Quick Verdict: Grow Therapy or BetterHelp?
- Choose Grow Therapy if: You have commercial health insurance (Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, UHC) and want to pay a standard $0 to $30 copay per session, or if you prefer in-person visits in your city.
- Choose BetterHelp if: You are uninsured, prefer unlimited messaging between sessions, want fast algorithmic therapist matching, or qualify for low-income financial aid.
In 2026, the biggest divide in online therapy comes down to how you pay for care. While BetterHelp built the world's largest online therapy network on a flat out-of-pocket subscription ($65–$90/week), Grow Therapy has rapidly emerged as the top marketplace connecting patients directly with local licensed therapists who take private health insurance.
Side-by-Side Comparison Matrix
| Feature | Grow Therapy | BetterHelp |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance Billing | In-Network (BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UHC) | No Direct Insurance |
| Average Cost | $0 – $30 copay (or $100–$175 out-of-pocket) | $260 – $360 / month ($65–$90/wk) |
| Care Options | Telehealth Video & In-Person Office Visits | 100% Online (Video, Phone, Live Chat) |
| Messaging | Secure Patient Portal (Session-focused) | 24/7 Unlimited Messaging Room |
| Prescriptions | Yes (via partnered in-network psychiatrists) | No (Therapy only, no prescriptions) |
| Provider Match | Self-select from directory by specialty/city | Algorithmic auto-matching questionnaire |
1. Pricing & Insurance: Copays vs Subscription
The single biggest difference is financial structure. With Grow Therapy, you enter your insurance card details (Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Kaiser) before browsing providers. Grow automatically verifies your benefits in real-time, showing your exact copay per session—which typically ranges from $0 to $30.
With BetterHelp, you pay out-of-pocket via a recurring weekly subscription (billed monthly at $260–$360/month). While BetterHelp does not bill insurance companies, it does offer sliding-scale financial aid for students, veterans, or low-income users.
2. Format of Care: In-Person vs 100% Telehealth
Grow Therapy operates as a provider directory. Because providers are local licensed clinicians in your state, many offer in-person office visits alongside telehealth video sessions. If you prefer sitting in a real therapy room once a week, Grow Therapy makes this simple.
BetterHelp is entirely digital. All sessions occur via their secure mobile app or web portal using video, phone, or live text chat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Grow Therapy accept health insurance?
Yes! Grow Therapy connects users with licensed therapists who are in-network with major insurance providers including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Kaiser. Most insured users pay a standard $0 to $30 copay per session.
Does BetterHelp accept health insurance?
BetterHelp does not bill health insurance directly (Medicare and Medicaid do not cover it). Users pay a cash-pay monthly subscription ($65 to $90 per week, billed monthly), though financial aid is available for low-income individuals.
Is Grow Therapy cheaper than BetterHelp?
If you have commercial health insurance, Grow Therapy is significantly cheaper because you only pay your specialist copay ($0 to $30 per session). If you are uninsured, BetterHelp's monthly subscription ($260 to $360/month) may be more predictable than paying Grow Therapy's full out-of-pocket rates ($100 to $175/session).
Can I see a therapist in person with Grow Therapy?
Yes! Unlike BetterHelp (which is 100% online telehealth), Grow Therapy allows you to filter providers for both in-person office visits in your local city and online telehealth video sessions.
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