Online therapy can be very effective in helping teens cope with any number of obstacles they face, including bullying, body image issues, anxiety, depression and more. Online teen counseling platforms make it much easier and more accessible for teens and their families to access care specific to their needs around their schedules.
We know how vitally important it is to find a professional to trust with your teen’s mental health and wellness. It is equally important that you find a therapist your teen will be comfortable with and feel safe talking to on a regular basis. Accessing online therapy for your teen can be a convenient way to have your family’s needs met, and many online therapy options accept insurance.
Choosing Therapy looked at several key factors to determine the numerical ranking of companies featured on this list. Each company was thoroughly researched by our Senior Mental Health Technology Editor and online therapy services expert, Caitlin Bell, who spent numerous hours communicating with the Growth Managers, CEOs, and PR professionals from listed companies, gaining insight into their services, costs, and accessibility.
The top three criteria that determine company rankings are:
- Geographic coverage: Companies that provide services nationally ranked higher than those that serve fewer US states.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Cost should be reflective of the services a company offers. Companies that maximize services while maintaining reasonable costs are ranked higher than those whose costs outweigh their offerings.
- Is insurance accepted?: Companies that accept multiple insurances as a method of payment for services will rank higher than those who accept fewer, or who do not accept insurance as payment.
Below are our 10 best online therapy platforms for teens according to these key criteria.
- Best Overall – Teen Counseling
- Best for a Range of Subscription Options – Talkspace
- Best for In-Person & Online Therapy – Thriveworks
- Best for Family-Centered Therapy – Brightline
- Best for Affordable Coaching, Therapy & Psychiatry – Bend Health
- Best for Weekend & Evening Appointments – Synergy eTherapy
- Best for Intensive Outpatient Therapy – Charlie Health
- Best Care for Pre-Teens with ADHD – Little Otter
- Best for Teens Transitioning to Adulthood (18-24) – Joon Care
- Best Parent Programs to Support Teens – Manatee
Here’s a complete list of companies reviewed in this article listed in alphabetical order: Bend Health, Brightline, Charlie Health, Joon Care, Little Otter, Manatee, Synergy eTherapy, Talkspace, Teen Counseling, and Thriveworks.
1. Teen Counseling – Best Overall
Teen Counseling is a subscription-based online therapy platform for teens (13+) that offers 30-minute sessions with a licensed therapist for $240 – $360 monthly. A huge perk for teens (and their caregivers) is that they can message their therapists in between sessions and get responses daily, which is great for teens who need extra support throughout the week. Currently, Teen Counseling does not accept insurance and it earned 3.5 out of 5 stars during our independent review.
With Teen Counseling, teens can create their own account, but they will ultimately need a parent or guardian to complete the payment process and sign consent forms. After a quick questionnaire, Teen Counseling will match your teen with a therapist. If they’re unhappy with their match, they can easily change therapists in the app.
An interesting feature of Teen Counseling is that you and your teen both have private chat rooms to text with your teen’s therapist at any time. A guardian’s private chat room functions as a means for your teen’s therapist to send you check-ins and updates, even though they are primarily there to support your teen. Whatever your teen shares in their private chat room will remain between them and the therapist and vice versa. The only time anything is shared is if your teen expressed harming themselves or others, or mentioned any abuse or situations of neglect.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $240 - $360 per month (dependent on location & therapist availability) |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | Within 7 Days (Based on Therapist Availability) |
| Geographic Coverage | All 50 US States & International |
| Age Limitations | 13+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | No |
How Much Does Teen Counseling Cost?
Teen Counseling costs start at $240-$360 billed monthly (advertised as $60-$90 weekly) with the exact costs depending on your location and therapist availability.
Get 20% Off Your First Month With Teen Counseling
A Teen Counseling subscription includes:
- One live, 30-minute weekly video, phone, or texting session
- Two private chat rooms, one for your teen and one for the guardian
- Unlimited texting with the therapist any time (expect responses at least once daily)
Teen Counseling does not currently accept FSA/HSA cards to pay for therapy, however, there is an option to apply for financial aid during the signup process.
Does Teen Counseling Take Insurance?
No, Teen Counseling does not accept insurance at this time.
What Sets Teen Counseling Apart?
Teen Counseling is convenient, affordable, and accessible nationwide. It could be especially good for teens who are new to counseling who want shorter sessions with the opportunity to touch base through text messages with their therapist throughout the week. It’s also great for parents new to the process as well. While it may not be as parent or family-focused as other platforms like Brightline or Manatee, parents have a personal chat room with their teen’s therapist where they can ask questions and receive updates as needed.
Unlike Talkspace for Teens, where parents/guardians don’t have a direct way to connect their teen’s therapist, Teen Counseling includes this as a standard offering. This feature combined with the short, live therapy sessions and the option for teens and their parents to text with a therapist makes Teen Counseling our best overall online therapy option for teens.
How to Sign Up for Teen Counseling
To sign-up for Teen Counseling, visit the Teen Counseling website.
