Grow Therapy offers broader insurance coverage and provider choice: With 23,000+ providers, in-network coverage with 80+ insurance plans (including Medicare and Medicaid), Grow Therapy provides more options for finding specialized, affordable care.
Headspace combines therapy with daily wellness tools: The platform integrates video therapy with 1,000+ guided meditations, text-based coaching, and an AI companion (Ebb), making it ideal for those seeking clinical care alongside self-guided mindfulness resources and other mental health apps.
In-person sessions are only available through Grow Therapy: Headspace operates as a virtual-only platform, while Grow Therapy offers both video and in-person appointments across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
Self-pay costs differ significantly: Grow Therapy charges $75–$200 per session without insurance (with sliding scale options), while Headspace charges $149 per session, plus a separate subscription ($69.99/year) for meditation content.
Rula as another option: Rula combines therapy and psychiatry across a network of 21,000+ providers, accepting most major insurance plans and offering virtual and in-person care with clear upfront costs. Most insured patients paying around $15 per session.
Deciding between mental health platforms isn't always straightforward, especially when one connects you with licensed therapists and the other blends clinical care with meditation and wellness tools. Your choice affects more than just cost: it influences how quickly you'll get an appointment, what types of support you'll receive, and whether you'll have access to online therapy, in-person sessions, or both.
Grow Therapy and Headspace take distinctly different approaches to mental healthcare. In this guide, we'll compare their features, costs, insurance coverage, and specialties to help you determine which platform best fits your needs.
You could also consider Rula when exploring mental healthcare 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.
Grow Therapy vs. Headspace: Differences at a glance
Grow Therapy and Headspace serve different needs in the mental health space. Grow Therapy operates as a provider network, helping you connect with licensed therapists and prescribers for therapy and medication management. Headspace takes a wellness-first approach, pairing professional therapy services with a library of self-guided mindfulness and meditation tools. How you find a therapist and what kind of support you receive will vary depending on which model fits your goals.
Average cost per session:
Grow Therapy: $21 per session on average with insurance; $75-$200 per session without
Headspace: $0-$35 per session with insurance; $149 per session without
Number of providers:
Grow Therapy: 23,000+ providers
Headspace: Provider count not publicly disclosed
Modes of communication:
Grow Therapy: Virtual (video) and in-person sessions
Headspace: Virtual only (video sessions for therapy; text-based chat for coaching)
Services offered:
Grow Therapy: Talk therapy and medication support (prescribing available)
Headspace: Therapy, psychiatry, coaching, guided meditations, sleep content, mindfulness tools, and AI companion (Ebb)
Insurance acceptance:
Grow Therapy: In-network with 80+ plans including most major insurances, Medicare, and Medicaid
Headspace: Partners with major health insurance providers like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and Anthem; select Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and managed Medicaid care plans
States covered:
Grow Therapy: All 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
Headspace: All 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
Number of specialties offered:
Grow Therapy: 90+ specialties
Headspace: Focuses on anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, sleep, and grief
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Grow Therapy: Offers filtering by LGBTQ needs, women's issues, men's issues, older adults, military/veterans, etc.; 35+ languages including ASL
Headspace: 54% of coaches identify as BIPOC; culturally responsive care; services in English, Spanish, and French
Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:
Grow Therapy: Both virtual and in-person sessions available
Headspace: Virtual only
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Grow Therapy at a glance
Founded in 2020, Grow Therapy connects people with licensed therapists and prescribers for talk therapy and medication support across all 50 states and D.C. The platform's network includes 23,000+ providers offering both virtual and in-person sessions, with appointments often available within two days and no waitlists.
Grow Therapy accepts insurance, with an average session cost of $21. Self-pay rates range from $75 to $200 per session, with sliding scale options also available. Clients can filter providers by 90+ specialties, insurance plan, availability, identity, and care approach, and can switch providers if the first match isn't the right fit.
Headspace at a glance
Established in 2010, Headspace is a virtual mental health platform available across all 50 states that combines self-guided tools with professional clinical services. Its hybrid model pairs 1,000+ guided meditations and sleep content with therapy, psychiatry, and coaching — plus an AI companion, Ebb, that offers personalized recommendations between sessions. Headspace also partners with employers and health plans to extend its offerings.
