Grow Therapy offers broader insurance coverage and lower average costs: With 80+ insurance plans accepted (including Medicare and Medicaid) and an average session cost of $21 with insurance, Grow Therapy provides more access to coverage compared to Amwell's 55+ plans. Amwell doesn't publicize average insurance copays.
Amwell provides 24/7 psychiatry access with transparent self-pay pricing: If you need round-the-clock psychiatric care or prefer predictable out-of-pocket costs ($199 initial visit, $95 follow-ups), Amwell's virtual-only model delivers consistent availability nationwide.
Grow Therapy gets you into care faster with more flexibility: With a four-day average time-to-care and both virtual and in-person session options, Grow Therapy offers quicker access and more appointment formats than Amwell's virtual-only platform.
Amwell serves younger patients while Grow Therapy offers more language options: Amwell provides therapy for children starting at age 10, while Grow Therapy supports 35+ languages including ASL and offers 90+ clinical specialties with detailed provider filtering.
Rula as another option: Rula combines therapy and psychiatry across a large network of 21,000+ providers, accepting most major insurance plans and offering virtual and in-person care with clear upfront costs for many patients.
Finding the right online therapy platform can feel overwhelming when you're already navigating the challenges that brought you to seek support in the first place. Both Amwell and Grow Therapy are among today’s online therapy platforms and offer virtual mental health services, but they differ significantly in cost, insurance acceptance, and how they connect you with care.
In this guide, we'll compare Amwell and Grow Therapy across key factors including pricing, provider networks, available services, and accessibility options. Understanding these differences can help you choose the best online therapy service.
You could also consider Rula when exploring mental health care options. Rula works with a nationwide network of over 21,000 licensed providers, accepts most major insurance plans, and offers both therapy and psychiatry through virtual and in-person appointments. With insurance, many patients pay around $15 per session, which may appeal to people looking for affordable online therapy.
Amwell vs. Grow Therapy: Differences at a glance
Both Amwell and Grow Therapy offer virtual mental health services, but they differ significantly in their approach to care delivery, provider networks, and accessibility models—and if you're trying to find a therapist, these differences can shape how quickly and easily you get into care or help you find a therapist online.
Average cost per session:
Amwell: $99 or less per therapy session without insurance; $199 for an initial psychiatry visit and $95 for follow-up psychiatry visits; average copay costs not published online
Grow Therapy: $75 to $200 per session without insurance; average $21 per session with insurance
Number of providers:
Amwell: 2,200+ providers
Grow Therapy: 23,000+ providers
Modes of communication:
Amwell: Video and phone appointments, secure messaging (virtual only)
Grow Therapy: Video sessions, in-person sessions, secure messaging (virtual and in-person options)
Services offered:
Amwell: Online therapy for ages 10 and up, online psychiatry for ages 18 and up, medication management, and individual, couples, family, and group therapy
Grow Therapy: Talk therapy, medication support, and individual, couples, family, and child or adolescent therapy
Insurance acceptance:
Amwell: Accepts 55+ insurance plans including Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and Highmark; does not accept Medicare or Medicaid
Grow Therapy: In-network with 80+ plans including most major insurances, Medicare, and Medicaid
States covered:
Amwell: All 50 states and Washington D.C.
Grow Therapy: All 50 states and Washington D.C.
Number of specialties offered:
Amwell: Specialties are not quantified but include anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, grief, life transitions, and LGBTQ+ counseling
Grow Therapy: 90+ specialties including anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, couples counseling, eating disorders, and addiction
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Amwell: LGBTQ+ affirming, teen services starting at age 10, and culturally responsive care training
Grow Therapy: 35+ languages including American Sign Language (ASL), with filters for LGBTQ+ issues, women's issues, men's issues, older adults, and military and veterans
Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:
Amwell: Virtual only (video and phone)
Grow Therapy: Both virtual and in-person sessions available
Amwell at a glance
Founded in 2006, Amwell is a telehealth platform that connects patients with licensed therapists and psychiatric practitioners through video and phone appointments. Care is delivered by the Amwell Medical Group, a nationwide network of multi-disciplinary providers who practice exclusively on the Amwell platform. Services include individual, couples, family, and group therapy, plus psychiatry and medication management. All care is delivered virtually through HIPAA-compliant video technology, available across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Therapy sessions cost $99 or less without insurance, while psychiatry visits are $199 for initial appointments and $95 for follow-ups. Therapy is available for children ages 10 and up with parental consent, and psychiatry is available for adults ages 18+. Patients can review provider profiles, including education, experience, and treatment approach, before booking. Psychiatry appointments are typically available within 14 days, with flexible day, night, and weekend scheduling.
