Starting therapy is a meaningful step, and finding the right online therapy platform can make the process smoother. Both Grow Therapy and SonderMind connect clients with licensed mental health professionals for virtual and in-person care, helping remove barriers to access.
While they share the same goal of improving access to mental health services, each platform takes a different approach. This guide breaks down what makes them unique, from insurance coverage and session flexibility to specialties and digital tools, so clients can decide which one best fits their goals, schedule, and comfort level.
Key takeaways
- Grow Therapy and SonderMind both offer virtual and in-person therapy with licensed providers.
- Grow Therapy partners with over 100 insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, while SonderMind accepts most major commercial plans and Medicare only.
- Both platforms provide medication management and broad specialty coverage.
- Grow Therapy focuses on insurance accessibility and therapist choice.
- SonderMind emphasizes guided matching, progress tracking, and a structured care experience.
Grow Therapy vs. SonderMind at a glance
| Grow Therapy | SonderMind | |
| Pricing model | Pay-per-session | Pay-per-session |
| Accepts Medicare and Medicaid | ✔ | X Doesn’t accept Medicaid |
| Identity filter for therapist matching | ✔ | X |
| Medication management | ✔ | ✔ |
| Specialties offered | ✔ 135 specialties | ✔ 40+ specialties |
| Session flexibility | ✔ | ✔ |
What is Grow Therapy?
Grow Therapy is an online therapy platform that helps clients find affordable, accessible care through licensed therapists and psychiatric providers. The platform supports more than 135 specialties, ranging from anxiety and depression to trauma, ADHD, and family therapy.
Clients can browse and choose their own in-network therapist based on specialty, insurance, and availability. Sessions are available online or in person, often including evening and weekend options. Because Grow Therapy partners with over 100 insurance companies, many users can access care at their typical copay, with an average session cost of about $21.
Grow Therapy pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| • Accepts 100+ insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid • Virtual and in-person sessions • Evening and weekend availability • Access to psychiatric care and medication management • Tools for scheduling, billing, and continued care in between sessions | • Cash pay rates vary by provider • In-person availability depends on location |
Choosing a therapist
Grow Therapy clients have the option to meet virtually or in person, and many providers offer evening or weekend appointments. While Grow Therapy gives clients the freedom to choose their own therapist, it can take some filtering and comparison to narrow down the best fit. The platform’s directory simplifies the process with filters for insurance, specialty, availability, and more, allowing users to tailor their search to their preferences and coverage. Also, clients can view a more in-depth profile to learn more about a potential provider’s background and treatment methods before committing to an appointment.
What is SonderMind?
SonderMind is a mental health platform that connects clients with licensed therapists and psychiatric providers for virtual or in-person care. The platform uses a guided matching system that recommends providers based on each client’s preferences, insurance, and location, helping streamline the process of finding a therapist who fits their needs.
SonderMind’s approach combines technology with personalized care by offering clients curated therapist recommendations rather than requiring them to search manually. Providers on the platform offer services across a range of specialties, and clients can access both therapy and medication management depending on their location.
SonderMind pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| • Offers both therapy and psychiatry services • Tracks progress and outcomes through digital tools • Virtual and in-person sessions across all 50 states • Mobile app with between-session resources | • In-person availability varies by state • Does not currently accept Medicaid • Out-of-pocket costs may vary depending on provider and location |
Therapy costs
The platform accepts most major insurance plans and Medicare, though coverage and provider availability may vary. Unlike Grow Therapy, SonderMind does not currently offer coverage through Medicaid. Clients can meet with their therapist virtually or in person, with flexible scheduling options that often include evenings and weekends. SonderMind’s app also includes progress tracking and between-session resources to help clients stay engaged in their care, which is a similar offering to Grow Therapy.
Compare Grow Therapy vs. SonderMind benefits
Pricing
Grow Therapy
Grow Therapy uses a straightforward pay-per-session model, with options to pay through insurance or out of pocket. Many clients are able to see their expected session cost upfront using Grow Therapy’s cost estimate tool. For those paying privately, rates are set individually by each provider and can vary by location and experience. Clients can use filters for cost, availability, and specialty to find a provider who fits their budget.
SonderMind
SonderMind also operates on a pay-per-session pricing structure, unlike other online therapy platforms, such as BetterHelp or Talkspace, that charge a subscription. Session costs depend on your provider and location, and clients can view expected pricing during the matching process before committing to an appointment. While the platform accepts most major insurance plans and Medicare, out-of-pocket fees may differ if a provider is not in-network.
Insurance acceptance
Grow Therapy
Grow Therapy works with more than 100 health insurance plans across the U.S., including Medicare and Medicaid in some states. The platform also partners with many marketplace and regional plans, giving clients more opportunities to stay in-network. Because providers join the platform with their existing insurance contracts, coverage can be available in areas where other platforms may have fewer options. This breadth can make it easier for clients to find a therapist who accepts their specific plan and understands their expected costs before booking.