Most members pay between $0 and $35 per session with insurance, while the self-pay rate is $149 per session. Appointments are typically available within two days via live video. Text-based coaching is included in some plans, and a separate app subscription for the full meditation and mindfulness library is available for $69.99 per year or $12.99 per month.
Rula at a glance
Rula was founded in 2019 as a mental health platform that connects people with licensed therapists covered by their insurance. Rula's network includes 21,000+ providers across all 50 states and D.C., with care available via live video (Zoom) or in person at provider offices — a great option for patients who prefer face-to-face sessions.
Rula supports multiple types of care, including individual, couples, family, child, and teen therapy, as well as psychiatry for people ages 13 and older. Patients can browse and filter in-network providers by specialty, availability, language, gender, ethnicity, age, and faith. Rula verifies insurance coverage and estimated out-of-pocket costs before a patient's first session, with patients using insurance typically paying around $15 per session.
Clinical outcomes and how they compare
When choosing a mental health platform, evidence-based approaches and measurable clinical outcomes are essential. They demonstrate whether the care you're receiving is actually helping you make progress toward your mental health goals.
Grow Therapy clinical outcomes
Grow Therapy reports high patient satisfaction, measured at an 85 Net Promoter Score (NPS). Most significantly, Grow Therapy reports a clinically-significant symptom reduction of approximately 50% for clients with moderate to severe symptoms, demonstrating meaningful therapeutic progress.
Headspace clinical outcomes
Headspace reports specific symptom reduction outcomes for its therapy services. According to their data, 72% of therapy clients report reduced anxiety symptoms within six weeks of starting treatment. Similarly, 75% of therapy clients report reduced depression symptoms within the same six-week timeframe.
Rula clinical outcomes
Rula also reports consistently strong outcomes, with outcomes that exceed national benchmarks by more than 10%: 93% of patients reporting they feel better about their symptoms after receiving care through Rula, 94% feel comfortable with their provider, and 98% find a provider who meets their preferences.
Cost and insurance coverage
Both Grow Therapy and Headspace accept insurance and offer out-of-pocket payment options, but their insurance networks and pricing structures differ significantly.
Insurance plans accepted
Grow Therapy insurance networks:
Major commercial insurers: Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Medicare: Yes, including multiple Medicare Advantage plans
Medicaid: Yes, including 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
Headspace insurance networks:
Major commercial plans: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Anthem, and more
Medicare: In-network with select Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans only; doesn't accept traditional Medicare
Medicaid: In-network with select managed Medicaid care plans only, such as AmeriHealth Caritas D.C. and Castell in Utah
Note: Availability and cost vary by location, age, and insurance coverage. It's important for patients to verify their eligibility and estimated costs before booking.
Rula is also worth exploring if you're looking for in-network care. The platform partners with a wide range of major insurers, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, Optum, Oscar, and UnitedHealthcare. Rula works with Medicare Advantage, traditional Medicare, and managed Medicaid plans in certain states, and you'll receive a clear cost estimate upfront before scheduling your first session.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
For clients using insurance, Grow Therapy reports an average session cost of $21. The platform emphasizes a straightforward billing process with no subscriptions or surprise fees. Your actual copay will depend on your individual insurance plan, and you can see estimated costs before booking an appointment.
With Headspace, most members pay $0–$35 per session with insurance. As with any platform, patients should verify their specific coverage and estimated cost per session before booking, as these can vary based on location and plan details.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Both Grow Therapy and Headspace accept health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards for payment. Grow Therapy also accepts health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) to help cover care costs. Headspace allows clients to use HSA or FSA cards directly for subscriptions and medical expenses.
Self-pay pricing
Grow Therapy self-pay:
$75-$200 per session without insurance
Sliding scale options are available for clients paying out-of-pocket
Headspace self-pay:
$149 per session for therapy without insurance on a pay-as-you-go basis
App subscription for meditation and mindfulness content is priced separately:
$69.99/year (annual)
$12.99/month (monthly)
Mental health services offered
The range of therapeutic approaches available on a platform directly impacts whether you can find care that matches your specific needs. Grow Therapy offers over 90 specialties with providers trained in diverse evidence-based approaches. Headspace focuses on a few primary specialty areas while integrating therapy with its broader wellness ecosystem.
