Network size and cost: Rula offers access to 21,000+ providers with a typical $15 copay, while Thriveworks has 2,300+ clinicians with $0-$55 copays depending on your insurance plan.
Insurance coverage: Rula accepts 100+ plans including Medicaid in many states, while Thriveworks accepts 360+ commercial plans but does not accept any Medicaid coverage.
Communication options: Rula offers Zoom-based telehealth, in-person sessions in select markets, and secure messaging via a patient portal; Thriveworks provides in-person care, video and phone sessions, and messaging via phone or email.
Specializations offered: Rula features 180+ clinical specialties and evidence-based modalities, while Thriveworks covers nearly 100 mental health issues and treatment approaches.
Age requirements: Thriveworks offers therapy for all ages without a specific age minimum, while Rula's therapy services begin at age five (psychiatry starts at age 13).
Choosing a mental health platform shouldn’t add more friction to an already hard step. But when you’re comparing services like Rula and Thriveworks, the details can get confusing fast, especially when cost, insurance coverage, and provider availability aren’t always explained clearly.
Both Rula and Thriveworks offer therapy and psychiatry with insurance, but they work differently in how they match you with providers, what kinds of care they offer (in-person or online), and what you can expect to pay. This guide breaks down the most practical differences — from provider networks and scheduling to clinical outcomes and service options — so you can choose the platform that fits your needs and helps you make real progress.
Rula vs. Thriveworks: Differences at a glance
Rula and Thriveworks are both established mental health services offering therapy and psychiatry with insurance coverage and flexible access options. While both provide comprehensive care, they differ significantly in network size, cost structure, and service delivery models.
Average cost per session:
Rula: $15 per session with insurance
Thriveworks: $0 to $55 per session with insurance
Number of providers:
Rula: 21,000+ licensed providers
Thriveworks: 2,300+ clinicians
Modes of communication:
Rula: Video (Zoom), in-person sessions, secure messaging via patient portal
Thriveworks: In-person, video chat, phone sessions, messaging via phone or email
Services offered:
Rula: Individual therapy (ages 5+), couples therapy, family therapy, child therapy, teen therapy, psychiatry (ages 13+)
Thriveworks: Individual therapy (ages 0+), couples/marriage counseling, family therapy, child and teen therapy, psychiatry
Insurance acceptance:
Rula: In-network with 100+ plans including Medicare Advantage and Medicaid in many states
Thriveworks: Accepts 360+ plans including Medicare; does not accept Medicaid
States covered:
Rula: All 50 states, including California, Texas, Florida, and New York, and Washington, D.C.
Thriveworks: 49 states and Washington, D.C. (excluding Vermont)
Number of specialties offered:
Rula: 180+ clinical specialties and modalities
Thriveworks: Nearly 100 mental health issues and treatment approaches
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Rula: 51% of provider network identifies as BIPOC; 40+ languages represented
Thriveworks: Diverse clinician backgrounds; LGBTQIA+ affirming care; languages vary by location
Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:
Rula: Hybrid model with telehealth and in-person options
Thriveworks: Hybrid model with 340+ office locations plus online options
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Rula at a glance
Rula is a mental health platform connecting patients with 21,000+ licensed therapists and psychiatric providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The platform focuses on making quality care accessible through insurance, with appointments available as soon as tomorrow and a typical cost of about $15 per session with insurance.
"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.
Rula offers both telehealth sessions via Zoom and in-person therapy options, serving children ages five and older, teens, adults, couples, and families through 180+ clinical specialties. The platform's personalized matching process helps 98% of patients find an in-network provider who meets their unique preferences for specialty, gender, ethnicity, age, and faith.
Getting started with Rula is simple: first, verify your insurance in minutes and share a few details about your needs and preferences. Rula then presents a curated list of in-network providers who match your criteria, along with an upfront estimate of your per-session cost. From there, you can review profiles, book your first appointment, and complete brief intake forms in your secure patient portal.
Thriveworks at a glance
Founded in 2008, Thriveworks is a mental health service with 2,300+ clinicians operating across 340+ office locations nationwide. The platform provides both in-person and online therapy and psychiatry services, accepting 360+ insurance plans with typical copays ranging from $0 to $55 per session.
Thriveworks provides care from birth through adulthood, with appointments often available within a week and flexible evening and weekend scheduling. For new patients, getting started involves browsing providers, choosing a session format (in-person, video, or phone), and booking directly online. After creating an account, you can complete intake forms in the client portal while Thriveworks verifies your insurance benefits.
Clinical outcomes and how we compare
What matters most is whether care helps you feel better. When your symptoms improve and you feel supported by your provider, that’s a clear sign the treatment is working.