2. Talkspace for Teens – Best for a Range of Subscription Options
Talkspace for Teens is a subscription-based online therapy platform for adolescents 13 years and older. It has three subscription options (similar to Talkspace), to connect with a licensed therapist for $276 – $516 monthly, depending on which subscription you choose. Talkspace accepts major insurance plans, but you need to sign up first in order to see whether they accept yours. Talkspace earned 4 out of 5 stars during our independent review of its individual (18+) online therapy services.
While your teen can sign up for their own account, a guardian will be required to sign consent forms prior to any therapy sessions. After completing an initial assessment, teens go through a matching process with a live agent. This process happens in a secure chat room where they can share preferences, needs, and symptoms with the agent. Prior to seeing the three hand-selected matches, caregivers must pay for one of the three subscription plans.
Subscriptions include a messaging-only plan, which allows teens to send unlimited texts, videos, or audio messages to their therapist 24/7, with daily replies. The messaging-only plan does not come with any live therapy sessions and is probably best for teens who only want or need a little bit of support during the day.
The other two plans include everything in the messaging plan and either one or four live, 45-minute therapy sessions each month. The number of live sessions your teen may need might change over time, so Talkspace makes it easy to upgrade or downgrade subscriptions as needed.
While Talkspace does offer online psychiatric services, they are not available to those under the age of 18.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $246 - $516 per month (dependent on location & therapist availability) |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Matched by a Live Agent |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 3-5 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | All 50 US States + Canada Psychiatry Only in the US |
| Age Limitations | 13+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes (but only 18+) |
How Much Does Talkspace Cost?
Talkspace therapy costs $246 – $516 monthly (advertised as $69 – $129 weekly), with exact cost depending on which subscription package you want, where you live, and therapist availability. This will need to be paid up front before you speak with a therapist. Talkspace accepts select insurance plans, which could make the cost much more affordable.
Get $100 Off Talkspace with the code SPACE
Talkspace has three therapy subscription plans:
- Messaging Only: Starts at $246 monthly ($69 weekly) and includes a dedicated chatroom with unlimited texts, videos or audio messages
- Messaging + 1 Live Therapy Session: Starts at $396 monthly ($99 weekly) and includes everything in the messaging plan plus one, 45-60 minute video, phone, or text session per month
- Messaging + 4 Live Therapy Sessions: Starts at $516 monthly ($129 weekly) and includes includes everything in the messaging plan plus four, 45 minute video, phone, or text sessions per month (one weekly session)
You can also use your FSA/HSA to pay for therapy with Talkspace.
Does Talkspace Take Insurance?
Yes, Talkspace takes select insurance including Cigna, Optum, Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Humana.
You may also request a superbill from your provider if your insurance is an out-of-network provider.
What Sets Talkspace for Teens Apart?
Talkspace for Teens gives teens and their caregivers a good range of subscription options to choose from. Much like Teen Counseling, the option to text with a therapist anytime is a great perk for teens who may not feel comfortable talking on video calls. Additionally, caregivers may like the flexibility Talkspace for Teens offers in upgrading/downgrading subscription plans. If your teen finds they need more support, their subscription can be upgraded to include some (or more) live therapy sessions. Likewise, if your teen finds they are doing better and wants less support, their subscription can be downgraded to the messaging-only plan.
Teen Counseling only offers one subscription plan, which makes upgrading or downgrading plans non-existent. And while out-of-pocket costs with Teen Counseling ($240 – $360 monthly) are lower than costs with Talkspace ($246 – $516), Talkspace accepts insurance and Teen Counseling does not. If your insurance is accepted, Talkspace may ultimately be a good choice for your teen.
How to Sign Up for Talkspace
To sign-up for Talkspace, visit the Talkspace website.
3. Thriveworks – Best for In-Person & Online Therapy
Thriveworks provides online counseling for teens (13+), with evening and weekend appointments available. All costs with Thriveworks depend on location and the therapist you and your teen choose with 60-minute therapy sessions ranging in cost from $99 – $199. If teens were to attend therapy weekly, the out-of-pocket monthly cost could be between $396 – $796. Thriveworks accepts many major insurance plans, however, which could significantly reduce these costs. During the review of its individual (18+) online therapy services, Thriveworks earned 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Caregivers can sign up their child or teen for therapy and fill out any consent forms needed. A great perk with Thriveworks is that you and your teen can choose a therapist from their therapist directory. The directory allows you to filter by age, gender, and specialties like anxiety, ADHD, and more. How often your teen needs to see their therapist will be determined by all of you, together; treatment plans with Thriveworks are highly individualized.
Thriveworks also has an app called “Therapy Buddy” that allows you to send text messages to “Success Navigators”, or customer service representatives. These customer service reps make sure you and your child are enjoying your sessions with your therapist. If you or your child ever need to get in touch with your therapist, you can call or email the rep.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $24 - $39 Monthly Membership Fee + $99 - $199 per Session |
| Frequency of Appointments | As Needed |
| Massage Therapist Between Appointments | Yes, email |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 3-5 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN, IL, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MASS, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, D.C., & WY |
| Age Limitations | 13+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes, select locations, 14+ |
How Much Does Thriveworks Cost?
Thriveworks costs range from $99 – $199 per 60-minute session. If your teen were to attend therapy weekly, the out-of-pocket monthly cost could be $396 – $796.