SonderMind
SonderMind accepts most major insurance plans and Medicare. Because the platform does not work with Medicaid, clients cannot use Medicaid for services; however, those with other eligible insurance plans may still be able to use their coverage for therapy and psychiatry services. Insurance participation can vary by state and provider, so clients are encouraged to verify benefits during the matching process. This helps ensure they have a clear picture of what their sessions will cost before getting started.
Therapy matching
Grow Therapy
Grow Therapy offers a large network of licensed therapists, along with robust search tools that make it easier for clients to find a provider who aligns with their preferences. The online therapy platform includes built-in filters for provider identity, such as race/ethnicity, gender identity, and language, which allows clients to intentionally search for clinicians who share or understand aspects of their lived experience. This is a standard part of Grow’s matching process, helping clients connect with providers who feel like the right fit, whether they are seeking virtual or in-person care.
SonderMind
SonderMind provides a guided matching process to connect clients with therapists based on clinical needs and general preferences. However, the platform does not offer filters to search for therapists by identity. Clients may request an identity-aligned provider, such as a non-binary Latinx therapist, but SonderMind does not guarantee that such a match will be available. Identity-based matching depends heavily on regional provider availability, and clients may have limited options.
Specialties
Grow Therapy
Grow Therapy offers access to providers across 135+ specialties, spanning common needs like anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and relationship issues, as well as more niche areas. These include support for OCD, perinatal and postpartum mental health, chronic illness management, sleep disorders, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, grief and loss, and culturally informed therapy. Clients can also find therapists who specialize in working with children and teens, couples, and families, making it easier to match with someone who aligns with their specific concerns or identity.
SonderMind
SonderMind offers 40+ therapeutic specialties and modalities, covering many of the most common mental health needs such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship support. Clients can access care for children and teens, couples, and families, along with treatment options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. While the specialty range is more concentrated, the matching process helps highlight providers who align with a client’s goals and preferred therapeutic style.
How to choose the right therapy platform
Both Grow Therapy and SonderMind connect clients with licensed therapists and psychiatric providers, but the right fit depends on what matters most to you. Here are a few key factors to consider:
- Cost and insurance: Look at how each platform works with your insurance plan and what your expected out-of-pocket costs might be. Grow Therapy partners with a wider range of insurance plans, while SonderMind accepts most major commercial plans and Medicare.
- Specialties: Think about the type of support you’re looking for. Grow Therapy offers a broader range of specialties, which may provide more options for specific or niche concerns. SonderMind offers a focused set of specialties designed to support common mental health needs.
- Personal preferences: Consider how you prefer to find a therapist. Grow Therapy allows clients to browse profiles and choose directly, while SonderMind asks for personal information before viewing available therapist options. Both approaches can work well depending on how much information you’re willing to give up front.
Final thoughts
Both Grow Therapy and SonderMind make it easier to find licensed therapists and psychiatric providers for ongoing care. Each online therapy platform offers virtual and in-person sessions, flexible scheduling, and tools to help clients stay engaged in the therapy process. While they share the same goal of improving access to mental health care, they differ in how clients discover and connect with providers.
Grow Therapy may appeal to individuals who want broad insurance acceptance and the ability to explore a large directory of providers. Its approach gives clients control over selecting someone who fits their preferences, schedule, and clinical needs.
SonderMind may be a good fit for clients who prefer a more guided start, with therapist recommendations based on their goals, location, and availability. Its matching process can simplify getting connected, especially for those who don’t want to sort through multiple profiles on their own.
Ultimately, the best platform depends on your priorities, whether that’s insurance coverage, speed to appointment, specialty options, or how you prefer to choose a provider. Both Grow Therapy and SonderMind offer accessible paths to care, and the right choice is the one that aligns with your needs, comfort level, and therapy goals.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Grow Therapy is committed to providing safe, affordable, and reliable mental health care. The platform works only with licensed, credentialed providers and uses transparent billing and HIPAA-compliant systems to protect your privacy. Grow Therapy is also BBB Accredited, offering an extra layer of confidence.
Grow Therapy’s main competitors in the online therapy space include platforms like Headway, Alma, BetterHelp, and Talkspace. The biggest difference is that Grow Therapy accepts a wide range of insurance plans and uses a simple pay-per-session model rather than a monthly subscription.
Grow Therapy stands out because it connects clients with independent therapists who are in-network with more insurance companies than most platforms. While some competitors rely mainly on cash-pay or subscription models, Grow Therapy is designed to make using your existing health plan straightforward. It’s also one of the few platforms offering both online and in-person therapy, plus medication management, all in one place, making it easier to start and continue care.