Grow Therapy offers lower average costs and accepts Medicaid: With an average session cost of $21 with insurance and acceptance of Medicaid, Grow Therapy may be more accessible for budget-conscious patients or those with Medicaid coverage.
Both platforms report strong clinical outcomes: 84% of SonderMind patients see measurable symptom reduction within two months, with outcomes ranking in the top 20% of global outpatient care centers. Grow Therapy reports that approximately 50% of patients with moderate to severe symptoms achieve clinically significant symptom reduction.
Grow Therapy provides faster access and a larger network: Patients can be seen in two days or less with Grow Therapy's 23,000+ providers, compared to SonderMind's 10-day average with 12,500+ providers.
Self-pay rates are comparable but structured differently: SonderMind charges $45–$183 per session based on length and state, while Grow Therapy ranges from $75–$200 with sliding scale options available.
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 — patients using insurance typically pay about $15 per session.
When you're looking for online mental healthcare, understanding your options should be straightforward. Platforms like SonderMind and Grow Therapy connect you with licensed therapists and psychiatrists nationwide, but differ in their approach to pricing, insurance acceptance, and treatment modalities.
In this guide, we'll break down their features, pricing, and specialties so you can make a confident choice for your mental health journey.
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.
SonderMind vs. Grow Therapy: Differences at a glance
Understanding the differences between SonderMind and Grow Therapy is the first step in making an informed decision about your mental healthcare journey — especially if you're trying to find a therapist who matches your needs. Here's how they compare across the most important factors.
Average cost per session:
SonderMind: Costs vary depending on your insurance plan; self-pay ranges from $45–$183 per session
Grow Therapy: $21 average per session with insurance; $75–$200 self-pay per session
Total network size:
SonderMind: 12,500+ licensed providers nationwide
Grow Therapy: 23,000+ providers nationwide
Session formats:
SonderMind: Video sessions, in-person sessions, and phone sessions (for self-pay patients only)
Grow Therapy: Virtual and in-person sessions, plus secure messaging between sessions
Services offered:
SonderMind: Individual therapy, psychiatry, family therapy, couples therapy, and group counseling
Grow Therapy: Individual therapy and medication support, including couples, family, and child/adolescent services
Insurance networks:
SonderMind: In-network with most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and TRICARE West; it does not accept Medicaid
Grow Therapy: In-network with over 80 plans, including most major insurances, Medicare, and Medicaid
Geographic availability:
SonderMind: All 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
Grow Therapy: All 50 U.S. states plus Washington, D.C.
Specialty areas:
SonderMind: 40+ specialized areas of care
Grow Therapy: 90+ specialties
Specialized populations:
SonderMind: LGBTQ+ affirming care, teen therapy, and services for seniors
Grow Therapy: Providers specializing in care for LGBTQ, women's issues, men's issues, older adults, and military/veterans; care offered in over 35 languages
Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:
SonderMind: Both virtual and in-person care are available
Grow Therapy: Both virtual and in-person sessions are available
SonderMind at a glance
Founded in 2014, SonderMind is a mental health platform that connects patients with licensed therapists and psychiatrists across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Its nationwide network of over 12,500 licensed providers offers both therapy (available for ages six and older) and psychiatry services through virtual and in-person sessions.
Patients are typically matched with one or more clinicians within 48 hours and can be seen in 10 days or less. The platform's mobile app acts as a wellness companion, providing access to self-guided meditations, AI-powered reflections, and progress tracking tools. SonderMind accepts most major insurance plans, and self-pay rates range from $45 to $183 per session.
Grow Therapy at a glance
Established in 2020, Grow Therapy operates under the principle of "Therapy, made easier, covered by insurance." The platform features a nationwide network of over 23,000 providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., offering access to care in more than 90 specialty areas. Grow Therapy provides both talk therapy and medication support, positioning itself as an all-in-one solution for mental healthcare needs.