Thriveworks offers psychiatric care for teens 14-18 years old, but only in select states and at select locations. Psychiatry services range between $99 – $349, with exact costs depending on the provider and your location. Initial psychiatry sessions are between 50-60 minutes and all follow-up appointments last 30 minutes.
It’s important to note that the exact out-of-pocket costs will ultimately depend on your location, the therapist you choose and whether your insurance is accepted.
Does Thriveworks Take Insurance?
Yes, Thriveworks accepts insurance. They take major plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Optum, United, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, and many others. This can vary by location and by the provider. Some in-person Thriveworks locations accept Medicaid.
What Sets Thriveworks Apart?
Thriveworks is an interesting and unique therapy platform for several reasons. They are a franchise therapy company available across 40 states and they can offer online and in-person therapy sessions. This can be especially helpful if your teen could benefit from in-person sessions every now and again, or if they’re in need of psychiatry in addition to therapy.
They’re also one of the few platforms on our list that allow you to choose your own therapist from a directory. If it’s important to you or your teen to filter through therapists to choose your own, this could be a good option, especially if they accept your insurance.
If you don’t have insurance, and you’re on the higher end of the cost range, this can be a pricier option. Joon Care also has higher fees (up to $1,100 monthly), but this includes two 60-minute therapy sessions per week, whereas Thriveworks would only include one.
To learn even more about everything Thriveworks offers, you can read our comprehensive review of Thriveworks.
How to Sign Up for Thriveworks
You can sign up on the Thriveworks website.
4. Brightline – Best for Family-Centered Therapy
Brightline is an online behavioral therapy platform that offers kids and teens (6 – 17 year olds) weekly, 50-minute live video sessions with a licensed therapist. Treatment plans with Brightline can run between 8 – 16 weeks (one therapy session weekly), with specifics depending on your child and their individualized treatment plan. Brightline’s out-of-pocket costs for therapy are $180 per session ($720 monthly), but they also accept insurance. Brightline earned 3 out of 5 stars overall during our independent review of its online therapy services.
Similar to other teen platforms, caregivers need to sign their adolescents up for therapy. Once you establish care with Brightline, your teen will have a private space to engage with their therapist. It is more common for teens to attend their therapy sessions without their caregiver, however, Brightline is very family-focused and encourages everyone to be involved in the therapy process.
While you cannot choose your own therapist with Brightline, you will be able to talk for free with a Welcome Specialist who helps you connect with a therapist that matches your teen’s preferences. Many therapists offer evening and weekend appointments, making it convenient to work around your teen’s school schedule.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $180 per 50-minute session |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | No |
| Provider Choices | Matched by a Live Agent |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1 - 2 days |
| Geographic Coverage | AL, AK, AZ, AK, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MASS, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, D.C., WI, WY |
| Age Limitations | 4 - 17 |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
How Much Does Brightline Cost?
Brightline’s behavioral therapy costs $180 per 50-minute session ($720 monthly). Their treatment plan lasts between 8 and 16 weeks, with one session typically held per week (depending on the individualized plan created for your child).
Brightline also offers medication management. An initial evaluation costs $270, follow-up sessions are $190. They also offer speech therapy for kids 18 months to 11 years-old for $180 per session, and parent coaching for $60 per session.
All of these costs may be significantly lower depending on your insurance.
Does Brightline Take Insurance?
Yes, Brightline accepts insurance, but you must first sign up for a free account to check your eligibility.
What Sets Brightline Apart?
Brightline is so much more than just therapy for teens. Similar to Manatee and Little Otter, they are a very family-centered mental and behavioral health platform. These are not adult therapy platforms that carved out space to make way for kids and teens like Talkspace or Teen Counseling has done. Instead, these are entire programs built with kids, teens, and their families at the very heart. While Manatee and Little Otter are great choices for families and their teenagers, they are only available in limited states. Brightline is currently available in almost every state in the US.
According to Honora Einhorn, Senior Manager of Clinical Therapy at Brightline, “Brightline’s pediatric behavioral health services can provide your teen with truly individualized, evidence-based, compassionate, and accessible care. Our talented and experienced therapists and care providers understand the unique considerations required to effectively treat adolescent mental health concerns.” 1
Brightline has no waiting lists at the moment, and can very quickly get your teen to their first appointment after the sign up process is complete. This can be a huge perk for those looking to speak with a therapist quickly.
How to Sign Up for Brightline
You can sign up for Brightline on their website.
5. Bend Health – Best for Affordable Coaching, Therapy & Psychiatry
Bend Health is a subscription-based online therapy platform that allows kids and teens (1-17 years old) to attend live, 30-minute video or phone sessions with a care team that consists of a mental health coach and licensed therapist. In between sessions, teens and parents can keep in touch with their team through text messages, and can expect a response by the next business day.
Bend Health costs $79.99 per month for a coaching and therapy subscription, and $199.99 per month for a coaching, therapy and medication management subscription. It is the most affordable out-of-pocket plan by far, but note that your teen will likely be meeting most often with a coach rather than a licensed therapist. The level of care they need and who they meet with will be determined during their first intake session. Bend Health also accepts and partners with many major insurance plans.
