Insurance coverage: Rula accepts 100+ insurance plans, including Medicare nationwide and select Medicaid, while Grow Therapy is in-network with 80+ insurance plans (including Medicare and Medicaid).
Typical costs: Rula provides upfront cost estimates with typical $15 copays and standardized self-pay rates, whereas Grow Therapy estimates an average of $21 per session with insurance, though costs vary by provider and require individual verification.
Provider network: Grow Therapy has 23,000+ therapists compared to Rula's 21,000+ providers, but Rula offers 180+ specialties versus Grow Therapy, which offers 90+.
Language accessibility: Grow Therapy provides interpreter services in 35+ languages, including ASL at no cost, while Rula's network of providers speaks 40+ languages.
Finding the right mental health platform shouldn't feel like another obstacle when you're already struggling. Whether you're searching for your first therapist or looking to switch providers, choosing between Rula and Grow Therapy means understanding what actually matters: Will your insurance be accepted? What will you really pay? And most importantly, will the care you receive help you get better? Both platforms connect you with licensed therapists and psychiatrists, but they differ significantly in insurance coverage, cost structure, provider qualifications, and how they support your progress over time.
This comparison breaks down the features, costs, and key differences between Rula and Grow Therapy so you can make an informed decision about which platform will best support your mental health journey.
Rula vs. Grow Therapy: Differences at a glance
Both Rula and Grow Therapy are online mental health platforms that connect you with licensed providers, but they differ in key areas like insurance coverage, specialties offered, and cost structure. Understanding these differences can help you choose the platform that best supports your mental health journey.
Average cost per session:
Rula: $15 per session with insurance (typical copay; actual costs vary by plan and deductible)
Grow Therapy: $21 per session with insurance on average, though costs may vary depending on your individual plan
Number of providers:
Rula: 21,000+ licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs)
Grow Therapy: 23,000+ licensed mental health providers
Modes of communication:
Rula: Live video sessions via Zoom, phone sessions with select providers, secure between-session messaging, and in-person appointments
Grow Therapy: Live video sessions via proprietary platform, in-person sessions available, secure between-session messaging, and in-session chat and screen sharing
Services offered:
Rula: Individual therapy (ages 5+), couples therapy, family therapy, psychiatric care, and medication management (ages 13+)
Grow Therapy: Talk therapy and medication management; age ranges vary by provider
Insurance acceptance:
Rula: In-network with 100+ insurance plans, including most major commercial plans, Medicare nationwide, and select Medicaid plans
Grow Therapy: In-network with 80+ major commercial insurers, plus Medicare and Medicaid in select states
States covered:
Rula: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Grow Therapy: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Number of specialties offered:
Rula: 180+ clinical specialties and modalities
Grow Therapy: 90+ clinical specialties and approaches
Inclusivity and patient focus:
Rula: 51% of providers in Rula's network are Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC), and providers in Rula's network speak over 40 different languages.
Grow Therapy: Grow Therapy offers interpreter services in 35+ languages, including ASL, at no cost. Patients can filter the marketplace by provider identity, including gender, age, and other preferences.
Virtual-only and in-person availability:
Rula: Primarily virtual with in-person therapy; psychiatry is telehealth-only
Grow Therapy: Both virtual and in-person sessions available, depending on the provider
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Rula at a glance
Rula is a comprehensive behavioral health solution founded in 2019 with a mission to make mental healthcare work for everyone. The platform connects individuals and families with a network of over 21,000 licensed providers who offer expertise across more than 180 clinical specialties and modalities. Rula is in network with 100+ insurance plans — including Medicare nationwide and select Medicaid — so you can access quality care without the financial barriers.
"Rula was the only way I was able to find a therapist. Everywhere else I was running into barriers. At a time when I was really struggling, finding help seemed impossible. Rula made it possible," says a Rula patient.
