Adults are not the only ones who can be affected by mental health issues—they can impact kids as young as five years old, too. In fact, nearly 20% of children ages 3-17 in the U.S. have a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder. (1)
Part of this lack of treatment may be related to accessibility, cost, or even lack of understanding that kids can struggle with mental health. But if these conditions are not addressed, they affect how kids feel, think, and behave. They even play a role in how they communicate, their decision-making, their response to stress, and their success in school. (2) Fortunately, online therapy for kids has emerged as an option for busy parents who know their child needs intervention but do not always have the capability to drive them to therapy appointments. Plus, research has shown it can be an effective treatment option. (3)
Therapist Rychel Johnson shares that in addition to providing better access to mental health care for kids, online therapy can engage kids resistant to therapy in new ways: “I’ve had teen clients who can connect by sharing what their room or their pets look like. This is unique to online therapy, which they can do in their homes.”
To help you find online therapy for kids that best fits your child’s needs, we spent countless hours evaluating the best online therapy for kids. Throughout the research and review process, we considered the accessibility of qualified therapists. We also noted the price and value of the service and considered their privacy policies. Here is what you need to know about the best online therapy for kids.
Best overall online therapy for kids
Bend Health is a family-centered approach to online therapy for kids that really caught our attention. Not only is it available in all 50 states and Washington D.C., but it also accepts insurance from a huge list of providers, making it one of the most accessible therapy platforms for kids. Keep reading to learn more about this online therapy option and the others on our list.
Our picks for the best online therapy for kids
- Best overall: Bend Health
- Best online psychiatry: Talkiatry
- Best for teens: TeenCounseling
- Best for families: Thriveworks
- Best affordable: Open Path Psychotherapy Collective
- Best for young children: Little Otter
- Best that takes insurance: Amwell
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| Bend Health | Talkiatry | TeenCounseling | Thriveworks | Open Path Psychotherapy Collective | Little Otter | Amwell | |
| Rating | |||||||
| Best for | Overall | Psychiatry | Teens | Families | Affordability | Young kids | Insurance |
| Cost | $200-$550 per month for self-pay, varies for insurance | Varies by insurance (does not accept self-pay) | $65-$90 week | $200 per session for self-pay, varies for insurance | $40-$70 | $165-$500 for self-pay, varies for insurance | $99 per session or less for self-pay, varies for insurance |
| Session type | Individual, family | Individual | Individual | Individual, family | Individual, family | Individual, family | Individual |
| Ages treated | 1 to 25 | 5 and up | 13 to 19 | All ages | 0 and up | 0 to 14 | 10 and up (therapy), 18+ (psychiatry) |
| Insurance accepted | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Best overall online therapy for kids: Bend Health
Key product features
What you should know
Bend Health is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and accepts insurance from numerous providers, making it one of the most accessible online therapy providers for kids. Plus, its therapy model ensures that the entire family is involved in the process if they want to be.
- Bend uses a collaborative care model that includes coaches, therapists, psychiatric providers, and a case manager to ensure each child and family receives a personalized treatment plan.
- This online therapy platform is subscription-based and can get a little expensive at around $200 to $550 per month, especially if you don’t have insurance.
- Parents and caregivers looking for comprehensive mental health treatment for their kids, regardless of where they live, will appreciate this service.
- The program’s “Bend Buddies,” developed by the platform’s clinicians, provides a way for family members to communicate their feelings and emotions when words are hard to find or fail them.
- Bend Health also offers a curriculum, a community forum for parents, and a library of resources to complement the therapy experience and encourage growth and healing.
Why we like Bend Health as best overall
From the creative web design and the interactive materials to the Bend Buddies and case managers, there’s a lot to love about Bend Health’s online therapy platform for kids at first glance. But even more impressive? Bend is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and accepts insurance from an extensive range of providers, making it one of the most accessible online therapy providers for kids.
