Bend Health is an online mental healthcare service providing treatment for children, teens, young adults, and families. It earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. The majority of Bend members access service through their pediatrician, employer benefits, or health insurance; however, there is also a self-pay option costing $199.99–$549.99 monthly.
Bend Health at a Glance
Cost: $199.99–$549.99 monthly
Insurance Accepted: Yes
Pros & Cons
Pros - Emphasis on child/teen mental health
- Has unique program for young adults (18 - 25)
- Specialized Psych Urgent Care and Virtual IOP programs
- Can prescribe controlled medication
- Comprehensive team provides support at every level
- Can collaborate with child’s pediatrician and/or school
- Can support higher acuity mental health concerns
Cons - Parent coaching not covered by insurance
- Onboarding process can become overwhelming
- Cannot book same-day appointments
- Unable to schedule directly through the portal with provider
- Therapy sessions are 30 minutes instead of 45 minutes
Preview Bend Health
Bend Health is a comprehensive online provider that serves children, teenagers, young adults, and their families, offering a range of subscription-based plans tailored to individual needs. Its plans include coaching, therapy, medication management, and an online intensive outpatient program, ensuring a holistic approach to care. Bend Health costs $199.99–$549.99 monthly, depending on the plan you choose. If you have in-network insurance, costs could be much lower.
The platform conducts a comprehensive online assessment as part of the intake process. Afterward, clients meet with a behavioral care manager (BCM), followed by assessments with a coach, therapist, and/or psychiatrist to ensure a thorough evaluation. Bend Health also offers comprehensive neuropsychological testing services to better understand a child’s cognitive and emotional functioning. The price of this service depends on testing options; however, it includes a live feedback session, coordination with the child’s school, and a final report.
In addition, Bend offers an enhanced virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to support families and individuals seeking support for higher acuity mental health concerns, such as suicidal ideation. As a step down from active crisis or hospitalization, the program is for youth ages 7–25 who can participate in group appointments three days per week, as well as individual and family therapy sessions.
Bend Health offers a wide range of treatment options to empower resilience and flexibility in kids, teens, and young adults (1–25) to help families flourish. However, teens seeking longer therapy sessions and those who want in-person services will need to seek an alternative, such as Teen Counseling or Thriveworks.
Detailed Review of Bend Health
Bend Health is a comprehensive online care model that serves children, teenagers, young adults, and families, offering a range of treatments tailored to individual needs. Their services include coaching, therapy, and medication management, ensuring a holistic, whole-family approach to care. For those who don’t have insurance, Bend Health costs $199.99–$549.99 monthly, depending on the services you receive.
Bend Health offers a wide range of treatment options to empower resilience and flexibility in kids, teens, and young adults ages 1–25. Its unique collaborative care model involves coaches, therapists, and psychiatric providers working together to create personalized care plans catering to each child’s needs. Bend Health’s comprehensive and adaptable approach suits a broad spectrum of mental health diagnoses and conditions, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, and trauma. The role of parents and caregivers in this process is to be active participants when needed and learn to help facilitate the skills learned in the sessions at home.
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Coaching
Coaching with Bend Health costs $199.99 monthly (not eligible for insurance coverage) and involves 30–45 minute sessions, typically scheduled twice a month, plus unlimited messaging between sessions. During these sessions, you can discuss any challenges you may be facing, review your progress, and go over your personalized care plan.
Coaching focuses on problem-solving and setting achievable goals for the upcoming session. For younger children, coaching is geared more towards parents, whereas sessions with older children and teens would be more geared towards the child and parent together. This structured approach aims to support individuals and families in managing their mental health effectively and making consistent strides towards their well-being.
Therapy
Therapy with Bend Health costs $399.99 monthly and involves everything in the coaching plan, plus a monthly therapy session lasting 30 minutes. During therapy sessions, individuals can review their progress with their coach, and the therapist will adjust their care plan, mainly related to their diagnosis.
The child does not need a diagnosis before starting with Bend, however, it is important to note that a child will need a diagnosis to utilize any insurance benefits. This approach ensures that therapy remains aligned with the individual’s specific needs and goals, providing ongoing support and guidance to help them effectively manage their mental health.
