Talkspace
Teen Counseling
Sesame
A growing number of Americans are struggling with mental health issues — and that includes kids. More than 2.5 million children in America live with severe depression, and multiracial youth are at greatest risk, according to a 2022 report by Mental Health America. The report also found that more than 15 percent of youth in the United States experienced a major depressive episode in the past year, up from approximately 13 percent the year before.
Unfortunately, many kids with mental health issues don’t get the treatment they need. Indeed: More than 2 in 3 American youth with severe depression don’t receive consistent mental health care, according to the Mental Health America report.
The good news: A growing number of programs offer online therapy for minors. Online therapy helps adolescents acquire the skills and resources they need to feel better and has the potential to relieve the burden of mental health needs in children and adolescents, according to an article published in the journal Child Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. Here, we’ve rounded up the best online therapy for teens.
We independently investigate and recommend products and services we believe will enrich the lives of our readers and meet their specific needs. We’ve spent many hours carrying out in-depth research on the online therapy market. You can trust our review because we did the legwork for you in these specific ways:
Learn more about how we researched and evaluated the best online therapy brands via the methodology page.
Talkspace, one of the most well-known online therapy programs, offers a special service for teens ages 13 to 17. Through Talkspace, teens can communicate with their counselor asynchronously via text-based, audio, or video messaging — and they can send as many messages as they like. We reached out to Talkspace to confirm how often therapists respond and were told that providers typically respond twice a day and are guaranteed to respond five days a week. The remaining two days are the provider’s days off, and they choose those days at their discretion.
Adolescents who have grown up with technology may find the ability to interact with their therapist via messaging more attractive than interacting in person. The ability to build a relationship with their therapist in a way that is natural and comfortable for them is important because the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important success factors in counseling, according to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
The registration process starts with a brief assessment on the Talkspace app or online. Then you can choose from a list of therapists according to gender, days of the week they’re available, and background. Talkspace promises that its therapists return messages five days a week, but the company isn’t transparent about how frequently therapists respond or how often they respond per day.
It’s worth noting that the platform receives 1.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot and 1.09 out of 5 stars with a B rating by the BBB. Negative reviews refer to poor customer service, questionable billing practices, and unprofessional therapists.
BetterHelp, a popular online counseling service for adults, launched Teen Counseling to provide online counseling specifically for teens. Teen Counseling includes a network of more than 12,000 licensed, experienced counselors who can help teens with issues including anxiety, stress, self-esteem, depression, bullying, eating disorders, relationships, anger, and more. Although a participating therapist’s licensing may allow work with members of all ages, their strengths are in working with adolescents. The company isn’t fully transparent about its therapists’ qualifications; it simply states that individual therapists may list additional training or experience working with adolescents on their Teen Counseling profile to help you and your teen choose a practitioner they feel comfortable with.
Teens are able to communicate with counselors in four ways: asynchronously via text-based messages, or synchronously by chatting live, speaking over the phone, or videoconferencing.
For synchronous sessions between your teen and their therapist, you can schedule one live chat, phone call, or video session per week. For asynchronous sessions, you and your child will each have your own dedicated messaging “room,” which is your private and secure place for communicating with the therapist. You and your teen can each send unlimited messages anytime to the therapist. You’ll be notified by email when the therapist has responded.
Teen Counseling receives 3.4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot; 6 out of 12 reviews mention poor customer service and unprofessional therapists. The platform isn’t rated by the BBB.
Sesame is a telehealth platform that connects users with healthcare providers specializing in a variety of issues spanning both mental health and physical health, such as for urinary tract infections, sore throats, rashes, back pain, and cold and flu symptoms. On the mental health front, Sesame offers virtual counseling and therapy services with mental health professionals across the country, including those who can prescribe medication.