Using a collaborative care model that includes coaches, therapists, psychiatric providers, and a case manager for every family, Bend provides comprehensive, personalized care plans to ensure children receiving therapy get a treatment plan that is unique to them. Plus, we love that it involves the entire family in the therapy process—which may be a key component in successful therapy relationships. “Therapy with kids involves more of a team approach,” Johnson says, “while the child continues to depend on parents and other adults to function and access better coping strategies.”
Plus, there is a collection of family resources to help caregivers understand their child’s mental health condition, including a community forum, skills training, webinars, and a content library filled with tips. In the forum, parents can share their challenges there, connect with other families, and get support. These items help keep the entire family engaged in the therapy process and provide crucial support for what can be an extremely challenging time for families.
We also appreciate that each family is assigned a case manager and that the entire care team will partner with your child’s pediatrician, which, depending on your subscription level, might include a case manager, a therapist, and a psychiatrist. This ensures continuity of care and helps streamline your child’s healthcare—essentially ensuring the left hand knows what the right hand is doing. Bend Health even provides the option of neuropsychological testing (for an additional fee— you’ll need to call Bend Health to determine what yours would be).
This testing allows you to understand your child’s needs and can uncover issues like learning disorders and neurodiversity. Conditions that they diagnose include autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and emotional or behavioral disorders.
That said, Bend Health’s services are subscription-based and can get a little pricey, especially if you don’t have insurance. For instance, $200 a month will get your child coaching, unlimited messaging, and two to four live video sessions a month with a coach. For video sessions with a coach and additional one-on-one video sessions with a therapist, plus unlimited messaging and connections with your child’s pediatrician, it’s $400 per month. And if you want all of that, plus psychiatric care, you are looking at $550 per month.
What’s more, the video sessions tend to be short—only 30 minutes each—which is fine for smaller children, but as kids get older, 45 to 50 minutes are sometimes needed to give them the space to get comfortable and share what they’re experiencing. (4)
What our experts say
“Providing families with wraparound care for their child’s mental health allows them to feel fully supported,” said therapist Rychel Johnson. “This team approach is crucial in supporting children’s therapy, where familial involvement enhances coping strategies. As a service that can be personalized to each child, Bend’s subscription provides ample support.”
Specs
| Price | $200 to $550 per month (subscription) |
| Insurance accepted | Yes |
| Messaging | Yes, unlimited |
| Additional features | Parent forum, learning resources |
| Ages treated | 1 to 25 |
Best online psychiatry for kids: Talkiatry
Key product features
What you should know
With hundreds of psychiatrists available in 43 of the 50 states, Talkiatry provides high-quality psychiatric services to children with ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) through a virtual platform. We particularly appreciate that it’s making psychiatric care accessible for children in the U.S.—even in areas where psychiatric care is hard to find.
- With Talkiatry, parents not only select their own psychiatrist but also have a minimal wait for their child to be seen—the average wait time is five days or less.
- Talkiatry is an affordable option for people with insurance with one of its 60+ accepted insurance providers.
- This online platform is ideal for people with a health insurance provider that considers Talkiatry to be in-network.
- Talkiatry provides psychiatric services, including FDA-approved medications and medication management.
Why we like Talkiatry as best for psychiatry
There’s a growing shortage of psychiatrists in the U.S. and an even greater need for those equipped to handle a child’s psychiatric needs. (5) That’s one of the reasons why Talkiatry is so impressive. Not only does it have hundreds of psychiatrists available to meet this burgeoning need, but it also has doctors in most states—43, to be exact. (It’s not available in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.) And because the care is 100% virtual, people who live in remote areas now have access to psychiatric care from the comfort of their homes.
Plus, these professionals can address the psychiatric needs of kids 5 years old and older who have ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, and PTSD. Though they hit most of the common mental health issues impacting children, we do wish they provided services for eating disorders and substance use disorders. For instance, eating disorders can be diagnosed in early childhood, with some experts indicating that they can develop in kids as young as 5 or 6 years old. (6, 7) Meanwhile, research on alcohol use indicates about one in three 8-year-olds have tried alcohol, or 37%. (8)
We also appreciate that children can see a psychiatrist in as little as five days—an important feature if your child needs immediate assistance. That said, it’s important to note that psychiatric care is different from therapy, and the services provided by Talkiatry are no different. Talkiatry’s main focus is determining whether your child has a psychiatric disorder and whether medication is needed to address it. This is accomplished in a 60-minute initial visit, and each visit after that will be about 30 minutes.