Bend Health embraces a philosophy of “Whole-Person, Whole-Family” and they believe that if one person in your family is struggling with their mental health, it can affect the whole family.2 This is why caregivers and their teens create an account and attend therapy sessions together. After you create an account, you fill out assessments together and get matched with a care team. Therapy sessions are conducted between 7am to 7pm, Monday through Friday, which allows families the flexibility to plan around school and after-school activities.
Psychiatry and medication management are rolled into one of the two subscriptions available on Bend Health. An initial, comprehensive evaluation will be completed by a licensed psychiatrist, and if medication is prescribed, there are monthly follow-up appointments to make sure your teen is on the best medication and dosage (it’s uncertain if follow ups are with part of your care team or licensed psychiatrists). Once your teen is stable on their medication, follow-ups take place every three months.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $79.99 Monthly |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1 - 3 days |
| Geographic Coverage | AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NV, NY, OK, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY |
| Age Limitations | 1 - 17 |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
How Much Does Bend Health Cost?
Bend Health costs $79.99 per month for Coaching & Therapy or $199.99 per month for Coaching, Therapy & Medication. Currently, both subscriptions come with a 30-day free trial. 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 & Therapy: $79.99 monthly and includes weekly, 30-minute video sessions, unlimited messaging, parent-skills training, monthly progress reports and video updates
- Coaching, Therapy & Medications: $199.99 monthly and includes everything in the Coaching & Therapy plan plus an initial evaluation by a psychiatrist, follow-up appointments and medication if needed
Bend Health also accepts FSA/HSA cards to pay for therapy.
Each subscription comes with a 30-day free trial and you have the option to upgrade or downgrade the subscription as your teen’s needs change.
Does Bend Health Take Insurance?
Yes, Bend Health partners with insurance providers including UnitedHealth/Optum, Humana, Cigna, and more.
Bend Health can send you a superbill to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
What Sets Bend Health Apart?
Bend Health is the most affordable cash-pay option for your teen, with the caveat that they’ll likely be receiving support from a coach rather than a licensed therapist. If your teen is in need of support but doesn’t necessarily need it from a licensed therapist, this could be a great option. For just $79.99 per month, your teen gets one, weekly, 30 minute therapy session (roughly $20 per session!). Similar services cost $60-$90 per week on Teen Counseling, but you can be sure that they are all with licensed therapists.
In addition to affordable coaching and therapy, they also offer an affordable coaching, therapy and psychiatry subscription. You can easily pay hundreds more for similar services elsewhere, you just can’t be sure who exactly you’ll be meeting with at Bend Health. If having your teen meet strictly with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist is very important to you, this may not be the best platform. But if your teen needs some support and you’re fine with it being from a mental health coach, this could be a great, budget-friendly option worth checking out.
Much like Manatee Health and Brightline, Bend Health is also very family-focused. It was built by a husband and wife team with kids who understand the importance of family involvement. According to Geoff Bremner, Chief Growth Officer with Bend Health, the founders are both, “Technology and pediatric mental healthcare experts who have a proven track record of building successful mental health solutions. They’ve spent twenty years, as individual contributors, and executives, in both private practice and in business.” 3 Bend Health says that its care model reduces wait times, improves the accuracy of diagnosis, and provides appropriate treatment options for kids, teens, and their families.
How to Sign Up for Bend Health
You can sign up on the Bend Health website.
6. Synergy eTherapy – Best for Weekend & Evening Appointments
Synergy eTherapy is an online therapy platform that can offer kids and teens (9 – 18 years old) 50-minute live video or phone sessions with a licensed therapist. Caregivers and their teens can view Synergy’s therapists by state and select someone they feel will be the best fit. While each therapist sets their own costs per session, these usually cost between $100 – $200 ($400 – $800 monthly if attending weekly sessions). Many of the therapists with Synergy also accept insurance.
With Synergy, you can expect to sign your teen up for care and attend at least the first therapy session with them. During this first session, you, your teen, and their therapist will discuss a treatment plan, which will include how involved parents need to be, how often the child needs to be seen, and if any psychiatric referrals are recommended. Synergy can give referrals to the psychiatry groups they partner with if your teen is in need of medication management.
Many of the therapists on Synergy have evening and weekend appointments available, which is really great if your teen is involved in extracurricular activities. While Synergy does not have the largest therapist pool, therapist bios for each provider are very detailed, with many featuring introduction videos. A really awesome feature of Synergy is their free consultation call with the therapist you choose. This allows you to ask any lingering questions you may have and if you don’t feel it’s a great fit, you can try someone else!
| Cost of Online Therapy | $100 - $200 per session |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly or Biweekly |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | No |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1 - 2 days |
| Geographic Coverage | CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, IA, KS, ME, MI, MN, NJ, NY, PA, SC, & WI Through PSYPACT: AL, AZ, AK, CO, DE, DC, GA, IL, KA, KY, ME, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI |
| Age Limitations | 9+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
How Much Does Synergy eTherapy Cost?
Synergy eTherapy costs range from $100 – $200 per session ($400 – $800 monthly if attending weekly sessions), with exact costs depending on the therapist, their degree, and their location. Typically, sessions are around 50 minutes, with some therapists offering 30 or 60-minute sessions.
