Brightside vs Grow Therapy: Compare costs, access, and fit

Navigating mental health platforms shouldn't feel like solving a puzzle, but with so many options available, comparing costs, access, and fit can quickly become overwhelming. Both Brightside and Grow Therapy offer virtual mental healthcare with insurance coverage, making them strong contenders if you're looking for online therapy with insurance.

If you're weighing subscription-based treatment against a flexible per-session model, understanding the differences matters for your budget and your progress. In this online therapy comparison guide, we'll break down how Brightside and Grow Therapy compare on pricing, provider networks, services, and accessibility, so you can choose the platform that actually works for your needs.

You might also consider Rula when exploring your options. Rula connects you with over 21,000 licensed providers nationwide, 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 seeking affordable care.

Brightside vs. Grow Therapy: Differences at a glance

Both Brightside and Grow Therapy offer virtual mental healthcare with insurance coverage, but they differ in their service models, provider networks, and how they deliver care. Here's an overview of the key differences to help you find a therapist who matches your preferences.

Average cost per session:

• Brightside: Offers monthly self-pay subscriptions at $95 for psychiatry, $299 for therapy, or $349 for both; insurance copays vary

• Grow Therapy: The average session cost is $21 with insurance; self-pay sessions range from $75 to $200, with no subscription required

Number of providers:

• Brightside: Total number of providers is not publicly disclosed

• Grow Therapy: 23,000+ providers

Modes of communication:

• Brightside: Care is delivered through video appointments and unlimited messaging

• Grow Therapy: Sessions are available virtually or in-person, with secure messaging between appointments

Services offered:

• Brightside: Psychiatry, therapy, a combined psychiatry and therapy plan, a suicide prevention program, and teen care for ages 13 and up

• Grow Therapy: Offers talk therapy, medication support, couples counseling, family therapy, and services for children and adolescents

Insurance acceptance:

• Brightside: Accepts major commercial plans like Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, as well as Original Medicare Part B, select Medicare Advantage plans, and some Medicaid plans

• Grow Therapy: Is in-network with over 80 insurance plans, including most major commercial carriers, Medicare, and Medicaid

States covered:

• Brightside: Available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

• Grow Therapy: Available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Number of specialties offered:

• Brightside: Treats a range of conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and OCD

• Grow Therapy: Providers cover over 90 specialties, including trauma, eating disorders, addiction, and care for specific populations like LGBTQ+ and veterans

Inclusivity and patient focus:

• Brightside: Provides specialized teen care, a suicide prevention program, and offers translation services with an interpreter

• Grow Therapy: Allows filtering for providers who focus on diverse populations, offers services in over 35 languages including ASL, and has sliding scale options for self-pay patients

Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:

• Brightside: Offers 100% virtual care through video and messaging

• Grow Therapy: Provides a hybrid model with both virtual and in-person sessions available

Brightside at a glance

Founded in 2017, Brightside is a virtual-only mental health platform specializing in precision treatment for anxiety, depression, and related conditions. It operates on a subscription model offering psychiatry, therapy, or a combination of both, and uses clinical decision support tools and measurement-based care to guide treatment. Brightside is available in all 50 states and D.C. for adults and teens ages 13+, with evidence-based approaches like the Unified Protocol (an enhancement of CBT) and APA-aligned medication guidelines.

To get started, patients take a free clinical assessment, verify insurance or choose a self-pay plan, and book a first session — often available in as little as two days. The mobile app supports appointment management, messaging with the care team, progress tracking, and self-guided therapy lessons. Many providers offer evening and weekend availability, and you can switch providers through your account settings if you feel your initial match isn't the right fit.

Grow Therapy at a glance

Founded in 2020, Grow Therapy connects patients with a network of more than 23,000 licensed therapists and psychiatric providers across all 50 states and D.C. The platform offers both virtual and in-person care, with a self-serve search system that lets you filter providers by specialty, identity, availability, and treatment approach. Appointments are typically available in two days or less, with no waitlists.

Booking takes about 10 minutes online, and there are no subscription fees. The average session cost with insurance is $21. Patients can filter across more than 90 specialties, schedule evenings and weekends, track progress, and switch providers as needed.