To find a mental health professional who provides online therapy for teens in your state, simply enter your location and choose “Video mental health consult” if you’re interested in therapy, or choose “Video psychiatry consult (new patient)” if you’re looking for treatment that includes medication. Next, you’ll see a row of telehealth providers with same-day availability as well as their prices. You’ll also be able to view each provider’s profile to see whether they specialize in teen therapy before you choose.
The video psychiatry consultation includes a psychiatric evaluation and treatment plan, which may include medication. If it does, Sesame may be an affordable option because most pill-based medications start at $5 for 30 pills. Sesame does not list the medications you can get for $5, requiring you to visit the Sesame website and search for the “$5 MEDS” tag to find a provider who can prescribe $5 medication. Prescriptions include free home delivery.
There are several signs that your teen may need mental health support in general, whether online or in person, according to Stephanie Clarke, PhD, a child and adolescent psychologist and the speciality clinic director of the Mood Disorder Clinic at Children's Hospital Colorado in Aurora. Signs include:
Additional signs that your teen could benefit from a mental health evaluation, per the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), include:
As for whether your teen specifically needs online youth counseling, Dr. Clarke suggests asking a mental health provider whether the mental health issue your teen is experiencing can be managed with virtual care.
Clarke also recommends asking your teen how they’re doing, what they’re feeling, and if they’re struggling with anything. “Offering a nonjudgmental, curious stance in response to this question can help teens confide in parents or caregivers,” she explains.
If your teen is acting in ways that are concerning or saying concerning things (such as having suicidal thoughts), seek mental health help for them immediately, advises Clarke. For emergency scenarios, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 800-273-TALK (8255). You also can text the Crisis Text Line (HELLO to 741741) or use the Lifeline Chat on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website.
Your teen may benefit from online therapy if they meet any of the bulleted criteria described above. According to the NIMH, research shows online therapy can benefit people suffering from a number of mental health issues, including, but not limited to:
Teens who don’t have a reliable internet connection, device, or private space at home where they can participate in sessions may not be great candidates for online therapy. Additionally, a systematic review published in the Journal of Medical Internet Researchindicated that young people who require intensive treatment for severe mental health problems would benefit better from in-person treatment than online therapy.
Whether online therapy is right for your teen depends on a number of factors, including your teen’s personality and the specific mental health issue they’re experiencing. A mental health provider can tell you whether online therapy is a viable option for your teen’s specific situation.
Online therapy platforms for teens can prescribe medication if the provider your teen sees is a psychiatrist who deems medication management necessary.
Research published in June 2020 in the Journal of Psychotherapy Integration showed that online therapy can benefit people suffering from a number of mental health issues, including teens. A review published in June 2016 in the World Journal of Psychiatry found that telepsychiatry outcomes were equivalent to in-person care. But that doesn’t mean all online therapy is effective for every teen. It’s important to find the right therapist and the right form of therapy to address your teen’s specific concerns.
For some teens, online therapy can help improve mental health issues. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding the pros and cons of online therapy, as highlighted by NIMH, can help you determine if it’s a good option for you or your teen.
There are a lot of factors to weigh when deciding which online therapy option (if any) is right for your teen. Things to consider include:
It’s also important to note that each U.S. state has certain requirements regarding whether teens need parental consent to start therapy. Some providers may request your consent before consulting with your teen. Additionally, some states prohibit mental health providers from sharing information discussed during teen counseling sessions without a signed consent form. If you want to be involved in your teen’s therapy, be aware that your provider may not be legally allowed to share private information discussed during sessions with your teen.
Make sure your teen has a quiet, private, and distraction-free environment where they can participate in the appointment, says Clarke. It’s also a good idea for the parent or caregiver to be available during the virtual session, either via phone or on-site (for instance, at home).
Our services reviews team extensively scrutinizes any service we research and recommend, including the online therapy market. We only recommend online therapy platforms we believe will make a difference for our readers.
Together, we’ve researched prominent brands through the experiences of real customers collected by trusted third-party reviews sites such as the BBB and Trustpilot. We’ve also consulted with independent psychologists and other mental health professionals to better understand why people seek out online therapy, and we’ve read the latest research on the efficacy of online therapy versus in-person therapy.
