Charlie Health offers virtual intensive outpatient (IOP) programming across many US states. Charlie Health treats those with anxiety, depression, dissociative disorders, mood disorders, OCD, and more. Patients attend weekly individual, family therapy, and support groups during their 9 – 12-week treatment program. Charlie Health is available in 36 states and accepts insurance.
Charlie Health At a Glance
Cost: Insurance-dependent
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Pros and Cons of Charlie Health
Pros - Fully virtual intensive outpatient program
- Treatment for anxiety, depression, OCD, mood disorders, and much more
- Evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, CFT, relational therapy, and much more
- Treatment plans include individual therapy, family therapy, and support groups
- Work with 300+ major insurance companies
Cons - Out-of-pocket costs are unclear and depend on insurance coverage
- The virtual platform limits engagement in other treatment modalities
- Some user reviews mention disorganization within the program and staff follow-through
Preview Charlie Health
Charlie Health is a virtual intensive outpatient therapy (IOP) program committed to providing comprehensive and effective services to individuals with various mental health conditions. Their services are geared toward teenagers, young adults, and adults. Charlie Health accepts many major insurance plans, but they can work with you to assess cash-pay rates. There are various payment options, including insurance, sliding scale fees, and financial aid.
At Charlie Health, patients can work with up to three therapists, each specializing in distinct evidence-based treatment modalities. All treatment plans are tailored to align with the specific needs of each individual. The length of time each patient will stay in the program will depend on their personalized plan. Charlie Health’s Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) incorporates essential group sessions conducted over three days each week, totaling three hours daily.
Charlie Health’s IOP offers mental health support, but specific individuals and situations may call for alternative options. Individuals requiring inpatient care, individuals facing motivation-related challenges, those with alternative treatment preferences, and parents seeking more intensive individual therapy for their teens may need to explore alternatives.
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Charlie Health Key Takeaways
- There are various payment options, including insurance, sliding scale fees, and financial aid. This makes the program accessible to those within the geographic coverage area.
- Although currently accessible in 36 states, the company is actively pursuing expansion to reach a broader national audience.
- Family members have access to “Family Support Groups,” which provides an additional space for the patient’s loved ones to connect with others going through similar experiences.
- All treatment plans are tailored to align with the specific needs of each individual. The length of time each patient will stay in the program will depend on their personalized plan.
- Charlie Health offers a virtual Maternal Mental Health track.
What is Charlie Health?
Charlie Health is a virtual intensive outpatient therapy (IOP) program committed to providing comprehensive and effective services to individuals with various mental health conditions. Their services are geared toward teenagers, young adults, and adults — precise age ranges vary by provider. Charlie Health accepts many major insurance plans, but they can work with you to assess cash-pay rates.
Charlie Health’s IOP program includes:
- 3-5 days of treatment
- 1 hour of individual therapy weekly
- 1-2 hours of family therapy weekly
- 3 hours of support groups, three days weekly (9 hours in total)
- Medication management, if needed
Treatment plans typically span nine to twelve weeks, offering evidence-based treatments with a flexible care plan tailored to each individual’s schedule and goals. During intake, clients’ mental health struggles, demographic information, treatment history, and lived experiences are assessed to curate personalized treatment experiences based on their condition, age, and therapy preferences. This approach ensures that clients are matched with individual therapists who specialize in addressing their unique needs.
Charlie Health’s approach focuses on crafting personalized treatment plans addressing mental health disorders like anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar or other mood disorders, personality disorders, OCD, gender identity struggles, dissociative disorders, neurodivergence, self-harm, substance use, and post-traumatic stress.
Charlie Health offers a comprehensive range of tailored therapeutic modalities categorized into three groups: Evidence-Based Treatment (including DBT, CBT, and more), Experiential Treatment (involving meditation, art, music, dance, and mindfulness), and Processing (for identity acceptance, such as LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC experiences). These approaches are designed to address the unique needs of each patient effectively.
At Charlie Health, patients can work with up to three therapists, each specializing in distinct evidence-based treatment modalities. Patients can switch therapists if needed, ensuring their mental health journey is personalized to accommodate their evolving needs. Charlie Health’s mission revolves around making mental health care a right, not a privilege, emphasizing accessibility, effectiveness, and personalization.
Guardians’ participation requirements may vary based on state laws. In California, teenagers aged 12 and up can consent to their treatment independently, although parents may become aware of it through the insurance process. While guardians are encouraged but not mandated to participate, Charlie Health also welcomes “chosen family” involvement.
