7 Reasons to Use Rula for Depression

Depression is common and treatable, and starting is often the hardest step. Low energy, low motivation and hopelessness can make searching for a therapist, checking insurance and booking an appointment feel like too much. This article sets out seven reasons people with depression consider Rula, followed by the limits to weigh. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose depression, so treat this as general information, not advice for your situation.

If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or are in immediate danger, call or text 988 (US) or call 911 now, or see Get Help Now. Rula is not a crisis service.

1. Starting is simple when motivation is low

Rula’s sign-up is designed around a few steps: share what you want help with, enter your insurance, see your cost estimate, choose a provider and book a video session. Less friction matters when depression is draining your energy. Because it checks coverage before your first visit, you are less likely to face a surprise bill that might otherwise make you give up.

2. Insurance can bring the cost down

Rula is in network with more than 100 commercial plans, including Aetna, Anthem, most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, Cigna, Optum, Oscar and UnitedHealthcare, and accepts some Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care plans depending on the state. It says insured patients pay about $15 a session on average, though your cost depends on your benefits and deductible. Self-pay is $150 for individual therapy with no membership fee, and HSA and FSA funds are accepted.

3. You can pick a provider who fits

People often describe feeling understood as an early sign that therapy is helping. Rula lets you browse in-network profiles instead of being assigned, so you can look for experience with depression, grief or life transitions, or a particular approach such as CBT. See our guide to therapy for depression for the main approaches, and how to find the right therapist for what to ask.

4. Live video keeps therapy personal

Sessions are live video, typically 60 minutes. For many people with common concerns such as depression, studies suggest therapist-delivered video therapy can produce results similar to in-person therapy. For someone whose depression makes leaving the house difficult, being able to attend from home can be the difference between going and not going. Evidence for messaging-only formats is more limited, so live sessions are a reasonable default. See online therapy.

5. Psychiatry is available on the same platform

Treatment for depression often includes psychotherapy, medication or both, depending on severity and preference, and a clinician should guide that choice. Rula offers psychiatry for ages 13 and up, so if you and your clinicians decide medication is worth discussing, you don’t have to find a separate service. Self-pay psychiatry is $225 for a 60-minute intake and $175 per 30-minute follow-up. Read about antidepressants, including how they work and their risks, so you can ask informed questions. Never start, stop or change a medication without medical advice.

6. Appointments can be available quickly

Rula says you can often meet a provider as soon as the next day, though that depends on your state, insurance and the clinician. Faster access matters because waiting lists can leave people without support for weeks.

7. Support extends beyond one person

Depression affects relationships and families. Rula offers therapy from age 5, plus couples and family sessions, and psychiatry for teens and adults, so you can involve a partner or get help for a teen without switching services. See our page on couples therapy.

What to weigh before you book

• Not a crisis service: if your depression is severe, or you have thoughts of harming yourself, seek urgent or in-person care.
• Coverage varies: insurance acceptance depends on state, plan and clinician, and traditional state Medicaid is generally not accepted.
• Self-pay is pricier: at $150 a session, subscription services can cost less if you have no insurance.
• Medication limits: state rules on controlled substances may limit what can be prescribed, and antidepressants are not controlled substances, but your clinician decides what is appropriate.
• Service issues: independent reviewers report some customer service problems and occasional therapist no-shows.

Compare your options

Read our Rula review, the online depression treatment guide, or the paid comparison page for the best online depression treatment. If cost is the main issue, see therapy without insurance and affordable therapy. Other options include BetterHelp for subscription therapy, Talkspace for insurance and messaging, and PlushCare for a prescribing doctor.

The bottom line

Rula is a reasonable option for depression if you have insurance it accepts and want live video therapy with a clinician you choose, plus psychiatry if needed. Check your coverage, confirm current prices on its site, and seek in-person or urgent care if your symptoms are severe. Some links here are affiliate links and may earn us a commission, which never affects our conclusions. See our affiliate disclosure.