Rula offers hybrid care (virtual and in-person) in all 50 states, while Teladoc is entirely virtual, making Rula the better choice if you want the flexibility for in-person sessions.
Rula serves ages five and up with specialized child and teen therapy; Teladoc only treats adults 18 and over, which may be important for families seeking mental health support for children.
Insurance coverage differs significantly. Rula accepts over 100 insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, while Teladoc works with most major insurance carriers but doesn't publicize a comprehensive list.
Rula typically offers faster access, with appointments available as soon as tomorrow, compared to Teladoc's three to seven-day scheduling window.
Provider diversity varies. Rula's network includes 51% BIPOC providers and 40+ languages, while Teladoc offers services primarily in English and Spanish without published diversity metrics.
Finding the right mental health platform shouldn't feel like another obstacle when you're already seeking support. With online therapy options expanding rapidly, choosing between services like Rula and Teladoc can feel overwhelming, especially when factors like insurance coverage, appointment availability, and provider specialties all come into play.
In this guide, we'll compare Rula and Teladoc across the details that actually matter: cost, services offered, clinical outcomes, and accessibility. Understanding these differences can help you make a confident decision about which platform fits your mental health needs.
Rula vs. Teladoc: Which is better for your needs?
Rula at a glance
Rula is a mental health platform that helps people find licensed therapists and psychiatrists covered by their insurance. The platform focuses on making high-quality care accessible and affordable, with appointments often available as soon as tomorrow. What sets Rula apart is its hybrid model — you can choose between virtual sessions via Zoom or in-person appointments at provider offices in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
> "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 over 21,000 licensed providers offering 180+ clinical specialties, Rula makes it easy to find the right match for your needs. If you’re ready to get started, you can explore online therapy through Rula in just a few minutes. You can schedule an appointment in as little as three minutes, and the platform verifies your insurance upfront to provide a personalized cost estimate before your first session. The diverse provider network includes therapists who speak over 40 languages, with 51% identifying as BIPOC, ensuring you can find someone who truly understands your background and experiences.
Teladoc at a glance
Founded in 2002, Teladoc is a comprehensive telehealth company that provides virtual care across multiple health needs, including mental health services. The platform serves adults 18 and older through talk therapy with licensed therapists and medication management from psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners. All services are delivered virtually through phone, video, or secure messaging — there are no in-person options.
The platform's mental health providers are available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and you can typically schedule a visit within three to seven days. Teladoc also leverages a network of 30,000 therapists through its BetterHelp subsidiary, expanding access to care nationwide. Beyond therapy and psychiatry, Teladoc offers mental health coaching with goal-setting and between-session messaging support. The platform operates through a mobile app that lets you manage appointments, attend video visits, and communicate with your care team.
Clinical outcomes and how we compare
Clinical outcomes matter because they show whether a platform's approach actually helps people feel better. Both Rula and Teladoc track and report on their effectiveness, providing transparency about the results you can expect.
Rula's outcomes demonstrate strong results across multiple measures. The platform reports that 93% of patients report feeling better about their symptoms after receiving care through Rula. Additionally, 94% of patients report feeling comfortable with their provider, and Rula patients typically report starting to feel better after just three sessions.
Teladoc also publishes clinical data showing positive outcomes for its members. For depression, 60% of members with moderate-to-severe symptoms achieved remission or clinically meaningful improvement, with an average 34% reduction in depression scores. Similarly, 60% of members with moderate-to-severe anxiety achieved remission or meaningful improvement, with an average 35% reduction in anxiety scores.
Cost and insurance coverage
Rula is in-network with more than 100 insurance plans, including major carriers like Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and UnitedHealthcare. Teladoc also works with many major insurance carriers and is often included as an employee benefit. A key difference is that Rula accepts both Medicare fee-for-service and select managed Medicaid plans, while Teladoc only works with Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care plans.
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.
Teladoc works with many major insurance carriers, though it doesn't provide a comprehensive public list. Many employers include Teladoc as part of their benefits package, which can reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs. However, Teladoc's government insurance coverage is more limited — it works with Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care plans but not fee-for-service versions of these programs.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
With Rula, patients using insurance typically pay around $15 per session. Your exact cost depends on your specific plan, benefits, and deductible, but Rula verifies your insurance and provides a more exact estimate before your first appointment so there are no surprises.
