Brightline is a mental health service for kids and teens that provides coaching, therapy, and medication services, as well as parenting support. While it used to serve families across the US, Brightline has shifted its model to focus on hybrid (in-person and virtual) care for children and families in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and virtual care in Massachusetts, Washington, and California.
Brightline’s services can be offered to kids as young as 18 months old, with therapy and medication management available for ages 6–17. Brightline costs $350 for an initial therapy session and $200–$275 per follow-up therapy session, and psychiatry appointments range from $225–$350. It accepts several insurance plans, so these costs could be much lower for those with in-network plans.
Editor’s Note
Brightline used to be available virtually in all 50 states, but its model has changed to provide in-person and hybrid care for children and families in New York (with its first brick-and-mortar clinic in Brooklyn), New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Brightline is still available virtually in Massachusetts and Washington State.
Families in California can still access BrightLife Kids, a free coaching program sponsored by the state
Brightline at a Glance
- Cost: $200–$350 per session
- Insurance Accepted: Yes
Pros & Cons
Pros - Accepts major insurance plans
- Coaching, therapy, and medication management available
- No subscription required, everything is available per session
Cons - Only available in a few states
- Out-of-pocket costs can quickly add up if insurance plan is not accepted
- Limited insurance plans accepted
Overview
Brightline offers hybrid and virtual mental health care specifically for kids and teens in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington, and California. During our independent review of Brightline mental health services, they earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Services, which include coaching, therapy, and medication management, can be offered to kids as young as 18 months old, with therapy and medication management available for ages 6–17.
Brightline costs $350 for an initial therapy session and $200–$275 per session after, depending on which service you choose. For psychiatry, appointments cost $225–$350. Several insurance plans are accepted, which could lower these costs, and there are superbills available to those out-of-network.
Brightline Health could be well-suited for those with children and adolescents seeking therapy and/or psychiatry in one of its listed states. Brightline is also well-suited for families to be involved with their child’s care.
While Brightline Therapy allows for families to be part of the therapy sessions, family members might want a more comprehensive care plan. If you are interested in having a care team for your child’s care, you can check our full review of Bend Health. Teen Counseling, BetterHelp’s offering for teens and adolescents, is great if your child is interested in text-based therapy. If Brightline isn’t a good choice for your family, Grow Therapy could be a great place to start, as you can find both therapy and psychiatry providers on the platform.
Detailed Review of Brightline
Brightline Health is a mental health care service available in select states that focuses on supporting kids, teens, and their families. Brightline provides therapy, coaching, medication support, and on-demand learning resources. Appointments range from $200–$350 per session, but insurance could make the out-of-pocket cost much lower.
Review our scoring criteria for online therapy platforms here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.
Therapy & Psychiatry
Brightline offers general therapy and psychiatry for children under 18 who are showing low mood, withdrawal, having difficulty coping after a traumatic event, physical symptoms, and more. Initial sessions will assess symptoms, and may include testing and diagnosis. Further appointments will include an agreed-upon combination of sessions with just the parent(s), just the child, and sessions together. These can be held in-person or virtually.
The provider will also likely want to gather information from other important adults in your child’s life, like their teachers, and offer between-session practice plans. If the child needs further care, the therapist will likely refer the client to an in-house psychiatrist for medication management. Or, families can decide they want a combined approach from the jump of the child’s treatment.
Initial therapy sessions typically cost $350, and following appointments range from $200–$275; psychiatry appointments can cost $225–$350 each.
Psychological Testing
Psychological testing through Brightline will involve at least one in-person appointment, but could include multiple testing sessions. A follow-up appointment will include receiving test results, diagnoses, and a written report with recommendations for next steps.
Brightline states it provides psychological testing for the following concerns:
- Autism and other developmental concerns
- Learning disorders or academic concerns
- Executive functioning, memory, or other cognitive skills
- School readiness, academic strengths, and giftedness
The cost for psychological testing can vary based on factors like whether there’s just one or multiple concerns, but pricing ranges from $2,000–$5,000 for the full evaluation process.
Specialized Programs
Brightline offers specific programs with more intensive care for common childhood concerns, including:
- Anxiety
- OCD
- ADHD
- Disruptive behaviors
Each of these programs works similarly to Brightline’s general therapy offering (including testing, diagnosis, then follow-up support and potential in-house referrals), but with specific, evidence-based care and specialized providers. These programs are offered either in-person or virtually depending on the family’s preference.
Coaching
For families in California, Brightline offers no-cost virtual coaching sessions for children ages 0–12 through its BrightLife Kids program. Coaching includes 1:1 video sessions, between-session chatting, and extra content and resources for continued momentum between sessions. This partnership with the state of California means that families can access this service completely free whether or not they have insurance.