When evaluating each company, we consider the session types they offer, the modes of therapy they specialize in, the credentials of their therapists, their business reputation and reported customer satisfaction, as well as how easy it is to sign up for and then use the service. Price, payment options, and whether the company accepts insurance are all crucial components to consider. We always try to recommend a range for all budgets, with special consideration for lower budgets.
After our experts have selected the best online therapy platforms on the market, a practicing and independent licensed therapist reviews our picks to audit each company as a whole and ensure every selection we recommend is appropriate for the users we identify.
A growing number of programs offer online therapy for teens, and they’re not one-size-fits-all. When determining the best online therapy services for your teen — whether you’re considering teenage anxiety therapy, teenage depression therapy, or other forms of treatment — it’s important to consider a variety of factors, including the mental health issue your teen is struggling with as well as your budget, home situation, and access to technology.
If you’re looking for adolescent therapy online that prescribes medication, you may want to consider Sesame. And if you want the best online therapy for sending messages to a therapist as issues arise throughout the day, we suggest checking out Talkspace. Another option is Teen Counseling, which offers a network of counselors who have additional experience working with teens.
If your teen is in a crisis situation, waiting for an online therapy appointment may not be safe. In case of an emergency, call 911. This includes plans to harm themselves or others. If your teen is having suicidal thoughts, you or they can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 800-273-TALK (8255). Help is available 24/7. You also can text the Crisis Text Line (HELLO to 741741).
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357) is also a resource to consider. The SAMHSA help line is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-days-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals facing mental or substance abuse disorders.
Therapy for teens varies widely in price. The cost depends on a number of factors, including the type of therapy, the therapist’s experience level, the frequency and length of sessions, and more. Our picks for the best therapy online for teens range in price from $197 to $516 per month.
Therapy is an effective way for teens to improve their mental health and learn coping skills for situations that are out of their control, such as the pandemic, according to a systematic review published in 2021 in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. The key is to find the right form of therapy for your teen’s specific mental health issue, as well as a therapist they will feel comfortable talking to and who is qualified to help address their specific issue. Finding a match in these categories can take time and effort; you may have to try several different forms of therapy or therapists before landing on a good fit.
If your teen is reluctant to try therapy, ask a mental health provider for advice, suggests Clarke. If your teen absolutely refuses to participate in teen counseling online (or any form of therapy), you as the parent or caregiver can attend psychotherapy yourself with a parent therapist or adolescent therapist to discuss how you can help them. “If problems are serious enough and teens are refusing therapy, it’s important to talk with a mental health professional to explore next steps,” advises Clarke.
Find a therapist who has experience working with teens, who is able to relate to your teen specifically, and with whom your teen feels comfortable. It can take a few sessions with a therapist for your teen to feel comfortable, and you may have to try different therapists before finding a good fit. Child Mind Institute recommends letting your teen choose a therapist they feel most comfortable with so they feel more ownership over their treatment — this sets the stage for effective therapy.
We don’t know precisely what triggers depression, but several different factors can come into play. These include hormones, genetics, early childhood trauma, disruptions in brain chemistry, and negative thought patterns, per the Mayo Clinic.
Both psychologists and psychiatrists can help teens with mental health issues by providing various forms of therapy. The difference, according to the American Psychiatric Association, is that a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who is able to provide psychotherapy as well as prescribe medications and other medical treatments. A psychologist is an expert who typically has an advanced degree and is able to provide psychotherapy but not prescribe medications. Note that in some states, psychologists can prescribe medications if they complete additional training, but this is not the case in most of the United States, per the American Psychological Association. If your teen’s primary care doctor, therapist, or another professional in your child’s life has suggested that medication might be helpful, or if you’re uncertain whether medication is right for your teen, it could be helpful to book a consultation appointment with a psychiatrist.
By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
About Author