Grow Therapy at a glance
Grow Therapy was founded in 2020 as a mental health platform that connects patients with more than 23,000 licensed therapists and prescribers. The platform offers virtual and in-person therapy along with medication support, and is in-network with more than 80 insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Care is available across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
The average session cost with insurance is $21, with no subscriptions or fees. Patients can book online in about 10 minutes and start care in two days or less, with no waitlists. The platform offers more than 90 specialties and providers who speak over 35 languages, including American Sign Language. Patients can switch providers at any time if their first match isn't the right fit.
Rula at a glance
Founded in 2019, Rula is a mental health platform that helps people find licensed therapists and psychiatric practitioners covered by their insurance and book appointments online. Rula's nationwide network spans 21,000+ providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., offering therapy for ages 5+ and psychiatry (medication management) for ages 13+.
Patients can choose from individual, couples, and family therapy, with sessions held via live video on Zoom. In-person therapy is also available at provider-operated office around the country. After verifying insurance, patients can browse a curated list of in-network providers, filter by preferences like specialty, availability, and language, and see an estimated out-of-pocket cost before their first appointment. Many patients using insurance pay around $15 per session, and appointments are often available as soon as tomorrow.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Clinical outcomes and how they compare
Clinical outcomes and evidence-based approaches are essential indicators of whether a mental health platform delivers effective, measurable care. These metrics help demonstrate if a service actually helps patients make real progress toward their goals.
Amwell clinical outcomes
Amwell shows a strong focus on quality care, reflected in high patient satisfaction rates. The platform reports that 97% of clients were very or extremely satisfied with their therapist, and its providers maintain an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.
Grow Therapy clinical outcomes
Grow Therapy reports a client satisfaction score of 85 on the Net Promoter Score (NPS) scale, a metric that reflects how likely patients are to recommend the service to others. Notably, around 50% of clients presenting with moderate to severe symptoms show clinically significant improvement in their symptoms.
Rula clinical outcomes
It’s also worth noting that Rula reports consistently strong outcomes, including that 93% of patients report feeling better about their symptoms after receiving care through Rula, 94% report feeling comfortable with their provider, and 98% find a provider that meets their unique preferences.
Cost and insurance coverage
Amwell and Grow Therapy take different approaches to insurance coverage and pricing. Grow Therapy accepts a broader range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, while Amwell focuses on commercial insurance plans and offers transparent self-pay pricing. For people comparing online therapy insurance options, these differences can have a major impact on affordability and access.
Insurance plans accepted
Amwell partners with many major insurance plans, making it a strong choice for those who want to use their benefits. Accepted plans include:
Academic Health Plans
AlohaCare
Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Multiple Blue Cross Blue Shield state plans (including Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, and Massachusetts)
Capital Blue Cross and Capital Health Plan
MVP Healthcare
United Healthcare
UPMC Health Plan
It is important to note that Amwell does not accept Medicare or Medicaid.
Grow Therapy is in-network with 80+ insurance plans, including:
Anthem
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Humana
Grow Therapy accepts Medicare and Medicaid as well.
Rula is another platform worth considering if you want to use your insurance for mental healthcare and know what you'll pay before you book. Rula's therapists are in-network with many major insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, Oscar, and Kaiser Permanente. The platform also accepts Medicare and Managed Medicaid in select states and with select insurers, and shows you an estimated out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
Amwell partners with many health plans and employers to provide virtual care as a covered benefit. Out-of-pocket costs with insurance vary based on individual plan copays and deductibles. Patients should verify their specific copay amount directly with their insurance provider, as some organizations require a service key code to access the correct copay.
Grow Therapy reports an average session cost of $21 with insurance. The platform emphasizes that there are no subscriptions or surprise fees. Actual copays depend on individual insurance plans, but patients can see estimated costs with their specific insurance during the provider search process.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Both Amwell and Grow Therapy accept health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards for payment. Amwell processes credit, HSA, and FSA cards directly through its platform. Grow Therapy also accepts health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) to help cover the cost of care.
Self-pay pricing
Amwell self-pay pricing:
Therapy sessions: $99 or less per appointment
Psychiatry initial visit: $199
Psychiatry follow-up visits: $95
Grow Therapy self-pay pricing:
Therapy sessions: $75 to $200 per session without insurance
Pricing structure: Varies by individual provider and their specific rates.
Grow Therapy offers sliding scale options for those paying out-of-pocket, though specific eligibility criteria aren't detailed on public pages.
Mental health services offered
The range of treatment approaches and therapeutic modalities offered by a platform determines whether patients can access evidence-based care tailored to their specific mental health needs. Finding a provider who uses the right approach is an important step in making progress.