Rula at a glance

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, family, child, and teen therapy, with sessions held via live video on Zoom or in-person at provider offices. After verifying insurance, patients can browse a curated list of in-network providers, filter by preferences like specialty 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.

Clinical outcomes and how they compare

Evidence-based approaches and measurable clinical outcomes are important indicators of effective mental healthcare. Both Brightside and Grow Therapy track patient progress to ensure their services are making a real difference, though they use different methods and report different metrics.

Brightside clinical outcomes

Brightside reports that 86% of patients experience clinically meaningful improvement within 12 weeks, and 71% achieve remission. The platform tracks patient progress using measurement-based care, which includes regular check-ins with validated assessment tools like the PHQ-9 (for depression) and GAD-7 (for anxiety).

Grow Therapy clinical outcomes

Grow Therapy measures patient satisfaction through its Net Promoter Score, which stands at 85. The platform also tracks clinical progress, reporting that clients with moderate to severe symptoms experience an average symptom reduction of around 50%, which represents clinically meaningful improvement in therapeutic outcomes.

Rula clinical outcomes

Rula consistently delivers strong clinical results that surpass national benchmarks by over 10%: 93% of patients report feeling better about their symptoms after care, 94% report feeling comfortable with their provider, and 98% successfully connect with a provider who aligns with their preferences.

Cost and insurance coverage

Both Brightside and Grow Therapy accept major insurance plans, which can make care more affordable. However, they differ significantly in their pricing structures, with Brightside using a monthly subscription and Grow Therapy using a traditional per-session fee.

Insurance plans accepted

Brightside insurance networks: Brightside is in-network with a growing number of insurance plans, including:

• Commercial/Exchange: Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and various Blue Cross Blue Shield state plans

• Medicaid: Select state-specific Medicaid plans, such as CareOregon and Carolina Complete (NC)

• Medicare: Original Medicare Part B nationwide and select Medicare Advantage plans

Grow Therapy insurance networks: Grow Therapy is in-network with over 80 plans, including:

• Major commercial insurers: Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and UnitedHealthcare/Optum

• Medicare: Multiple Medicare Advantage plans

• Medicaid: Managed Medicaid plans like Buckeye Health Plan, CareSource, and Peach State Health Plan

• Regional plans: Kaiser Permanente, Highmark, Horizon, Independence Blue Cross, UPMC Health Plan, and many others

Rula's network is built around insurance coverage, with therapists accepting most major plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente (by referral), Optum, Oscar, and UnitedHealthcare. The platform also works with Medicare Advantage, Medicare fee-for-service, and Managed Medicaid in select states and through specific insurers. Your actual coverage and costs will vary based on your individual plan, but Rula shows you a personalized cost estimate before you book your first session.

Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)

With Brightside's subscription model, your monthly fee is based on your insurance plan's specific copay, which is determined after you sign up and your benefits are verified. This subscription includes a number of services, such as four 30-minute therapy sessions per month plus unlimited messaging.

With Grow Therapy, you pay a standard copay for each session you attend, with an average cost of $21 for insured patients. There are no subscription fees, so you only pay for the appointments you book. This may make online therapy insurance costs easier to predict on a session-by-session basis.

HSA/FSA eligibility

Brightside and Grow Therapy make it easy to use pre-tax funds for your care. Both platforms accept health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards for copays, session fees, and other costs. Grow Therapy also accepts health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs).

Self-pay pricing

Brightside self-pay: For those paying without insurance, Brightside offers monthly subscription plans:

• Psychiatry: $95 per month for medication management

• Therapy: $299 per month, which includes four 30-minute video sessions and unlimited messaging

• Psychiatry and therapy: $349 per month for a combined plan

Additional 55-minute therapy sessions can be purchased for $59 each.

Grow Therapy self-pay: If you're paying out-of-pocket, Grow Therapy uses a per-session model. Sessions costs range from $75 to $200 per session, with the exact price set by the individual provider. There are no subscription fees, so you only pay for the sessions you attend.

Mental health services offered

The range of available treatment approaches is a key factor in finding care that meets your specific needs. Both platforms offer evidence-based treatments but differ in their service structures and the types of therapy available.

