Headway vs Grow Therapy: A Provider's Guide to Choosing the Right Platform

You’re ready to join an insurance panel, but you don’t want to spend months navigating credentialing bureaucracy or managing billing nightmares on your own. That’s where platforms like Headway and Grow Therapy come in. They promise to handle payer contracts, claims, credentialing, and connecting with new clients, so you can focus on clinical work.

Here’s the thing: choosing between these two platforms isn’t about which one is “better.” It’s about which one fits your practice model, your state, and the payers you need to work with. The right choice depends on your documentation preferences, reimbursement expectations, and how quickly you need to start seeing clients.

This guide will walk you through the real differences that matter when comparing Headway vs Grow Therapy. You’ll get a clear comparison of credentialing timelines, payer access, EHR flexibility, and workflow fit - so you can make an informed decision based on how you actually practice.

TL;DR

• Headway often fits providers who want fast credentialing with major commercial plans, streamlined workflows, and flexible EHR options.
• Grow Therapy often fits providers who need broader state reach, robust client search filters, or access to public programs in select regions.
• Both platforms are free to join, handle billing and claims, provide HIPAA-compliant telehealth tools, and keep you as a 1099 contractor with full clinical autonomy.
• Your decision should hinge on specific payer access in your state, reimbursement rates for your CPT codes, and whether you need to use your own EHR.
• Always confirm current state availability, credentialing timelines, and payer panels before applying (generic marketing materials won't tell you what matters for your ZIP code).

Quick Comparison at a Glance

Here’s a quick overview of key elements that might make each platform a good fit for certain therapists.

Who Tends to Fit Each Platform

Headway often works well if you prioritize:

• Faster credentialing with select commercial payers.
• Simpler intake and documentation tools.
• Flexibility to use your own EHR alongside platform tools.
• Access to major commercial insurance networks.

Grow Therapy often works well if you need:

• Broader state coverage and multi-state practice support.
• Robust client filters highlighting identity, specialty, and modalities.
• Access to Medicare or Medicaid in select states.
• Support for both therapy and psychiatry/medication management.

Comparison Table: Headway vs Grow Therapy

What Both Platforms Offer

Before we dive into the differences between Grow Therapy and Headway, here’s what you get with both:

• No membership fees or upfront costs for providers.
• Full billing and claims management on your behalf.
• Provider profiles that appear in client-facing directories.
• HIPAA-compliant telehealth and secure messaging tools.
• 1099 contractor status with full clinical independence.
• In-network payer access without managing contracts yourself.

In short, both platforms reduce administrative burden and open doors to insurance panels that would otherwise require months of direct credentialing work.

How Each Platform Works for Providers

Headway and Growth Therapy share many similarities. But there are subtle differences in how each company positions its platform’s key benefits.

Headway in Brief

Headway focuses on streamlining the credentialing process with major commercial insurance plans. The platform offers lightweight mental health EHR features, including scheduling, progress notes, and billing support - all designed to get you up and running quickly.

Referrals come through two main channels: the public-facing provider directory (where clients search by specialty, insurance, and availability), and payer partnerships that route clients to in-network providers. Headway emphasizes simplicity and speed, making it attractive to providers who want to minimize the time and administrative complexity involved in starting a private practice.

Grow Therapy in Brief

Grow Therapy reports a nationwide presence, though actual payer availability varies significantly by state and license type. The platform stands out for its robust client search filters that let potential clients search by provider identity, specialty, therapeutic modality, and more.

Beyond therapy services, Grow Therapy supports both therapists and prescribers, including psychiatrists and nurse practitioners who offer medication management. The platform has expanded into Medicare and Medicaid access in select regions, making it a potential fit for clinicians serving populations reliant on public insurance programs.

How Clients Find You

Both platforms operate public directories where clients can search providers by specialty, insurance accepted, provider identity, language, and therapeutic approach. Your profile quality matters: A detailed bio, clear specialty, and accurate availability all increase match rates.

Once credentialed with specific payers, you also receive referrals directly from insurance networks. Schedule visibility plays a crucial role: providers with consistent availability and quick response times tend to fill their caseloads faster.

A Note on State Coverage

Coverage and payer access vary dramatically by state. Before investing time in an application, confirm that the platform has active payer contracts in your state for your license type.

If you hold licenses in multiple states, ask specifically how each platform handles multi-state credentialing, payer enrollment timelines, and telehealth compliance across state lines. Generic answers about “nationwide coverage” won’t help you - you need specifics for each jurisdiction where you practice.

Credentialing and Payer Access

Credentialing and payer access are two of the main factors you should consider when comparing Grow Therapy vs Headway.

Below are some important considerations you should take into account when evaluating which platform is right for you, and practical tips for getting the information you need.

