Find your therapist, covered by Sutter Health

Yes! Sutter Health Plus covers therapy with licensed therapists and psychologists across Northern California in 15 counties including Sacramento, San Francisco, and surrounding areas. Whether you're working through anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges, your care is covered.

Sutter Health Plus members typically pay $15 per session through Rula. We verify your exact out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment—no surprises.

Your cost depends on your specific Sutter Health Plus plan and whether you've met your deductible. Most members pay between $15 per session.

Typical costs by plan type:

• Sutter Health Plus Traditional HMO: $10-$40 per session

• Sutter Health Plus High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP): Full contracted rate until deductible met, then $10-$40 or coinsurance percentage

We check your coverage during signup and show you the exact cost before booking.

Appointments are available as soon as tomorrow. Most Rula patients meet with their provider within 5 days, with flexible scheduling that includes:

• Next-day availability

• Evening and weekend appointments

• Early morning and late evening slots

You can complete registration and book your first session in as little as 3 minutes—no referral from your primary care physician required.

Absolutely! All Rula therapists offer secure video therapy that's fully covered by Sutter Health Plus at the same rate as in-person visits. Online therapy gives you:

• Sessions from the comfort of your home

• Easier scheduling with more availability

• Access to specialists who may not be nearby

• Same quality care as in-person treatment

You'll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone, plus a private space where you can talk openly. You must be physically located within Sutter Health Plus's Northern California service area during sessions.

No. Sutter Health Plus plans do not require a referral for mental health services. You can book directly with any Rula therapist and start therapy. If the first match isn't right, you can change therapists anytime.

Traditional Sutter Health Plus mental health services typically provide access within 5 business days. Rula provides direct access to 21,000+ therapists specializing in your specific needs.

Rula's therapists specialize in over 90 different conditions, with Sutter Health Plus covering all medically necessary care:

Common conditions:

• Anxiety and panic disorders

• Depression and mood disorders

• Stress and burnout

• Trauma and PTSD

• Relationship and family issues

• ADHD and focus challenges

• Grief and loss

• Life transitions and adjustment

Specialized areas:

• Eating disorders and body image

• OCD and compulsive behaviors

• Substance use and addiction support

• Chronic pain and illness

• Gender Identity

• Postpartum and perinatal mental health

All providers are licensed professionals who specialize in evidence-based treatment approaches.

Yes—you can switch therapists anytime at no additional cost. Finding the right fit is essential for successful therapy, and we make it easy to try someone new.

94% of Rula patients found a provider they feel comfortable with, and our matching system helps connect you with therapists who align with your needs, preferences, and communication style.

Therapists provide talk therapy to help you work through emotional challenges, develop coping strategies, and change behavioral patterns. Therapy sessions are typically 50-60 minutes.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication for mental health conditions. They often combine medication management with brief therapy sessions.

Many patients benefit from both: therapy for ongoing support and skill-building, plus psychiatry for medication when needed. Your Sutter Health Plus coverage includes both services through Rula.

Yes. Your sessions are completely confidential—your therapist cannot share information about your care with Sutter Health Plus, your employer, or anyone else without your written consent.

Limited exceptions where therapists must report include:

• Risk of harm to yourself or others

• Suspected child or elder abuse

• Court order (rare situations)

Your therapist will discuss confidentiality and privacy during your first session so you know exactly what to expect.

Yes! Mental health therapy is a qualified medical expense for both Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). You can use pre-tax dollars for:

• Therapy session copays

• Deductible payments

• Coinsurance amounts

This effectively reduces your therapy costs by your tax rate (typically 20-30% savings). Rula provides detailed receipts compatible with HSA/FSA requirements.

If you have a high-deductible plan, you'll pay the contracted rate until meeting your deductible. Here's how to make therapy more affordable:

• Use HSA/FSA funds for pre-tax savings

• Sutter Health Plus's negotiated rates are typically 30-40% lower than private pay

• After meeting your deductible, your copay drops to $10-$40 or coinsurance percentage

We show your exact pre-deductible cost before booking. The average contracted rate through Sutter Health Plus is competitive, compared to $150-250 for private pay therapy.

Yes! Sutter Health Plus covers all evidence-based therapy approaches at the same rate, including:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma

• DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) for emotion regulation

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) for thought patterns

• ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) for values-based living

• IFS (Internal Family Systems) for parts work

• EMT (Emotional Focused Therapy)

Your therapist will use the approaches best suited for your specific needs and goals. All modalities have the same $15 copay through Sutter Health Plus.*

Therapists must be licensed in California and you must be physically located within Sutter Health Plus's Northern California service area (15-county region) during sessions. If you're temporarily outside this area, you won't be able to use your Sutter Health Plus benefits for therapy.

However, many Rula therapists hold licenses in multiple states. If you're relocating or traveling frequently, search our directory for therapists who may also be licensed where you'll be located.