Teladoc's out-of-pocket costs vary widely depending on your health plan or employer benefits. The platform doesn't publish typical copay amounts, so you'll need to check with your insurance provider or benefits manager to understand what you'll pay for each visit.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Both platforms accept health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) payments. With Rula, you can enter your HSA/FSA card as your payment method or submit receipts for reimbursement. Teladoc also accepts HSA/FSA cards for eligible plans, though eligibility depends on your specific health plan.
Self-pay pricing
If you don't have insurance or prefer to pay out-of-pocket, both platforms offer self-pay options with different pricing structures.
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
Teladoc self-pay rates:
$119 per mental health visit
*Actual cost may vary based on your insurance benefits and deductible.
Mental health services offered
The range of services a platform offers matters because different people need different types of support — from individual therapy to family counseling to medication management.
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Rula's licensed providers offer over 180 clinical specialties, making it easier to find a therapist with specific expertise in what you're experiencing. The platform provides comprehensive mental health services across all age groups.
Most common approaches
Behavioral therapy
Experiential therapy
Humanistic therapy
Relationship-based therapy:
Rula also offers medication management through psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) for people ages 13 and older. This service is available in all 50 states and can be accessed on its own or combined with therapy.
Treatment approaches offered by Teladoc
Teladoc focuses on adult mental health services, with no specific programs for children or teens. The therapeutic approaches vary by individual provider, as there's no unified clinical framework across the platform.
Teladoc doesn't provide a comprehensive list of therapeutic approaches, but therapists in the network likely offer common modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based treatments. The specific approach depends on your individual therapist's training and specialization.
Inclusivity and specialized care
Finding a provider you can trust and feel comfortable with is essential for effective therapy. The diversity of a platform's network and its commitment to inclusive care can make all the difference in your treatment experience.
Rula's inclusivity and specialization overview
Rula has built its network with diversity and inclusion as core priorities, ensuring you can find a provider who truly understands your background and experiences. To start matching with someone in-network, you can find a therapist based on your preferences and needs.
Licensure types: The network includes licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), all credentialed in their respective states.
Specializations offered: With 180+ clinical specialties available, you can find providers with expertise in everything from anxiety and ADHD to PTSD and relationship issues. The platform also offers dedicated services for specific populations, including children (ages 5+), teens, and seniors.
Languages available: Providers in Rula's network speak over 40 languages, ensuring you can communicate in the language you're most comfortable with during therapy sessions.
Inclusivity factors: 51% of Rula's provider network identifies as BIPOC, and providers represent 18 different faiths and religions. You can filter for providers based on gender, ethnicity, age, faith, and other identity factors.
Teladoc's inclusivity and specialization overview
Teladoc offers inclusive care with a focus on cultural competency, though with a more limited scope in terms of age groups served and language options.
Licensure types: The network includes licensed therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners, all properly credentialed for telehealth services.
Specializations offered: While Teladoc allows you to select providers based on specialties, it doesn't provide a comprehensive list of available clinical specialties. The platform focuses on common mental health concerns but doesn't publish detailed information about specialized treatment areas.
Languages available: Teladoc's full suite of services is available in English and Spanish. Additional languages may be available through individual providers, but this isn't clearly specified.
Inclusivity factors: The platform offers LGBTQ-affirming care and provides cultural competency training to its providers, including courses on supporting communities of color. However, mental health services are limited to adults 18 and older, and the platform doesn't publish diversity metrics for its provider network.
Platform availability and access
Mental healthcare should fit into your life, not the other way around. The ease of finding a provider, scheduling appointments, and attending sessions can determine whether you get the help you need or give up in frustration.
How access works with Rula
Rula is designed to remove barriers to care, offering both speed and flexibility in how you access mental health services. The platform is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., for both therapy and psychiatry services, including New York, Ohio, and Texas.
States served: Rula offers complete coverage across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with both virtual and in-person options available nationwide.
Matching process: After sharing your basic needs and preferences, Rula provides a curated list of in-network providers. You can filter by specialty, gender, ethnicity, age, faith, and other factors to find the right match. You can schedule an appointment in as little as three minutes.