Credentialing Timelines

• Headway is often described as faster for credentialing with select commercial plans, sometimes completing the process in 4-8 weeks for priority payers. 
• Grow Therapy's timelines vary more widely, with significant differences depending on the payer and state.

Practical tip: Ask both platforms for current credentialing estimates specific to your state, license type, and target payers before you commit. Timelines change based on payer backlogs and state-specific requirements, so last year’s average may not reflect today’s reality.

Insurance Panels and Public Programs

• Both platforms provide access to major commercial carriers like Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and BlueCross BlueShield. But availability depends entirely on your state and whether panels are open.
• Grow Therapy reports Medicare and Medicaid access in some regions, which can be a significant deciding factor if you serve older adults or lower-income populations. Headway's public program is more limited in most states.

Practical Tip: Don’t accept a generic payer list as confirmation. Ask which specific plans are active in your ZIP code, whether panels are currently open, and what the typical wait time is for credentialing with your priority payers.

Panel Portability and Exit

Insurance panels are tied to the platform’s tax ID, not yours. This means if you leave Headway or Grow Therapy, you typically cannot take your panel status with you (you’ll need to re-credential independently or through another entity).

Practical Tip: Before joining, clarify what happens to your panel access if you decide to leave. Ask about notice periods, whether you can transition existing clients off-platform, and what re-credentialing would involve.

Understanding exit terms upfront prevents unpleasant surprises later.

Reimbursement and Payouts

Predictable cash flow makes running a private practice much less stressful. Because rates and payout timelines can vary between the payers within each platform, you’ll need to ask specific questions to clarify what to expect.

These three areas cover the main things you need to know about reimbursement and payouts with Headway and Grothg Therapy.

1. Rate Structure

Reimbursement rates vary by payer, state, license type, and session code. Be sure to ask for typical rates specific to your ZIP code, license, and the payers you plan to work with most.

It’s also a good idea to clarify rates for different session types: initial intakes (90791), individual therapy (90834, 90837), couples or family sessions (90847), and any add-on codes you routinely use.

Note: Rates can differ significantly even within the same payer, depending on your credentials and local market.

2. Payout Cadence and Method

Both Headway and Grow Therapy process payouts regularly after claims are adjudicated by payers.

Here’s what to clarify if you plan to use either platform:

• Ask about average days-to-payment for the specific payers you’ll work with (some commercial plans pay within two weeks, while others can take 30-45 days)
• Confirm the payout method (direct deposit is standard).
• Check the payout schedule (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) and the type of reporting you’ll receive.

Clear visibility into pending claims and payment status helps you manage cash flow and catch issues early.

3. No-Shows, Late Cancels, and Recoupments

Dealing with no-shows and late payments is an unavoidable part of private practice. Some clinicians have strong preferences about how to manage these issues, so it’s vital to check how Grow Therapy and Headway manage this before you sign on with them.

Start by confirming each platform’s policies on charging no-show or late-cancellation fees, and understand which payers allow these charges under their contracts. Not all insurance plans permit client balance billing.

In terms of claim denials and recoupments, clarify:

• Who manages appeals?
• What support you’ll receive for medical necessity reviews?
• What happens if a payer claws back payment after you’ve already been paid?

Understanding the denial and appeal process upfront prevents frustration when issues arise.

EHR and Workflow Fit

We all know the feeling of struggling with a software tool or digital platform that doesn’t align with our preferred workflow. If you have strong preferences in this area, be sure to consider the points below when comparing Headway vs Grow Therapy.

Built-in Documentation

Both platforms provide integrated progress notes, intake forms, and treatment planning tools. Templates vary in flexibility and comprehensiveness, so ask for a demo to confirm they meet your documentation standards and state requirements.

Check that the system supports proper DSM-5-TR or ICD-10 coding, allows for outcome measures (if you use them), and provides ready-made templates that align with your documentation style.

Using Your Own EHR

Headway typically allows more flexibility for providers who want to continue using their own EHR for clinical documentation. If preferred, you may be able to keep your existing system and use Headway primarily for billing and scheduling.

Grow Therapy often requires that clinical notes be documented within the platform to support claims processing and audits. This can mean double documentation if you also want to maintain records in your preferred EHR. If considering Grow Therapy, ask explicitly about external EHR use, data sync options, and whether you’ll face audit issues if notes aren’t in the platform.

Scheduling and Telehealth

Headway and Grow Therapy both offer calendar sync with Google Calendar or Outlook, built-in HIPAA-compliant video conferencing, and automated appointment reminders. These features reduce no-shows and streamline session logistics.

If you have a preferred telehealth platform, clarify whether you’re required to use the platform’s service or if you can use your own. Some payers or platform policies may mandate specific telehealth tools for compliance or billing purposes.

