Our team has spent hundreds of hours evaluating online therapy for teens. After all of our research, my top picks offer affordable, in-network treatment for issues like depression, anxiety, bullying, relationships, and body image. Some services provide text-based therapy for teens who feel more comfortable communicating through text, while others offer a combination of online and in-person sessions.
Our Picks
- Best Overall - Teen Counseling | Read review
- Best For Using Insurance - Bend Health | Read review
- Best For Texting/Messaging - Talkspace | Read review
- Most Affordable - Amwell | Read review
- Best For Text-Based Therapy - Talkspace | Read review
- Best For Young Adults - Joon Care | Read review
- Best For Pre-Teens - Little Otter | Read review
- Best For Online & In-Person Care - Thriveworks | Read review
Why Trust Us
300+
Companies Reviewed
2,350+
Hours of Testing
1,150+
Data Points AnalyzedChoosing Therapy’s reviews are fair, honest, thorough and based on firsthand experience. To date, we’ve reviewed mental health solutions offered by more than 300 companies. That has involved more than 2,350 hours of firsthand use and consideration of over 1,150 data points. Our editorial policies outline a rigorous review process, but they all boil down to this: produce reviews that our own friends and family can rely on. Learn more here.
Detailed Review of Teen Therapy Platforms
Here are our top picks for teen therapy online.
- Insurance Accepted? No
- Age Limitations: 13 – 19
- Location: US
Teen Counseling is designed specifically for teens. You’ll appreciate the secure and confidential platform that lets your teen connect with licensed therapists through video, phone, or chat. Teen Counseling stands out for its flexibility, personalized approach, and focus on building a safe space for teens to express themselves and navigate challenges.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Available in all 50 US states
- Weekly 30-minute sessions
- Parents & teens have separate chatrooms with the therapist
- Same-day appointments available
Cons - No insurance is accepted
- No medication management
- Costs depend on location
Cost
Teen Counseling costs start at $280-$400 billed monthly (advertised as $70-$100 weekly) with the exact costs depending on your location and therapist availability. To learn more about costs and what out-of-network benefits you can use, please read our in-depth review of Teen Counseling.
Overview
Teen Counseling offers flexible therapy for teens through weekly video, phone, or live texting sessions, plus ongoing messaging with their therapist between sessions. After completing a quick questionnaire, your teen will be matched with a therapist, and if they’re not satisfied, they can easily switch therapists within the app.
An interesting feature is the ability for both you and your teen to have personal chat rooms to communicate with the therapist at any time. While your teen’s therapist primarily supports them, you can receive check-ins and updates via your own chat room. All communication remains private, except in cases where there’s concern for safety or abuse.
For more information, explore our Teen Counseling review.
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Age Limitations: 6-17
- Location: US
I included Bend Health in our list because they offer flexible therapy for teens, accept a wide range of insurance plans, and provide both virtual and in-person options. More importantly, Bend Health embraces a philosophy of whole-family care. They believe that if one person is struggling with their mental health, it affects the whole family.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Available in all 50 US States
- Accepts most insurance plans
- Coaching, Therapy, & Med Management
Cons - Out-of-pocket costs can be high
- Age cut-off is 17
- No option to self-select coaches
Cost
Bend Health costs $199.99 monthly for coaching, $399.99 monthly for coaching + therapy, and $549.99 monthly for coaching + therapy + medications. If your teen’s primary care doctor refers you to Bend Health, the cost for care may be covered by insurance.
Bend Health therapy subscriptions are:
- Coaching: For $199.99 monthly you receive a comprehensive care plan, one-on-one live 30-minute video coaching sessions, unlimited messaging, parent-skills training, real-time video updates about your teen, and the option to upgrade if needed.
- Coaching & Therapy: For $399.99 monthly you receive a comprehensive care plan, one-on-one live 30-minute video coaching and therapy sessions, unlimited messaging, parent-skills training, real-time video updates about your teen, and the option to upgrade if needed.