Charlie Health Group Therapy
Charlie Health’s Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) incorporates essential group sessions conducted over three days each week, totaling three hours daily. These groups foster a sense of community and collective healing among individuals facing similar mental health challenges, transcending geographical barriers.
With a diverse array of over 50 group tracks, Charlie Health’s IOP caters to various mental health needs and recovery goals. These groups cover multiple therapeutic modalities and themes, such as DBT skills, mindfulness, art therapy, emotional awareness, and music therapy. Patients have the flexibility to select tracks that align with their specific mental health goals, promoting connection and shared recovery journeys.
Family support is a central focus, complementing individual and group therapy with family support groups. These sessions provide additional spaces for patients and their families to collectively address mental health challenges, fostering positive client outcomes. Charlie Health’s facilitated groups, led by trained therapists, offer a collaborative environment where participants can set goals, share experiences, build connections, and learn new skills.
How Much Does Charlie Health Cost?
Charlie Health’s costs will depend on what insurance you have and what your plan covers. True out-of-pocket costs may be exceptionally high for many, so Charlie Health offers a sliding scale fee structure tailored to individual financial circumstances. They also provide financial aid options to those who qualify.
Does Charlie Health Accept Insurance?
Yes, Charlie Health accepts a range of major health insurance plans for mental health. They also work with uninsured individuals or those with out-of-network insurance to create customized financial plans that suit their budgets.
The top companies accepted include:
- United Healthcare
- Aetna
- Cigna
- Humana
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Optum
- Tricare
- And more
They also work with uninsured individuals or those with out-of-network insurance to create customized financial plans that suit their budgets.
Out-of-Network Benefits
Charlie Health is willing to assist with out-of-network claims. When you receive care
from Charlie Health as an out-of-network provider, they typically generate a superbill for you. Reimbursement amounts vary depending on your insurance plan, deductible, and coverage for out-of-network providers. You may be responsible for any remaining balance, such as deductibles or co-pays, as your insurance plan dictates.
The Admissions Process With Charlie Health
Getting started with Charlie Health’s Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a straightforward process. Parents, guardians, caregivers, or young adults can follow these steps:
- Obtain a referral from your provider or contact Charlie Health directly
- Reach out to their 24/7 admissions department at 1 (866) 508-7084, by email at [email protected], or by filling out this form https://www.charliehealth.com/form
- Engage in an initial intake call to discuss your needs and see if Charlie Health is a good fit
- Charlie Health will gather your insurance information and assist with coordinating your benefits. They will inform you of your insurance coverage and help to schedule your initial individual session with your primary therapist.
- Attend your initial individual session with your primary therapist and discuss your treatment plan.
- Select the days you’d like to attend your group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy sessions.
- Attend all of your sessions according to the schedule you and your care team create.
Charlie Health Key Features: Detailed Review
Charlie Health’s Virtual IOP offers a holistic approach to mental health care with the unique benefit of coordinating with your insurance benefits. With personalized therapy, diverse group sessions, and family support, this program empowers individuals and families to navigate their mental health challenges effectively. From evidence-based treatment to experiential therapies, our comprehensive program is designed to foster growth, connection, and long-term healing, all within a budget-friendly framework.
What is Virtual IOP Like With Charlie Health?
Getting connected with your treatment team at Charlie Health is typically a swift process. Live therapy sessions are generally conducted for one hour each, and you can expect to participate in a total of nine hours of supported groups spread over three days per week. Their treatment approach may include assignments and activities tailored to your progress and goals. They offer several group options to accommodate diverse schedules.
Charlie Health strongly emphasizes timely access to group therapy for teens and adults. Generally, it doesn’t take long to connect individuals with a group, and their clinical team facilitates the process. Group assignments are thoughtfully made, often grouping individuals with shared experiences or mental health goals. Group sizes are intentionally small, typically ranging from 3 to 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and supportive environment. Each group session lasts one hour, and participants attend nine to eleven hours of supported groups spread over three days per week.
Accessing group sessions with Charlie Health is user-friendly and can be done through their HIPAA-compliant communication platforms, making it convenient and secure. The clinical team is available to discuss and facilitate this transition if there is a desire to change groups or if it’s deemed beneficial for their progress. The facilitators leading the groups are qualified mental health professionals with various levels of licensure.
During my interaction with Charlie Health, I did not encounter any bugs or lagging issues. While I wasn’t able to access the platform itself, I was impressed with the responsiveness and efficiency of the admissions team. Within just 20 minutes of submitting my request, they reached out to me via phone and email to schedule a discussion about my needs, demonstrating a commitment to prompt service. The website is user-friendly and provides easy access to information, but having clearer information about the cost of their IOP, in general, would be helpful for potential clients to better understand insurance costs upfront.