Getting started with Rula is designed to be simple and transparent. After you share your needs and insurance information, you can browse profiles of providers who match your preferences and book an appointment as soon as the next day. Before your first session, Rula verifies your benefits and provides a cost estimate, so there are no surprises. With a typical copay of just $15, therapy through Rula is both accessible and affordable for most people with insurance.
Grow Therapy at a glance
Founded in 2020, Grow Therapy is a mental health marketplace that connects you with independent therapists and psychiatrists. The platform helps therapists manage their private practices by handling insurance paperwork and billing. As a client, you can access a searchable list of over 23,000 therapists, with options for both video sessions and in-person appointments.
To get started with Grow Therapy, you'll create an account and answer questions about your location, insurance, and what you're looking for in a provider. The platform then shows you a searchable marketplace where you can filter by specialty, availability, and provider identity. Once you find someone who seems like a good fit, you can view their profile, check their availability, and book a session directly. While Grow Therapy offers an insurance cost estimator during the signup process, final costs depend on your specific plan benefits and require individual verification with your chosen provider.
Clinical outcomes and how we compare
Clinical outcomes and evidence-based approaches matter because they provide measurable proof that you're making real progress toward feeling better.
At Rula, 93% of patients report feeling better about their symptoms, and clinical outcomes are more than 10% better than those of other national groups. Patients typically report improvement after just three sessions, demonstrating the effectiveness of Rula's care.
Grow Therapy reports that clients with moderate-to-severe depression see about a 50% symptom reduction and maintains an 85 net promoter score (NPS). While provider profiles feature ratings and reviews to help with matching, the platform doesn't publicly describe systematic outcomes tracking protocols.
Cost and insurance coverage
Rula is in-network with more than 100 insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare nationwide. Grow Therapy also accepts most major insurance plans but has more limited coverage with government programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Insurance plans accepted
Rula accepts:
Grow Therapy accepts:
Over 80 major insurance plans, with national contracts with Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Humana and Blue Cross Blue Shield entities (coverage varies by region)
Medicare in 21 states only
Medicaid in seven states
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
With Rula, the typical copay for a therapy session is $15. We believe you should never have to guess what care will cost, so we verify your insurance benefits and provide a cost estimate before your first appointment. This ensures you understand your financial responsibility upfront, which may include your deductible, copay, or coinsurance.
Grow Therapy's out-of-pocket costs depend on your specific insurance plan, your provider's rates, and your location. The platform estimates an average of $21 per session with insurance, though costs may vary. While an insurance cost estimator is available during signup, you'll need to confirm your final cost based on the specific provider you choose and your plan's benefits.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Both Rula and Grow Therapy accept health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards for payment. This allows you to use pre-tax dollars to cover any out-of-pocket costs for therapy or psychiatry, including copays and deductibles.
Self-pay pricing
If you don't have insurance or prefer to pay out-of-pocket, Rula offers standardized self-pay rates across its entire network:
Individual therapy (60 minutes): $150
Couples/family therapy (60 minutes): $165
Psychiatry intake (60 minutes): $225
Psychiatry follow-up (30 minutes): $175
Grow Therapy's self-pay rates vary by provider, but are typically $75-$250 per session. Some providers may offer sliding scale pricing, but this must be verified with each provider directly. The platform doesn't provide standardized pricing, making cost comparison more difficult.
Mental health services offered
Your mental health needs can change over time, so having access to comprehensive services matters for long-term progress. Both platforms offer individual therapy and medication management, but they differ in their scope of care for families, children, and specialized populations.
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Rula providers offer evidence-based approaches across 180+ clinical specialties and modalities:
Most common approaches
Behavioral therapy
Insight-oriented
Relationship-based
Internal family systems (IFS)
Experiential therapy
Humanistic therapy
Rula also offers psychiatric care and medication management for individuals ages 13 and older through board-certified psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Providers can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication in all 50 states, including specialized senior psychiatry services for older adults.
Treatment approaches offered by Grow Therapy
Providers on Grow Therapy offer various evidence-based treatment approaches, which are listed on individual provider profiles. Clients can filter the marketplace by specialty, but the platform doesn't provide a comprehensive list of all modalities available.