With an average session cost of just $21 with insurance and no subscription fees, Grow Therapy focuses on affordability and accessibility. Its self-serve search and filtering process allows patients to choose their own therapist based on specialty, identity, and availability, giving them control over their care journey. The platform also offers virtual and in-person sessions, including nights and weekends, with out-of-pocket rates ranging from $75 to $200 per session and sliding scale options available.
Rula at a glance
Founded in 2019, Rula is a mental health platform that helps people find licensed therapists covered by insurance and schedule care through its platform. Rula connects patients with a nationwide network of 21,000+ providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., offering both telehealth appointments via live video and in-person therapy appointments at provider offices.
Rula supports individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, child therapy, teen therapy, and psychiatry (for people ages 13+). The sign-up process is transparent: Rula verifies your insurance benefits upfront, provides an estimated cost before booking, and lets you filter in-network providers by specialty, availability, language, gender, ethnicity, and other preferences, making it easier to find care that feels like the right fit. Patients can book appointments online — often as soon as tomorrow — and with insurance, typically pay about $15 per session.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Clinical outcomes and how they compare
When choosing a mental health platform, clinical outcomes and evidence-based approaches matter because they demonstrate whether the care you receive actually leads to measurable improvement. Both SonderMind and Grow Therapy track patient progress, but they report different metrics and use different measurement approaches.
SonderMind clinical outcomes
SonderMind uses a measurement-based care approach, which means it tracks treatment progress by administering and reviewing scores on clinical questionnaires like the PHQ-9 for depression and GAD-7 for anxiety. With Sondermind, 84% of patients see a measurable reduction in symptoms within two months. The platform's patient outcomes rank among the top 20% of global outpatient care centers, and 73% of patients continue treatment beyond the first two sessions, suggesting strong engagement.
Grow Therapy clinical outcomes
Grow Therapy uses measurement-informed care (MIC) to track patient progress. The platform reports an average time-to-care of just four days and a high patient satisfaction score of 85 on the Net Promoter Score (NPS) scale. Clinically, about 50% of its patients with moderate to severe symptoms achieve a clinically significant reduction in those symptoms.
Rula clinical outcomes
It’s also worth noting that Rula reports consistently strong outcomes: 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
SonderMind is in-network with most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Grow Therapy is in-network with over 80 plans, including Medicaid, making it a strong option for those with Medicaid coverage.
Insurance plans accepted
SonderMind works with most major plans, including:
BlueCross BlueShield
Humana
United Healthcare
Medicare
Medicare Advantage
TRICARE West (TriWest Healthcare Alliance)
SonderMind does not accept Medicaid, TRICARE East, or ChampVA.
Grow Therapy accepts over 80 insurance plans, including:
Aetna
Anthem
BlueCross BlueShield
Grow Therapy also accepts Medicare and Medicaid, along with an extensive list of regional and state-specific plans.
Another option to keep in mind is Rula, which is designed to make it easier to use insurance for mental healthcare while understanding costs upfront. Therapists on Rula are in-network with many major plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and Optum. Rula also accepts Medicare Advantage, Medicare fee-for-service, and managed Medicaid coverage for select states and insurers.
Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)
With SonderMind, your out-of-pocket costs will vary depending on your specific insurance plan, including your copay and deductible. The platform does not provide a specific average copay amount.
Grow Therapy reports an average session cost of $21 for patients using insurance — but be sure to confirm your exact cost prior to your first appointment.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Both SonderMind and Grow Therapy make it easy to use tax-advantaged funds for your care. SonderMind accepts flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) cards for payments. Similarly, Grow Therapy accepts HSAs, FSAs, and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) to help cover the cost of care.
Self-pay pricing
For those paying out-of-pocket, Sondermind offers the following self-pay rates (which vary depending on the state):
Intake sessions: $90–$183
30-minute sessions: $45–$79
45-minute sessions: $70–$104
60-minute sessions: $85–$154
Grow Therapy's self-pay costs range from $75–$200 per session without insurance. Sliding scale options are also available for this paying out-of-pocket.
Mental health services offered
The range of services a platform offers matters because different mental health concerns require different types of expertise and treatment approaches. Both SonderMind and Grow Therapy provide therapy and medication management, but they differ in the specific treatment modalities available.
