Talkspace vs Grow Therapy: Compare pricing, insurance, and care options

Finding the right online therapy platform shouldn't feel like another obstacle to getting care. When you're ready to start therapy, you need clear answers about what you'll pay, which providers you can see, and whether your insurance will actually cover it. Talkspace and Grow Therapy both promise accessible mental healthcare, but they work in fundamentally different ways—and those differences matter for your wallet, your schedule, and your treatment experience.

In this guide, we'll compare Talkspace and Grow Therapy across pricing models, insurance acceptance, provider networks, and service delivery. Understanding how each platform actually works, not just what they promise, can help you choose the option that fits your needs and gets you started with the right support.

You may also want to consider Rula as you explore your options. Rula connects patients with a nationwide network of more than 21,000 licensed providers, works with most major insurance plans, and offers both therapy and psychiatry through virtual and in-person appointments. With upfront cost estimates and typical insurance copays around $15 per session, Rula can be a more affordable and flexible option for people looking for coordinated mental healthcare.

Talkspace vs. Grow Therapy: Differences at a glance

Both Talkspace and Grow Therapy offer online mental health services with insurance coverage, but they use different approaches to connect you with care. Understanding these key differences can help you choose the platform that fits your needs and preferences.

Average cost per session:

• Talkspace: $69 to $109 per week for therapy subscriptions; average in-network copay is $15 to $30

• Grow Therapy: $75 to $200+ per session with pay-per-session model; average in-network copay is $21

Number of providers:

• Talkspace: 6,000 therapists and 200+ psychiatric providers

• Grow Therapy: 23,000+ therapists, with psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners available

Modes of communication:

• Talkspace: Asynchronous messaging (text, audio, video, pictures) available 24/7; live sessions via video, audio, or chat

• Grow Therapy: Virtual sessions via secure telehealth link and in-person appointments; secure messaging in client portal

Services offered:

• Talkspace: Individual therapy (adults and teens 13-17), couples therapy, teen therapy, psychiatry and medication management (18+)

• Grow Therapy: Individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, child and adolescent therapy, and medication management as standalone service

Insurance acceptance:

• Talkspace: Accepts most major US health insurance plans including Medicare; does not accept Medicaid

• Grow Therapy: Accepts 80+ insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid in select states

States covered:

• Talkspace: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.

• Grow Therapy: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Number of specialties offered:

• Talkspace: 150+ specializations covering conditions and treatment areas

• Grow Therapy: 90+ specialties including anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and trauma

Inclusivity and patient focus:

• Talkspace: 32 languages spoken, over 30% of providers are BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+

• Grow Therapy: 35+ languages via interpreter services including American Sign Language (ASL); military/veterans specialty available; patients can filter the marketplace by provider identity, including gender, age, and other preferences.

Virtual-only or virtual + in-person availability:

• Talkspace: Virtual-only platform with no in-person sessions

• Grow Therapy: Both virtual telehealth and in-person appointments available

Talkspace at a glance

Talkspace is an online therapy service founded in 2012 that connects you to licensed providers through a subscription-based model. The platform combines asynchronous messaging — where you can send messages to your therapist 24/7 — with scheduled live sessions via video, audio, or chat. You're typically matched with a therapist within two days through a questionnaire-based system, and you can switch providers at any time for no additional cost.

Talkspace offers subscription plans ranging from $69 to $109 per week, depending on whether you choose messaging-only or messaging plus live sessions. The platform's network includes 6,000 therapists and 200+ psychiatric providers covering more than 150 specializations. Talkspace accepts most major insurance plans including Medicare, but it doesn't currently accept Medicaid. All communication happens on the Talkspace platform — you can't use outside services like personal phone calls or Zoom.

Grow Therapy at a glance

Grow Therapy is a mental health marketplace founded in 2020 that helps you find in-network therapists for both virtual and in-person care. Instead of subscriptions, Grow Therapy uses a pay-per-session model where you only pay for the appointments you book. The platform focuses on making care accessible through insurance and provides upfront cost estimates so you know your financial responsibility before your first session.