- Coaching, Therapy, & Medications: For $549.99 monthly you receive everything in the coaching & therapy plan plus an initial evaluation by a psychiatrist, 15-minute follow-up appointments and medication if needed
Bend Health also accepts FSA/HSA cards to pay for therapy.
For more on cost, browse our Bend Health review.
Overview
Bend Health is a subscription-based online therapy platform that allows kids and teens (1-17 years old) to attend live, 30-minute video sessions with a care team that consists of a mental health coach and licensed therapist.
You and your teen complete an initial assessment together to discuss any symptoms that need to be addressed in the individualized care plan. You will then meet with a customer care representative who will help match you with a coach, therapist, and medication provider if needed.
Bend Health also offers neuropsychological evaluations to help measure attention/concentration, executive functioning, mood and personality, depression, and more. These evaluations can help your doctors diagnose your child or teen and give them the support and skills they need.
For additional information, read our Bend Health review.
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Ages Treated: 10+
- Location: US
Amwell is an affordable option for teen mental health support, offering flexible video and text therapy sessions. With user-friendly technology and a focus on privacy, Amwell provides budget-friendly care that adapts to your teen’s comfort and needs.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Pay per appt. as needed
- Accepts most major insurance plans
- Choose your own therapist
Cons - Medication management only for 18+
- No text-based therapy available
- No option for therapist-matching
Cost
Amwell’s costs range from $109 per therapy session to $279 per medication management appointment. They accept many major insurance plans that could lower the cost of care.
For more on cost, read our review on Amwell.
Overview
Our team recommends Amwell for its flexibility and accessibility in treating teens. Their licensed therapists provide high-quality care for a range of mental health concerns, and the platform’s user-friendly design makes it easy for teens to connect via video or chat. With a strong reputation for professionalism and privacy, Amwell is a dependable option for supporting your teen’s mental well-being.
For additional information, read our Amwell review.
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Age Limitations: 13-17
- Location: US & International
Talkspace For Teens is a subscription-based online therapy platform designed for adolescents aged 13 – 17. The ability to text with a therapist anytime is ideal for teens who may feel uneasy about video calls. As a caregiver, you’ll appreciate the flexibility to adjust subscription plans to fit your family’s needs.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Three subscription options
- Available for ages 13-17
- Accepts major insurance plans
Cons - No medication management for teens
- Can be pricey without insurance
Cost
Talkspace has three subscription options with costs ranging from $276 – $436 monthly (advertised as $69 – $109 weekly). Talkspace also accepts most major insurance plans.
- Video + Messaging therapy: $99/week
- Messaging therapy: $69/week
- Video + Messaging + Workshops: $109/week
To learn more about each plan, read our detailed review of Talkspace.
Overview
Talkspace for Teens offers a flexible, secure therapy experience tailored to your teen’s needs. While your teen can sign up independently, a caregiver must sign consent forms before therapy begins. After an initial assessment, they’ll be matched with a therapist in a secure chat room where they can share their preferences, needs, and symptoms. If your teen requires more support, you can upgrade their subscription to include live therapy sessions or scale back to a messaging-only plan if they’re doing well. This adaptability ensures your teen gets the right level of care at the right time.
Read our Talkspace review for more information.
- Insurance Accepted? Yes, limited
- Age Limitations: 13-24
- Location: 7 US States
Joon Care specializes in providing online mental health care for teens and young adults, ages 13-24. They are actually one of the only platforms for kids and teens that also treats young adults. There is a beneficial subscription plan that offers two 60-minute therapy sessions weekly.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Available for teens & young adults
- Free 15-minute consultation
- 50-minute therapy sessions
- 16-week treatment plans
Cons - Services only in seven states
- Can't choose a therapist
- No medication management
- Limited insurance acceptance
Cost
Joon Care costs $500 – $1,110 monthly, depending on which subscription you choose. To get started, Joon Care offers a free 15-minute consultation, which is followed by a $150 intake appointment where you will be matched with a therapist. Treatment with Joon Care lasts approximately 16 weeks and has a subscription option for existing clients.