Treatment approaches offered by Brightside

Brightside's services are structured around a core clinical framework:

• Therapy approaches: The primary therapy framework is the unified protocol, an enhancement of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that is effective for anxiety, depression, and related conditions. Care plans are structured with personalized goals and tracked using measurement-based care tools.

• Psychiatry approaches: The platform uses "precision psychiatry," which involves a clinical decision support tool to help providers select the right medication. Brightside does not prescribe controlled substances.

• Specialized programs: Brightside offers a dedicated Suicide Prevention Program for individuals with elevated risk and a Teen Care program for adolescents ages 13 to 17.

Treatment approaches offered by Grow Therapy

Grow Therapy offers a wide variety of services through its large network of independent providers.

• Therapy modalities: Because you choose your own provider, you can find therapists who specialize in many different evidence-based modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)), and psychodynamic therapy. The platform also offers individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, and child/adolescent therapy.

• Medication management: Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners in the network can offer medication support and prescribe electronically.

• Specialty treatment areas: With over 90 specialties available, you can find care for a wide range of needs, including ADHD, trauma, eating disorders, addiction, grief, and life transitions.

Treatment approaches offered by Rula

Rula's network includes licensed providers who specialize in 180+ clinical areas and treatment modalities, so you can find support for many different concerns, from anxiety and ADHD to autism, PTSD and trauma, OCD, and addiction.

Treatment modalities available through Rula include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT))

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

• Trauma-focused approaches like EMDR and prolonged exposure therapy

• Internal family systems (IFS) and attachment-based therapy

• Couples and family therapy approaches, including the Gottman Method and emotionally focused therapy (EFT)

• Mindfulness-based therapies and somatic approaches

Rula also provides psychiatric services, including medication management, for patients ages 13 and up.

Inclusivity and specialized care

Finding a provider who understands your unique background, identity, and experiences is crucial for building trust and making progress in therapy. Both platforms offer ways to connect with specialized providers, but they approach inclusivity differently.

Brightside inclusivity and specialization overview

Licensure types: Therapists on the platform hold a master's or doctorate degree, while psychiatric providers are psychiatrists, physicians (MDs), or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs).

Specializations offered: The platform focuses on treating anxiety, depression, and related conditions like ADHD (with non-stimulant medication), bipolar disorder, PTSD, and OCD. It also offers dedicated programs for teen care and suicide prevention.

Languages available: For patients who need language support, Brightside offers translation services with an interpreter during sessions.

Inclusivity factors: Brightside's primary focus is on clinical expertise and evidence-based treatment. While individual providers may serve diverse populations, the platform does not disclose specifics.

Grow Therapy inclusivity and specialization overview

Licensure types: The network includes over 23,000 licensed therapists and psychiatric providers with diverse credentials and backgrounds.

Specializations offered: You can filter providers by more than 90 specialties, including clinical conditions like anxiety and trauma, as well as life challenges like parenting, career counseling, and relationship issues. The platform also has providers who specialize in couples counseling and family therapy, including couples therapy online.

Languages available: Care is available in over 35 languages, and you can also find providers who offer sessions in American Sign Language (ASL).

Inclusivity factors: Grow Therapy's search filters allow you to find providers based on demographic and identity factors, including LGBTQ+, women's issues, men's issues, military/veterans, and providers who specialize in addressing racism. The platform also promotes financial accessibility with sliding scale options.

Platform availability and access

How you connect with providers and manage your treatment are practical details that can greatly impact your experience.

Rula is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., offering appointment-based care with telehealth sessions via live video (Zoom) and in-person therapy appointments at provider-operated offices, available as soon as the next day.

How access works with Brightside

• States served: Brightside is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., as a 100% virtual platform.

• Matching process: You start by completing a free clinical assessment. Based on your results, Brightside matches you with a provider, and you can book your first session.

• Session formats: Care is delivered through video appointments and unlimited messaging. The therapy plan includes four 30-minute video sessions per month, while the psychiatry plan includes video consultations for medication management.

• Scheduling: You can often get an appointment in as little as two days. Many providers offer evening and weekend hours, and all scheduling is managed through the Brightside app or website.

