Headway vs Grow Therapy: Insurance Therapy Platforms Compared (2026)
Quick verdict
Both Headway and Grow Therapy connect patients with insurance-covered therapists, but Headway has a larger therapist network in major metro areas while Grow Therapy offers broader rural coverage and a wider range of in-person options.
Headway vs Grow Therapy at a Glance
| Headway | Grow Therapy | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Insurance copay only ($0–$60 typical); no membership fee | Insurance copay ($20–$60 typical); self-pay ~$100–$200/session |
| Insurance | Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Oscar, and more | Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Tricare, Medicaid (select states), and more |
| Specialties | Anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, OCD, relationship issues, life transitions | Anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, couples therapy, teen therapy, ADHD, grief |
| States served | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Wait time | Typically within 1–2 weeks | Typically within 1–2 weeks |
| Best for | Patients with insurance who want a large therapist network with no out-of-pocket fees | Patients who want insurance-covered therapy with in-person and virtual options |
Detailed Breakdown
Headway
Headway is a therapist marketplace that handles all insurance credentialing and billing on behalf of its network of thousands of licensed therapists. Patients search for a therapist by specialty, availability, and insurance, then book directly through the platform. Headway's core value proposition is eliminating the billing headache: therapists join Headway to avoid insurance paperwork, and patients pay only their standard copay. The network spans all 50 states and includes therapists for adults, adolescents, and couples. Headway does not offer its own platform for sessions — therapists conduct sessions through their preferred video tool. The directory is particularly strong in urban markets with competitive wait times.
Strengths
- +Largest insurance-covered therapist network in the US
- +No platform or membership fees — copay only
- +Available in all 50 states
- +Easy online booking with insurance verification upfront
Weaknesses
- −No proprietary video platform — depends on therapist tools
- −Rural availability can be thinner than urban
- −No in-house psychiatric prescribing (therapy only)
Grow Therapy
Grow Therapy is an insurance-covered therapist marketplace that supports both virtual and in-person sessions. Like Headway, it handles credentialing and billing so therapists can focus on care. Grow Therapy differentiates itself through broader Medicaid acceptance in select states, Tricare coverage for military families, and a therapist network with strong rural representation. Patients can filter by specialty, insurance, location, and session format. Grow also supports teen therapy and couples therapy more explicitly in its search filters, making it easier to find specialized providers. The platform offers a proprietary booking and messaging system to coordinate care.
Strengths
- +Medicaid acceptance in select states (rare among teletherapy networks)
- +Tricare coverage for military families
- +Strong in-person therapy options alongside virtual
- +Good rural therapist availability
Weaknesses
- −Smaller overall network than Headway in some major metros
- −Platform experience less polished in some markets
- −Self-pay rates can be higher than competitors
Who Should Choose Each Provider?
Choose Headwayif…
Headway is the better choice if you live in a major metro area and want access to the widest possible therapist selection. Its network depth in cities like New York, LA, and Chicago is hard to beat, and the booking experience is streamlined for patients who know what specialty they need.
Choose Grow Therapyif…
Grow Therapy is the better choice if you're on Medicaid, Tricare, or need in-person therapy options. It's also worth checking first if you're in a rural or suburban area where its network may be stronger than Headway's.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Headway or Grow Therapy accept Medicaid?＋
Can I see a therapist in person through Headway or Grow Therapy?＋
How long does it take to get an appointment on Headway vs Grow Therapy?＋
Do Headway or Grow Therapy offer psychiatry or medication management?＋
Ready to Get Started?
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.