Rula's clinical outcomes:
93% of patients report feeling better about their symptoms after receiving care.
94% of patients report feeling comfortable with their provider.
98% of patients find a provider that meets their unique preferences.
Clinical outcomes are 10%+ better than other national groups, on average.
Thriveworks' clinical outcomes:
75% of individuals with depression or anxiety report feeling better within three months.
96% of clients feel truly supported and understood by their therapist.
Cost and insurance coverage
Both platforms work with a wide range of insurance plans and offer in-network options for many patients. Rula partners with numerous commercial plans and public programs in select states, while Thriveworks contracts broadly with commercial insurers.
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.
Thriveworks accepts 360+ commercial insurance plans and Medicare, but does not accept Medicaid. Plan participation and copays vary by location and your specific benefits; Thriveworks verifies your coverage during onboarding so you can see your expected costs before your first visit.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
With Rula, patients typically pay about $15 per session when using insurance. Rula provides a personalized cost estimate before your first appointment to ensure transparency and avoid surprises.
Thriveworks patients with insurance pay copays ranging from $0 to $55 per session for both therapy and psychiatry. The final cost depends on your specific insurance plan, benefits, and deductible status.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Both Rula and Thriveworks accept health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), and health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) cards for out-of-pocket expenses.
Self-pay pricing
Rula offers consistent, flat-rate pricing nationwide, while Thriveworks' self-pay prices vary significantly by state.
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
Thriveworks self-pay rates:
Therapy intake: $200 to $240 (varies by state)
Therapy follow-up: $160 to $195 (varies by state)
Psychiatry intake: $300 to $375 (varies by state)
Psychiatry follow-up: $210 to $300 (varies by state)
Mental health services offered
The range of services offered matters because comprehensive care options allow you to access the right type of support for your specific needs. Both platforms offer therapy and psychiatry but differ in age eligibility, session structures, and specialty breadth.
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Rula’s nationwide network includes providers across a wide range of specialties and evidence-based approaches, making it easier to find care that fits your needs.
Most common approaches
Behavioral therapy
Insight-oriented
Relationship-based
Internal family systems (IFS)
Experiential therapy
Humanistic therapy
Rula offers medication management through licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) for people ages 13 and older in all 50 states. These providers can prescribe medication as part of personalized treatment plans, with initial 60-minute appointments and 30-minute follow-ups.
Treatment approaches offered by Thriveworks
Thriveworks connects people with clinicians who support a variety of mental health concerns using proven therapeutic approaches.
Common therapy approaches:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Evidence-based psychotherapy
Talk therapy
Behavioral therapy
Specialized therapy types:
Individual therapy
Couples/marriage counseling
Family therapy
Child therapy
Teen therapy
LGBTQIA+ affirming counseling
Condition-specific specialties:
Depression treatment
Anxiety disorders
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment
Stress management
Relationship issues
Thriveworks also provides medication management through psychiatric nurse practitioners who can prescribe medication available at local pharmacies.
Inclusivity and specialized care
When it comes to therapy, it's important to find a provider you can trust. At Rula, 94% of clients find a provider they feel comfortable with and who listens to them with respect. Inclusivity factors like provider diversity, language options, and cultural competency directly impact therapeutic outcomes and your ability to build trust with your provider.
Rula's inclusivity and specialization overview
Rula has built a diverse network designed to ensure every patient can find a provider who understands their unique background and needs.
Licensure types: The network includes 21,000+ licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs).
Specializations offered: Rula covers 180 clinical specialties, including ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum support, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, grief and loss, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), relationship issues, and substance use concerns.
Languages available: Rula's providers represent more than 40 different languages, allowing patients to receive care in their preferred language.
Inclusivity factors: 51% of Rula's provider network identifies as BIPOC, and patients can filter providers by gender, ethnicity, age, and faith.
Thriveworks' inclusivity and specialization overview
Thriveworks emphasizes diversity and offers specialized care to meet different population needs.
Licensure types: The network consists of licensed therapists, psychologists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners, though federal regulations prevent certain provider types from accepting Medicare.
Specializations offered: Thriveworks offers nearly 100 mental health issues and treatment approaches, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, stress management, and relationship issues.
Languages available: Language options vary by location, but include Spanish, French, Russian, Telugu, German, Creole, and Korean; patients should confirm availability when booking.
Inclusivity factors: Clinicians represent diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, including neurodiverse providers, with explicit LGBTQIA+ affirming care.
Platform availability and access
Access to care, including geographic coverage, scheduling speed, and session format flexibility, directly impacts whether you can get help when you need it. Both Rula and Thriveworks prioritize quick access but differ in their matching processes and technology platforms.