Cost & Insurance
Brightline’s pay structure is broken down by the different features a family can utilize:
- Therapy: Initial sessions $350, following sessions are $200–$275
- Psychiatry: $225–$350 per session
- Psychological testing: $2,000–$5,000 for the full process
Brightline does accept insurance from major health insurance companies such as Premera, Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield. If your health plan is not in-network, health plans will reimburse our coaching and care sessions if your out-of-network benefits apply. Brightline can provide you with a monthly superbill for reimbursement by your health plan. You can use FSA or HSA for mental health services provided by Brightline.
Who Does Brightline Serve?
Brightline is available for families with children under 18 in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington, and California (though the only offering in California at this time is the BrightLife Kids coaching program).
User Reviews
While Brightline is still a newer company, there have been some mixed reviews online. Their Facebook page has some reviews, mostly discussing poor information in regards to their child’s therapist no longer working for Brightline. There are no reviews on Better Business Bureau and TrustPilot for Brightline.
Reviews from Apple App Store - 4.9 stars out of 5 | 160 ratings
Positive reviews included praise for an easy-to-use interface, quick service with their respective therapist, and a simple platform to receive all the care necessary for the child seeking therapy.
Negative reviews included mentions of poor communication with certain therapists, no notices of cancellations for therapy and coaching sessions, and expensive costs for Brightline services.
Reviews from Reddit | r/Parenting | r/SocialWork
- Negative reviews of Brightline included poor communication with certain therapists, lack of engagement from therapists, and expensive services for the quality of work.
- Negative reviews of Brightline Mental Health on Reddit also gave feedback from the therapist’s perspective of the company. This included devaluing the work of the therapist, the low pay packages, and the lack of work-life balance.
Alternatives & Competitors
Brightline is great for families with children and adolescents in need of therapy, psychiatry, or coaching. If you’re looking for other therapy options for kids and teens, Manatee is a great option. Meanwhile, teenagers looking for individual therapy might be well served by Teen Counseling. If you’re looking for comprehensive care that collaborates with the child’s primary care provider, Bend Health could be a good fit.
Manatee - Best for Getting Started Quickly
- Price: $200–$220 per session
- Insurance Accepted: Yes
Both Manatee and Brightline focus on providing mental health services to children and teens up to 18 years of age. Unlike Brightline, Manatee doesn’t offer any psychiatry or medication management services. While Manatee isn’t available nation-wide, its services are offered in more states than Brightline’s. Currently, Manatee is open to families in California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
To learn more about what it offers, you can read our comprehensive review of Manatee Health Review.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Accepts many insurance plans
- Quick intake process
Cons - Not available nation-wide
- No medication management
- Customer service takes several days to respond to requests
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, whereas Brightline offers therapy to kids and adolescents through age 18. Teen Counseling offers 30-minute live video, phone, or texting sessions at monthly subscription costs ranging from $280 to $400, with the ability to message therapists between sessions. In contrast, Brightline offers chats and live video with a therapist through a pay-per-session system.
A large difference between Teen Counseling and Brightline is that 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.
For more information, read our full Teen Counseling Review
Pros & Cons
Pros - Available in all 50 US states
- Attend weekly 30-minute live therapy sessions
Cons - No insurance is accepted
- No medication management
- Ultimate monthly costs depend on your location and the therapist’s availability
Bend Health - Best for Specialized Care
- Price: $199.99–$549.99 monthly
- Insurance Accepted: Yes
Both Brightline and Bend Health focus on providing online mental health for children and teens, with an emphasis on including the entire family, but unlike Manatee, Bend’s online services are available nation-wide. Bend Health also provides psychiatry, so your child can be prescribed medication if it’s deemed appropriate.
The biggest difference between Brightline and Bend Health is pricing. Bend Health offers monthly payment plans that range between $199.99–$549.99, while Brightline asks you to pay per session with your therapist, with fees ranging between $200–$350 per session. Both accept insurance, but payments will vary on whether you select a more expensive subscription package with Bend Health or the type of therapy with Brightline.
You can learn more about this platform by checking out our detailed review of Bend Health.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Available for ages 1–25
- Assigned a Care Manager that oversees your child’s treatment team
- Offers a “Virtual IOP” and psychological testing
Cons - Out-of-pocket costs are higher than some competitors
- Unable to schedule directly through the portal with your provider
Why You Can Trust My Review
“I’ve spent hundreds of hours testing online mental health resources, including those specifically designed for children and families. While I didn’t personally use the service, I spent hours on the website and exploring the products offered. From my research, if you’re in or near Brooklyn, NY, and have children needing mental healthcare, Brightline could be worth checking out. For those in California, there’s little risk in trying its free coaching services.”
History & News About Brightline
Year Founded: 2019
Founder of Brightline: Naomi Allen
Brightline describes itself as a family-centered, pediatric-focused behavioral health solution. Its co-founder and CEO, Naomi Allen, identifies that children are not just small adults, and they need a platform that is designed specifically for them to gain access to care. Its goal is to serve as a one-stop-shop for those seeking mental healthcare for their children.