You also have the option to use your HSA/FSA card to pay for the cost of your therapy sessions.
Does Synergy eTherapy Take Insurance?
Yes, Synergy eTherapy accepts major insurance plans like BCBS, Optum, Cigna, Oxford/Oscar, Aetna, and more depending on the therapist and their location. Synergy can also help you submit superbills to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
What Sets Synergy eTherapy Apart?
Synergy eTherapy has been offering online therapy since 2013 to adults, kids, teens, couples, and families. When we spoke with Dr. Lisa Lovelace, founder of Synergy eTherapy, she shared, “I was one of the first fully remote online group practice owners to open Synergy eTherapy! We have an incredible team, vetted and known therapists who are dedicated to helping their communities thrive. Our excellent licensed therapists plan therapy around YOUR busy life! Our personalized care fits into your schedule. We collaborate with caregivers to ensure the skills learned in session are translated to their everyday lives.”8 With their evening and weekend appointments, Synergy eTherapy is worth exploring if it is available in your state.
How to Sign Up for Synergy eTherapy
To sign up please visit the Synergy eTherapy website.
7. Charlie Health – Best for Intensive Outpatient Therapy
Charlie Health is an intensive outpatient (IOP) online group therapy platform for teens and young adults ages 12-28 years old. The IOP program lasts 6-10 weeks long and includes group therapy sessions, family therapy sessions and individual therapy sessions. Charlie Health works with many of the nation’s largest insurance providers; there are no cash-pay options at this time.
Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign them up for care with Charlie Health (their admissions line is open 24/7). During the initial intake call, there is an extensive assessment done with the patient and their family. After the assessment, the last 10-15 minutes of the call is solely focused on the patient. 24-48 hours after the intake call, Charlie Health will run your insurance, assess the patient for compatibility with the program, and produce a personalized care plan.
Charlie Health matches patients with a primary therapist and a care manager. Online group therapy sessions are led by other therapists on the platform. Patients will also be matched in peer groups with others who are of similar age and mental health needs. Groups are highly personalized so teens and young adults have a safe space to heal and relate to one another in a deeper way. Peer groups meet for three hours, three days a week from Monday – Thursday, with an occasional Saturday option available.
In addition to group therapy sessions, Charlie Health’s program includes 1-2 hours of family therapy and one hour of individual therapy each week. In total, this program offers five therapy sessions per week, which makes it the most intensive treatment plan on our list for teens and young adults.
Charlie Health is for those who do not qualify for inpatient care, and who are finding in-person, out-patient programs full or with long waiting lists. They offer psychiatric care and medication management, which is included in the IOP program if needed.
| Cost of Online Therapy | Insurance Only |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Matched by a Live Agent |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1 - 2 days |
| Geographic Coverage | AZ, CA, DE, ID, IL, MT, OR, PA, TX, UT, WA, WY, & NJ |
| Age Limitations | 12 - 28 |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
How Much Does Charlie Health Cost?
Charlie Health partners with many large insurance providers in the states they offer care. There are no cash-pay options at this time.
Charlie Health’s IOP Group Therapy program includes:
- Group Therapy Sessions: three hours long, three days a week
- Family Therapy: one to two hours long, once a week
- Individual Therapy: one hour, once a week
Psychiatric care and medication management is included in the IOP program if needed.
Charlie Health encourages everyone who needs this care to reach out to them, even if they are uninsured. They will work diligently to find solutions to cost barriers that may exist for teens, young adults, and their families.
Does Charlie Health Take Insurance?
Yes, Charlie Health works with several large insurance plans including United Healthcare, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicaid, and more.
What Sets Charlie Health Apart?
When asked what makes Charlie Health so special, Carter Barnhart, CEO and Co-Founder of Charlie Health, told us, “I know firsthand what it’s like to need mental healthcare but not know where to start or who to turn to. We created Charlie Health in 2020 as the answer for when young people and families in acute mental health crises don’t know where to turn – when emergency rooms are full, waitlists are too long, and other therapy options are too expensive.”4 There is no other online therapy platform on our list that offers what Charlie Health can to teens and young adults struggling with more severe mental health issues.
Charlie Health was also born out of personal tragedy, as Barnhart explains, “’Charlie’ is the name of one of our co-founder’s friends who should still be with us. We exist in honor of every ‘Charlie’ who needs life-saving care, no matter where they live or what they can afford.”4
Charlie Health is not currently available nationwide and is mainly only available to those who are insured, but if your teen falls into this camp and needs this level of personalized, intensive care, they could be a great option.
How to Sign Up for Charlie Health
You can sign up for Charlie Health on their website.
8. Little Otter – Best Care for Pre-Teens with ADHD
Little Otter is an online therapy platform dedicated to younger-aged children (0 – 14 years old) that offers live, 45-minute video sessions with a licensed therapist. An initial session costs $90 for a 30-minute call, while all subsequent sessions cost $200 per 45-minute session. Currently, Little Otter does not accept insurance.
After you register for an account, you complete the Little Otter child and family mental health check-up. This screens for challenges your pre-teen and family are facing in your daily lives. You then attend a 30-minute ‘welcome session’, where the care team learns more about your family and matches you with a therapist.
