Network size and cost: Rula offers access to 21,000+ providers with a typical $15 copay, while Thriveworks has 2,600+ 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.
Clinical outcomes: Rula reports that 93% of patients feel better about their symptoms after care, with outcomes more than 10% better than similar competitors on average. Thriveworks reports that 75% of people with depression or anxiety feel better within three months.
Service delivery: Rula provides telehealth via Zoom plus in-person options nationwide, while Thriveworks offers in-person care at 340+ office locations plus video and phone sessions.
Age requirements: Thriveworks serves children of all ages, while Rula's therapy services begin at age 5 (psychiatry starts at age 13).
When comparing Rula vs. Thriveworks, the key differences come down to network size, cost structure, and Medicaid acceptance — Rula offers 21,000+ providers with a typical $15 copay and Medicaid coverage in many states, while Thriveworks has 2,600+ clinicians across 340+ physical offices with broader commercial insurance acceptance.
Finding the right mental health provider shouldn't feel like another barrier to care. Yet with dozens of platforms promising accessible therapy and psychiatry, choosing between them often means navigating confusing cost structures, limited provider networks, and unclear insurance coverage. The stakes are real: the platform you choose directly impacts whether you'll find an affordable provider who understands your needs and can help you make meaningful progress.
This guide compares Rula and Thriveworks, two established mental health services offering therapy and psychiatry with insurance coverage. We'll examine their provider networks, costs, clinical outcomes, and service models so you can make an informed decision about which platform actually delivers on its promises for your specific situation.
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: 2,600+ 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 & 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 and Washington, D.C.
Thriveworks: 49 states and Washington, D.C.
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 Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (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 in 50 states and D.C.
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 5 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.
Thriveworks at a glance
Founded in 2008, Thriveworks is a mental health service with 2,600+ 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 serves individuals from birth through adulthood, offering appointments often within seven days and flexible scheduling including evening and weekend sessions. The platform emphasizes LGBTQIA+ affirming care and maintains high patient satisfaction, with 96% of clients feeling truly supported and understood by their therapist.
Clinical outcomes and how we compare
Clinical outcomes and evidence-based approaches are critical indicators of care quality, as measurable improvements in symptoms and patient satisfaction reflect treatment effectiveness.
Rula 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
74% of patients with anxiety and depression show clinically meaningful improvement
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
Rula is in-network with 100+ insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid in many states. Thriveworks accepts 360+ insurance plans, including most major commercial plans and Medicare, but does not accept Medicaid.
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) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards for out-of-pocket expenses. Thriveworks also accepts health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) cards, providing additional payment flexibility for patients with health savings accounts.
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-$240 (varies by state)
Therapy follow-up: $160-$195 (varies by state)
Psychiatry intake: $300-$375 (varies by state)
Psychiatry follow-up: $210-$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
Therapists on the Rula platform offer 180+ clinical specialties and evidence-based treatment modalities, including:
Attachment-based therapy
Psychodynamic 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' 2,600+ clinicians provide care for nearly 100 mental health issues and treatment approaches using evidence-based modalities.
Common therapy approaches:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Evidence-based psychotherapy
Talk therapy
Behavioral therapy
Condition-specific specialties:
Depression treatment
Anxiety disorders
ADHD treatment
Stress management
Relationship issues
Thriveworks provides medication management through psychiatric nurse practitioners who can prescribe medication available at local pharmacies. Initial psychiatry evaluations last 45-60 minutes, while follow-up sessions range from 10-29 minutes and focus on assessing medication effectiveness and adjusting care toward treatment goals.
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 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, psychiatric practitioners, 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: 40+ different languages are represented across the provider network, 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: Nearly 100 mental health issues and treatment approaches, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, stress management, relationship issues, and LGBTQIA+ affirming counseling.
Languages available: Language options vary by location, with examples including Spanish, French, Russian, Telugu, German, Creole, and Korean; patients should confirm availability when booking.
Inclusivity factors: Clinicians represent diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse providers, with explicit LGBTQIA+ affirming care advertised.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
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 available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. for both therapy and psychiatry services. The platform offers both telehealth via Zoom and in-person therapy at provider-operated offices nationwide.
The matching process begins when you share your needs and preferences, after which Rula provides a curated list of in-network therapists. You can filter by specialty, gender, ethnicity, age, faith, and other criteria, with 98% of patients finding a provider who meets their unique preferences. If your first provider isn't a good match, Rula helps you switch to a different therapist in the network.
Scheduling speed: You can schedule an appointment in as little as three minutes, with sessions available as soon as tomorrow.