During those 30-minute sessions, the psychiatrist will discuss the medication and how the child is responding. They may also offer psychoeducation, such as explaining symptoms and coping mechanisms, but they will not provide therapy. That said, if they feel therapy is warranted for your child, they can make recommendations or referrals—though a few psychiatrists can offer this service, it’s not the norm.
We also appreciate that Talkiatry is in-network with more than 60 insurance providers and that you can select your own psychiatrist. It’s also very affordable—as long as you have insurance and are in-network. Unfortunately, at this point, the company doesn’t accept clients who are self-pay or out-of-network, nor does it accept Medicaid, which means a large number of children may not be able to use Talkiatry for psychiatric support.
Read our full Talkiatry review for more information.
What our experts say
“Psychiatric care is challenging to find for children; Talkiatry hits the mark with providing access to people who wouldn’t have it otherwise,” says Johnson. “While they don’t provide services for eating or substance use disorders that affect children and teens, families can get an initial appointment in as little as five days to focus on the basics: diagnosis and medication management.”
What customers are saying
Most people who use Talkiatry are pleased with the platform’s technical aspects and the level of care they receive from psychiatrists. For instance, Susan S., a verified Trustpilot reviewer, indicates that her psychiatrist has helped her in several ways and that they have built a good rapport over the last year.
“She has helped me in so many ways. I have been seeing her online for almost a year [and] we have finally been able to find a medication to help me. She listens and understands my issues and often explains why I may be feeling the way that I do at the time.”
Susan S., verified Trustpilot reviewer
Meanwhile, Eric, another Trustpilot reviewer, notes that the app works well and that he has never had a video break. He also appreciates that scheduling is a breeze and that his psychiatrist is always on time. He also feels the patient portal is simple to navigate and send messages, and he says that his psychiatrist replies right away and sends prescriptions promptly.
“I had one issue, and he fixed it in four hours,” Eric said. His advice? “Do your research on the doctor, not the platform.”
But customers have reported some glitches with insurance billing. In fact, Laila, a Trustpilot reviewer, notes that she was told by a Talkiatry representative that her deductible was $0, coinsurance was $0, and her co-pay was $60. However, when the bill arrived, it was more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to talk with your insurance provider about your out-of-pocket expenses rather than relying on the company’s representatives, notes Eric.
Specs
| Price | Varies by insurance |
| Insurance accepted | Yes (in-network only) |
| Messaging | Yes (not instant) |
| Additional features | Prescribes medications |
| Ages treated | 5 and up |
Best online therapy for teens: TeenCounseling
Key product features
What you should know
TeenCounseling offers access to a vast network of licensed therapists and is available in all 50 states, so finding a therapist who can address your teen’s mental health needs should not be an issue. Teens can also message their therapist as often as needed with questions or concerns between sessions.
- Not only are parents included in the counseling relationship, but they can also meet with their teen’s counselor separately if they choose. They have access to a separate session space.
- Because TeenCounseling does not accept insurance, therapy can get expensive at $65 to $90 a week, but you can use your HSA or FSA to pay for the sessions if you want.
- TeenCounseling is best for teens between the ages of 13 and 19 who want the flexibility to communicate with their therapist in a way that is comfortable for them—such as through live video, chat, or phone.