Usually, the very first therapy session happens between guardians and the therapist, without your pre-teen; this allows the therapist to understand your family’s situation better. During the second session, the therapist will decide how long you should stay on the call, and how long they need to speak with your pre-teen alone. Little Otter says that any child 7-years and older can expect to have one-on-one time with their therapist during each therapy session.
Little Otter also offers child psychiatry, which costs $500 for an initial, 60-minute evaluation, and $250 for 30-minute follow-up sessions. A truly unique offering of Little Otter is their specialized ADHD program. This is available as a pay-per-service plan or a subscription plan, with costs similar to their regular psychiatry offering.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $90 for an initial Welcome Call $200 per 45-minute session |
| Frequency of Appointments | As Needed |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1 - 7 days |
| Geographic Coverage | CA, CO, FL, NC, TX, & VA |
| Age Limitations | 0 - 14 |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
How Much Does Little Otter Cost?
Little Otter costs $90 for an initial session, and $200 per 45-minute therapy session thereafter. Below are discounts made available if you bundle sessions.
Little Otter discounts offered for bundled therapy sessions include:
- 4 therapy sessions (once weekly for one month): $680 (15% Discount)
- 12 therapy sessions (once weekly for three months): $1,920 (20% Discount)
Little Otter offers child psychiatry which costs $500 for an initial, 60-minute session and $250 for 30-minute follow up sessions.
There is a specialized ADHD service with a pay-per-service plan or a subscription plan. Little Otter’s ADHD plans are:
- Pay-Per-Service: One-time $500 payment, includes an initial, 75-minute session, evaluation of your family’s information, a DSM-5 level diagnosis, and $250 follow-up appointments
- Subscription Plan: $500 for the first month which includes an initial, 75 minute session, evaluation of your family’s information, a DSM-5 level diagnosis, a care plan, and a 30 minute follow-up session. Afterward, the cost becomes $250 per month, which gives you access to messaging with your provider, ADHD medication, one 30-minute appointment with your prescribing provider per month, and coordination between Little Otter’s Care Team and your child’s school and other providers.
All services with Little Otter are charged to the credit card on file immediately after a session has been completed. If you miss an appointment or fail to cancel/reschedule 24 hours in advance, you will be charged 100% of your appointment cost.
All therapy sessions with Little Otter are FSA/HSA eligible.
Does Little Otter Take Insurance?
No, Little Otter does not accept insurance at this time, but they are working on bringing the option to the platform. Little Otter will create superbills for you to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
What Sets Little Otter Apart?
Little Otter was founded by Dr. Helen Egger, a world-renowned child psychiatrist, and her daughter, Rebecca Egger. 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.” 6 Dr. Helen’s daughter, Rebecca, is well known for founding, building, and leading the infectious disease program with the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative.
Arguably one of the most unique and amazing offerings Little Otter has is its ADHD program. They are the only one on our list that has a program built specifically to help treat this disorder in children younger than 14. In addition, Little Otter can also help you coordinate your pre-teen’s ADHD care with their primary care doctor and their school. This level of care and attention is definitely something that makes Little Otter stand out.
How to Sign Up for Little Otter
You can sign up for Little Otter on their website.
9. Joon Care – Best for Teens Transitioning to Adulthood (18-24)
Joon Care is an online therapy platform that allows teens and young adults (13 – 24 years old), to attend weekly or twice weekly 60-minute live video sessions with a licensed therapist. Joon’s therapy subscriptions cost $500 – $1,100 monthly, depending on which 16 week program you choose. Currently, Joon Care only accepts Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Pennsylvania. Joon Care earned 4 out of 5 stars during our independent review of its online therapy services.
After a free 15-minute phone consultation, ‘Care Coordinators’ match your teen with a therapist based on their preferences and on the therapist’s specialties and availability. All therapy sessions are one-on-one between your teen and their therapist, with monthly caregiver check-ins for teens under 18. During these check-ins, therapists will provide guardians with a general overview of which skills their teen is working on in therapy, but they will not share any details of what your teen has discussed with them. All teens under 18 years old must have parental consent prior to treatment.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $150 for an initial, 50-minute intake session $500 - $1,100 Monthly |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly or Twice-Weekly |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1 - 2 days |
| Geographic Coverage | CA, OR, PA, TX, & WA |
| Age Limitations | 13-24 years old |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | No |
How Much Does Joon Care Cost?
Joon costs $150 for an initial, 50-minute intake session. Afterwards, there are two subscriptions to choose from, which range $500 – $1,100 per month depending on the plan.
Joon Therapy subscriptions are:
- Joon Therapy: $500 monthly ($125 per session) for a 16-week treatment plan that includes weekly, 60-minute live video sessions, in-app messaging with your therapist, in-app skills practices and self-care resources, and a personalized therapy plan. This is the plan most teens start with and is for mild to moderate symptoms.
- Joon Therapy+: $1,100 monthly ($137.50 per session) for a 16-week treatment plan that includes twice-weekly, 60-minute live video sessions, in-app messaging with your therapist, in-app skills practices and self-care resources, and a personalized therapy plan. This plan is tailored for teens with severe symptoms who need more frequent interventions.
