Grow Therapy vs BetterHelp: Online Therapy Compared (2026)
Quick verdict
Grow Therapy accepts a broad range of insurance — including Medicaid and TRICARE in eligible states — keeping out-of-pocket costs low for covered patients. BetterHelp is subscription-based with unlimited messaging and, as of 2026, accepts select in-network plans; availability varies by state and plan.
Which should you choose?
Network breadth now decides this comparison more than a yes/no on insurance. Grow Therapy's coverage is broader — including Medicaid and TRICARE in eligible states — and a covered session costs a $20–$60 copay. BetterHelp accepts select in-network plans as of 2026 and states an average $23 copay for eligible members, but availability varies by state and plan, and Medicaid, Medicare, and TRICARE are not accepted. Without coverage on either platform, BetterHelp's $70–$100/week subscription avoids per-session billing surprises and includes unlimited between-session messaging.
Grow Therapy vs BetterHelp at a Glance
| Grow Therapy | BetterHelp | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Insurance copay ($20–$60 typical); self-pay ~$100–$200/session | $70–$100/week (billed monthly); financial aid available |
| Insurance | Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Tricare, Medicaid (select states) | Select in-network plans (Aetna, Cigna, UHC, Optum, BCBS); varies by state and plan |
| Specialties | Anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, couples therapy, teen therapy, ADHD, grief | Anxiety, depression, relationships, stress, grief, trauma, LGBTQ+ issues |
| States served | All 50 states | All 50 states (and international) |
| Wait time | Within 1–2 weeks | Usually within days |
| Best for | Patients with insurance who want therapy covered at their standard copay | Patients who want subscription therapy with unlimited text messaging, insured or cash-pay |
Pricing & Insurance Comparison
Pricing as of July 2026. Insurance details verified against betterhelp.com/insurance on July 31, 2026. Insurance copay amounts vary by plan — confirm your mental health benefits before booking.
| Grow Therapy | BetterHelp | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost (with insurance) | ~$80–$240/mo (copay × 4 sessions/mo; typical copay $20–$60) | ~$23 avg copay per session when in-network (per BetterHelp); varies by state and plan |
| Monthly cost (no insurance) | ~$400–$800/mo (self-pay $100–$200/session) | $280–$400/mo (subscription at $70–$100/week) |
| Accepted insurance plans | Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Tricare, Medicaid (select states) | Select in-network plans: Aetna, Cigna, UHC, Optum, BCBS; no Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE |
| Cash pay available | Yes — $100–$200/session depending on therapist | Yes — subscription includes weekly session + unlimited messaging |
| States served | All 50 states (virtual and in-person) | All 50 states (virtual only; also international) |
Detailed Breakdown
Grow Therapy
Grow Therapy is a therapist marketplace that accepts most major insurance plans, allowing patients to see a licensed therapist at their standard copay. The platform handles all credentialing and billing, removing insurance complexity from the patient experience. Grow supports both virtual and in-person sessions across all 50 states and explicitly supports Medicaid and Tricare patients in eligible states. Therapists are independent licensed professionals with a wide range of specialties. Patients can filter by specialty, format, insurance, and location to find the right match.
Strengths
- +Insurance-covered therapy keeps costs at copay level
- +Accepts Medicaid and Tricare alongside commercial plans
- +Both virtual and in-person session options
- +Available in all 50 states
Weaknesses
- −No unlimited messaging between sessions
- −Therapist matching is patient-driven without algorithmic help
- −Self-pay rates higher than BetterHelp's subscription
BetterHelp
BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, offering a subscription-based model with unlimited text, audio, and video messaging with a licensed therapist. The monthly subscription covers weekly live sessions plus between-session messaging, giving patients ongoing access to their therapist without a per-session charge. As of 2026, BetterHelp accepts insurance through select in-network plans (Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, and regional BCBS plans); availability varies by state and plan, so confirm coverage during signup. HSA/FSA funds are also accepted, and financial aid is available for qualifying patients. The platform has a very large therapist network with fast matching, often within days.
Strengths
- +Unlimited between-session messaging included in subscription
- +Large therapist network with fast matching
- +Financial aid available for lower-income patients
- +International availability
Weaknesses
- −Insurance availability varies by state and plan; no Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE
- −Subscription model continues even if usage varies
- −No in-person therapy options
Who Should Choose Each Provider?
Choose Grow Therapy if…
Grow Therapy is clearly the better choice if you rely on Medicaid or TRICARE — BetterHelp does not accept them — or if your plan is not in BetterHelp's newer network. Using your insurance, a session with a Grow Therapy therapist may cost only your copay ($20–$60).
Choose BetterHelp if…
BetterHelp is better if you want unlimited between-session messaging and a predictable subscription. As of 2026 it accepts select in-network plans (confirm your state and plan during signup); without coverage, the flat $70–$100/week rate can offer strong value for patients who benefit from frequent therapist contact between weekly sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Grow Therapy and BetterHelp both accept insurance?＋
Can I message my therapist between sessions on Grow Therapy?＋
Is BetterHelp more affordable than Grow Therapy?＋
Which platform has a larger therapist network, Grow Therapy or BetterHelp?＋
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Information on this page is for educational purposes and was last reviewed March 2026. Pricing, insurance acceptance, and availability may change — always verify directly with the provider before scheduling. VirtualCareFinder does not provide medical advice.