Available therapy services:
Individual therapy (age ranges vary by provider)
Couples and family therapy (availability varies by provider)
Teen therapy (availability varies by provider)
Treatment modalities vary by provider and include but aren't limited to:
Acceptance and commitment (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
Trauma-informed care
Medication management is available through psychiatrists and PMHNPs on the platform. Clients can search specifically for medication management providers in the Grow Therapy directory. Age requirements and specific prescribing capabilities depend on provider licensure and state regulations.
Inclusivity and specialized care
When it comes to therapy, it's important to find a provider you can trust and who understands your unique background and identity. Research shows that cultural competency and identity-affirming care significantly improve therapeutic outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Rula's inclusivity and specialization
Licensure types: Rula's network includes licensed therapists (LCSW, LMFT, LPC), psychologists (PhD, PsyD), psychiatrists (MD), and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). All 21,000+ providers are fully licensed in the states where they practice.
Specializations offered: With 180+ specialties, you can find support for anxiety, depression, ADHD, LGBTQIA+ issues, cultural identity, relationship concerns, grief and loss, substance use, and many other areas. Providers list specific specializations on their profiles.
Languages available: Providers in Rula's network speak over 40 different languages. You can filter providers by language preferences when searching for care.
Inclusivity factors: 51% of providers in Rula's network are Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC), and you can filter by provider background, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other identity factors to find someone who understands your lived experience.
Grow Therapy's inclusivity and specialization
Licensure types: The network includes 23,000+ licensed therapists, plus psychiatrists and PMHNPs.
Specializations offered: Clients can filter providers by specialty in the marketplace, with common areas including anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, and relationship concerns. Individual provider profiles include focus areas, but the platform doesn't provide a comprehensive list of all 90+ specialties available across the network.
Languages available: Grow Therapy partners with an interpreter service to offer support in over 35 languages, including certified American Sign Language (ASL), at no additional cost. The marketplace also includes a language filter to find providers who speak specific languages.
Inclusivity factors: About 44% of Grow Therapy's providers identify as BIPOC. The marketplace allows filtering for providers based on gender, age, and identity preferences.
Platform availability and access
Access to mental healthcare shouldn't require navigating complex systems or long wait times. The ease of finding a provider, booking appointments, and managing your care can make the difference between getting help and giving up.
How access works with Rula
Rula is designed to handle all the complicated insurance and scheduling details so you can focus on your mental health progress. The platform guides you through each step and keeps you informed about what's happening with your care.
States served: Therapy and psychiatry are available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. In-person therapy is available, and psychiatry services are telehealth-only.
Matching process: You browse provider profiles, filter by what matters most to you (specialty, background, availability), and book directly online. We verify your insurance and provide cost estimates before your first appointment. If your first provider isn't a good fit, we help you switch to someone new.
Session formats: Most sessions happen via secure Zoom video calls, with phone sessions available from select providers. Between-session messaging is available through Rula's secure patient portal.
Scheduling: Appointments are available as soon as tomorrow, with most clients seen within three days.
App/portal experience: Everything happens through Rula's secure patient portal, where you can message providers, manage appointments, view billing information, and complete progress-tracking surveys.
How access works with Grow Therapy
Grow Therapy offers a self-directed marketplace, giving you control over how you search for and schedule care. Here’s what accessing mental healthcare through Grow Therapy looks like:
States served: Services are available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with both virtual and in-person options depending on provider location. You can filter the marketplace by session format to find nearby providers.
Matching process: The platform uses a self-directed marketplace search where you select talk therapy versus medication management, choose your state and insurance status, then apply filters for specialty, availability, language, and provider identity. Optional phone support is also available through their client success team.
Session formats: Virtual sessions happen through Grow Therapy's telehealth platform, with in-person sessions available depending on the provider. The platform offers secure between-session messaging and in-session chat and screen sharing features.