Why we like TeenCounseling as best for teens
Globally, around one in seven adolescents between the ages 10 and 19 are affected by mental health challenges. It’s important to be aware of where to find counseling services if the need arises. (9) Not only does this online therapy platform for teens provide a medium they are comfortable with, but TeenCounseling also empowers them with options. Whether they prefer live video, phone, or chat, they can engage with their therapist in a way that makes them feel comfortable—a real plus since teens are sometimes reluctant to enter therapy in the first place. (10)
We also appreciate that parents are included in the counseling relationship and can meet with their teen’s counselor separately if they choose. However, they should understand upfront that their young person’s privacy is completely protected during these interactions. A therapist will share information if the teen has talked about harming themselves or another person. Moreover, both the parent and the teen can message the therapist anytime they want and have access to separate therapy “rooms” on the platform. “Providing the teen with a trusted adult who will not share the content of their interactions (aside from talk of harm) is paramount to the teen’s ability to connect and work through their concerns,” Johnson says.
Interestingly, TeenCounseling matches teens to a therapist based on an intake questionnaire rather than allowing the family to choose their own counselor. Some people like that this step removes the legwork and expedites the process, while others would prefer a more hands-on approach to selecting a therapist, especially since the first one assigned may not fit your teen well. Fortunately, if this is your experience, you can switch therapists relatively easily using the patient portal.
Unfortunately, this online platform doesn’t accept insurance or Medicaid. Therapy can get expensive for a family at $65 to $90 a week. That said, you can use your HSA or FSA to pay for the therapy if you want.
We were also disappointed to discover that there is no medication management option. So, if your child needs an antidepressant or other mental health medications, prescriptions are not available through TeenCounseling. You would most likely need to meet with a psychiatrist or ask your child’s pediatrician.
What our experts say
“Meeting teens where they are, sometimes literally, is crucial in reaching them for mental health treatment,” Johnson says. “I appreciate how TeenCounseling highlights the need for teens to have their privacy maintained (aside from instances involving self-harm), which eliminates a common barrier for teens who are reluctant to engage in therapy.”
What customers are saying
People who have used TeenCounseling appreciate that the online platform is geared specifically toward teens. They also appreciate the accessibility of the therapists and that they are assigned a therapist at the start rather than having to comb through all of the available therapists in their state.
In fact, verified Trustpilot reviewer Sandra says she found the whole process of finding a therapist online incredibly easy.
“Within a few clicks, I had a response and was able to connect with a therapist for my son. [Plus] the sessions were always easy, reliable, and flexible.”
Sandra, Trustpilot reviewer
Another Trustpilot reviewer, April, had a similar experience and noted that her son looks forward to meeting with his therapist weekly. “My son had tried a couple of different therapists but never felt like he was getting through to any of them…We have nothing but positive things to say about my son’s therapy sessions.”
That said, some people have had issues with cancellations or no-shows by therapists. Likewise, they have found that the available time slots are not conducive for their kids, says Bec, a verified Trustpilot reviewer.
Specs
| Price | $65-$90 week |
| Insurance accepted | No |
| Messaging | Unlimited |
| Additional features | Separate session spaces |
| Ages treated | 13 to 19 |
Best online therapy for families: Thriveworks
Key product features
What you should know
Thriveworks provides individual therapy for kids and adolescents, but it also offers family therapy to help families build unity and learn to communicate effectively about their challenges. The company is available in Washington D.C. and 49 other states (except Vermont), can accommodate a variety of mental health needs, and offers psychiatric services and medication management, too.
- Once you sign up, you can expect to be connected with a therapist in three to five days. If there is a Thriveworks office in your area, you will have the option of online or in-person sessions.
- Thriveworks tends to be expensive, around $200 per session, for those who are self-pay, out of network, or have an insurance plan with limited mental health coverage.
- This online therapy platform is best for those looking for family therapy and additional resources, such as free eBooks, videos, and other resources, to help promote their growth and healing.
Why we like Thriveworks as best for families
Regardless of whether it’s a child or a parent, when someone in the family has a mental health disorder, it can impact the entire family, causing tension, uncertainty, and stress. So, having the option to come together as a group and talk through your concerns and feelings can be particularly helpful—and healing. “Family members can learn more about the mental health struggles of other family members, building upon empathy and understanding,” Johnson says.