With over 23,000 providers, you can browse and filter therapists by location, insurance plan, specialty, and availability, including nights and weekends. The average wait time to see a provider is two days or less, and you can book appointments online in about 10 minutes. Grow Therapy accepts over 80 insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid in select states. Many providers offer sliding scale rates to make care more affordable, and the platform includes a comprehensive client portal with progress tracking tools and between-session resources.

Rula at a glance

Rula is another option to consider. Rula is a mental health platform that connects people with a nationwide network of more than 21,000 licensed therapists and psychiatric providers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Instead of a subscription model, Rula is built around insurance-based care, helping make therapy and psychiatry more affordable and easier to navigate.

"Finding mental healthcare through insurance can be a daunting task, but Rula made it easy to find a therapist who meets my needs and takes my insurance," says one patient.

Rula supports individual therapy for children ages five and up, as well as couples therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care with medication management for ages 13 and older. For most people using insurance, sessions typically cost around $15, and many are able to book their first appointment within a few days. Getting started is straightforward: Rula verifies your insurance upfront, shows you an estimated cost before you book, and allows you to filter in-network providers by specialty, availability, language, gender, ethnicity, and other preferences—so you can find care that truly fits.

Clinical outcomes and how they compare

Clinical outcomes and evidence-based approaches help you understand what to expect from treatment and make informed decisions about your care. Both platforms track their effectiveness, though they measure success in different ways.

Talkspace clinical outcomes

According to Talkspace outcomes data, 70% of patients show significant improvement on standardized anxiety and depression measures, and 80% of users say Talkspace is as effective or more effective than in-person therapy.

Grow Therapy clinical outcomes

Grow Therapy uses measurement-informed care (MIC) — a data-driven approach that incorporates regular symptom check-ins — to inform treatment. According to the company, clients with moderate-to-severe depression see about a 50% reduction in symptoms, and the platform maintains an 85 Net Promoter Score (NPS), reflecting high client satisfaction.

Rula clinical outcomes

It’s also worth noting that Rula reports consistently strong outcomes: 93% of patients feel better about their symptoms, 94% feel comfortable with their provider, and 98% find a provider who fits their preferences — exceeding national benchmarks by more than 10% on average.

Cost and insurance coverage

Understanding how each platform handles payment and insurance can help you avoid surprises. Talkspace and Grow Therapy use different pricing models and insurance structures, so your total cost may vary depending on your plan, location, and the type of care you’re seeking.

Insurance plans accepted

Talkspace insurance networks
Talkspace accepts most major commercial insurance plans, including Cigna, Optum, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Carelon, TRICARE, and Anthem. It works with traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans for members 65 and older but doesn't accept Medicaid plans. The platform uses a hybrid payment model that accepts both insurance and self-pay with credit or debit cards.

Grow Therapy insurance networks
Grow Therapy accepts over 80 insurance plans, including multiple variants of Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, Humana, and Oscar. It accepts Medicare in select states and Medicaid in select states. The platform also supports cash-pay for out-of-network sessions with the option to request a superbill for possible reimbursement.

Rula insurance networks

Another option to keep in mind is Rula, which is designed around insurance-based care. Rula works with over 100 insurance plans nationwide, and insured patients typically pay around $15 per session through carriers like Kaiser Permanente, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and UnitedHealthcare. The platform confirms coverage upfront and provides a clear cost estimate before your first appointment.

Out-of-pocket costs (with insurance)

Your out-of-pocket cost with either platform depends on your specific insurance plan's copay, coinsurance, and deductible. Grow Therapy's average copay is $21, but the platform provides upfront cost estimates and in-network benefits verification before you book, so you know what to expect. With Talkspace, your insurance coverage may affect which features, like unlimited messaging, are available to you. Talkspace estimates a $15 to $30 copay, depending on your plan. It's always smart to verify your coverage and pricing directly with your insurer before starting treatment.

HSA/FSA eligibility

Both platforms support health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA). Grow Therapy and Talkspace accept HSA cards directly as a payment method — you can update your debit, credit, or HSA card information in your account. You can also pay with a credit or debit card and submit your bills to your FSA/HSA provider for reimbursement.