How access works with Rula
Rula is built to make getting care easy, without having to navigate insurance logistics, chase down availability, or guess what you’ll pay.
After you enter your insurance information and preferences, Rula gives you a curated list of in-network providers. You can browse profiles, watch introductory videos, and filter based on what matters most to you, including specialty, identity, language, and appointment availability.
Scheduling speed: Book in as little as three minutes, with sessions available as soon as tomorrow.
Session formats: Virtual sessions run through secure, HIPAA-compliant video (Zoom). In-person therapy is available through provider offices.
Between-session support: Secure messaging is available through the patient portal, based on your provider’s preferences and communication style.
Platform access: Rula's web-based patient portal enables you to manage appointments, complete intake forms, and review billing. It works across devices in your browser. If you need help, Rula's support team can assist with scheduling, insurance and billing questions, and portal troubleshooting.
How access works with Thriveworks
Thriveworks offers both in-person and virtual care, making it a strong option for people who want the flexibility to meet with a provider face-to-face or online. Care is available in most U.S. states, with a large network of physical office locations plus telehealth services for therapy and psychiatry.
To get started, you can search for providers directly through Thriveworks’ directory and filter by factors like insurance coverage, specialty, availability, and clinical background. Once you choose a provider, you can book appointments through the platform and manage logistics through Thriveworks’ client portal.
Scheduling speed: Thriveworks often has appointments available within a week, and many providers offer evening or weekend time slots.
Session formats: Thriveworks offers multiple options, including in-person sessions at local offices, live video therapy, and phone appointments.
Between-session support: Between-session communication varies by provider. Some clinicians may offer check-ins or messaging via email or phone.
Platform access: Thriveworks provides a client portal where you can complete intake forms, access documentation, and manage administrative tasks. Support is available seven days per week if you need help with scheduling, billing, or care coordination.
What each platform does best
Each platform has its own strengths, and the best choice depends on what you need most. Rula and Thriveworks both offer comprehensive care, but they’re designed with different priorities in mind.
Rula excels when you need:
Larger provider network: Access to 21,000+ licensed providers
Lower typical cost with insurance: About $15 per session
Medicaid acceptance: Rula accepts Medicaid in many states
Broad specialty coverage: 180+ clinical specialties
High provider diversity: 51% of Rula's network identifies as BIPOC
Fast scheduling: Booking appointments in as little as three minutes, available as soon as tomorrow
Consistent self-pay pricing: Flat-rate pricing nationwide
Thriveworks excels when you need:
Established physical office network: 340+ office locations for traditional care
Broader insurance plan acceptance: 360+ insurance plans
Phone session option: Explicit phone therapy availability in addition to video and in-person
Potential for lower copays: Some patients may have $0 copays depending on insurance plan
Longer track record: Founded in 2008 with 15+ years of operation
Summary: Is Rula or Thriveworks right for you?
Rula and Thriveworks both make it possible to access therapy and psychiatric care through insurance, but they’re designed around different experiences. Rula is built to make online care simple and affordable, especially if you want a fast path to an in-network provider with clear cost expectations and ongoing coordination. Thriveworks is often a better fit for people who prioritize an in-person option and want the structure of a traditional clinic model, with physical locations in many areas.
When deciding between the two, consider these key questions:
Do you have Medicaid coverage? If so, Rula may be the more accessible option.
Do you want care that’s primarily virtual, or do you prefer an in-person setting?
Are you looking for highly specific provider matching (identity, language, specialty, etc.)?
Do you need therapy for a child under age five? Thriveworks may offer more options here.
Do you prefer phone sessions over video appointments?
Rula FAQs
Are therapists on Rula in-network with insurance, and how much do patients 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 (by referral), Optum, Oscar, and United Healthcare. We also accept some Medicare Advantage plans in California and select states, as well as some employer-based plans not listed.
What are Rula's cash rates for therapy and psychiatry sessions?
Rula offers a cash rate of $150 per session for individual therapy, $165 per session for couples or family therapy, and $225 for an initial psychiatry intake, with $175 for 30-minute follow-ups.
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 are able to serve patients ages 13 and older.
How soon can I meet with a provider in Rula's network?
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
Starting therapy or psychiatry can feel like a big step — Rula makes it easier to take it. You can verify your insurance in minutes, browse providers who match your needs and preferences, and often book your first appointment as soon as the next day.
Whether you’re looking for therapy, medication management, or a provider who understands your background and speaks your language, Rula helps you find care that fits. When you’re ready to move forward, Rula is here to support you with a clear path to getting started.
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.