Treatment modalities and specialty areas offered by SonderMind
SonderMind providers offer over 40 specialized areas of care, emphasizing evidence-based approaches and culturally competent treatment.
Common therapy approaches include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Psychodynamic approaches
Humanistic therapy
Family therapy approaches
Trauma-informed care
Specialized treatment areas include:
LGBTQIA+ support
Children's mental health (ages 6+)
Teen mental health
Trauma and PTSD
Grief and loss
Anxiety and depression
Relationship issues
Life transitions
SonderMind provides medication management through board-certified psychiatrists (MD/DO) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP). These services are available with or without concurrent therapy and include initial evaluations and shorter follow-up appointments.
Treatment approaches offered by Grow Therapy
Grow Therapy providers specialize in over 90 different areas to address diverse mental health concerns.
Common treatment modalities include:
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
Specialty areas include:
Mood and anxiety disorders: Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, mood disorders
Trauma and stress-related conditions: Trauma and PTSD, grief, anger management
Behavioral and developmental concerns: ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), addiction, eating disorders, substance misuse
Life transitions and adjustment: Life transitions, coping skills, career counseling
Relationship and family issues: Couples counseling, family conflict, family therapy, parenting
Identity and demographic-specific care: LGBTQ, women's issues, men's issues, postpartum, older adults, military/veterans, racism
Severe mental health conditions: Suicidal ideation, personality disorders, serious mental illness
Treatment approaches offered by Rula
Rula's nationwide network covers 180+ clinical specialties, giving you access to a broad range of therapies tailored to your needs, identity, and treatment goals.
Common approaches used by Rula providers 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's providers use these evidence-based approaches to address a spectrum of mental health concerns — from anxiety and depression to trauma, ADHD, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges, and beyond.
Beyond talk therapy, Rula also provides psychiatric medication management through licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) for individuals 13 and up, making it possible to receive both therapy and psychiatry in one place.
Inclusivity and specialized care
When it comes to therapy, finding a provider who understands your unique background, identity, and experiences can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. Both SonderMind and Grow Therapy emphasize inclusivity and specialized care, but they approach it differently.
SonderMind inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: SonderMind's network includes licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists (MD/DO), and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), offering a comprehensive range of services from talk therapy to medication management.
Specializations offered: The platform offers over 40 specialized areas of care, including trauma, grief, anxiety, and ADHD, allowing patients to find providers with expertise in their specific concerns.
Languages available: Specific information regarding the number of languages offered by providers is not provided.
Inclusivity factors: SonderMind provides LGBTQ+ affirming care with clinicians trained in LGBTQ-focused approaches. It also offers specialized services for teens and seniors and is committed to providing culturally sensitive mental health support.
Grow Therapy inclusivity and specialization overview
Licensure types: Grow Therapy's network includes licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners.
Specializations offered: The platform offers access to providers across more than 90 specialty areas, including anxiety, depression, trauma, couples counseling, and family therapy.
Languages available: Providers on the Grow Therapy platform speak over 35 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), making care accessible to a diverse patient population.
Inclusivity factors: Grow Therapy allows patients to filter for providers who specialize in working with LGBTQ individuals, women's issues, men's issues, older adults, military/veterans, and those dealing with racism-related concerns.
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 — and whether you can book in a way that works for your schedule — can make a real difference in whether you start and stick with treatment.
Rula is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and offers both live video telehealth appointments and in-person therapy appointments. Getting started is quick and straightforward: verify your insurance in minutes, browse a nationwide network, see your estimated costs upfront, and often schedule your first appointment as soon as tomorrow.
How access works with SonderMind
Geographic availability: SonderMind operates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., though psychiatry availability varies by state.
Matching process: After completing an intake form, a matching team connects you with at least two providers within 48 hours based on your needs and preferences.
Time to first appointment: Patients are typically seen in 10 days or less, which is significantly faster than traditional wait times.
Session formats: The platform offers virtual sessions via its HIPAA-compliant video platform, in-person sessions, and audio-only sessions for self-pay patients.