Self-pay pricing

Talkspace offers self-pay rates via its subscription plans. These are billed automatically on a monthly, quarterly, or biannual basis.

• Therapy subscriptions: $69 to $109 per week depending on plan (messaging-only vs. messaging plus live sessions and workshops)

• Additional live sessions: $65 each when scheduling beyond included sessions

• Couples therapy: $436 per month (starting cost)

• Psychiatry initial evaluation: $299 for the session

• Psychiatry follow-up sessions: $175 per session

Grow Therapy uses a pay-per-session model, typically $75 to $200+ per visit depending on the provider. There are no subscription fees or weekly charges. Many therapists offer sliding scale pricing to fit different budgets, and you can also pay cash for out-of-network sessions.

Mental health services offered

The range of mental health services and treatment approaches a platform offers determines whether it can meet your specific therapeutic needs and preferences. Both platforms provide evidence-based care from licensed professionals, but they differ in their service delivery models and specialization areas.

Treatment approaches offered by Talkspace

Talkspace providers cover over 150 specializations. However, it's important to note that Talkspace doesn't treat substance use or psychosis and does not conduct formal autism assessments.

Common modalities include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Humanistic therapy 

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) 

• Mentalization therapy

• Emotion-focused therapy (EFT)

• Psychodynamic therapy

• Exposure therapy 

• Somatic therapy

• Grief counseling

• Talk therapy

Some of the specialty areas and conditions treated include:

• Anxiety disorders: anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Mood disorders: depression, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder

• Trauma and stress: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma and grief, childhood abuse

• ADHD: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder assessment and treatment

• Sleep disorders: insomnia and sleep-related mental health issues

• Relationship concerns: relationships, family conflict, parenting issues

• Eating disorders: Specialized eating disorder treatment and support

• Anger management: Support for anger-related concerns and behaviors

• Chronic illness: Mental health support for coping with chronic health conditions

Treatment approaches offered by Grow Therapy

Similar to Talkspace, Grow Therapy's network of providers is trained in multiple specialties, covering more than 30 conditions.

Common treatment modalities 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

A few of the specialty areas include:

• Anxiety and stress: anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, phobias

• Mood disorders: depression, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, postpartum depression

• Trauma: trauma and PTSD, childhood trauma, sexual abuse, domestic violence

• ADHD and learning: ADHD, learning disabilities, school issues

• Relationship and family: Couples counseling, family conflict, family therapy, parenting, peer relationships

• Life transitions: Coping skills, life transitions, grief, self-esteem issues

• Specialized populations: Child or adolescent therapy, older adults, women's issues, men's issues, military/veterans

• Behavioral health: Anger management, addiction, substance misuse, self-harming, suicidal ideation

• Eating and body image: Eating disorders

Treatment approaches offered by Rula

Rula’s nationwide network spans more than 180 clinical specialties, allowing patients to connect with providers who offer evidence-based care aligned with their mental health needs, personal background, and treatment goals.

Common therapeutic approaches used by providers on Rula include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

• 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

Through this breadth of care, Rula providers support a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma and PTSD, relationship and family issues, parenting challenges, and more.

In addition to therapy, Rula offers psychiatric care and medication management through licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) for people ages 13 and older, enabling therapy and psychiatry to be coordinated within one platform.

Inclusivity and specialized care

Finding a provider you trust and feel comfortable with is essential for effective therapy. Both platforms prioritize inclusivity through diverse provider networks and specialized care options, though they approach it differently.

Talkspace's inclusivity and specialization overview

Licensure types: Talkspace's network includes therapists across various licensure types (licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed professional counselor (LPC), psychologists) and psychiatric providers, including board-certified psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs).

Specializations offered: Providers cover over 150 conditions and treatment areas, with dedicated support for LGBTQIA+ affirming care, teen therapy (ages 13 to 17), couples counseling, trauma-informed care, and specialized treatment for anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and more.

Languages available: The provider network covers more than 32 languages, including Spanish, Chinese, French, and German.