Treatment approaches offered by Amwell
Evidence-based therapy modalities:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Motivational interviewing
Clinical specialties and conditions treated:
Anxiety and anxiety disorders
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Panic attacks and social anxiety
Bereavement and grief counseling
Insomnia and sleep issues
Stress management
Medication management is available for adults 18 and older only, but Amwell providers cannot prescribe controlled substances via telehealth.
Treatment approaches offered by Grow Therapy
Grow Therapy connects patients with providers across more than 90 clinical specialties, offering individual talk therapy, medication management, couples counseling, family therapy, and child and adolescent therapy through its network.
Clinical specialties include:
Anxiety and depression
ADHD
Trauma and PTSD
Coping skills and self-esteem
Mood disorders and bipolar disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Grief and bereavement
Life transitions
Anger management
Insomnia and sleep issues
Grow Therapy also utilizes the following treatment modalities:
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Internal family systems (IFS)
Sex therapy
Somatic therapy
Trauma-informed care
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Rula's network includes licensed therapists and psychiatric practitioners across more than 180 clinical specialties and treatment modalities. Therapy services are available for children as young as 5, and psychiatry services are available starting at age 13.
Providers on Rula use a wide range of evidence-based approaches, including:
Trauma-focused approaches, including EMDR and prolonged exposure
Internal family systems (IFS)) and attachment-based therapies
Couples and family therapy modalities, such as the Gottman Method and emotionally focused therapy (EFT))
Mindfulness-based and somatic approaches
Through Rula, patients can access care for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, ADHD, autism, trauma and PTSD, OCD, substance use and addiction, and relationship or family challenges through family therapy. Rula also offers psychiatry services, including medication management, for patients who may benefit from prescription support alongside or instead of talk therapy.
Inclusivity and specialized care
Finding a provider you can trust and feel comfortable with is essential to making progress in therapy. Inclusivity factors, including provider diversity, language access, and cultural competency, directly impact whether patients can find care that respects their identity. Specialized care improves outcomes when patients work with providers who understand their specific challenges and lived experiences.
Amwell inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Amwell's provider network includes licensed therapists, board-certified psychiatrists, and other behavioral health clinicians. All providers deliver care exclusively through the Amwell platform and hold single-state or multi-state licenses.
Specializations offered: Amwell therapists specialize in treating a range of conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, grief, life transitions, and insomnia.
Languages available: Amwell does not publicly specify the number of languages available on its platform. Patients can review individual provider profiles to identify language capabilities before booking an appointment.
Inclusivity factors: Amwell is LGBTQ+ affirming and leverages training from the Fenway Institute to equip providers with best practices for caring for LGBTQ+ patients. The platform offers therapy for children starting at age 10 with parental consent and provides culturally responsive care training to deliver inclusive patient care.
Grow Therapy inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Grow Therapy's network of over 23,000 providers includes licensed therapists, prescribers, and other mental health professionals. Providers on the platform offer both therapy and medication support services.
Specializations offered: Grow Therapy offers more than 90 specialties covering a comprehensive range of mental health needs, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, eating disorders, addiction, OCD, and personality disorders. The platform's provider search allows patients to filter by specific clinical specialties and treatment needs.
Languages available: Grow Therapy providers speak more than 35 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL). Language options can be filtered during the provider search process to help patients find therapists who speak their preferred language.
Inclusivity factors: Grow Therapy's provider search includes filters for demographic and identity-related needs, including LGBTQ+ issues, women's issues, men's issues, postpartum support, older adults, military and veterans, foster care, and racism.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Platform availability and access
How quickly you can access care, how easily you can find the right provider, and what session formats are available all play a critical role in whether a platform fits your lifestyle. For people comparing best therapy online options, these practical access details often matter as much as price.
Rula is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with therapy appointment availability as soon as tomorrow, and it offers both live video appointments (using Zoom) and in-person therapy with eligible providers at provider-operated offices.
How access works with Amwell
States served: Amwell is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Providers are typically licensed in multiple states and can see patients located in states where they hold those licenses.
Matching process: Patients select their state to see licensed therapists, and the app can update locations based on mobile geolocation. Patients review provider profiles, which include education, experience, and treatment approach, before booking. During intake, patients complete a health questionnaire, which providers review before initiating the video visit.
Session formats: All sessions are virtual, utilizing HIPAA-compliant live video consultations and phone appointments. Secure messaging is available between sessions.
Scheduling: Care is offered by scheduled appointment. Psychiatry appointments are typically available within 14 days. Therapy appointment wait times depend on provider availability, but day, night, and weekend options are offered.
App/portal experience: Patients can manage appointments, attend video visits, and access secure messaging through a web-based portal or a mobile app available for smartphones and tablets.
How access works with Grow Therapy
States served: Grow Therapy is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., but is not available internationally.