Between-session support: Its mobile app provides wellness tools and progress tracking through clinical questionnaires.
How access works with Grow Therapy
Geographic availability: Grow Therapy operates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., providing nationwide coverage.
Matching process: The platform uses a self-serve search process, allowing you to filter its large network of providers by specialty, insurance, and identity to find the right fit.
Time to first appointment: The process is fast, with the platform stating you can book online in 10 minutes and be seen in two days or less.
Session formats: Grow Therapy offers both virtual and in-person sessions, with flexible scheduling that includes nights and weekends.
Between-session support: The platform also features secure messaging and progress-tracking tools to support your care journey.
What each platform does best
Understanding where each platform excels can help you make a thoughtful decision that prioritizes your mental health needs. Both SonderMind and Grow Therapy aim to connect you with quality providers, but they each have distinct advantages.
SonderMind excels at:
Measurement-based care: Uses clinical questionnaires like the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 to track progress and ensure evidence-based treatment
Comprehensive mobile app: Provides self-guided resources, AI-powered reflections, and progress tracking
High patient satisfaction: 95% of patients feel a strong connection with their provider, indicating successful matching and engagement
Transparent self-pay pricing: Offers a clear pricing structure with rates based on session length and state
Personalized provider matching: Connects you with one or more clinicians within 48 hours based on your specific needs and preferences
Grow Therapy excels at:
Fastest time to care: Patients can be seen in two days or less with no waitlists
Lowest average cost with insurance: An average session cost of $21 with insurance makes it one of the most affordable options for insured patients
Largest provider network: With over 23,000 providers, patients have extensive options for finding the right match
Medicaid acceptance: In-network with over 80 plans, including Medicaid, making it accessible for those with Medicaid coverage
Language diversity: Providers speak over 35 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL)
Summary: Is SonderMind or Grow Therapy right for you?
SonderMind and Grow Therapy both offer nationwide access to licensed therapists and psychiatrists, but they differ in key areas. Grow Therapy has a larger provider network (23,000+ vs. 12,500+), offers more specialties (90+ vs. 40+), and provides faster access to care (two days vs. 10 days). Grow Therapy accepts Medicaid while SonderMind does not, making it the clear choice for those with Medicaid coverage. SonderMind distinguishes itself through proven clinical outcomes — 84% of patients see measurable symptom reduction in two months — and a comprehensive mobile app with progress tracking.
You could also consider Rula, which offers therapy and psychiatry across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rula verifies insurance, provides an estimated out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment, and connects you with a curated list of in-network providers. Patients using insurance typically pay about $15 per session.
FAQs
How do SonderMind and Grow Therapy differ in which insurance plans they accept?
SonderMind is in-network with most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and TRICARE West (TriWest Healthcare Alliance), but does not accept Medicaid, TRICARE East, or ChampVA. Grow Therapy is in-network with over 80 plans, including most major insurances, Medicare, and Medicaid, making it accessible for those with Medicaid coverage.
What should you expect from each platform's getting started process?
SonderMind uses a matching team that connects you with one or more clinicians within 48 hours after you complete an intake form, with patients typically seen in 10 days or less. Grow Therapy offers a self-serve search process where you can filter providers by specialty, insurance, and identity, book online in 10 minutes, and be seen in two days or less.
Why choose Rula for quality of care?
Rula reports consistently strong outcomes: 93% of patients feel better about their symptoms, 94% feel comfortable with their provider, and 98% find a provider that meets their preferences. The platform connects you with 21,000+ providers across all 50 states for therapy and psychiatry through virtual and in-person appointments. Rula accepts most major insurance plans, and many insured patients pay about $15 per session.
Find care with Rula
Choosing between mental health platforms is an important decision — one that can shape how quickly you start treatment and how supported you feel along the way. With Rula, you can verify your insurance in minutes, browse providers who match your specific needs and preferences, and see your estimated costs upfront before booking. Many patients schedule their first appointment as soon as tomorrow, so you can start making progress without the usual delays or uncertainty.
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.
