If you’re considering seeking mental health care services, you may come across several resources for online therapy. During the past few years, there’s been a greater demand for online therapy, and new platforms have been launched to fill that need. But while having many choices is great, finding the right platform is essential to achieving your therapy goals and improving your mental well-being.
Grow Therapy launched in 2020 with the goal of making online therapy more affordable and accessible. They offer online therapy and medication management. However, depending on your unique therapeutic needs, it may not be the best fit. Below, we’ll guide you through several alternatives to Grow Therapy to consider as you search for a mental health provider and explain how SonderMind is a premium option.
What kind of care do you need? Are you planning to use your health insurance? How soon do you want to talk to a therapist? These are just a few questions to ask yourself while exploring alternatives to Grow Therapy.
In the following sections, we’ll go over what to look for to find a platform that meets all of your needs.
Online therapy (or “teletherapy”) offers a way to meet with a therapist in a virtual setting. This may be more convenient and comfortable for you. With online therapy, you don’t have to leave home or travel to and from your appointments. You can receive the care you need from the comfort of your home at times that work for you.
In-person therapy allows you to meet with a therapist in their office. You might prefer this if you don’t feel comfortable opening up to a mental health professional virtually or if you don’t have a reliable internet connection.
Having access to both in-person and online therapy may be helpful. Online therapy works better for certain needs, while in-person therapy is more suitable for addressing other needs. Or you may discover that you prefer one approach over the other.
Some platforms give you access to both, while others only offer online therapy. Be sure to screen any service you’re considering to ensure it provides the most comfortable option.
Not all platforms provide you with options for these services. Some only offer talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Depending on your needs, you may need to find a platform that provides psychiatric care and medication management.
If you take prescription medication for a mental health condition, having access to medication management services is both convenient and helpful. This ensures you can get your medication refilled or adjusted as needed without communicating with multiple offices.
Trying to schedule in-person therapy at a private practice near you may be frustrating. Therapists may not be available right away. In fact, some places have wait lists that are a couple of weeks or even months long.
Once you’ve decided you need help, quick access to care is important. Some telehealth platforms offer quick access, allowing you to meet with a therapist within a week. The number of providers and their availability on a platform will determine how quickly you can access care.
How can you tell if online therapy is working well for you? Feedback-informed treatment provides a great way to evaluate your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed to improve therapy outcomes.
This approach involves periodically gathering feedback from you. Your therapist uses this information to tailor your treatment to your specific needs. If you’re not seeing improvements, consider exploring other modalities.
The total cost of therapy sessions can add up. If you’re concerned about costs, using your insurance may help you save money and get the treatment you need. Choosing a telehealth platform that’s in-network with major health insurance companies may bring your out-of-pocket costs down significantly.
You’ll need to check your plan to see what’s covered and how much for mental health services. You may also have a deductible to meet and copays for each session. Overall, a platform that accepts many insurance plans, including EAP, HSA, and FSA, may offer cost savings. However, be aware that some platforms do not accept insurance — out-of-pocket or subscription-based support may be the only options.
So, which therapy platforms might offer a good alternative to Grow Therapy? Wading through the many options that are available can be time-consuming and overwhelming. To make this easier, we’ve narrowed down the top alternatives. Below, we’ll explore these options in more detail so you can choose the one that works best for you.
If you want to connect with the right therapist quickly and conveniently, SonderMind may be the ideal platform for this. Grow provides a list of providers to choose from based on your needs, but SonderMind finds one for you based on your therapeutic needs and preferences. This helps streamline the process and allows you to get started with online therapy faster.
SonderMind also offers options for online therapy via video, in-person therapy (in certain states), and medication management for clients of all ages. It’s in-network with several major health insurers and offers affordable self-pay rates if you don’t plan to use insurance.
If you prefer face-to-face interactions, finding a private practice therapist might be an excellent alternative to online platforms. Private practice therapists often offer a more personalized and flexible approach to mental health care, allowing for deeper one-on-one connections tailored to your needs. The intimate setting of private practice can help foster a strong therapeutic relationship, which is a critical factor in achieving positive mental health outcomes.
Many private practice therapists now offer hybrid care models, combining in-person and telehealth sessions to provide greater flexibility. This can be particularly helpful if your schedule changes or you need to adapt your therapy format based on circumstances. Additionally, private practice providers often have specialized expertise in specific mental health concerns, allowing you to find a therapist who matches your unique needs, such as trauma recovery, relationship issues, or ADHD management.
Community mental health centers are vital resources for individuals and families seeking accessible, affordable care. These centers often provide a wide array of services, including individual and family therapy, psychiatric care, group therapy, and crisis intervention. Many operate on a sliding scale based on income, making them an excellent choice if cost is a barrier.
In addition to affordability, community mental health centers often have connections to other local resources, such as housing assistance, vocational training, or substance use recovery programs. This integrated care approach can be incredibly valuable if you’re dealing with multiple challenges that impact your mental health. Trained professionals at these centers support many needs, ensuring you’ll receive comprehensive care close to home.
If you’re employed, your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) could provide an easy, confidential way to access mental health care. EAPs often include free or low-cost short-term counseling services, making them a convenient starting point for those who need immediate support. These programs are typically designed to address a variety of issues, from work-related stress and burnout to personal challenges like grief or relationship difficulties.
One of the benefits of EAPs is their ability to connect you with licensed professionals quickly, often within a matter of days. In many cases, EAPs also provide referrals for ongoing therapy or specialized care if your needs go beyond short-term counseling. Best of all, EAP services are confidential, so you can seek help without worrying about privacy concerns at work.
Faith-based counseling services can offer a meaningful and aligned approach for individuals who value integrating spiritual or religious perspectives into their mental health care. These services are often provided by licensed therapists or counselors affiliated with religious organizations, ensuring both professional support and spiritual guidance.
Faith-based counseling can be particularly helpful for those navigating challenges like grief, marriage difficulties, or finding purpose and meaning in life. Many places of worship, religious organizations, or interfaith groups offer these services at little to no cost, providing accessible care to their communities. Beyond therapy, faith-based counseling often includes access to supportive spiritual communities, which can foster a greater sense of belonging and holistic healing.
If you’re a college student or live near a university, counseling clinics affiliated with academic programs may be a great option. These clinics are typically staffed by graduate students in psychology or counseling programs, working under the close supervision of licensed professionals. As a result, you’ll receive care informed by the latest research and best practices.
University clinics often offer therapy at significantly reduced rates compared to private practice providers, making them an excellent choice if budget is a concern. Many clinics also provide services to the broader community, not just students, so you can access quality care even if you’re not affiliated with the university. Services may include individual therapy, group therapy, and specialized programs for specific issues such as anxiety, depression, or academic stress.
No matter why you’re seeking help via online therapy, choosing the right online platform is essential. This helps you work on achieving therapy goals for better mental health and well-being.
SonderMind can provide a platform with in-network providers, online and in-person session options, and quick access to care.
Let SonderMind connect you with a licensed mental healthcare provider and take the first step toward better mental health.
Your path to feeling better begins with the right therapist. Let’s find the perfect provider for your needs.
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