Does Joon Take Insurance?
Yes, Joon currently accepts Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Pennsylvania and they are working to be in-network with more insurance companies this year. Joon can provide a superbill, to be submitted to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
What Sets Joon Apart?
Joon Care is one of the only online therapy options on our list to offer an intensive individual therapy program for teens. Their Joon Therapy+ 16-week program allows teens that need extra support to meet with their therapist twice a week for 60-minute sessions.
Amy Mezulis, PhD, Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Officer with Joon, shared, “Joon Care works with effectiveness rates that meet or exceed industry standards for outpatient therapy for adolescent depression and anxiety.” She also explained that, “All of our therapists are experts in teen mental health and we have created in-app content and activities for our clients to continue the learning process between sessions. Teens and young adults are a unique population and we have tailored our approach to provide the highest quality of care for this audience.”7 Joon Care’s model for individual therapy for teens is well worth investigating if your teen needs more intense help with their mental health issues.
Other than Thriveworks, Joon Care has some of the highest out-of-pocket costs for individual therapy on our list. Unlike Thriveworks, however, Joon’s higher costs are likely associated with the package that gives your teen two 60-minute sessions per week. A 60-minute in-person therapy session can typically cost $100 – $200, and easily add up to $800 – $1,600 monthly for the same eight sessions per month. If your teen is considering options, Joon Care could save you a little bit of money while also offering the convenience of online sessions and all the in-app perks, like skill-building practices.
How to Sign Up for Joon Care
You can sign up for Joon Care on their website.
10. Manatee – Best Parent Resources to Support Teens
Manatee is an online therapy platform that allows kids and teens (1 – 18 years old), and their families, to attend weekly, 30-minute video sessions with a licensed therapist. All treatment plans are six weeks long. Manatee costs $150 for an initial, 60-minute family intake session and $125 per 30-minute session thereafter. Manatee accepts select major insurance plans. During our independent review of Manatees online therapy services, they earned 4 out of 5 stars overall.
During a free, 20-minute phone consultation with Manatee’s care team, you and your teen can explore if Manatee is a good fit. If you feel comfortable moving forward, Manatee will help you book a 60-minute family intake session with a therapist the care team has matched you with. The intake session involves a comprehensive mental health assessment, which helps your teen’s therapist create a personalized treatment plan.
Their six-week treatment plans are tailored to fit not only the needs of your teen, but the needs of your family as well. Teens 13 years and older can expect to have privacy and confidentiality when it comes to their therapy sessions. You do not have to attend sessions with your teen but there is always the option to, depending on what your teen is dealing with. Therapy sessions are available during the evening or on weekends, which helps to accommodate everyone’s schedules. Both teens and caregivers can also email their therapist in the Manatee app in-between sessions. Manatee’s goal is to make teens feel safe, heard, and comfortable as they navigate the many changes in their lives.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $150 for an initial 60-minute family intake session $125 per 30-minute session |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes, email |
| Provider Choices | Automatically Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1 - 3 days |
| Geographic Coverage | CO, CA, FL, & ID Soon to be in: NJ, & PA |
| Age Limitations | 0 - 18 & Caregivers |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | No |
How Much Does Manatee Cost?
Manatee costs $150 for an initial 60-minute family intake session, and $125 per weekly, 30-minute session thereafter ($500 per month). If needed, therapy sessions can be extended 15 minutes for an additional $25.
Manatee offers a couple of dedicated parenting programs as well, such as Parent Coaching which costs $90 for one 30-minute session, or a subscription to their parenting app, Manatee Village, for $49 per month. Manatee Village provides parents with two, 60-minute group therapy sessions with a licensed therapist, as well as parent communities they can engage with, and in-app activities.
During your free, 20-minute phone consultation, you can also ask about financial aid options, which could potentially bring the cost of therapy to $60-$120 per session depending on your situation.
Manatee accepts FSA/HSA cards to pay for the cost of therapy
Does Manatee Take Insurance?
Yes, Manatee accepts select insurance plans including Optum, United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield CA & FL, and Horizon in NJ.
Manatee can also create a superbill for you to send to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
What Sets Manatee Apart?
Manatee provides high-quality mental health care for children 0-18, with 78% of their kids showing clinical improvements in their emotional and behavioral wellbeing.5 Parents are highly involved in the therapy process, Damayanti Dipayana, CEO of Manatee, explains. “We recognize that parenting is hard, and parents need support. Most of us [at Manatee] are parents, too. It’s designed for us, by us and we really work together with our clinicians to make sure we draw from the evidence and research to make [learning] tactical. Parents don’t need a PDF, they just [want to know] what do I say when my kid freaks out?”5 Choosing to receive care from Manatee sounds like you’ve chosen to become a member of an inclusive and caring team, which can make a huge difference for teens and families who are struggling with mental health issues.
Manatee is the only online therapy platform for teens that also has a separate resource and programming option for parents. Other companies, like Brightline and Bend Health, have teens and their families at the heart of what they do, but none give direct support and resources to parents the way Manatee does. Manatee is only available in four states (expanding to two more shortly), so unfortunately, it’s not an option for many. If you’re a parent who needs additional support and resources in one of the states Manatee serves, they are definitely worth checking out.