Matching process: The platform uses a self-serve search and filtering process where you input your goals, preferences, and insurance information. After reviewing provider profiles, you can book online in approximately 10 minutes. The platform emphasizes that you maintain control and have flexible options to switch providers.
Session formats: You can choose between virtual and in-person sessions based on your preferences. Video sessions are conducted via a telehealth platform, and secure, HIPAA-compliant messaging is available between sessions.
Scheduling: Grow Therapy offers a four-day average time-to-care, and you can often be seen in two days or less with no waitlists. The platform offers flexible scheduling that includes evenings and weekends.
App/portal experience: The platform includes progress tracking features, electronic prescription capabilities, and secure messaging to communicate with your provider between sessions.
What each platform does best
By looking at where each platform is strongest, you can make a thoughtful decision grounded in what matters most for your care. Both Amwell and Grow Therapy offer quality mental health services, but they excel in different areas depending on your priorities.
Amwell excels when you need:
Transparent, flat-rate self-pay pricing with no surprises ($99 or less for therapy, $199 initial and $95 follow-up for psychiatry)
24/7/365 nationwide psychiatry coverage with board-certified psychiatrists specializing in medication management
Evidence-based treatment approaches, including CBT, DBT, ACT, and motivational interviewing
LGBTQ+ affirming care with specialized Fenway Institute training for providers
Comprehensive virtual behavioral health, including individual, children's, couples, family, and group therapy
Grow Therapy excels when you need:
Broad insurance acceptance, including Medicare and Medicaid, with more than 80 plans covered
Affordable average session costs with insurance, averaging $21 per session
Fast access to care, with a four-day average time-to-care and appointments often available in two days or less
Both virtual and in-person session options for flexibility
A large provider network featuring more than 23,000 providers
Extensive specialty coverage with more than 90 specialties and detailed filtering options
Summary: Is Amwell or Grow Therapy right for you?
Amwell and Grow Therapy offer different paths to mental healthcare. Grow Therapy provides a large provider network with broad insurance acceptance, fast access to care, and both virtual and in-person options. Amwell offers virtual-only care with transparent flat-rate self-pay pricing, 24/7 psychiatry availability, and a well-established telehealth platform.
Grow Therapy may be the better fit for people who prioritize insurance coverage, need both virtual and in-person options, or want the fastest possible access to care. Amwell tends to work well for people who prefer virtual-only care with predictable self-pay pricing, need 24/7 psychiatry availability, or want therapy for a child as young as 10.
Rula is also worth considering for people who want insurance-based care with the option of therapy or psychiatry (medication management) through a single platform. Rula supports therapy for ages 5+ and psychiatry for ages 13+ across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with sessions held via live video on Zoom and in-person therapy available at provider-operated offices in some locations. Patients receive an upfront cost estimate before their first appointment, and appointments are often available as soon as tomorrow.
FAQs
Does Amwell or Grow Therapy accept insurance?
Both platforms accept insurance, but their networks differ significantly. Grow Therapy is in-network with more than 80 insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Amwell partners with major insurance providers and also offers transparent flat-rate self-pay pricing. Grow Therapy's broader insurance acceptance — particularly its Medicaid coverage — is a meaningful differentiator for many patients.
How much does Amwell cost compared to Grow Therapy?
Grow Therapy operates on a per-session model with an average insured cost of $21 and no subscription fees. Amwell uses flat-rate self-pay pricing, with therapy sessions costing $99 or less and psychiatry visits at $199 for initial appointments and $95 for follow-ups. Amwell's average insurance copays aren't published online. Both platforms provide cost transparency before booking.
How quickly can you start therapy with Amwell or Grow Therapy?
Grow Therapy offers some of the fastest access to care, with appointments often available in two days or less and no waitlists. Amwell offers flexible scheduling with day, night, and weekend availability, and psychiatry appointments are typically available within 14 days.
Why choose Rula for quality of care?
Rula puts outcomes front and center, reporting that 93% of patients feel better about their symptoms after care, 94% feel comfortable with their provider, and 98% find a provider that meets their unique preferences, giving it a clear quality advantage alongside access. With 21,000+ licensed providers across 180+ clinical specialties and modalities, it offers therapy and psychiatry in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with both virtual and in-person appointments. Rula is in-network with many major insurance plans, and many patients pay around $15 per session with insurance.
Find care with Rula
Choosing between mental health platforms is an important decision — one that can shape how quickly you get into care and how supported you feel along the way. With Rula, you can verify your insurance coverage in minutes, browse providers who match your specific needs and preferences, and see your estimated out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment. Many patients book appointments as soon as tomorrow, so you can start making progress without the wait.
When you're ready to take the next step, Rula is here to help you find care that actually works.
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Rula’s editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness.
Members of Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
