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Rula alternatives: 7 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rankAll online therapy services

Top picks

  • Grow Therapy logo

    Best overall

    Grow Therapy

    Average session cost: $21 with insurance

  • Wysa logo

    Best free option

    Wysa

    Teams plan: $50 per employee/year

Common reasons people leave Rula: united States only, and mainly video sessions; in-person options are limited. We ranked 7 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Rula, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Grow Therapy currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Grow Therapy logoGrow TherapyPaid$21 with insuranceNoWeb3 of 368.8
2Talkspace logoTalkspacePaid$69 a week (messaging-only therapy, without insurance)NoWeb, iOS, Android11 of 1164.8
3BetterHelp logoBetterHelpPaid—NoWeb, iOS, Android5 of 561.8
4Wysa logoWysaFree plan + paid$50 per employee/yearNoiOS, Android, Web6 of 659.4
5SonderMind logoSonderMindPaid—NoWeb, iOS, Android5 of 557.5
6MDLIVE logoMDLIVEPaid—NoiOS, Android, Web5 of 549.0
7Headspace logoHeadspaceFree plan + paid$99.99 a year for up to 6 peopleNoiOS, Android, Web6 of 648.2
  1. Grow Therapy logo

    1. Grow TherapyTop pick

    Best for: US adults with insurance who want to choose their own in-network therapist

    PaidWeb

    68.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Rula

    Insurance-based marketplace where you browse and choose providers yourself, with in-person options.

    Pros

    • Accepts many major insurance plans
    • Virtual or in-person sessions with providers in every state
    • Therapy and medication management in one place
    • Cash option for people without coverage

    Cons

    • United States only
    • Quality depends on the individual provider you pick
    • Costs vary by insurance plan and provider
    Visit Grow Therapy Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Grow Therapy a good Rula alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    Average session cost
    $21 with insurance
    Checked Nov 8, 2026growtherapy.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Session format
    Virtual or in-person
    Checked Nov 8, 2026growtherapy.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Without insurance
    Cash pay available
    Checked Nov 8, 2026growtherapy.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Talkspace logo

    2. Talkspace

    Best for: US residents who want therapy or psychiatry covered by their insurance

    PaidWeb, iOS, Android

    64.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Rula

    Insurance-friendly too, with messaging therapy for people who prefer text over video.

    Pros

    • Covered by most major US insurance plans
    • Offers psychiatry and medication management
    • Unlimited messaging between live sessions

    Cons

    • Mainly serves the US
    • Cost and services vary by state and insurance
    • Messaging replies are not real-time
    Visit Talkspace Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Talkspace a good Rula alternative?

    Verified facts

    11 of 11 verified
    Insurance
    Most major US plans
    Checked Nov 8, 2026talkspace.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Psychiatry
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026talkspace.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Teen therapy
    Ages 13-17
    Checked Nov 8, 2026talkspace.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Messaging
    Unlimited, 24/7
    Checked Nov 8, 2026talkspace.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Licensed providers
    5,600
    Checked Nov 8, 2026talkspace.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $69 a week (messaging-only therapy, without insurance)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026talkspace.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Video + messaging plan
    $99 a week
    Checked Nov 8, 2026talkspace.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Video + messaging + workshops plan
    $109 a week
    Checked Nov 8, 2026talkspace.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Psychiatry initial evaluation
    $299
    Checked Nov 8, 2026talkspace.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Extra live video session
    $69 a session
    Checked Nov 8, 2026talkspace.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Average insured copay
    $15 a session
    Checked Nov 8, 2026talkspace.com(opens source in a new tab)
  3. BetterHelp logo

    3. BetterHelp

    Best for: Adults who want quick, flexible access to a therapist and are paying out of pocket

    PaidWeb, iOS, Android

    61.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Rula

    Weekly subscription that suits people without therapy coverage.

    Pros

    • Large provider network with easy switching
    • Messaging, chat, phone and video in one membership
    • Free group seminars included

    Cons

    • Generally not covered by insurance
    • No psychiatry or medication management
    • Not suitable for emergencies or some severe conditions
    Visit BetterHelp Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is BetterHelp a good Rula alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Provider network
    31,000+ therapists
    Checked Nov 8, 2026betterhelp.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Session formats
    Text, chat, audio, video
    Checked Nov 8, 2026betterhelp.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Group sessions
    20+ weekly seminars
    Checked Nov 8, 2026betterhelp.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Billing
    Every 4 weeks
    Checked Nov 8, 2026betterhelp.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Cancellation
    Anytime
    Checked Nov 8, 2026betterhelp.com(opens source in a new tab)
  4. Wysa logo

    4. Wysa

    Best for: People who want private, low-cost support for stress or low mood before or between therapy sessions.

    Free plan + paidiOS, Android, Web

    59.4

    score / 100

    Why switch from Rula

    Low-cost AI self-help app for support while waiting for or between sessions.

    Pros

    • Talking to the AI is free and needs no real name
    • Exercises are based on CBT and other established techniques
    • Optional human coaching in several languages, including Hindi and Spanish
    • Free premium access for many employer and health-service users

    Cons

    • Not a crisis or emergency service
    • Human coaching costs extra and is only offered in some countries
    • Coaches are wellbeing professionals, not a full substitute for psychotherapy
    Visit Wysa Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Wysa a good Rula alternative?