How to Sign Up for Manatee
To sign up, please visit Manatee Digital Mental Health website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Online Therapy for Teens?
Online therapy offers teens and their families a way to connect with a licensed therapist or counselor that can work around their school and work schedules. Live video sessions are the most common way to talk with a therapist and they are the most similar to in-person therapy sessions. Online therapists can provide teens with similar styles of treatments that they would receive if they went to in-person therapy and you should be able to see the benefits of therapy within a couple of months. Several of the teen therapy options on this list also offer psychiatric services if needed.
Is Online Therapy HIPAA Compliant and Safe for Teens?
Yes, when you speak with a therapist either through video, phone, or text message it is covered by HIPAA laws. Caregivers will most typically have to sign consent forms prior to their teen receiving any therapy services. Some online therapy platforms will have you sign a HIPAA form, while others state their HIPAA compliance methods in their Terms of Service or Privacy Policies. All of the online therapy platforms on our list have their Terms of Services or Privacy Policies linked at the bottom of their main web pages.
Does Insurance Cover Online Therapy for My Teen?
The use of insurance for mental health costs depends on several factors. Not all online therapy platforms accept insurance, and the ones that do may only work with select insurance providers. In fact, the coverage provided for mental health visits by your insurance will vary depending on which plan you have elected to sign up for. Some health insurance plans will have larger copays and deductibles, as well as limit name brand medication and therapy visits.
Can I Use My HSA/FSA Card for Online Teen Therapy?
The use of FSA or HSA cards to pay for the cost of therapy depends on which online therapy platform you choose. A large majority of those on our list above do accept FSA/HSA cards to pay for therapy, and they can also provide you with superbills to submit to your insurance.
Will Information be Shared with Guardians?
Generally, whatever your teen talks about in therapy sessions will remain between them and their therapist. The exception to this is if your teen mentions harming themselves or others, or if they express any abusive situations. Many of the therapy platforms on this list want parents heavily involved in a teens therapy process and you can usually expect monthly check-ins with your teens therapist.
Can Teens Sign Up for Therapy Without Guardian Consent?
As a general rule, no teens cannot sign up for therapy or psychiatric care without caregivers’ consent. There are a few exceptions to this, depending on the state you live in, but it is safe to assume you will need to sign your teen up for any mental health care.
Final Verdict
With so many truly amazing options for online therapy for teens, it can be hard to choose just one. Some of the most important factors to consider are which companies are within your budget, who takes your insurance, which ones can answer your questions, and most importantly, who your teen likes the best. Supporting and listening to your teen during this time is crucial for a successful therapy experience. Hopefully, armed with this comprehensive list, you will have a better understanding of which platform is the right fit for you and your family.
Additional Teen Therapy Options
The list below includes four online therapy options for teens with limited state availability. These options are definitely worthy of looking into, especially if you live in the state services are offered.
Healthy Young Minds
Healthy Young Minds is an online behavioral therapy platform for kids, teens, and young adults up to age 21. They have a wide range of offerings like art therapy, music therapy, occupational therapy, autism/ADHD testing, and counseling available. Counseling with Health Young Minds costs $200 for an initial evaluation and $90 for all subsequent sessions. Currently, Healthy Young Minds accepts insurance and is available in the following states: FL, TX, NY, CO, MI, PA, NC, OH, CA.
DotCom Therapy
DotCom Therapy is an online therapy platform for kids and teens that can provide speech, occupational, and counseling services. With DotCom Therapy, you and your teen can choose your own therapist from top matches. An initial evaluation costs $249 and subsequent sessions are $125. Currently, they do accept insurance and are available in the following states: CA, CO, IL, MO, TX, & WI.
Mindfully
Mindfully, formerly Resolv Health, is an online therapy platform that allows teens and young adults to attend weekly, 60-minute live video, phone, or text messaging sessions. Mindfully therapy sessions cost $20-$140 (lower prices are with professionals who are still in training, under supervision with licensed therapists, but not licensed yet themselves). Specific costs depend on the therapist, their level of experience and training.
Mindfully is most well known for its peer support groups. These are six-week programs with certified mental health professionals that cost $79.96 monthly (advertised at $19.99 weekly). According to Lydia Henshaw, founder and CEO of Resolv Health (now Mindfully), “In traditional treatment models, clients frequently must travel across town to different practices, sign information release forms, and coordinate care with multiple providers. With Mindfully, therapists, psychiatrists, and Certified Peer Support Specialists (who have their own experience overcoming a mental health condition as a teenager!) all work together to ensure teens get the care they need – all in one place.” 9 Mindfully therapy is currently only available in Ohio and Colorado, with plans to expand to Kentucky and Indiana soon.
Daybreak Health
Daybreak Health is a subscription-based online therapy platform for teens (11 – 19 years old) that offers 10-week therapy programs with a licensed therapist. These programs include a personalized treatment plan, 50-minute live therapy sessions, and a parent dashboard for caregivers to track progress. You can choose to pay $440 monthly or $990 upfront for the full 10-weeks. There is a medication plan for $350 that includes a 75-minute initial assessment and medication. Currently, Daybreak Health is only available in California with plans to expand to Texas soon.