Inclusivity factors: Talkspace highlights its network of LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists and psychiatric providers with a dedicated page for LGBTQIA+ community support. The network also includes providers who identify as BIPOC.

Grow Therapy's inclusivity and specialization overview

Licensure types: Grow Therapy's network of providers includes licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners across various licensure types.

Specializations offered: You can filter for providers who focus on specific needs like child and adolescent therapy, older adults, military/veterans, LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, couples counseling, family therapy, and many other specialized areas.

Languages available: Grow Therapy offers interpreter services for over 35 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), for telehealth sessions.

Inclusivity factors: 44% of providers on the platform identify as members of the BIPOC community. The platform also includes LGBTQ as a specialty filter option. The platform also offers dedicated specialty filters for military and veteran mental healthcare needs.

Platform availability and access

When you’re ready to start care, the logistics matter. How quickly you can book a first appointment, how easy it is to schedule sessions, and how you stay connected with your provider all determine whether a service fits into your life.

With Rula, access is fast and straightforward: verify your insurance in minutes, browse a nationwide network spanning 180+ clinical specialties, see your estimated costs upfront, and often schedule your first appointment as soon as tomorrow.

How access works with Talkspace

Talkspace emphasizes convenience and frequent touchpoints, making it a good fit for people who want support between appointments. Here’s what accessing care through Talkspace looks like:

States served: Talkspace is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. If you’re traveling, you can still use the platform with an internet connection, though insurance or EAP coverage may be limited depending on your location.

Matching process: After completing a short questionnaire, Talkspace matches you with a licensed provider — typically within a few days. You can also browse their provider directory using filters like specialty and provider background.

Session formats: Communication happens through asynchronous messaging (text, audio, video, and picture messages) through a private therapy room, plus scheduled live sessions via video, audio, or chat. All care takes place within the Talkspace platform, and in-person appointments are not available.

Scheduling: You can coordinate sessions directly with your provider through in-app messaging. Providers typically respond to messages during their set availability windows, and messaging response times may vary by clinician and plan type.

App/portal experience: Talkspace offers both a mobile app and web-based portal where you can message your provider, attend live sessions, complete check-ins, and track progress over time. Some plans also include access to Talkspace Go, a separate self-guided app with mental wellness tools.

How access works with Grow Therapy

Grow Therapy operates more like a self-serve marketplace, giving you the ability to search, filter, and book directly with licensed providers. Here’s what accessing care through Grow Therapy looks like:

States served: Grow Therapy is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. You can access care virtually nationwide, and in-person sessions may be available depending on where your provider is located.

Matching process: Grow Therapy uses a self-directed directory model — you choose your care type (therapy or medication management), enter your location and insurance information, and then filter by specialty, availability, language, provider identity, and session format. You’re not assigned a match automatically, and you can switch providers if you need a better fit.

Session formats: Sessions are available via telehealth or in person, depending on the provider. Virtual appointments take place through a secure meeting link, and some providers allow additional participants to join for couples or family sessions. Secure messaging is available through the client portal for non-urgent communication between appointments.

Scheduling: You can book directly from a provider’s profile, with many clinicians offering evening or weekend availability. Grow Therapy emphasizes fast access (often within a few days), and you can filter for providers with near-term openings based on your timeline.

App/portal experience: Grow Therapy offers a client portal where you can manage appointments, access session links, message your provider securely, and view billing or insurance details. Some users may also see additional features like check-ins, progress tracking, and between-session tools, depending on their provider and care type.

What each platform does best

By focusing on what each platform does best, you can narrow in on the option that fits your needs and the way you want to receive care.