Who Can Benefit From Charlie Health’s IOP Program?
Charlie Health’s IOP would be ideal for those needing a bridge between weekly therapy and hospitalization. It would also be ideal for those needing structured treatment approaches, families needing more support, and new mothers.
Those Needing More Than Weekly Therapy
Charlie Health’s IOP bridges the gap between weekly therapy and hospitalization, catering to those with moderate to severe mental health challenges. It aids individuals in crisis or transitioning from inpatient care, offering intensive support. Additionally, enrolled individuals can access a 24/7 crisis line for immediate assistance.
Individuals Needing a Structured Treatment Approach
Charlie Health’s IOP provides a structured and all-encompassing treatment plan beyond conventional therapy sessions. This inclusive approach incorporates a range of therapeutic modalities, psychoeducational components, and support groups, enabling the program to effectively address various facets of mental health. By blending diverse treatment modalities with its commitment to personalized care, Charlie Health achieves a balanced framework that caters to structured intervention while remaining adaptable to meet the unique needs of its patients.
Families Needing Additional Support
With a holistic approach that recognizes the impact of mental health challenges on the entire family, the program promotes comprehensive healing. Family therapy sessions improve communication, enhancing understanding and collaboration among family members. Support groups create a sense of community, allowing families to share insights and coping strategies. The collaborative approach strengthens relationships and equips family members with tools for support.
New Moms Needing Virtual Support
In January 2024, Charlie Health introduced its Maternal Mental Health Track IOP program, specifically designed to provide specialized care and support to new mothers. This program fills a crucial gap in accessible mental health services for this demographic, offering tailored assistance to address the unique challenges faced by new moms.
Who Might Want an Alternative to Charlie Health?
Charlie Health’s IOP offers mental health support, but specific individuals and situations may call for alternative options. Individuals requiring inpatient care, individuals facing motivation-related challenges, those with alternative treatment preferences, and parents seeking more intensive individual therapy for their teens may need to explore alternatives.
Individuals Requiring Inpatient Care
Individuals with severe mental health conditions that pose imminent risks to their safety or others often require inpatient psychiatric facilities or residential treatment centers. These settings provide crucial support with 24/7 supervision, a structured environment ideal for those struggling with impulsivity or aggression, intensive therapeutic interventions, crisis management, medication stabilization, a supportive community, and thorough transition planning to lower levels of care. These comprehensive services are essential for individuals with severe needs, ensuring their safety, stability, and access to intensive treatment modalities that virtual IOPs like Charlie Health may not offer.
Alternative Treatment Preferences
While virtual IOPs like Charlie Health offer a range of evidence-based modalities, some individuals may strongly prefer non-traditional therapeutic approaches. For example, wilderness therapy, which combines outdoor experiences with therapeutic interventions, may resonate with those seeking a connection to nature and adventure. Equine therapy involving interactions with horses can appeal to individuals looking for non-verbal and experiential forms of healing. Additionally, art-based programs attract those who find creative expression and art therapy particularly therapeutic.
Parents of Teens Wanting More Intensive Individual Therapy
Parents seeking more intensive individual therapy for their teens may find that Charlie Health’s group-based approach may not align with their specific preferences. While Charlie Health primarily focuses on providing intensive outpatient programs (IOP) with a combination of individual, group, and family therapy sessions, some parents may prioritize exclusive one-on-one therapy for their teens.
In such cases, alternative options like Joon Care, which offers a subscription including two weekly individual therapy sessions, could be a more suitable choice. You can learn more about their subscriptions, costs, and geographic service area by reading our comprehensive review of Joon Care.
Charlie Health User Reviews
Charlie Health does not have an app, and there are few true user reviews on review aggregate sites. However, we were able to find some first-hand review experiences on Reddit, and Charlie Health has published a number of testimonials and reviews from their clients.
Great Admissions Process, Not Enough DBT Skills Learned
One longer review on Reddit provided insights into their personal experience with Charlie Health’s young adult DBT track. They highlight the program’s efficient admission process, great therapist matching, and the supportive nature of group members. However, they raised concerns about time management during group sessions, with cross-communication issues and troubles staying on theme.
Additionally, the review points out that time zone differences can be challenging and mentions issues with the rewards program. The user expressed mixed feelings about group leaders and provided their personal perspective on why the group therapy was not great for them. They also describe their challenges when attempting to exit the program.