Treatment approaches offered by Grow Therapy
Grow Therapy lists over 90 specialties, allowing patients to find highly specific support. These are organized into searchable therapy categories, including:
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Faith-based therapy
Internal family systems (IFS)
Mindfulness-based therapy
Psychodynamic therapy
Sex therapy
Somatic therapy
Trauma-informed care
Grow Therapy also offers medication management through psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs).
Treatment approaches offered by Headspace
Headspace combines clinical care with self-guided wellness tools and mental health coaching. Therapy covers a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, sleep, and grief. Common therapeutic approaches used by Headspace providers include:
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Psychodynamic therapy
Interpersonal therapy
Beyond therapy, Headspace offers text-based coaching with board-certified coaches, access to 1,000+ guided meditations, sleep content, mindfulness exercises, and the Ebb AI companion for between-session support.
Medication management is available through licensed psychiatric practitioners, though providers cannot prescribe controlled substances.
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Rula connects patients with licensed providers across 180+ clinical specialties and modalities, making it possible to find care for a wide range of needs, whether you’re looking for support with anxiety, ADHD, autism, trauma and PTSD, OCD, or addiction.
Some of Rula's modalities include:
Trauma-focused therapy, including EMDR and prolonged exposure
Internal family systems (IFS)) and attachment-based approaches
Couples and family therapies, such as the Gottman Method and emotionally focused therapy (EFT))
Mindfulness-based and somatic therapies
Rula also offers psychiatric care for patients ages 13 and older, including medication management services.
Inclusivity and specialized care
Finding a provider who understands your identity and lived experience can significantly impact your therapeutic relationship and progress. Both Grow Therapy and Headspace recognize the importance of inclusive care, though they approach it differently.
Grow Therapy inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Grow Therapy's network of over 23,000 providers includes therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), offering access to both therapy and medication management.
Specializations offered: The platform offers more than 90 specialties, with searchable filters that allow clients to find providers who specialize in their specific needs, from ADHD and anxiety to military/veteran issues and foster care support.
Languages available: Grow Therapy providers offer services in over 35 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), improving accessibility for clients who prefer to receive care in their native language.
Inclusivity factors: The platform's provider search allows clients to filter by identity-related needs, including LGBTQ, women's issues, men's issues, racism, and postpartum care, making it easier to find a provider with relevant experience.
Headspace inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Headspace employs licensed therapists for video therapy, nationally board-certified mental health coaches for text-based support, and psychiatrists for medication management.
Specializations offered: Headspace focuses on a few primary specialty areas: anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, sleep, and grief. This narrower focus may be a consideration for clients seeking highly specialized care for other conditions.
Languages available: Headspace therapy and coaching services are available in English, Spanish, and French, providing multilingual access for speakers of those languages.
Inclusivity factors: Headspace emphasizes culturally responsive care, with 54% of its mental health coaches identifying as BIPOC to better match the cultural makeup of its members. The platform also offers Headspace for Teens, a free program for ages 13-18 in the U.S.
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 formats are available for sessions all impact whether a platform will work for you.
Rula is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., offering scheduled, appointment-based care through live video telehealth sessions and in-person therapy at provider offices where available.
How access works with Grow Therapy
States served: Grow Therapy is available in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., providing nationwide coverage for both virtual and in-person care.
Matching process: The platform uses a self-serve search and filtering system where clients can browse providers based on specialty, insurance, availability, and identity. You can book online directly with your chosen provider, and you can switch if the first match isn't the right fit.
Session formats: Clients can choose between virtual (video) and in-person sessions, with appointments available on nights and weekends for greater scheduling flexibility.
Scheduling: You can book an appointment online in about 10 minutes and typically be seen in two days or less. The platform's average time-to-care is four days.
App/portal experience: The client portal includes progress-tracking features with visual goals, appointment tracking, and secure messaging for communicating with your provider.
How access works with Headspace
States served: Headspace is available across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. as a virtual-only platform. The company notes that availability and cost may vary based on your location.
Matching process: After completing intake forms about your history and goals, the platform matches you with a licensed therapist based on your needs and their specialties. You can switch providers if the first one isn't a good fit.
