for couples therapy and psychiatry services. The platform also accepts many insurance plans and is one of the few online therapy services in-network with Medicare.
Clinical outcomes and how we compare
The true measure of a therapy platform is whether people actually feel better. Looking at clinical outcomes can help you understand how each platform supports meaningful progress over time.
Rula’s clinical outcomes:
93% of people report feeling better about their symptoms after receiving care.
74% of patients show significant improvement on standard anxiety and depression measures (PHQ/GAD) within twelve weeks.
Clinical outcomes are, on average, more than 10% better than those of similar national groups.
Talkspace’s clinical outcomes
70% of patients show significant improvement in anxiety and depression measures.
80% of people who used Talkspace felt it was as effective or more effective than in-person therapy.
*Based on Rula’s clinical quality research.
Cost and insurance coverage
Rula is in-network with more than 100 insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Talkspace also accepts most major insurance plans and is notably one of the few platforms that works with Medicare for mental health services.
Insurance plans accepted
Rula accepts:
Talkspace accepts:
Aetna
Anthem
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Tricare
Optum
Cigna
Carelon
Regence
Medicare
+ many more
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
With Rula, most patients pay an average copay of $15 per session, but your out-of-pocket cost may differ depending on your insurance plan. For a more precise estimate, verify your pricing and coverage directly with your insurance provider.
Talkspace costs with insurance vary depending on your specific plan coverage. Some patients pay standard therapy copays, while others may have different rates for messaging versus live sessions.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Both Rula and Talkspace accept health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) payments. This allows you to use pre-tax dollars for your mental healthcare, making treatment more affordable.
Self-pay pricing
Rula offers self-pay rates for both therapy and psychiatry services. The exact cost depends on the service type:
$150 for an individual therapy session
$165 for a couple's therapy session
$225 for an initial psychiatry evaluation
$175 for a follow-up psychiatry session
Talkspace also offers self-pay rates via its recurring subscription plans. These are billed automatically on a monthly, quarterly, or biannual basis.
Messaging therapy: From $69 per week
Video and messaging therapy: From $99 per week
Video and messaging therapy and workshops: From $109 per week
Mental health services offered
The range of services matters because different people need different types of support. Some benefit from individual therapy, while others need couples counseling or medication management.
Rula works with therapists, psychologists, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) who are experts in more than 180 clinical specialties and therapeutic approaches. These include anxiety disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism, substance use disorders (SUDs), depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bipolar disorder.
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Rula providers offer comprehensive mental healthcare for individuals, couples, families, and children ages five and up. The platform includes both therapy and psychiatry services.
Most common approaches:
Behavioral therapy:
Insight-oriented:
Relationship-based:
Internal family systems (IFS)
Experiential therapy:
Humanistic therapy:
Rula also provides medication management through psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) and psychiatrists for people ages 13 and older. This integrated approach means your therapist and prescriber can coordinate your care.
Treatment approaches offered by Talkspace
Talkspace works with individuals, couples, and teens. You must be 13 years or older for therapy and 18 years or older for medication management. Like Rula, Talkspace’s network includes providers who are trained in multiple areas of expertise.
However, it's important to note that Talkspace providers don't treat substance use or psychosis. They also don’t conduct formal autism assessments.
Common modalities include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Humanistic therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Mentalization therapy
Emotion-focused therapy (EFT)
Psychodynamic therapy
Exposure therapy
Somatic therapy
Grief counseling
Talk therapy
Talkspace also provides psychiatry services for adults 18 and older, though their providers cannot prescribe controlled substances. This limitation affects treatment for conditions like ADHD that often require stimulant medications.
Inclusivity and specialized care
Finding a provider who understands your background and identity can impact your therapy experience. Cultural competence and specialized expertise help ensure you feel heard and respected throughout your mental health journey.
Rula's inclusivity and specialization
Rula prioritizes connecting you with a provider who genuinely understands your experience. The platform simplifies finding someone who recognizes your unique identity and personal context.
Licensure types: Rula's network includes licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), licensed professional counselors (LPCs), psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners.
Specializations offered: Rula providers specialize in over 180 clinical areas, including anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, eating disorders, substance use, and relationship issues.
Languages available: Rula providers speak over 40 different languages, making care accessible to diverse communities.
Inclusivity factors: 51% of Rula's provider network identifies as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC), and you can filter for providers based on gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other factors that matter to you. You can also find therapists who specialize in LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy.
Talkspace's inclusivity and specialization
Talkspace uses a matching system to connect you with providers who align with your preferences and background. The platform considers multiple factors to help you find a therapist who fits your needs.
Licensure types: Talkspace's network includes licensed therapists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and psychiatrists across all 50 states.
Specializations offered: Providers specialize in over 150 conditions and treatment approaches.
Languages available: Talkspace's provider network offers 32+ languages, with specific options varying by location and provider availability.
Inclusivity factors: Talkspace uses a detailed matching process that considers client preferences for provider gender, race, religion, age, and LGBTQIA+ identity.