This user concluded that Charlie Health’s effectiveness depends on one’s specific goals, and they left feeling like they didn’t acquire sufficient DBT skills from the program.
Faced Communication Challenges
Another first-hand account on Reddit highlighted the issues encountered by a parent seeking help for their 14-year-old daughter through Charlie Health’s IOP program. The main concerns include communication problems, placement in the wrong therapy group, unreliability in therapist attendance, and inconsistent support.
The parent described a frustrating experience marked by delays, ignored complaints, and unfulfilled commitments. Ultimately, they express dissatisfaction with the program and emphasize warning others to avoid such issues. This review suggests that Charlie Health may need to address organizational and communication challenges to provide users with a more reliable and supportive experience in similar situations.
Group Therapy Challenges
In the last first-hand review I read on Reddit, they extensively evaluated their experience, noting the positive and negative aspects of the program. Positives include interactions with friendly and interesting counselors, the potential for enjoyable sessions, and benefits for younger participants. However, they express concerns about some counselors’ behavior, limited therapy experience, and the use of unrelated or odd questions during sessions.
They shared a positive experience with their individual therapist but noted they faced challenges with the family therapy sessions. Ultimately, they concluded that their mental health did not significantly improve through the program and recommended individual therapy for struggling teens while advising against group therapy.
Charlie Health Reports Excellent Client Outcomes
In Charlie Health’s annual outcomes report, the company partnered with UPenn to break down the outcomes for Charlie Health’s clients. The report found that 89% of Charlie Health clients reported improvements in self-harm and 74% saw improvements in suicidal ideation. Notably, Charlie Health reports they see greater attendance than typical IOP programs; 26% more clients attended Charlie Health group sessions compared to traditional IOP. 1
Charlie Health is quite transparent with its outcomes data and publishes a full report every year. Details can be found on the Charlie Health outcomes page.
Charlie Health Vs. Competitors
Charlie Health offers a comprehensive treatment program, which may only suit some people’s needs. Other online therapy options, such as Grouport and Joon Care, offer convenience, accessibility, and affordability, similar to Charlie Health. However, each platform follows a distinct treatment model. In general, Charlie Health is the preferred option for individuals seeking a higher level of care.
Charlie Health Vs. Grouport
Charlie Health and Grouport offer online therapy services with similarities and differences. They both provide online group therapy sessions tailored to the client’s individual needs, covering various mental health concerns and fostering consistency in group interactions. However, Grouport offers more cost-effective group therapy sessions at a fixed rate of $35 (billed at $140/month) per session. Charlie Health’s pricing can vary depending on insurance coverage and length of participation in the program.
Charlie Health accepts insurance, which may benefit clients with coverage, whereas Grouport’s pricing is straightforward and can provide superbills for reimbursement. Additionally, the therapist pool size may differ between the platforms, affecting therapist availability and the variety of group options. Charlie Health suits individuals seeking more intensive mental health services covered by insurance, while Grouport is ideal for those needing affordable group therapy.
Our detailed review of Grouport gives more information about costs and groups available.
Charlie Health Vs. Joon Care
Joon Care and Charlie Health both specialize in providing therapy services tailored to the mental health needs of teenagers and young adults. They have a team of expert therapists who offer personalized care, and their services are accessible through online therapy sessions. However, Joon Care charges $150 for the initial session and $125 for subsequent sessions, billed every four weeks. At the same time, Charlie Health’s pricing varies depending on insurance coverage, potentially making it more costly for some clients.
Joon is in-network with specific insurance providers and offers out-of-network options for reimbursement, whereas Charlie Health accepts insurance directly. Joon is available in select states, including California, Delaware, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, and Washington. Charlie Health is available in 36 states at this time. Joon Care would be well-suited for those seeking individual therapy specialized for teenagers and young adults. Conversely, Charlie Health remains the better option if someone requires a more intensive treatment program.
For more detailed information on costs and subscription options, please read our Joon Care review.
History of Charlie Health
Charlie Health was founded in 2020, starting in Montana, with a clear vision of providing better care to teens and young adults struggling with mental health challenges anywhere in the country. Charlie Health’s CEO and Co-Founder, Carter Barnhart, draws personal inspiration from her journey through mental health challenges, including surviving a sexual assault as a teen. They have since expanded their services to cover 36 states, aiming to eradicate suicide by prioritizing preventative care and supporting individuals through various levels of care.
One unique aspect of Charlie Health is its commitment to being 100% virtual. It reflects its dedication to making mental health support accessible to all without needing brick-and-mortar facilities. In 2024, Charlie Health launched a new program dedicated to helping improve maternal mental health for new mothers.