Session formats: Therapy is conducted through live video sessions. The platform also offers text-based chat sessions for coaching and a library of self-guided content accessible anytime through the app, including an AI companion named Ebb for between-session support.
Scheduling: Appointments are typically available within two days, with scheduling options that include after-work hours and weekends. You also have the flexibility to increase or decrease your session frequency as needed.
App/portal experience: The Headspace mobile app offers access to all services. While progress tracking is available for meditation and mindfulness features, it's not available for therapy sessions.
What each platform does best
Understanding what each platform does well helps you choose based on your specific priorities. Your decision might center on insurance networks, access to specialized providers, or a combination of clinical care and self-guided resources. See what each platform does best below to help guide your choice.
Grow Therapy excels when you need:
Broad insurance acceptance: In-network with 80+ plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, with an average session cost of $21 with insurance.
Maximum provider choice: A network of 23,000+ providers across 90+ specialties, with filters to find the right match.
In-person care options: The choice between virtual and in-person sessions.
Fast access to care: Book online and be seen in two days or less with no waitlists.
Comprehensive specialty care: Extensive options for specific needs like OCD, eating disorders, trauma, and military/veteran support.
Language accessibility: Services available in over 35 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL).
Sliding scale options: Financial flexibility for self-pay clients.
Headspace excels when you need:
An integrated wellness ecosystem: A combination of professional therapy with guided meditations, sleep content, and mindfulness tools.
Between-session support: An AI companion (Ebb) and app-based resources available 24/7.
Text-based coaching: Monthly coaching sessions via text chat for goal-oriented support.
Self-guided tools: An extensive library of content for daily mental health maintenance.
Teen services: A dedicated Headspace for Teens program, free for ages 13-18 in the U.S.
A holistic approach: A platform designed for everyday mental health that combines clinical care with preventive wellness practices.
Summary: Is Grow Therapy or Headspace right for you?
Grow Therapy is a strong fit if your priority is traditional therapy with maximum provider choice, broad insurance coverage, and the option for in-person sessions. Its large provider network offers flexibility for highly specific needs at an affordable per-session cost when using insurance.
Headspace is better suited for people seeking a mental health companion that combines professional therapy with daily wellness tools like guided meditations, text-based coaching, and AI-powered between-session support. Insurance coverage is more limited and self-pay costs run higher, but the broader mindfulness resources add value for the right user.
Rula is also worth considering. With 21,000+ providers across all 50 states, broad insurance acceptance, and both therapy and psychiatry available in one place, most insured patients pay around $15 per session. Rula confirms your out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment, so you always know what to expect.
FAQs
How do Grow Therapy and Headspace compare on session formats?
Grow Therapy offers both virtual (video) and in-person sessions across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., giving clients the flexibility to choose their preferred format. Headspace operates as a virtual-only platform, conducting all therapy sessions through live video.
How do Grow Therapy and Headspace differ in Medicare and Medicaid eligibility?
Grow Therapy is in-network with traditional Medicare and Medicaid, including multiple Medicare Advantage plans and managed Medicaid plans like Buckeye Health Plan, CareSource, and Peach State Health Plan. Headspace only accepts select Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans and select managed Medicaid care plans, such as AmeriHealth Caritas D.C. and Castell in Utah; it doesn't accept traditional Medicare.
What are the out-of-pocket costs with Grow Therapy and Headspace?
Grow Therapy charges $75–$200 per session without insurance (with sliding scale options available) and has no subscription fees. Headspace charges $149 per session for therapy without insurance, plus a separate app subscription for meditation and mindfulness content priced at $69.99 per year or $12.99 per month.
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. Its nationwide network spans a wide range of clinical specialties and modalities, offering therapy and psychiatry through virtual appointments on Zoom and in-person therapy. Rula is built around clinically accountable care and broad service types, including individual, couples, family, child, and teen therapy.
Find care with Rula
Choosing the right mental health platform matters: it shapes how supported you'll feel and whether you'll make real progress. If you're ready to start therapy or psychiatry, Rula makes it straightforward to take the next step. You can verify your insurance coverage online in minutes, browse providers who match your specific needs and preferences, and see your estimated cost before booking.
When you're ready, Rula is here to help you find care that actually works, with the right provider support from the start.
Rula Health
Rula’s editorial process
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.