Referrals and Caseload Building

Steady access to new clients is one of the most compelling reasons to use Grow Therapy or Headway.

Understanding How Referrals Flow

Clients find you through two main channels: the platform’s public directory and payer-driven referrals. Directory search results prioritize providers with updated profiles, clear specialties, and visible availability.

Your response time to inquiries matters significantly. Providers who reply within hours tend to convert more inquiries into booked sessions. Your stated niche, populations served, and cultural competencies also impact both match quality and client retention.

How to Optimize Your Profile

To help your ideal clients find you on Headway or Grow Therapy:

• Highlight your clinical specialties.
• List the therapeutic modalities you use.
• Identify specific populations you serve.
• Note any relevant points about languages spoken, cultural identities, and any specialized training that sets you apart.

Another tip is to keep your availability calendar accurate and updated regularly. Nothing frustrates potential clients more than requesting an appointment, only to discover the time slot isn’t actually available.

Demand Expectations

Don’t assume you’ll fill your caseload immediately after credentialing completes.

Referral volume on Grow Therapy and Headway varies widely according to:

• Geographic market.
• Season.
• Payer mix.
• Number of other therapists in your area or niche.

Practical Tip: Request historical demand data from both platforms for your ZIP code, license type, and specialties. Request average time-to-first-booking metrics and typical caseload ramp-up timelines. Realistic expectations help you plan financially and avoid panic if referrals start slowly.

Autonomy, Brand, and Clinical Control

One of the best parts of private practice is the increased level of autonomy and clinical control compared to other settings.

While Headway and Grow Therapy still allow a lot of freedom, there are some potential limitations in this area that you’ll want to check before signing on.

Clinical Independence

You maintain full control over your caseload, schedule, and clinical approach with both Headway and Grow Therapy. You decide which clients to accept and how to structure treatment.

Of course, you must follow payer documentation requirements and medical necessity standards for the insurance plans you’re credentialed with. If your license requires supervision or collaborative agreements, you might like to confirm how the platform supports those arrangements and whether additional setup is needed.

Brand and Client Ownership

When working through Headway or Grow Therapy, your professional brand remains yours, but client contracts and billing run through the platform. Be sure to review non-solicit clauses carefully, as most platforms prohibit taking clients off-platform to avoid the integrated billing arrangement.

If you’re bringing existing clients onto the platform to use their insurance, ask about the onboarding process, any restrictions, and how it impacts your relationship with those clients. Clarify policies on off-platform contact and what happens if you later want to transition clients to a private-pay model.

Leaving the Platform

Understand the notice period required if you decide to leave (typically 30-60 days). Ask about record export options, as you’ll need access to your clinical documentation for continuity of care and compliance with record retention laws.

Clarify how the platform handles client communication during offboarding and whether you’re allowed to provide clients with information about continuing care independently.

Compliance and Risk

Maintaining compliance on Grow Therapy and Headway tends to be more straightforward than independent practice. But requirements differ by clinical specialty, so you should always check how the platform works for your specific situation.

HIPAA and Business Associate Agreements

Both platforms maintain HIPAA compliance for their tools and infrastructure. Confirm that a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is in place covering all integrated tools, including telehealth, messaging, and document storage.

We also recommend asking about audit support and what documentation standards the platform requires. Understanding compliance expectations upfront prevents issues during payer audits or state board reviews.

Prescriber-Specific Needs

If you’re a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or other prescriber, verify that whichever platform you are considering supports e-prescribing and EPCS (Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances). Also, remember to ask about lab ordering workflows and PDMP (Prescription Drug Monitoring Program) integration if your state requires it.

Prescribers may also want to clarify how the platform handles collaborative practice agreements, supervision requirements, and any state-specific prescriber regulations. Medication management workflows differ significantly from therapy-only practices, so be sure to check that Headway or Grow Therapy truly supports your scope of practice.

Provider Support and Community

As a final consideration in deciding between Headway vs Grow Therapy, be sure to compare their ongoing provider support and community.

Onboarding and Training

Both platforms provide orientation covering platform tools, claims processes, and documentation requirements. There are also resource libraries and help centers for ongoing questions.

Despite the above, you might like to confirm that the depth and quality of onboarding will meet your needs. Inadequate training leaves you fumbling with tools when you should be focused on clients, while strong onboarding accelerates your time-to-productivity and reduces frustration.

Live Support and Community

Clarify response times for chat, email, and phone support on both platforms. This is important because when you have an urgent question about a claim denial or a client access issue, slow support creates stress and disrupts care.

Some providers value peer communities, supervision options, and CEU offerings. If these matter in your practice, you can ask whether the platform facilitates provider connections or ongoing professional development opportunities.