Final Verdict
Overall, I recommend Charlie Health for those seeking an intensive mental health program. While I could not enroll as a client, I had a great experience with Charlie Health’s admission team and outreach efforts, and I gained a comprehensive understanding of its IOP program. Charlie Health’s range of services, holistic approaches, and commitment to expanding its reach make it a great choice for those seeking a virtual IOP program. The company appears to deliver on its promises and stands as a valuable resource in the field of virtual mental health care.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Difference Between In-person IOP Vs. Virtual IOP?
In-person IOPs typically involve physical attendance at a treatment facility, offering face-to-face interactions with therapists and peers. This format allows for in-person group dynamics, different modalities of treatment, and a structured, on-site environment. In contrast, virtual IOPs, like Charlie Health’s, provide mental health support through online platforms, allowing participants to access therapy and group sessions remotely.
Which States Are Charlie Health Services Available In?
Charlie Health operates in the following states:
| Alaska | Nevada |
| Arizona | New Jersey |
| California | New York |
| Colorado | North Carolina |
| Delaware | North Dakota |
| Florida | Ohio |
| Georgia | Oregon |
| Idaho | Pennsylvania |
| Illinois | South Carolina |
| Indiana | Tennessee |
| Iowa | Texas |
| Maryland | Utah |
| Michigan | Washington |
| Missouri | Wisconsin |
| Montana | Wyoming |
How Does a Benefit Check Work With Charlie Health?
Charlie Health’s Benefits Team will reach out to your insurance company to determine all available benefits for care. The team will then process these benefits and explain the cost of care, coverage details, and patient responsibilities. The utilization case managers will contact the insurance provider to obtain necessary authorizations for treatment if needed.
What Credentials Do Charlie Health Providers Hold?
Charlie Health ensures that providers have active licensure in the states where they provide therapy and have attained at least a master’s level of education. Additionally, care coordinators, who play a crucial role in ensuring safety and treatment adherence, must have bachelor’s degrees or higher and lived experience.
How Am I Matched With a Treatment Team on Charlie Health?
Following your online intake information, Charlie Health will assign you to groups and an individual therapist specific to your needs within one to two days. Factors such as diagnosis, age, and preferred therapeutic modalities are considered to ensure a personalized and tailored approach to treatment.
Can I Change Providers on My Team?
Yes, you can change providers on your treatment team. The process involves seeking feedback on your current therapist and group dynamics to ensure a safe and supportive space for clients. While changing therapists is relatively straightforward, changing groups can be more challenging. You can initiate this process by talking to a trusted treatment team member.
Can I use my FSA or HSA Funds?
Yes, you can use FSA or HSA funds for mental health treatment with Charlie Health.
How Do I Stop Treatment with Charlie Health?
To stop treatment with Charlie Health, it’s recommended to have a discharge session with your therapist. However, it’s important to note that Charlie Health operates as a fee-for-service program, meaning you are billed for the services you attend. To discontinue treatment, you should provide proper notice by the program’s billing and cancellation policies.
Does Charlie Health Offer Refunds?
Charlie Health does not offer refunds for services already paid for by the insurance company. Discussing this with your treatment team is recommended if you have specific questions or concerns regarding refunds or billing issues. Contact their admissions team for further assistance at [email protected] or 1(866)434-1632.
Is Charlie Health HIPAA Compliant?
Yes, Charlie Health is HIPAA compliant. You can find more information by reading Charlie Health’s Privacy Policy and Charlie Health’s Terms of Service.
Summary Table of What Charlie Health Offers
| Cost of Virtual IOP | Depends on program length & insurance |
| Geographic Coverage | Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| Age Limitations | Depends on provider |
| Provider Choices | Matched |
| Can You Change Treatment Team Members | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointments | One to two days |
| Frequency of Appointments | 3x/day, 3x/week |
| Messaging with Providers Between Appointments | Yes |
| Medication Management Available? | Yes |
| Age Limitations for Online Psychiatry | Depends on provider |
Choosing Therapy 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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Charlie Health. (2022). Charlie Health annual outcomes report. Charlie Health. Retrieved from: https://www.charliehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Charlie-Health-Outcomes-Report_compressed.pdf
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, PMH-C (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated states that Charlie Health serves from 28 to 36, added update about launch of maternal mental health program, removed age ranges for clients served per Charlie Health’s new policies.
Author: Allison Lieberman, LMFT, PMH-C (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Added summary block and star rating breakdown
Author: Allison Lieberman, LMFT, PMH-C
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD
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