To learn about what subscriptions are available, please read our review of Joon Care.
Overview
Joon Care provides specialized online mental health care for teens and young adults aged 13–24 in California, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. With a focus on challenges like social anxiety, depression, body image, disordered eating, and gender or sexual identity, Joon therapists create personalized treatment plans designed to last approximately 16 weeks.
Your teen will engage in 50-minute therapy sessions and use the Joon Care mobile app, available on Apple, to practice therapist-recommended skills between sessions. The app includes resources and techniques tailored to their needs, allowing them to continue to learn and grow outside of therapy.
According to Amy Mezulis, Ph.D., Joon’s Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Officer, Joon’s outcomes for adolescent depression and anxiety meet or exceed industry standards. With a team of experts in teen mental health, Joon delivers high-quality, evidence-based care uniquely suited to this age group.
For more information, read our comprehensive Joon Care review.
- Insurance Accepted? Yes, limited
- Age Limitations: 0-14
- Location: 14 US States
I included Little Otter in our list for its focus on children and teens up to 14 years old, offering a complementary 30-minute kickoff session and ongoing paid 45-minute video sessions with licensed therapists. With specialized ADHD treatment and family-centered care, it’s an excellent resource for supporting younger teens’ mental health.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Complementary kick-off session
- Therapy, med management, & ADHD treatment available
- No monthly subscriptions; pay for what you need
Cons - Only available in 14 states
- Accepts limited insurance
- Out-of-pocket costs can be high
Cost
Little Otter offers a free 30-minute kick session with a Care Lead. This includes a custom family mental health report.
Costs are as follows:
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- Therapy: $350 for 60-minute assessment; $200 per ongoing session
- Parent Specialty: $200 for 45-minute assessment; $200 per ongoing session
- Psychiatry: $500 for 75-minute initial evaluation; $250 per 30-minute follow-up.
Currently, Little Otter is in-network with:
- Independence Blue Cross
- AmeriHealth
- Sana
- Florida Blue
All therapy sessions are HSA/FSA eligible.
Overview
Little Otter was founded by Dr. Helen Egger, a world-renowned child psychiatrist, and her daughter, Rebecca Egger. Dr. Helen’s daughter, Rebecca, is well known for founding, building, and leading the infectious disease program with the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative.
According to Meg Spenchian, a PR team member for Little Otter, Dr. Helen, “Has been a leader in the field of child mental health for more than 30 years. She is a child psychiatrist (MD), early childhood mental health expert, digital health expert, and prolific scientist – and a mother of four. Translating her decades of research, Dr. Helen has developed proprietary assessments of the common emotions and behaviors of early childhood and of family stresses. With these assessments, she developed the Little Otter care model and personalized care plans that adapt to the needs of your children and family.”4
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Age Limitations: 13+
- Location: 49 US States
I included Thriveworks in our list of best online therapy options for teens because of its comprehensive services and flexibility. Thriveworks offers therapy and medication management, allowing you and your teen to choose a therapist who provides in-person sessions, online therapy, or a mix of both.
Pros & Cons
Pros - In-person service in select cities
- Accepts major insurance plans
- Kids, teens, & couples therapy
- Morning, evening, & weekend appts.
Cons - Per session rates vary
- Psychiatry available exclusively online
- Limited location accepts Medicaid
Cost
Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans, meaning many clients pay between $0 – $50 per session as a co-pay. Additionally, they offer self-pay options for out-of-network patients or those without insurance.
Self-pay rates are as follows:
- Therapy: $160 – $240 per intake session; $135 – $195 per follow-up
- Psychiatry: $255 – $375 per intake session; $175 – $300 per follow-up
For more, read our comprehensive review of Thriveworks.
Overview
Thriveworks, a clinician-founded and -led mental health provider, offers therapy and psychiatry services designed to meet your teen’s needs. With over 340 offices and 2,200+ clinicians nationwide, Thriveworks provides both in-person and online care across 49 states and Washington, D.C. Whether your teen prefers virtual sessions, in-person therapy, or a combination of both, Thriveworks provides flexible, high-quality mental health support, including the following modalities of therapy:
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
If you’re interested in learning more, check out our Thriveworks review.