That’s why we were impressed with Thriveworks. Not only does it provide individual therapy for kids and adolescents who need it, but you also can get family therapy so that you can learn how to process what’s taking place and communicate with one another to promote healthy growth and unity. Plus, it can accommodate a variety of mental health needs and offer therapy, psychiatric services, and medication management.
We also appreciate that new clients are scheduled within three to five days of signing up and that the therapists make it their goal for the sessions to begin on time or even early. Thriveworks also offers evening and weekend appointments—a real plus for busy families with trouble coordinating schedules. It’s available in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Some areas even offer in-person appointments upon request. Vermont is the only state where its services are not available.
As an added bonus, Thriveworks has several really interesting features that complement its online therapy. For instance, there’s the Ask-a-Therapist feature where you can submit a question online and receive a response relatively quickly. It also offers free eBooks, video resources, and other educational materials. These materials are beneficial to your family’s therapy journey and allow you to grow and build on what you’re learning in therapy.
The only downside to this online therapy platform is the cost—particularly for uninsured or underinsured people. Without insurance, therapy can start at around $200 per session—but ultimately, the cost will depend on your location and your therapist.
So, with this in mind, you may want to do some upfront research to determine what exactly you will be paying to ensure it fits within your budget. We also wish it offered messaging between sessions, but the Ask-a-Therapist option allows you to get questions answered—even if it’s not from your therapist directly.
Check out our full Thriveworks review for more information.
What our experts say
“Providing families with a safe space to share concerns and receive education on mental health issues leads to positive outcomes,” Johnson says. “Family members can build empathy for each other and a sense of unity during family sessions. The ability to meet individually is also helpful for whole-family care.”
What customers are saying
Most people who reviewed Thriveworks have been pleased with the therapy and the level of care and concern expressed by the therapists. For instance, Jennifer P., a verified Trustpilot reviewer, says her therapist has been excellent to work with. “She understands my goals and has provided transparency on next steps and feasibility.”
Likewise, another Trustpilot reviewer, Jeanine O., has had a similar experience and notes that her therapist has been great and the company’s representatives are very nice. Her only complaint has been with the billing department. She says Thriveworks often charges her account even though she has insurance. ”Then I have to wait for a refund because they charged my account regular price.”
Specs
| Price | $200 per session for self-pay, varies for insurance |
| Insurance accepted | Yes |
| Messaging | No |
| Additional features | Video courses, ebooks |
| Ages treated | All ages |
Best affordable online therapy for kids: Open Path Psychotherapy Collective
Key product features
What you should know
Open Path Collective is a nonprofit organization that brings together therapists around the country who have agreed to offer therapy to the uninsured or underinsured. The therapists in the group offer their services online—and sometimes in person—on a sliding fee scale.
- Open Path Collective is a database of therapists who have agreed to provide accessible therapy to those who would otherwise not be able to afford it. It is not a platform.
- Overall, the fees for seeing a therapist are reasonable and are usually between $40 and $70—unless you see a student intern who will charge $30 per session.
- People who make less than $100,000 a year and are uninsured can get therapy from an Open Path Collective therapist.
Why we like Open Path Psychotherapy Collective as best affordable
Sometimes, kids miss out on the therapy they need because they are not covered by insurance, or their insurance plan has incredibly high co-pays and deductibles or does not adequately cover mental health. In those situations, Open Path Collective may be the answer to getting kids the therapy and interventions they need.
This extensive database of therapists across the United States is a collection of providers who have agreed to offer their services at a discounted rate to make therapy more accessible to the insured and underinsured. While most therapists offer their services online, in some cases, you may find someone in your area who will take in-person appointments as well.
For instance, when searching online for Columbus, Ohio, where I live, I was able to find therapists that offer both in-person and online therapy. So, if you decide down the road that your child might benefit from in-person therapy, you can rest assured that this may be an option.
