Rula offers significantly broader insurance coverage, accepting over 100 plans including Medicare and Medicaid, while Two Chairs is in-network with about six specific insurance plans.
Provider network size differs substantially: Rula has 21,000+ providers across 180+ specialties compared to Two Chairs' 600+ providers covering 90+ specialties.
Session costs are comparable with insurance: Rula averages $15 per session, while Two Chairs ranges from $0–$30 after deductible; however, Two Chairs' self-pay rates are notably higher ($226–$260 vs. Rula's $150–$225).
Access speed varies significantly: Rula offers next-day appointments with immediate booking, while Two Chairs requires a 45-minute matching appointment followed by a one to two week wait for ongoing care.
Age and geographic availability differ: Rula serves ages 5+ in all 50 states with both virtual and in-person options, while Two Chairs serves adults 18+ with virtual care in 22+ states and in-person clinics limited to California, Washington, and Florida.
When you're ready to start therapy, choosing between platforms like Rula and Two Chairs means weighing important factors: how much you'll pay, which providers you can access, and how each service connects you with the right online therapy match. These practical details directly affect your experience and shouldn't add stress to an already challenging time.
This comparison examines the key differences between Rula and Two Chairs, including insurance acceptance, session costs, provider availability, and matching processes. With clear information about how each platform works, you can choose the option that best supports your mental health journey.
Rula vs. Two Chairs: Differences at a glance
Choosing a mental health platform is a significant decision, and understanding the key differences between your options is the first step. Both Rula and Two Chairs offer therapy services, but they vary in their approach to care, provider networks, and accessibility, especially if you want to quickly find a therapist who fits your needs.
Average cost per session:
Rula: Typically $15 per session with insurance (varies by plan)
Two Chairs: $0 to $30 per session with in-network insurance after reaching the plan deductible
Number of providers:
Rula: 21,000+ licensed providers
Two Chairs: 600+ licensed mental health providers
Modes of communication:
Rula: Live video (Zoom) and in-person therapy at provider-operated offices
Two Chairs: Video (Google Meet), in-person at Two Chairs' clinics, or a hybrid model
Services offered:
Rula: Individual, couples, family, child (ages 5+), and teen therapy, plus psychiatric medication management (ages 13+)
Two Chairs: Individual therapy (ages 18+), psychiatry (Florida only), and matching appointments
Insurance acceptance:
Rula: In-network with over 100 insurance plans, including Medicare and select Managed Medicaid plans
Two Chairs: In-network with six specific insurance plans; out-of-network with most others
States covered:
Rula: All 50 states and Washington, D.C. for therapy and psychiatry
Two Chairs: Virtual care in over 22 states; in-person clinics in California, Washington, and Florida
Number of specialties offered:
Rula: 180+ clinical specialties
Two Chairs: 90+ clinical specialties
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Rula: Serves ages 5 and up, with 51% of providers identifying as BIPOC and care available in over 40 languages
Two Chairs: Serves adults ages 18 and up, with demographic matching preferences and bilingual (Spanish-English) care in Florida
Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:
Rula: Both virtual and in-person options are available nationwide
Two Chairs: Virtual, in-person, or hybrid options, with in-person care limited to specific clinic locations
Rula at a glance
Rula is a mental health platform designed to connect people with licensed therapists and psychiatric providers who are covered by their insurance. With a network of over 21,000 providers offering more than 180 clinical specialties, the platform offers therapy for ages five and up and psychiatry for ages 13 and up across the U.S. Telehealth therapy sessions and in-person appointments are available via Rula providers.
"I was hesitant to start, but I can't imagine a better therapist match.” — Rula patient
You can browse provider profiles, filter by your preferences, and book an appointment online in as little as three minutes. With a typical cost of just $15 per session with insurance, Rula focuses on making affordable online therapy accessible. If your first choice isn't the right match, Rula will help you switch to a different provider in the network, ensuring you feel understood on your path to getting better.
Two Chairs at a glance
Two Chairs is a mental health provider that employs over 600 licensed therapists across more than 90 clinical specialties. The platform’s core feature is its research-backed matching method, designed to create a strong therapeutic bond between patient and therapist. Two Chairs therapy offers virtual care in over 22 states and has physical clinics for in-person care in California, Washington, and Florida.