Session formats: Rula's hybrid model includes live video appointments via Zoom and in-person therapy at provider offices. This flexibility lets you choose the format that works best for your comfort level and circumstances.
Scheduling: Appointments are often available as soon as tomorrow. The platform also offers between-session messaging through a secure, HIPAA-compliant patient portal.
App/portal experience: While Rula doesn't have a mobile app, you can access all services through a web-based patient portal on any device. The portal handles scheduling, messaging, and insurance verification.
How access works with Teladoc
Teladoc provides virtual mental healthcare through its established telehealth platform, with a focus on convenience and integration with other health services.
States served: Teladoc is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., but services are entirely virtual with no in-person options.
Matching process: You answer questions about your preferences and needs, then choose from matching provider profiles based on factors like gender, language, and specialty areas.
Session formats: All services are delivered virtually through phone, video, or secure messaging. Video visits must be accessed through Teladoc's mobile app or web platform.
Scheduling: Mental health visits can typically be scheduled within three to seven days. Providers are available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
App/portal experience: Teladoc offers a mobile app for scheduling appointments, attending video visits, and messaging your care team. The platform also includes mental health coaching with between-session messaging support.
What each platform does best
Understanding each platform’s strengths helps you choose the option that best supports your mental health goals.
Choose Rula when you want:
Hybrid care options: Both virtual and in-person appointments available in all 50 states
Rapid access: Appointments available as soon as tomorrow
Broad insurance acceptance: Including Medicare fee-for-service and Managed Medicaid
Specialized care: 180+ clinical specialties with detailed provider matching
Diverse provider network: 51% BIPOC providers speaking 40+ languages
All-age services: Dedicated programs for children (5+), teens, adults, and seniors
Quick scheduling: Book an appointment in as little as three minutes
Choose Teladoc when you want:
Integrated healthcare platform: Mental health services as part of comprehensive telehealth
Large provider network: 30,000 providers through BetterHelp subsidiary
Extended availability: Seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Mental health coaching: Goal-setting and between-session messaging support
Mobile app convenience: Full-featured app for managing your care
Employer integration: Often included as part of employee benefits packages
Summary: Is Rula or Teladoc right for you?
Both Rula and Teladoc offer quality virtual mental health services, but they're designed for different needs and preferences. Rula stands out with its hybrid model that includes in-person care alongside telehealth, serving all ages from children to seniors with rapid appointment availability. Teladoc excels as an established, virtual-only platform that integrates mental health with broader healthcare services for adults.
The biggest differences come down to flexibility and scope. Rula offers both virtual and in-person appointments, serves people starting at age five, and accepts a broader range of government insurance plans including Medicare fee-for-service. Teladoc is virtual-only, focuses on adults 18 and older, and works within a comprehensive telehealth ecosystem that covers multiple health needs beyond mental health.
Questions to consider when deciding:
Do you want the option for in-person appointments, or are you comfortable with virtual-only care?
Are you seeking care for a child or teen, or only for an adult?
What type of insurance do you have, especially if it's Medicare fee-for-service or Managed Medicaid?
How quickly do you need to start care?
Is finding a provider with specific cultural background or specialty expertise important to you?
Do you prefer a platform focused solely on mental health or one that integrates with other healthcare services?
Rula FAQs
How much do people typically pay per therapy session with insurance on Rula?
Rula patients typically pay $15 per session, although your individual cost may vary based on your insurance benefits and deductible. Before your first appointment, Rula will contact your insurance carrier and provide you with an estimate of your per session cost.
What are Rula's cash rates for therapy and psychiatry sessions if I'm paying out of pocket?
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.
What ages can I get therapy or medication management through Rula?
Our network of therapists are able to treat children, teens, and adults ages five and up. For psychiatry and medication management, providers are able to serve patients ages 13 and older.
How soon can I meet with a Rula provider for a live video therapy appointment?
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.
Find care with Rula
Choosing between mental health platforms is an important decision—one that can shape not just your experience, but your progress. With Rula, getting started is straightforward: verify your insurance in minutes to see your personalized costs upfront, browse providers who match your specific needs and preferences, and schedule your first appointment as soon as tomorrow. Whether you're looking for virtual sessions or prefer to meet face-to-face, Rula makes it easy to find the right provider and start making real progress on your mental health journey.
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.