Session formats: All virtual appointments use Zoom; in-person options available at provider offices.
Between-session support: Secure messaging available through the patient portal.
Platform access: Patient portal accessible via web browser on any device; no mobile app currently available.
How access works with Thriveworks
Thriveworks operates in 49 states and Washington, D.C. through 340+ physical office locations plus online services. Patients can browse and book providers directly, searching by insurance, specialties, credentials, and education.
The platform offers multiple session formats including in-person appointments at office locations, video chat, and phone sessions. If your provider isn't a good fit, you can contact customer support for seamless switching to a new provider.
Scheduling speed: Appointments often available within seven days, with evening and weekend sessions.
Session formats: In-person at 340+ offices, video chat, and phone sessions.
Between-session support: Messaging available via phone or email, though availability varies by provider.
Platform access: Client Portal for forms and documentation; support available seven days per week.
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. Both Rula and Thriveworks offer comprehensive mental health services, but each excels in different areas that may align better with your specific needs.
Rula excels when you need:
Largest provider network: Access to 21,000+ licensed providers across all 50 states.
Low typical cost with insurance: About $15 per session for most insured patients.
Medicaid acceptance: Rula accepts Medicaid in many states, expanding access for underserved populations.
Broadest specialty coverage: 180+ clinical specialties and modalities.
Highest provider diversity: 51% of the network identifies as BIPOC, with 40+ languages represented.
Strong clinical outcomes: 93% of patients report symptom improvement, with outcomes more than 10% better than similar competitors on average.
Fast scheduling: Book an appointment in as little as three minutes, with sessions available as soon as tomorrow.
Thriveworks excels when you need:
Established physical office network: 340+ office locations for traditional office-based care.
Broader insurance plan acceptance: 360+ insurance plans.
Services from birth: Therapy available for children from age 0+.
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.
Shorter psychiatry follow-ups: 10-29 minute medication management sessions.
Summary: Is Rula or Thriveworks right for you?
Both Rula and Thriveworks offer comprehensive mental health services with insurance coverage and flexible access, but they serve different needs. Rula stands out with its network of 21,000+ providers, typical $15 copay, and strong clinical outcomes — 93% of patients report symptom improvement, with results more than 10% better than similar competitors on average.
The most critical difference is Medicaid coverage — Rula accepts Medicaid in many states while Thriveworks does not accept any Medicaid plans. Rula also offers more predictable costs with flat-rate self-pay pricing and personalized cost estimates, while Thriveworks provides a larger network of physical offices and accepts more commercial insurance plans.
When deciding between the two, consider these key questions:
Do you have Medicaid coverage? If yes, Rula is your only option between these platforms
Is cost predictability important? Rula's consistent $15 typical copay and upfront cost estimates provide greater transparency
Do you value provider diversity and cultural matching? Rula's 51% BIPOC representation and 98% preference-matching success rate stand out
Do you need care for a child under age 5? Thriveworks serves children from birth; Rula starts at age 5
Do you prefer phone sessions? Thriveworks explicitly offers phone therapy; Rula uses Zoom for telehealth
For most people seeking comprehensive, affordable mental healthcare with a diverse provider network and strong clinical outcomes, Rula's combination of network size, specialty breadth, cost transparency, and proven results positions it well to meet a wide range of needs. Medicaid acceptance and accessible scheduling make it particularly relevant for those who have struggled to find effective care through traditional mental health services.
Rula FAQs
Do therapists on the Rula platform take 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, although your individual cost may vary based on your insurance benefits and deductible. The platform will 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 California and other select states, with coverage varying by location.
How soon can I book a live video therapy session 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.
How does Rula's online therapy work, and how do I join my session?
Rula specializes in online therapy, giving you the flexibility to meet with your provider from wherever you're most comfortable. We'll send you an appointment reminder containing a secure link to your scheduled Zoom session approximately 24 hours before your session.
What ages can I (or my child/teen) get therapy or medication management through Rula?
Our network of therapists are able to treat children, teens, and adults ages 5 and up. For psychiatry and medication management, providers are able to serve patients ages 13 and up.
Find care with Rula
Choosing between mental health platforms isn't just about comparing features — it's about finding care that actually helps you make progress. With Rula, you can verify your insurance coverage in minutes, browse providers who match your specific needs and preferences, and see your estimated costs upfront before booking. Most patients find appointments available as soon as tomorrow, so you can start moving forward without unnecessary delays.
When you're ready to take the next step, Rula is here to make it straightforward.
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.