Scheduling: Grow Therapy markets "no waitlists" and allows filtering for providers available within 72 hours. Scheduling includes nights and weekends based on provider availability.
App/portal experience: The client portal allows patients to manage appointments, message with their provider, and manage billing or insurance information, with session links available via email, calendar, and portal.
What each platform does best
Rula excels when you need:
Comprehensive insurance coverage, including Medicare nationwide and select Medicaid plans
Transparent cost estimates with typical $15 copays
Systematic progress tracking through measurement-informed care with validated clinical assessments
Services for all ages, including children (ages 5+) and specialized senior psychiatry
Fast access with appointments available as soon as tomorrow
Standardized self-pay rates across all providers
Strong clinical outcomes with 93% symptom improvement rates
Grow Therapy excels when you need:
Interpreter services in 35+ languages, including ASL
Extensive in-person session availability across providers
Self-directed marketplace with detailed filtering by provider identity
In-session chat and screen sharing during telehealth appointments
Phone support for booking assistance and rematching
Sliding scale pricing from some individual providers
Summary: Is Rula or Grow Therapy right for you?
Rula and Grow Therapy both connect you with licensed mental health providers, but they take different approaches to supporting your care. Rula offers a more coordinated experience, pairing broad insurance coverage with upfront cost estimates, validated outcomes tracking, and a clinical quality framework designed to support consistent, measurable progress. The platform simplifies the details of finding care — from insurance verification to progress monitoring — so you can focus on getting better.
Grow Therapy functions more like a marketplace, offering flexibility in provider selection and extensive language support, but with less standardization in clinical approach, cost transparency, and insurance coverage. Its strength lies in interpreter services and self-directed matching, while Rula excels in comprehensive care coordination and measurable outcomes.
Consider these questions when deciding:
Do you want a platform that verifies your insurance upfront and provides a clear cost estimate before you book?
Is systematic outcomes tracking and clinical quality oversight important to you?
Do you prefer a self-directed provider search with extensive language options and interpreter services?
Are you looking for tightly coordinated therapy and psychiatry in one place?
Do you need care for young children or multi-specialty family support?
Rula FAQs
How much do Rula patients typically pay per therapy session with insurance, and will I get a cost estimate before my first appointment?
Rula patients typically pay $15 per session, though your individual cost may vary based on your insurance benefits and deductible. Rula will contact your insurance carrier and provide you with an estimate of your per-session cost before your first appointment.
What insurance plans does Rula accept?
Rula accepts commercial plans from most major insurance carriers, including Aetna, Anthem, most Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield plans, Cigna, Kaiser (by referral), Optum, Oscar, and United Healthcare. They also accept some Medicare Advantage plans in California and certain states, with coverage varying by state and specific plan.
What are Rula's cash rates for therapy and psychiatry sessions, and can I use an HSA/FSA?
Rula offers a cash rate of $150 per session for individual therapy, $165 per session for families or couples, and $225 for an initial 60-minute psychiatry intake, with $175 for 30-minute follow-up sessions. You can use your HSA or FSA to cover out-of-pocket expenses by entering your card as the payment method on file or submitting a receipt to your HSA/FSA provider for reimbursement.
What ages do Rula providers treat for therapy and for medication management?
Rula's network of therapists can treat children, teens, and adults ages five and up. For psychiatry and medication management, providers are able to serve patients ages 13 and older.
How soon can I meet with a provider through Rula?
Providers in Rula's network are available to meet via live video as soon as tomorrow. You can explore providers and book your first session in minutes.
Find care with Rula
If you're ready to start therapy or psychiatry, Rula makes it straightforward. Verify your insurance benefits in minutes, browse providers who specialize in what you're facing, and see your actual costs upfront—no surprises. Most people find an appointment as soon as tomorrow, and with systematic progress tracking built into every step of care, you'll know you're genuinely moving forward.
With Rula, you get a clearer path forward — transparent costs, guided support, and providers who understand what you’re going through. It’s care that helps you move at your own pace, with confidence.
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
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.