The process begins with a mandatory 45-minute virtual matching appointment with a licensed matching expert. This in-depth session is central to the Two Chairs model. After this appointment, the typical wait time to be matched with an ongoing therapist is one to two weeks. With in-network insurance, the cost per session can range from $0 to $30 after meeting a deductible.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Clinical outcomes and how we compare
When choosing a mental health platform, it’s important to consider clinical outcomes and evidence-based approaches. Measurable improvements in symptoms are a key indicator of effective care and show that a platform is committed to helping people make real progress.
Rula clinical outcomes
According to Rula's data, 93% of patients experience improvement in their symptoms after receiving care, 94% feel comfortable with their provider, and 98% successfully connect with a provider who aligns with their individual preferences.
Two Chairs clinical outcomes
A Two Chairs study noted that 79% of Two Chairs patients achieved clinically significant improvement by the time they completed care. The research also highlighted that outcomes for anxiety and depression were up to 2.5 times better than in standard practice settings, with a 90% patient retention rate through the fourth session.
Cost and insurance coverage
Rula is in-network with more than 100 insurance plans, while Two Chairs is in-network with about six plans.
Insurance plans accepted
Rula accepts:
*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.
Two Chairs accepts:
Kaiser Permanente (Northern California and Washington)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Aetna
Curative
Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW)
Blue Shield of California
For all other insurance plans, Two Chairs is an out-of-network provider, which may be a key factor for people comparing insurance options.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
With Rula, patients typically pay around $15 per session when using their insurance. The actual cost depends on your specific insurance benefits and deductible, and Rula provides a personalized cost estimate before your first appointment so there are no surprises.
For patients with an in-network plan at Two Chairs, the cost can be as low as $0 per session, with most clients paying less than $30 per session after meeting their deductible. Patients with out-of-network plans will likely have higher upfront costs and will need to seek reimbursement from their insurer.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Both Rula and Two Chairs accept health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards for out-of-pocket expenses. Rula allows you to enter your HSA/FSA card as a payment method or submit receipts for reimbursement. Similarly, Two Chairs accepts these cards if they're affiliated with a major credit card and can provide the necessary paperwork for reimbursement.
Self-pay pricing
For those paying without insurance, Rula and Two Chairs have different self-pay rate 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
Two Chairs self-pay rates:
$260 for the first therapy appointment (matching)
$226 for each ongoing therapy session
$270 for the first psychiatry appointment (Florida only)
$245 for each ongoing psychiatry check-in
Mental health services offered
The range of services a platform offers is crucial, as it determines whether you can find the right type of support for your specific needs. Some platforms provide a wide array of care options, while others specialize in certain areas.
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Rula’s network of over 21,000 providers offers more than 180 clinical specialties and a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, ensuring you can find an expert for your specific needs.
Most common approaches:
Behavioral therapy:
Experiential therapy:
Humanistic therapy:
Rula also offers medication management through licensed psychiatric providers, including psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), for people ages 13 and older.
Treatment approaches offered by Two Chairs
Two Chairs provides care across more than 90 clinical specialties and utilizes over 32 different therapy modalities.
Common therapy types:
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Psychodynamic therapy
Two Chairs also offers psychiatry and medication management, but this service is currently limited to patients in Florida.
Inclusivity and specialized care
Finding a provider you trust and feel comfortable with is essential for therapy to be effective. See how Rula and Two Chairs approach inclusivity and specialized expertise below.
Rula inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Rula's network of over 21,000 providers includes licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs).
Specializations offered: With over 180 clinical specialties, Rula providers can address a wide range of needs, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use.
Languages available: Rula providers offer care in more than 40 languages.
Inclusivity factors: 51% of Rula's provider network identifies as BIPOC. Patients can filter for providers by gender, ethnicity, age, and faith, making it easier to find someone who shares a similar background or worldview.
Two Chairs inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Two Chairs employs over 600 licensed mental health providers, including therapists and psychiatric providers.
Specializations offered: The platform covers over 90 clinical specialties, including common areas like anxiety, depression, substance use, and trauma.
Languages available: Two Chairs offers bilingual care in Spanish and English for clients in Florida, with English as the primary language in other states.
Inclusivity factors: The Two Chairs matching process allows patients to state demographic preferences for their therapist, including age, race, gender, and ethnicity. However, services are limited to adults ages 18 and older.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Platform availability and access
How quickly you can get an appointment and the logistics of scheduling can significantly impact your experience. Wait times, geographic availability, and session formats are all practical details that determine whether a platform is the right fit.