Psychiatry
Bend Health’s subscription plan that includes psychiatry and medication management costs $549.99 monthly and involves collaborating with a dedicated team of child and teen psychiatrists, along with the services offered in the Therapy + Coaching plan. These specialized professionals play a crucial role in assessing the need for medication and prescribing it when necessary.
While parents or guardians typically do not get to select the medication provider directly, Bend Health’s clinical team carefully matches the child or teen with an appropriate psychiatrist based on their specific needs and circumstances.
Medication support through Bend Health is typically available for children and teens within a specific age range, and eligibility criteria may vary. Specific requirements, such as lab work, may be necessary before or during medication treatment. Due to the structure of the subscription offerings, your child would need to engage in medication management, coaching, and therapy. Initial assessments with the psychiatrist aim to comprehensively evaluate the child or teen’s condition and determine the appropriate course of action. Follow-up appointments are conducted regularly to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Bend Health emphasizes a coordinated approach to care between the child or teen therapist and the medication provider. This collaboration ensures that the therapy and medication components of treatment align seamlessly. While the platform does not explicitly state whether parents or guardians can reach out to the medication provider directly, there is access to a “chat” within the portal.
Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program
Bend developed its virtual IOP to support families and individuals who need support for higher acuity mental health concerns, such as suicidal ideation or issues that are a step down from an active crisis or hospitalization. The Virtual IOP is designed for kids and young adults ages 7–25 to address the challenges of severe depression and anxiety.
Bend’s IOP is a higher level of support with more frequent interventions than typical, weekly treatment. Members participate in group sessions three days per week, in addition to individual and family therapy sessions. The duration of their program varies based on individual needs but typically lasts 6–12 weeks.
Although the times and structure are similar to a traditional intensive outpatient program, Bend’s Acute Stabilization Program is set apart by the breadth of resources available. When enrolled, you gain access to a suite of videos and activities to use at your convenience to continue treatment throughout the day and receive support during those times outside of program hours.
Additionally, it offers the ability to seamlessly transition care into its outpatient treatment services, continuing with a coach, therapist, and psychiatric provider if you choose.
Neuropsychological Evaluations
Bend Health offers comprehensive neuropsychological testing services to better understand a child’s cognitive and emotional functioning.1 These evaluations cover many areas, including learning disorders, neurodiversity, ADHD, brain injuries, academic difficulties, and more. These assessments provide valuable insights into a child’s strengths and areas where they may require specialized support. During your initial session with Bend Health, your provider will be able to determine if this testing is appropriate for your child.
The testing process involves several steps, including a behavioral history evaluation, various assessments, and a thorough analysis of the results. The evaluation is typically conducted over 2–3 sessions, each lasting approximately 2–4 hours. After you complete the assessment, you receive a comprehensive report including a clinical diagnosis.
Personalized recommendations are provided to support the child at home, in the community, and in the classroom. Bend Health collaborates with the child’s school and recommends classroom accommodations and intervention strategies as needed. Additionally, parents receive clinically proven strategies and tools to support them in their caregiving role.
Additional Resources
In addition to its core mental health services, Bend Health offers several extra features and offerings to enrich the therapy experience and provide added value. These additional offerings aim to create a comprehensive and supportive ecosystem for families seeking mental health care.
These additional resources include:
- The Bend Health Community: A peer-managed resource for caregivers to exchange ideas, share stories, explore unique perspectives, extend encouragement, and receive support from one another. Community topics include: neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+ parenting, and success stories.
- Learning Resource Center: Interactive resources for children, teens, and families to learn new tools and techniques that will guide their mental health journey.
- Meditations & playlists: Clinician-created guided meditations, audio exercises, and music playlists are available to members and incorporated into sessions.
- Webinars: A variety of free webinars throughout the year educate parents and caregivers on important topics for their child’s or teen’s mental health. Recent webinar topics include bullying, body image, and tech addiction.
Cost & Insurance Coverage
Most Bend members access services through their pediatrician, employer benefits, or health insurance, though self-pay options ranging from $199.99 to $549.99 per month are available.
Bend Health offers the following subscription plans:
- Coaching: Priced at $199.99 per month, this plan includes one-on-one coaching sessions two times per month, unlimited messaging support, parenting skills training, monthly progress reports, video updates with the care team, and access to a wealth of online tools and content designed to enhance skills.