Top Companies Compared
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Available in all 50 states -
Offers text-based therapy too
-
No insurance is accepted -
Cash-pay is pricey
-
Available in all 50 States -
Coaching, Therapy, & Psychiatry
-
Cash-pay can be high -
Can’t choose therapist/coach
-
Pay per appointment (as needed) -
Evening & weekend appts. available
-
No text-based therapy -
No psychiatry for kids
-
Flexible subscriptions to choose from -
Accepts many insurance plans
-
No med management for teens -
Pricey without insurance
-
Free 15-min. consultation -
50-min. therapy sessions
-
Only available in select states -
No medication management
-
Pay per service as needed -
Therapy & Psychiatry
-
Only available in six states -
Limited insurance acceptance
-
Therapy & Psychiatry in 49 states -
60-min. sessions
-
Psychiatry not offered in all states -
Signup process can be lengthy
Final Verdict
When it comes to finding the right online therapy platform for teens, each of these companies excels at something different. Teen Counseling earns the top spot as Best Overall for its flexibility, accessibility, and teen-focused care. Bend Health is ideal for families navigating insurance, offering seamless coverage and affordable options. Amwell provides the Most Affordable services without compromising quality, while Talkspace excels in text-based therapy, a convenient option for teens who may feel more comfortable communicating through writing.
For older teens and young adults, Joon Care specializes in evidence-based, tailored mental health support. Little Otter is best suited for pre-teens, offering family-centered care and expert guidance for younger children. Finally, Thriveworks bridges the gap between online and in-person care, making it a versatile choice for teens and their families. Each platform is thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of teens at every stage and every age.”
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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Bend Health. (n.d.). Bend Health. https://www.bendhealth.com/
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Bremner, G. Personal Communication, April 28, 2022
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Einhorn, H Personal Communication, May 5, 2022
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Spenchian, M. Personal Communication, May 6, 2022
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Caskey, C. Personal Communication, May 1, 2022
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Lovelace, L. Personal Communication, April 26, 2022
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Damayanti, D. Personal Communication, May 5, 2022
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Barnhart, C. Personal Communication, May 18, 2022
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Henshaw, L. Personal Communication, May 4, 2022
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Liu, Michelle. (Aug. 2024). “Teen Counseling Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience.” https://www.choosingtherapy.com/teen-counseling-review/
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Lieberman, Allison. (Sep. 2024) “Bend Health Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience.” https://www.choosingtherapy.com/bend-health-review/
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Liu, Michelle. (March, 2024). “Amwell Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience.” https://www.choosingtherapy.com/amwell-review/
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Church, Matthew. (Aug. 2024). “Talkspace Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience.” https://www.choosingtherapy.com/talkspace-review/
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Suarez-Angelino, Lena. (May, 2024). “Joon Care Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience.” https://www.choosingtherapy.com/joon-care-review/
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Bell, Caitlin, (Aug, 2024). “Thriveworks Counseling Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who it’s Right For.” https://www.choosingtherapy.com/thriveworks-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: Melissa Boudin, PsyD (Change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller (Change)
Primary Changes: Fact-checked all information and reconsidered/made changes to the recommendations list based on research and product testing. Updated where necessary to improve factual accuracy and readability. Removed platforms and added them to other companies to consider (Brightline, Synergy eTherapy, Charlie Health, Manatee); Added Amwell as Most Affordable.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA (No Change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No Change)
Primary Changes: Complete revamp of overall style; updated logos for all companies.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA (No Change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No Change)
Primary Changes: Updated all costs and offerings of each platform; Updated “Best Of” list categories; Added additional FAQs and a “How We Choose” section.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA (New author)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No Change)
Primary Changes: Updated and added multiple options for online teen therapy, added Frequently Asked Questions and Additional Options.
Author: Tanya J. Peterson, NCC, DAIS
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD
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