In October of 2024, Brightline announced that it will be transitioning from nation-wide virtual care to an in-person and hybrid model for children and families within select states. Its first in-person clinic opened in April 2025 in Brooklyn, New York. It plans on continuing to build out this model, opening multiple clinics in New York and then in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Washington State.1
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Brightline’s Therapists Vetted and What are Their Credentials?
Brightline’s therapists are all independently licensed therapists and psychologists who have expertise in delivering child and teen-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Medication prescribers with Brightline are generally independently licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. All clinical services are provided by licensed physicians and clinicians practicing within independently owned and operated professional practices.
How are Therapists Matched on Brightline?
All matching is done via the Care Matching assessment and based on the areas of support you selected earlier. You can always request to speak 1:1 with your care team if you feel that you have not been able to express yourself fully. Additionally, you will be provided with a bio to read about your coach or therapist.
Can I Choose a New Therapist on Brightline?
While you cannot change providers with the click of a button, you can simply chat with your coach or Member Support about making the request to get matched again. This may feel intimidating for some, but the general goal of any mental health service provider is that you find the care that is the right fit for you.
Does Brightline Accept Health Insurance Plans?
Yes, Brightline accepts health insurance plans such as Premera, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and many more. The Member Support team can help verify whether Brightline is covered by your insurance. If Brightline isn’t covered by your insurance, your family can still access all that Brightline has to offer.
Their Member Support team can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance. Call 888-224-7332 to speak with a Member Support Specialist.
What Ages Do Brightline Therapists See?
Brightline offers services to those 6-17.
How Much Does Brightline Cost?
Brightline’s pay structure is broken down by the different features a family can utilize. Brightline’s Behavioral and Coaching costs per service are:
- Coaching: $70 per session
- Caregiver sessions with coach: $70 per session
- Therapy: $225 per session
- Caregiver check-in with therapist: $170 per session
- Initial Medication Evaluation: $270 per session
- Ongoing Medication Support: $190 per session
Can I Use My HSA/FSA for Brightline?
Brightline Health should be able to accept HSA or FSA for mental health services rendered by Brightline.. Keep in mind that HSA/FSA plans differ, so it’s likely wise to check with your plan to ensure Brightline will be covered. Keep all receipts for your records in case you need to submit them to insurance later.
How Do I Cancel My Brightline Account?
If you do wish to cancel or delete your Brightline Health account I would recommend that you contact Member Support via chat, phone, or email. Brightline phone: (888) 224-7332 and email: [email protected].
Does Brightline Issue Refunds?
Brightline services are only paid before having the session, versus a monthly payment. If you feel you should receive a refund, you can contact Brightline directly via phone: (888) 224-7332 or email: [email protected] to share your concerns.
Who is Eligible for Medication on Brightline?
Medication support begins for children as young as six years old after meeting with a Brightline therapist. Any child over six is eligible to help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more. You will be able to discuss with your Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner as well as the rest of your care team to see if medication is the best option for your child.
What Medications Are Available on Brightline?
There are a lot of different types of anxiety medication and depression medication and finding the one that works best for your child can take time and patience. To learn more about the types of medications available, request to meet with a therapist and PMHNP-BC to learn more. Depending on the different state regulations, the ability to prescribe controlled substances may vary.
Is Brightline HIPAA Compliant?
Brightline Health is HIPAA compliant and you can read more in Brightline’s Privacy Policy, Brightline’s Privacy Practices, and Brightline’s Terms of Service.
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Brightline Team. (October 16, 2024). The Road Ahead for Brightline. Retrieved from: https://www.hellobrightline.com/blog/the-road-ahead-for-brightline/
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Brightline Inc. (April 23, 2025). Brightline Announces Flagship Pediatric Mental Health Clinic in New York. PR Newswire. Retrieved from: https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brightline-announces-flagship-pediatric-mental-health-clinic-in-new-york-302435888.html
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Brightline. (2025). FAQs. Retrieved from: https://www.hellobrightline.com/faq/
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Suarez-Angelino, Lena. (March 1, 2024). Manatee Health Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/manatee-health-review/
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Liu, Michelle. (August 13, 2024). Teen Counseling Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/teen-counseling-review/
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Lieberman, Allison. (September 24, 2024). Bend Health Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who it’s Right For. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/bend-health-review/
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: Abigail Rueger, MA (New Author)
Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No Change)
Primary Changes: Updated key information about geographic location. While Brightline used to serve clients virtually in all 50 states, it has changed its care model to only be available in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Washington, and California. Revised and edited entire article for readability and clarity.
Author: Michelle Liu, MPH (New Author)
Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (New Reviewer)
Primary Changes: Upgraded pricing and new information for Brightline. Added new first-hand experience from reviewer. Added additional user review content from Reddit. New images and availability diagram added to Brightline review.
Author: Lena Suarez-Angelino, LCSW (No change)
Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Added review summary and features.
Author: Lena Suarez-Angelino, LCSW (No change)
Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Reassessment of Brightline Health; Updated cost; Updated screenshots/images; Added first-person point-of-view; Style updates throughout.
Author: Lena Suarez-Angelino, LCSW
Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD
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