- Coaching & Therapy: For $399.99 per month, this plan combines coaching two times per month and therapy once a month, offering the same features as the coaching plan while also including therapy sessions, ensuring a more comprehensive level of support.
- Coaching, Therapy, and Medication: Priced at $549.99 monthly, this top-tier plan includes coaching three times per month, therapy one time per month, and medication management services one time per month. It encompasses all the features of the previous plans. Further, it adds collaboration with the primary care physician, the option to downgrade if symptoms improve, access to a child psychiatrist, and monthly meetings with the psychiatrist.
- Neuropsychological Testing: Price dependent upon testing options
- Intensive Outpatient Program: Self-pay options available
Who Does Bend Health Serve?
Bend offers individual, family, and teen counseling for youth ages 1–25. It provides a comprehensive online mental health platform with subscription-based plans tailored to individual needs, including coaching, therapy, medication management, an IOP, and psychological testing. This means that Bend Health could be a good option for families with children or young adults looking for a wide range of care.
While technically offered in all 50 states, Bend Health’s accessibility varies by location and therapist availability, as listed on its website.
User Reviews of Bend Health
Bend Health garners both praise and criticism from its users, though there are few available online. Positive reviews highlight the platform’s transformative impact on children, with parents noting significant improvements in their kids’ emotional well-being. However, negative reviews point out issues related to staff turnover, billing practices, and difficulties in securing medical records upon departure.
Positive and negative reviews from users
Positive reviews praised Bend Health’s responsive care team and personalized approach. These reviews suggest that, for some users, the platform successfully provides a supportive and tailored therapy experience. Personalization and responsiveness are critical factors in delivering effective mental health care, and it’s encouraging to see users acknowledge these strengths.
Negative reviews expressed concerns about staff turnover and billing practices. They mentioned experiencing a revolving door of care team members, leading to confusion and disrupted progress. These users also noted billing discrepancies, where sessions often exceeded the scheduled duration.
Alternatives & Competitors
Bend Health could be a great choice for many families, but it won’t suit the needs of everyone seeking mental healthcare for their child. Brightside Health could be a better fit for those needing combined therapy and medication services, Grow Therapy is an online platform that takes a ton of insurance plans, and Teen Counseling is likely the most affordable cash-pay therapy option you’ll find.
Brightside Health - Best for Teens Needing Comprehensive Care
- Price: $45–$349 monthly
- Insurance Accepted: Yes
Brightside Health offers therapy, medication, and bundled subscription plans for those seeking online mental healthcare. Care for teens (13–17) through the platform is available in 38 states and counting, but it could be a great mental healthcare solution for families with teens in covered states with in-network insurance. Even without insurance, though, the $349 monthly plan covers both weekly video therapy sessions and medication management, which is still more affordable than many similar plans.
Learn more in our detailed Brightside Health review.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Many insurance plans accepted, including some Medicare and Medicaid
- Free assessment available
- Specialized Suicide Prevention Program
Cons - Customer service can be slow
- Cash-pay prices are high for those without insurance
- Care for teens not available nationwide
Grow Therapy - Best for Insurance
- Price: Depends on provider
- Insurance Accepted: Yes
Grow Therapy is an online mental health platform that matches clients with therapists, psychiatrists, coaches, and more. The sign-up process is simple, followed by the option for clients to select their provider from a searchable directory. This process is made simpler by utilizing the filters to find providers who match your exact needs, insurance, and more. Providers on the platform each have their own specialty, cost, and insurance coverage listed in the directory, and services are available for those as young as six.
Learn more in our full Grow Therapy review.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Over 15k providers on the platform
- Services for kids & teens, individuals, and couples
- Tons of filters for finding the best provider for your needs
Cons - Cash-pay prices and insurance coverage varies by provider
- Lower-populated states may have few provider options
Teen Counseling - Best for Cash Pay
- Price: $280–$400 monthly
- Insurance Accepted: No
Teen Counseling, operated by BetterHelp, is a subscription-based online therapy platform for teens aged 13–19. It offers 30-minute live video, phone, or texting sessions at monthly costs ranging from $280 to $400, with the ability to message therapists between sessions.
