Sidecar Health Expands Mental Health Access Through Partnership with Rula

Sidecar Health has expanded its mental health coverage through a partnership with Rula, a nationwide behavioral health provider group. From the start, Sidecar Health has treated mental health as a core element of healthcare — offering members unlimited sessions, clear upfront prices, and the ability to see any licensed provider without network restrictions. This partnership builds on that commitment by giving members an even easier way to connect with therapists and psychiatrists virtually, with upfront prices, no networks, and no surprise bills.

Nearly one-third of therapists in the U.S. don’t accept insurance — and for most people, paying without insurance simply isn’t an option. Those therapists who do accept insurance are often booked out months in advance leaving millions without timely access to care. That lack of affordability and availability keeps people from getting the support they need.

With Sidecar Health, no therapist is ever “out of network” or unavailable because they don’t take insurance. Members can see any licensed provider — whether or not they accept insurance — and know their costs upfront, expanding access to thousands of clinicians who would otherwise be out of reach. As a result, Sidecar Health members use their mental health benefits 50% more often than those on legacy insurance plans — a sign that easier access leads to more people getting the help they need.

“Our mission has always been to make healthcare affordable and accessible — and mental healthcare is no exception,” said Patrick Quigley, Co-Founder and CEO of Sidecar Health. “When people can choose any therapist and know what their care will cost upfront, they’re far more likely to actually get help. Partnering with Rula gives our members another easy, affordable way to connect with trusted therapists and get support without delay.”

For every medical service, Sidecar Health provides a Benefit Amount — the amount the plan pays for care — based on local market prices and shown upfront in the app. Members can see what almost every doctor in the nation costs before they go. And those costs are guaranteed, even if the provider ends up charging more or adds covered services. When members choose care priced below their Benefit Amount, they keep half the savings; if they choose care that costs more, they pay the difference.

Through Rula, Sidecar Health members are matched with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist who fits their needs, with clear upfront pricing and no confusing insurance paperwork to manage. Rula is recognized for its rigorous clinical standards and user-friendly interface, ensuring members receive high-quality, evidence-based care. In many cases, Rula’s prices are below Sidecar Health’s Benefit Amount, meaning members earn money back. Since the partnership launched, Sidecar Health members have earned an average of $17 on each Rula visit — a clear example of how transparency and smart choices pay off.

This collaboration reinforces Sidecar Health’s belief that patients should never face barriers, limits, or surprise bills when seeking care — and that mental health deserves the same access and transparency as every other aspect of healthcare.