Assessing Best Fit by Scenario

Here’s a list of specific items to clarify, depending on your scenario.

Due Diligence Checklist Before You Choose

Use this quick due diligence checklist to ensure you’ve considered everything before choosing between Headspace vs Grow Therapy.

• □ Check the Payer Mix in Your ZIP Code
  Identify which commercial plans and public programs dominate your local market. Ask each platform which payers they have active contracts with in your area and whether panels are currently open.
• □ Estimate Reimbursement and Demand
  Request typical rates for your specific CPT codes by payer, not generic ranges. Ask for average referral volume data and time-to-first-booking in your market. Inquire about average days-to-payment and denial or recoupment rates.
• □ Review Contract Details
  Read the provider agreement carefully, focusing on termination notice requirements, non-solicit clauses, data ownership, and record export rights. Understand policies around no-shows, claim clawbacks, and audit support before you sign.
• □ Verify State Rules and Telehealth Coverage
  Confirm that the platform’s tools meet your state’s supervision requirements, prescriber regulations, and telehealth parity laws. Make sure the platform complies with your state board’s documentation and scope-of-practice rules.

Final Thoughts: Headway vs Grow Therapy

Both Headway and Grow Therapy reduce administrative burden and provide in-network access without the complexity of direct payer contracting. Headway often excels in swift credentialing with major commercial plans and streamlined workflows that get you seeing clients faster. Grow Therapy can have an edge for broader geographic reach, detailed client filters, and public program access in select states.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on specific payer availability in your market, reimbursement rates for your CPT codes, and whether the platform’s EHR aligns with your documentation style. Don’t choose based on brand recognition or generic marketing - choose based on concrete data about credentialing timelines, payer panels, and referral volume in your ZIP code.

Match the platform to how you actually practice, not the other way around. The right fit supports your clinical work, reduces friction, and helps you build a sustainable insurance-based practice.

FAQs: Headway vs Grow Therapy

Is it free to join Headway and Grow Therapy?

Yes, both platforms are free for providers to join. There are no membership fees, upfront costs, or monthly charges. The platforms generate revenue by processing insurance claims on your behalf and taking a percentage of the reimbursement.

Can I use both Headway and Grow Therapy at the same time?

Often yes, though you should review each platform’s contract terms carefully to confirm there are no exclusivity clauses. Watch for scheduling conflicts and avoid double-booking yourself across platforms. Some providers use both to maximize payer access and referral volume.

Do these platforms handle prior authorizations?

Support varies by payer and platform. Both platforms typically assist with eligibility verification and claims submission, but prior authorization handling varies by insurance plan. Ask explicitly what they handle versus what you’ll need to submit yourself, especially if you work with plans that require frequent prior auths.

Can I set my own schedule and control my caseload size?

Yes. On both Headway and Grow Therapy, you have full control over your availability, session types, and the number of clients you see. You’re not required to maintain a minimum caseload or work specific hours. You decide when you’re available, which referrals to accept, and when to close your schedule to new clients.

How are taxes handled with Headway and Grow Therapy?

You’re responsible for managing your own taxes, including quarterly estimated tax payments. Both platforms will provide 1099 forms at year-end documenting your income. You’ll need to track business expenses, pay self-employment tax, and file appropriate tax returns. Consider working with an accountant who understands private practice finances.

Do these platforms support couples and family therapy?

Often yes, but confirm that the payers you’re credentialing with cover couples and family sessions and that the platform supports the relevant CPT codes. Ask about documentation requirements and reimbursement rates for these session types, as they may differ from individual therapy.

What happens if I want to see clients out-of-network or private-pay?

Headway and Grow Therapy platforms focus primarily on in-network insurance billing. If you want to see out-of-network clients or offer private-pay options, clarify whether the platform allows them and how they’re managed. Some providers maintain a separate private practice structure for out-of-network work alongside their platform-based insurance practice.

Can I bring my existing clients onto the platform?

This depends on each platform’s policies and your clients’ insurance coverage. If your current clients have insurance plans that Headway or Grow Therapy is credentialed with, you may be able to transition them. Ask about the onboarding process, any restrictions, and how the transition impacts your existing therapeutic relationships.

Do I need malpractice insurance for Headway and Grow Therapy?

You’ll need your own professional liability (malpractice) insurance, as neither platform covers you under their policy. Make sure your policy covers telehealth and practice in all states where you’re licensed and seeing clients.

How do I export my clinical records if I leave?

Ask about record export options and data formats before joining Grow Therapy or Headway. Most platforms should allow you to download your clinical documentation, but the ease and format vary. You’re legally responsible for maintaining records in accordance with your state’s retention requirements, so confirm you can access and export them even after leaving the platform.