In contrast to Bend Health, Teen Counseling does not accept insurance, making it less suitable for individuals seeking coverage for their therapy expenses. While it offers a convenient and cost-effective option for teens engaging in online therapy, it may not be the best fit for those requiring extended therapy sessions, psychiatric services, or insurance-supported coverage, prompting consideration of alternative options.
Learn more in our Teen Counseling review.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Available in all 50 US states
- Teen has access to a personal chatroom with their therapist
Cons - No insurance is accepted
- Ultimate monthly costs depend on your location and therapist’s availability
Why You Can Trust My Review
“As a licensed therapist, I believe Bend Health offers valuable services for families seeking accessible mental health support. The platform does provide what it promises in terms of varied care options. However, for those without insurance, the cost could be a barrier, and the limited duration of sessions might not suit everyone’s needs. It’s a reasonable choice for certain individuals, particularly those who value convenience and have insurance coverage. For others, exploring other options might be necessary for those seeking a more traditional therapy model or facing financial constraints.
Bend Health impresses with its diverse and comprehensive care levels, encompassing coaching, therapy, and psychiatry, reflecting a comprehensive mental health support system. The platform’s collaborative approach underscores a commitment to holistic well-being. Notably, the emphasis on accessible mental health care between sessions is a positive stride. However, challenges arise with the session duration, potentially hindering deeper therapeutic engagement.”
History & News About Bend Health
Year Founded: 2021
Founders: Kurt Roots, Monika Roots
Publicly Traded? No
Headquartered in: Madison, Wisconsin
Bend Health was co-founded by Kurt and Monika Roots in 2021 as a solution to address gaps in access to mental healthcare for children, teens, and young adults. By April 2025, Bend Health has published 10 separate peer-reviewed studies validating the efficacy of its model. Some of these studies show that 63% of youth with ADHD symptoms improved within two months, while 73% of those with anxiety or depression reported having fewer symptoms after six coaching sessions.2, 3
Bend Health launched a Psych Urgent Care program in late 2024, which provides same-day evaluations for suicidal ideation, self-harm, and severe panic attacks. This initiative complements the Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which offers three-hour group therapy sessions three times weekly for youth transitioning from inpatient care or with other high-acuity needs. Bend’s IOP integrates psychiatric medication management and neuropsychological testing, addressing comorbidities like undiagnosed learning disorders during treatment.4, 5, 6
Bend also recently launched its AI-powered, measurement-based care platform, which adjusts treatment plans using monthly symptom assessments. Tools like the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 track progress, enabling clinicians to intensify or de-escalate care as needed. Bend claims that this approach has reduced average symptom severity by 50% within two months, with caregivers accessing real-time progress updates via a dedicated app. The technology also identifies high-risk cases early, with 44.6% of self-harm risks detected during initial intake evaluations.5, 7, 8
Bend aims to further integrate behavioral and physical health monitoring in the future, building on findings that 77% of participants in non-sleep-focused interventions experienced improved sleep quality.9 Its innovations have earned recent accolades, including Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025 and Fortune’s Best Overall Online Therapy for Kids.10, 11
Frequently Asked Questions
What Credentials Do Bend Health Providers Hold?
The therapists and counselors at Bend Health hold various licenses tailored to their specific roles. Behavioral Health Coaches typically possess certifications like ICF Coaching Certification or NBC-HW certification, and some may hold Master’s degrees in psychology-related fields, even if they are unlicensed.
On the other hand, licensed therapists must hold licenses such as LCSW, LPC, LMFT, or LMHC, ensuring they practice at the highest level of their licensure. They have experience in pediatric trauma work, and some may have received training in EMDR. Additionally, some therapists may hold licenses in multiple states, providing added flexibility and accessibility for clients.
How Am I Matched With Providers in Bend Health?
Bend Health typically employs a matching process where clients are paired with therapists or Behavioral Health Coaches based on their specific needs and preferences, as determined by their online assessment.
Can I Change Providers?
Bend Health’s website doesn’t explicitly outline the process for requesting a provider change within the app; clients can likely contact their customer service team to make such a request. If you wish to change providers, I recommend reaching out to customer service at the following email: [email protected].
Can I use my FSA or HSA Funds?
Yes, you can use your FSA or HSA for mental health services through Bend Health. While Bend Health requires a monthly auto-pay setup, which may not always be compatible with FSA or HSA cards, alternative payment methods can be used initially, followed by reimbursement requests through your FSA or HSA.