Platform availability and access
How quickly you can access care and the quality of the platform experience can impact your mental health journey. Smooth scheduling, reliable technology, and responsive support make it easier to focus on your progress.
How access works with Rula
Rula is designed to simplify the logistics of finding and receiving mental healthcare — from verifying insurance to scheduling appointments — so you can stay focused on your progress. The platform guides you through each step and keeps you informed about what’s happening with your care. Here’s what accessing care through Rula looks like:
States served: Rula is available in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., with both virtual and in-person options.
Matching process: After verifying your insurance, Rula offers a curated list of in-network providers. You can browse profiles, watch introductory videos, and choose the therapist who feels like the best fit for your needs and preferences.
Session formats: Rula offers secure, HIPAA-compliant video appointments for virtual care. In-person sessions are also available depending on provider availability.
Scheduling: You can view real-time availability and book sessions directly from a provider’s profile. Many people are able to schedule their first appointment as early as the next day.
App/portal experience: Rula’s user-friendly patient portal lets you manage appointments, review billing details, complete intake forms, and communicate with the support team for help with scheduling or insurance questions.
How access works with Talkspace
Talkspace is designed to offer fully virtual mental health support through a mix of live sessions and between-session messaging. The platform prioritizes convenience, frequent communication, and a digital-first experience. Here’s what accessing care through Talkspace looks like:
States served: Talkspace is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Matching process: After completing a short questionnaire about your needs and preferences, Talkspace matches you with a licensed provider. You can also browse the provider directory to choose a therapist yourself.
Session formats: Talkspace supports live video sessions (typically 30 minutes long) as well as text and audio messaging. Depending on your plan, you may also have access to live chat or additional digital tools.
Scheduling: You coordinate live video, voice, or chat sessions directly with your provider through in-app messaging. Providers usually respond during their set availability windows.
App/portal experience: Talkspace offers a mobile app and web portal where you can message your therapist, join live sessions, track progress, and access supplemental tools.
What each platform does best
Rula is best if you need:
Comprehensive insurance navigation and affordable care.
Integrated therapy and psychiatry services.
Full-length live sessions with dedicated provider time.
Family therapy or child therapy (ages 5+).
Coordinated care with progress tracking.
Wide network of specialized providers.
Talkspace is best if you need:
Continuous support through unlimited messaging.
Flexible communication that fits busy schedules.
Quick access to care with minimal wait times.
Lower-commitment entry point to mental healthcare.
Digital-first experience centered on in-app communication rather than scheduling traditional appointment-based care.
Summary: Is Rula or Talkspace right for you?
The choice between Rula and Talkspace ultimately comes down to how you prefer to access care and the type of support you're looking for. If you want to use your health insurance, access both therapy and psychiatry, or choose from a large, diverse network of providers—including options for children, teens, couples, and families—Rula offers a more comprehensive, flexible solution. Its evidence-based approach and strong clinical outcomes make it especially valuable if you’re seeking coordinated care and measurable progress.
If you prefer a fully virtual experience centered around messaging, Talkspace may be the better fit. The platform’s subscription model and text-forward communication can be helpful if you want ongoing digital support rather than appointment-based sessions.
When making your decision, consider these key questions:
Do you want to use your health insurance to lower the cost of your care?
Is it important to you to choose your own provider from a large network?
Do you prefer traditional live sessions or a messaging-based therapy experience?
Your answers to these questions can help guide you toward the platform that best supports your needs, preferences, and goals.
Rula FAQs
How quickly can I start therapy with Rula?
Most Rula patients can schedule their first appointment within a few days of signing up. Online appointments are often available as soon as tomorrow, and the platform helps thousands of people access care every week.
Does Rula accept my specific insurance plan?
Rula works with over 100 insurance plans, including most major providers like Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. You can verify your coverage instantly during the sign-up process.
Can children receive therapy through Rula?
Yes, Rula provides therapy services for children ages 5 and up, as well as family therapy options. Psychiatry services are available for teens ages 13 and older.
How does Rula ensure I'm matched with the right therapist?
Rula's matching process considers your specific needs, preferences, insurance coverage, and schedule. You can filter providers by specialty, gender, language, treatment approach, and availability to find someone who truly understands your situation.
What’s the cost of care with Rula?
Most people with insurance pay about $15 per therapy session, depending on their specific plan. Rula also offers self-pay rates for therapy and psychiatry, and you’ll receive a personalized cost estimate before your first appointment.
Find care with Rula
If you’re ready to start therapy, Rula can help you take the next step with clarity and confidence. You can verify your insurance benefits in minutes, explore in-network providers who match your needs, and often schedule your first appointment as soon as tomorrow. When you’re ready, Rula is here to guide you toward care that fits your life.
Alex Bachert
Alex Bachert is a freelance copywriter and mental health advocate. Since earning her masters degree in public health, she has focused her career on creating informative content that empowers people to prioritize their health and well-being. Alex has partnered with organizations like Ro, WellTheory, and Firsthand, and her work has been recognized by the Digital Health Association.
When she’s not writing about mental health, Alex is usually playing pickleball, meeting with her local board of health, or enjoying time with her three kids.
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.