    Verified facts

    6 of 6 verified
    Free plan
    Yes, AI chat and in-chat tools
    Checked Nov 8, 2026wysa.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Android, iOS, web
    Checked Nov 8, 2026wysa.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Human coaching
    Paid add-on in some locations
    Checked Nov 8, 2026wysa.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Coach qualifications
    Master's in psychology or social work, or coaching certification
    Checked Nov 8, 2026wysa.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Users
    6 million+
    Checked Nov 8, 2026wysa.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Teams plan
    $50 per employee/year
    Checked Nov 8, 2026wysa.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. SonderMind logo

    5. SonderMind

    Best for: US adults who want therapy or psychiatry billed to their insurance, online or in person

    PaidWeb, iOS, Android

    57.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Rula

    Also matches you with in-network therapists and psychiatric prescribers, so insurance-billed sessions carry over.

    Pros

    • Accepts 200+ insurance plans, including Medicare and TRICARE
    • Offers both therapy and psychiatry with medication management
    • Choice of video or in-person sessions in all 50 states
    • Shows estimated cost before you book

    Cons

    • US only
    • No unlimited text-messaging plan like some subscription therapy apps
    • What you pay depends on your plan's coverage, so costs vary
    Visit SonderMind Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is SonderMind a good Rula alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Insurance plans
    200+
    Checked Nov 8, 2026sondermind.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Average copay
    $25 per session
    Checked Nov 8, 2026sondermind.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Coverage area
    50 states + DC
    Checked Nov 8, 2026sondermind.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Government plans
    Medicare, Medicare Advantage, TRICARE
    Checked Nov 8, 2026sondermind.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Session format
    Virtual or in person
    Checked Nov 8, 2026sondermind.com(opens source in a new tab)
  6. MDLIVE logo

    6. MDLIVE

    Best for: US patients wanting urgent care and ongoing therapy or psychiatry in one app

    PaidiOS, Android, Web

    49.0

    score / 100

    Why switch from Rula

    Bundles insurance-covered therapy and psychiatry with general telehealth visits in one app.

    Pros

    • Urgent care doctors available 24/7/365
    • Price ranges for each service listed upfront
    • You can pick and keep the same therapist or psychiatrist
    • Available in English and Spanish

    Cons

    • Doesn't prescribe controlled substances
    • Late cancellation fees of $25 to $50 for scheduled visits
    • US and Puerto Rico only
    Visit MDLIVE Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.334
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is MDLIVE a good Rula alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Urgent care price
    $0–89
    Checked Nov 8, 2026mdlive.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Therapy price
    $0–179 initial visit
    Checked Nov 8, 2026mdlive.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Availability
    24/7/365 urgent care
    Checked Nov 8, 2026mdlive.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Languages
    English and Spanish
    Checked Nov 8, 2026mdlive.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Account cost
    Free
    Checked Nov 8, 2026mdlive.com(opens source in a new tab)
  7. Headspace logo

    7. Headspace

    Best for: Beginners who want structured courses and a tidy app, and students on the cheap plan

    Free plan + paidiOS, Android, Web

    48.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from Rula

    Adds video therapy and text coaching on top of its meditation library, and takes some insurance plans.

    Pros

    • Structured beginner courses starting from Basics
    • Sleep, focus music and movement sessions in one app
    • Family plan for six and a low-cost student plan
    • 14-day free trial on the yearly plan

    Cons

    • Little free content without a subscription
    • App increasingly promotes coaching and therapy services
    • Courses can feel basic for experienced meditators
    Visit Headspace Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.332
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Headspace a good Rula alternative?

    Verified facts

    6 of 6 verified
    Free trial
    14 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026headspace.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Family plan
    $99.99 a year for up to 6 people
    Checked Nov 8, 2026headspace.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Student plan
    $9.99/yr for verified students
    Checked Nov 8, 2026headspace.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Minimum age
    18+, with limited exceptions
    Checked Nov 8, 2026headspace.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Owner
    Part of Sword
    Checked Nov 8, 2026headspace.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Student discount
    $9.99 a year for verified students
    Checked Nov 8, 2026headspace.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Rula alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Grow Therapy logo

Best Rula alternative for most people

Grow Therapy

Insurance-based marketplace where you browse and choose providers yourself, with in-person options.

Wysa logo

Best Rula alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Wysa

Low-cost AI self-help app for support while waiting for or between sessions.

Talkspace logo

Best Rula alternative for iPhone and Android

Talkspace

Insurance-friendly too, with messaging therapy for people who prefer text over video.

BetterHelp logo

Best Rula alternative for working in the browser

BetterHelp

Weekly subscription that suits people without therapy coverage.

Rula alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Rula?

Grow Therapy ranks first right now. Insurance-based marketplace where you browse and choose providers yourself, with in-person options. Talkspace and BetterHelp follow it in our ranking.

Rula vs Grow Therapy: what's the difference?

Both Rula and Grow Therapy are paid products. Verified prices: Rula $15 with insurance, Grow Therapy $21 with insurance. Both run on Web.

Is Rula free?

Rula is a paid product. Typical session cost: $15 with insurance. Checked on Rula's own site, November 2026.

How much do Rula alternatives cost?

Verified prices for the top-ranked Rula alternatives: Grow Therapy, $21 with insurance; Talkspace, $69 a week (messaging-only therapy, without insurance); Wysa, $50 per employee/year; Headspace, $99.99 a year for up to 6 people. Each price was checked on the app's own site; see each card below for the date and source.

Is there a free alternative to Rula?

Yes. Wysa (free plan + paid) and Headspace (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Rula?

None of the 7 alternatives in this list is open source.

Why do people switch from Rula?

The complaints we hear most: united States only; mainly video sessions; in-person options are limited; out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan and deductible.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Rula, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.