How access works with Rula
States served: Rula operates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., including New York, Texas, and Michigan. In-person therapy is also available nationwide at provider-operated offices.
Matching process: You start by sharing your needs and insurance details to receive a curated list of in-network providers. You can then filter this list by specialty, gender, ethnicity, and other preferences to find the right match and book an appointment directly online.
Session formats: Care is delivered through live video appointments on Zoom or in-person sessions, depending on your preference and provider availability.
Scheduling: You can schedule an appointment in as little as three minutes, with availability often as soon as the next day.
App/portal experience: You can manage your care through a web-based patient portal, which includes secure messaging to contact your provider.
How access works with Two Chairs
States served: Virtual care is available in over 22 states; in-person care is limited to Two Chairs clinics in California, Washington, and Florida.
Matching process: The first step is a mandatory 45-minute virtual matching appointment with a licensed expert. This expert uses a research-backed method to find the best-fit therapist for you from their team.
Session formats: You can choose between video appointments via Google Meet, in-person sessions at a clinic, or a hybrid model. Two Chairs doesn't offer phone therapy.
Scheduling: After your initial matching appointment, it typically takes one to two weeks to be connected with your ongoing therapist. You then work directly with your therapist to find a consistent appointment time.
App/portal experience: Two Chairs uses a feature called "My Care Journey" to help you track your progress through its measurement-based care model, which includes weekly mental health check-ins.
What each platform does best
Understanding where each platform excels can help you make an informed choice based on what's most important for your care. Depending on your priorities and circumstances, each offers unique strengths.
Rula excels when you need:
Broad insurance coverage: With over 100 in-network plans, including Medicare and select Medicaid plans, Rula makes care affordable for more people.
A large provider network: Access to over 21,000 providers across 180+ specialties increases the likelihood of finding the right match quickly.
Nationwide availability: Whether you need virtual or in-person care, Rula is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Rapid access to care: If you want to start therapy right away, you can schedule an appointment in minutes and often be seen the next day.
Care for all ages: Rula serves children (5+), teens, and adults, making it a comprehensive option for families.
Diverse provider options: With 51% of providers identifying as BIPOC and care available in over 40 languages, you can find someone who truly understands you.
Two Chairs excels when you need:
A research-backed matching process: If you value a highly structured and data-driven approach to finding a therapist, Two Chairs has a 98% first-match success rate.
Measurement-based care: The platform's focus on MBC, weekly check-ins, and progress tracking provides a clear view of your journey.
An in-person clinic experience: If you live in California, Washington, or Florida, you can access their thoughtfully designed clinics.
Employed providers: All therapists are W2 employees, which ensures consistent training and adherence to the Two Chairs clinical model.
A free rematch guarantee: If your needs change or the first match isn't right, Two Chairs will rematch you at no cost.
Summary: Is Rula or Two Chairs right for you?
The biggest differences between Rula and Two Chairs come down to access, insurance, and approach. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your priorities.
Choose Rula if you value broad insurance coverage, nationwide availability (especially for in-person care), services for children or teens, or the ability to start therapy quickly. It’s an ideal choice if you need flexibility and want to find a provider from a large, diverse network. Choose Two Chairs if you prefer a highly structured, research-backed matching process, live in a state with their clinics, and have one of their in-network insurance plans.
If you're looking for a platform that makes mental healthcare accessible, affordable, and straightforward, you can find a provider with Rula today.
FAQs
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, which vary by state. The platform also accepts some Medicare Advantage plans in California and select states, as well as some employer-based plans not listed.
How much do Rula patients typically pay per session with insurance?
Rula patients typically pay $15 per session, although your individual cost may vary based on your insurance benefits and deductible. As a benefit of using Rula, they contact your insurance carrier and provide you with an estimate of your per-session cost before your first appointment.
How soon can I book an online therapy appointment on 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 are Rula's self-pay rates for therapy and psychiatry sessions if I'm not covered by insurance?
Rula offers a cash rate of $150 per session for individual therapy and $165 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, and you can also use your HSA or FSA to cover out-of-pocket expenses.
Find care with Rula
Choosing the right mental health platform matters — it can shape how quickly you start making progress and how supported you feel along the way.
With Rula, getting started is straightforward: verify your insurance in minutes to see your coverage, browse providers who match your specific needs and preferences, and book your first appointment online, often as soon as tomorrow. You'll see your estimated cost upfront, so there are no surprises.
When you're ready to take the next step, Rula is here to help you find care that works.
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.