How Do I Cancel My Subscription with Bend Health?
If you wish to cancel, you can initiate the cancellation process by notifying the company of your decision. You can convey your cancellation request to your designated behavioral care manager, who oversees your care team, or contact Bend Health via email at [email protected] to seek additional assistance.
Does Bend Health Offer Refunds?
Yes, Bend Health may offer refunds. Following a request to cancel any scheduled appointments, Bend Health will adjust the monthly payment on a prorated basis. They do not offer refunds for previously utilized services.
Is Bend Health HIPAA Compliant?
Yes, Bend Health strongly emphasizes upholding privacy and data protection standards, particularly concerning sensitive health information. They delineate how they collect, utilize, and disclose your protected health information, enhancing transparency and accountability in safeguarding your health data throughout your engagement with Bend Health in their privacy practices.
ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Neuropsychological evaluation. Neuropsychological Evaluation. (n.d.). https://www.bendhealth.com/our-approach/neuropsychological-evaluation
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Lawrence-Sidebottom D, Huffman L, Huberty J, Beatty C, Roots M, Roots K, Parikh A, Guerra R, Weiser J. (April 26, 2023). Using Digital Measurement–Based Care to Address Symptoms of Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Opposition in Youth: Retrospective Analysis of Bend Health. JMIR Form Res. Retrieved from: https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e46578
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Lawrence-Sidebottom D, Huffman L, Beam A, Guerra R, Parikh A, Roots M, Huberty J. (December 18, 2025). Exploring the Number of Web-Based Behavioral Health Coaching Sessions Associated With Symptom Improvement in Youth: Observational Retrospective Analysis. JMIR Form Res. Retrieved from: https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e52804
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Bend Health. (2025). Virtual IOP. Retrieved from: https://www.bendhealth.com/our-approach/virtual-intensive-outpatient-program
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Bend Health. (August 19, 2024). New Bend Health Study Shows Digital Mental Health Programs Improve Outcomes for Kids and Teens with Self-Harm Behaviors. Retrieved from: https://www.bendhealth.com/blog/new-bend-health-study-shows-digital-mental-health-programs-improve-outcomes-for-kids-and-teens-with-self-harm-behaviors
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Bend Health. (2025). Psych Urgent Care. Retrieved from: https://www.bendhealth.com/our-approach/psych-urgent-care
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Bend Health. (2025). We’re bending the system to drive superior outcomes. Retrieved from: https://www.bendhealth.com/about/science
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Burns, Matt. (March 23, 2023). Bend Health Expands Access to Improved Pediatric and Teen Mental Health Care. Retrieved from: https://www.bendhealth.com/blog/bend-health-expands-access-to-improved-pediatric-and-teen-mental-health-care
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Franson, Britta. (May 13, 2024). New Research from Bend Health Indicates Downstream Benefits of Pediatric Mental Health Care for Child and Teen Sleep. Retrieved from: https://www.bendhealth.com/blog/new-research-from-bend-health-indicates-downstream-benefits-of-pediatric-mental-health-care-for-child-and-teen-sleep
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Bend Health. (September 25, 2024). Fortune names Bend the “Best Overall Online Therapy for Kids”. Retrieved from: https://www.bendhealth.com/blog/fortune-names-bend-the-best-overall-online-therapy-for-kids
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Gupta, Shalene. (March 18, 2025). Meet the 15 Most Innovative Companies moving the needle in healthcare. Fast Company. Retrieved from: https://www.fastcompany.com/91269590/healthcare-most-innovative-companies-2025
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Allison Lieberman, LMFT (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated information about the Intensive Outpatient Program and the Psych Urgent Care program. Updated the pricing of Bend’s psychiatry-inclusive plan, originally listed as $599.99 and changed to $549.99. Updated the information about Bend’s neuropsychological evaluations. Fact-checked and edited entire article for readability and clarity.
Author: Allison Lieberman, LMFT (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Added new service for 18-25-year olds, Acute Stabilization, Neuropsychological testing. Updated session length to 30 minutes. Added pros and cons. Updated pictures and competitor info.
Author: Allison Lieberman, LMFT (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Added article summary block, reformatted star rating breakdown, and added “Why You Can Trust My Review” section.
Author: Allison Lieberman, LMFT
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD
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