• App/portal experience: A comprehensive mobile app allows you to schedule appointments, message your care team, track your progress with regular assessments, and access self-guided lessons. For users who want a therapy app that takes insurance, this integrated experience may be a plus.

How access works with Grow Therapy

• States served: Grow Therapy is available in all 50 states and D.C., offering both virtual and in-person sessions depending on the provider.

• Matching process: The platform uses a self-serve model where you can search and filter the entire provider network. You can review provider profiles and choose who you want to work with before booking online.

• Session formats: You can choose between virtual video sessions or in-person appointments. Secure messaging is also available for communicating with your provider between sessions.

• Scheduling: Grow Therapy emphasizes its no-waitlist model, with appointments available in two days or less. You can see provider availability and book directly online, with many offering night and weekend slots.

• App/portal experience: Care is managed through a web-based platform where you can search for providers, book appointments, and communicate with your care team. The platform does not currently offer a mobile app.

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 Brightside and Grow Therapy offer quality mental health services, but each excels in different areas.

Brightside excels when you need:

• A structured, subscription-based model with predictable monthly costs

• Precision psychiatry that uses clinical data to guide medication decisions

• A comprehensive mobile app to manage all aspects of your care

• Unlimited messaging with your provider for support between sessions

• Specialized programs for teen care or suicide prevention

Grow Therapy excels when you need:

• A large provider network with extensive options for specialty, identity, and approach

• The flexibility to choose between virtual and in-person sessions

• A traditional per-session payment model that works well with insurance

• Access to couples counseling, family therapy, or other specialized services

• Care in one of over 35 languages, including American Sign Language

Summary: Is Brightside or Grow Therapy right for you?

Brightside and Grow Therapy represent two distinct approaches to mental healthcare. Brightside offers a structured, subscription-based model with integrated psychiatry and therapy, using technology to deliver precision treatment. Grow Therapy provides a flexible therapy marketplace with a large provider network and a per-session payment model that supports both virtual and in-person care.

Brightside may be the better fit for people who value a structured treatment program, want unlimited messaging, and prefer the predictability of a monthly subscription. Grow Therapy tends to work well for people who want to choose their own provider from a large network, need the option for in-person care, or prefer to pay per session with insurance.

Rula is also worth considering for people who want insurance-based care with the option of therapy or psychiatry 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 and in-person therapy available at provider-operated offices. Patients receive an upfront cost estimate before their first appointment, and appointments are often available as soon as tomorrow. Many patients pay just $15 per sessions when using insurance.

FAQs

Does Brightside or Grow Therapy accept insurance?

Both platforms accept insurance, but their networks differ. Brightside is in-network with major plans including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and select Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. Grow Therapy works with a wider range of insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid in some states. Both platforms verify your coverage and provide cost estimates before booking your first appointment.

How much does Brightside cost compared to Grow Therapy?

Brightside operates on a monthly subscription model that includes multiple sessions and unlimited provider messaging. Grow Therapy uses a per-session payment model with no subscription fees, with an average insured cost of $21 per session. The right pricing structure depends on whether you prefer predictable monthly billing or pay-as-you-go flexibility.

Does Brightside or Grow Therapy offer psychiatry?

Yes, both platforms offer psychiatry services for medication management. Brightside integrates psychiatry and therapy into combined subscription plans and specializes in evidence-based medication protocols for anxiety and depression. Grow Therapy connects patients with psychiatric providers across its network for medication management as a standalone service or alongside therapy.

Why choose Rula for quality of care?

Rula emphasizes measurable outcomes, with 93% of patients reporting they feel better about their symptoms after receiving care through the platform, alongside a nationwide network of 21,000+ providers and 180+ specialties. It offers therapy and psychiatry (medication management) in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. with live video (Zoom) and in-person therapy appointments, and it’s designed for insurance-covered care with upfront cost estimates — many patients pay about $15 per session with insurance, with self-pay rates also available.

Find care with Rula

Choosing between mental health platforms is more than comparing features; it's about finding a partner who'll help you make real progress. With Rula, you can verify your insurance in minutes, browse providers who match your specific needs and preferences, and see your estimated costs before your first appointment. Many patients can schedule as soon as tomorrow, so you can start moving forward without the wait.