Talkspace is best if you need:

• 24/7 asynchronous messaging: Continuous access to your private therapy room with ability to send text, audio, video, and picture messages at any time, providing ongoing support between scheduled sessions

• Subscription predictability: Weekly subscription model with predictable costs and unlimited messaging access rather than per-session charges

• Quick guided matching: Questionnaire-based matching system that simplifies finding a therapist and gets you started within a couple of days

• Established track record: Founded in 2012 with over a decade of operation and strong clinical outcomes data

• Medicare acceptance: Works with traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans for members 65 and older

• Multiple communication modes: Combines asynchronous messaging with scheduled live sessions plus weekly workshops (depending on subscription tier)

Grow Therapy is best if you need:

• In-person and virtual flexibility: Offers both telehealth and face-to-face appointments, catering to different preferences and needs

• Largest provider network: Over 23,000 therapists, significantly increasing your chances of finding the right match

• Pay-per-session affordability: No subscription fees with many therapists offering sliding scale options to fit different budgets

• Broader insurance acceptance: Accepts over 80 plans including Medicaid in select states, providing access for more people

• Self-directed provider selection: Allows you to browse and choose your own provider based on detailed profiles and specific criteria

• Comprehensive digital tools: Robust client portal with progress tracking, goal setting, and between-session engagement resources

Summary: Is Talkspace or Grow Therapy right for you?

Talkspace and Grow Therapy both make it easier to access licensed mental health providers, but they’re built for different styles of care. Talkspace is a fully virtual subscription service that emphasizes frequent, between-session communication. If you like the idea of messaging your therapist throughout the week, alongside scheduled live sessions, Talkspace can feel supportive and consistent, especially for people who want a more continuous connection and predictable pricing.

Grow Therapy works more like a marketplace. You browse providers, choose who you want to work with, and pay per session. That structure can be a better fit if you want more control over provider selection, prefer the option of in-person care, or want to use Medicaid (in select states). Grow also stands out for its client portal experience, which includes scheduling, messaging, and tools that can help you track goals or progress over time.

To help you decide, consider these key questions:

• Do you prefer a subscription model, or would you rather pay per session?

• Is between-session messaging important to you, or do you mainly want live appointments?

• Do you want the option of in-person therapy, or is virtual-only care a better fit?

• Do you need Medicaid coverage or broader insurance flexibility?

• Do you want to choose your provider directly, or would you prefer being matched?

Another option worth considering is Rula. Rula brings therapy and psychiatry together in one platform, offering virtual and in-person care through a nationwide network of providers while working with most major insurance plans. For many people using insurance, sessions cost about $15, making it an accessible choice for ongoing, integrated mental healthcare.

FAQs

How do costs compare between Talkspace and Grow Therapy?

Talkspace uses a weekly subscription, with self-pay costs ranging from $69–$109 weekly; in-network copays typically range from $15–$30 per session. Grow Therapy uses pay-per-session pricing (generally $75–$250+ self-pay) with many clinicians offering sliding-scale rates; the average in-network copay is about $21.

How does getting started differ between Talkspace and Grow Therapy?

Talkspace uses a questionnaire-based matching system where you answer questions online and they match you with a licensed provider, after which you can start therapy through messaging or live sessions. Grow Therapy uses a "browse and book" approach where you search for providers based on your preferences, review their profiles, and directly book appointments through their calendar.

What insurance plans do Talkspace and Grow Therapy accept, and how do you verify coverage before your first session?

Talkspace accepts insurance from Cigna, Optum, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and other major insurers, including Original Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage Part C, and you can check your coverage during sign-up. Grow Therapy accepts a wide variety of health insurance that varies by region, and you can use their Cost Estimate tool or contact your insurance company directly to verify your benefits before booking.

Why choose Rula for quality of care?

Rula emphasizes proven outcomes, with 93% of patients reporting symptom improvement and results that surpass national benchmarks on average by 10%. The platform offers access to 21,000+ licensed providers across 180+ specialties, with therapy and psychiatry available both virtually and in person. Rula accepts 100+ insurance plans, provides upfront pricing, and keeps typical insurance copays around $15 per session, making high-quality care more accessible and predictable.

Find care with Rula

Choosing between platforms is only part of the decision — what matters most is getting connected with a provider who can actually support your progress. Rula makes it simple to take the next step. You can verify your insurance in minutes, browse in-network providers who match your needs, and book an appointment quickly, often as soon as the next day.

If you ever need help along the way, from switching providers to understanding coverage, support is built into the experience. When you’re ready to get started with care that’s accessible, affordable, and designed to work with your insurance, Rula is here to help.