This database is also relatively easy to search to find a therapist that meets your child’s mental health needs—especially if you use the filters provided, which include the type of therapy, cost, therapist race or ethnicity, language specialty, and age. You also can search by a therapist’s name if you have someone specific in mind. Not only will these filters help you narrow your search and reduce the likelihood of decision fatigue, but they also may help you find a good match in just a few minutes.
We do wish you had the option to message a therapist once you were connected with them between sessions. However, given that therapy is being offered well below their normal rate, this likely would not be cost-effective for them.
We also were surprised to see that there’s a one-time $65 membership fee for anyone who wants to use the database, which could be cost-prohibitive for some who are hoping to utilize the collective’s services. Open Path explains that this fee helps them keep their small nonprofit going, so its existence is understandable. Just be sure you plan for this expense when using their database because once you book your session, you will also need to pay it.
What our experts say
“Many people don’t feel like pursuing mental health care is possible due to insurance or income limitations, so they don’t try to find a therapist,” says Johnson. “Open Path offers the ability for people to access care at a reduced rate from therapists in all areas and specialties who offer their services on a sliding scale, which is crucial in this time of increased mental health needs.”
Specs
| Price | $40 to $70 per session |
| Insurance accepted | No |
| Messaging | No |
| Additional features | None offered |
| Ages treated | O and up |
Best online therapy for young children: Little Otter
Key product features
What you should know
Little Otter offers a holistic approach to mental health care for kids and teens 0 to 14, offering families everything they need with just one platform. Whether your child needs therapy, psychiatric care, medication management, or coaching, you will find it with this online therapy platform.
- Little Otter offers a family-centered approach, an important element in ensuring children’s success in a therapy setting and finds ways to keep everyone involved and moving forward.
- Little Otter is somewhat expensive and limited in the number of insurance providers it’s affiliated with, but it does offer bundles and a free kick-off session for those who feel its diverse services are worth the investment.
- This online platform is best for families with young children who are in one of the states where Little Otter practices and wants a comprehensive online therapy option.
Why we like Little Otter as best for young children
Finding therapy, psychiatric care, and medication management for children is not easy, but with Little Otter, all three are available on the platform. With a holistic approach to mental health care for kids and teens 0 to 14, Little Otter is an extremely versatile service for kids—and their families—and has everything you need with just one platform.
Johnson highlights the need for an all-in-one option for mental health: “Parenting is hard when your child is going through mental health struggles. Having a resource that covers all the bases (therapy, medications, and psychiatric care) makes it easier to start the process of finding appropriate help.”
Little Otter is an online therapy app that employs providers and provides a number of resources for families, including coaching, family counseling, and couples counseling. Parents can track their child’s progress with ongoing clinical assessments offered by the therapist. This family-centered approach is a huge plus for families, as the success of a young child’s therapy relationship often depends on parental involvement and buy-in.
We also appreciate that Little Otter takes a personalized approach to care and has a diverse selection of qualified providers. You can find licensed therapists, behavior analysts, child psychiatrists, and parent coaches. These professionals offer specialized treatments for conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders, behavioral challenges, OCD, and trauma. But, to date, they do not offer assessments for autism spectrum disorder, a condition that often manifests for the first time in little children. (11)
Overall, we love Little Otter’s outcomes-based approach to therapy, which is designed to help kids reach their potential. But sadly, its services are not easily accessible to everyone. Not only is it a little on the expensive side, but its therapy platform is only available in a handful of states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington DC. It’s also limited in the number of in-network providers it’s affiliated with, too.
That said, Little Otter does offer the initial kick-off session at no cost and package its sessions in bundles, bringing the cost more in line with what you might expect if you were to self-pay—about $165 per session for therapy. As expected, psychiatric services are more expensive, with an initial evaluation costing $500 and medication follow-up appointments costing $250, while therapy sessions are about $165-$195 each, depending on your package.
What our experts say
“Finding an online therapy service that provides parent coaching in addition to therapy is like finding gold,” Johnson says. “Though the cost may be out of reach for some families, being able to track your child’s progress with frequent assessments through Little Otter can provide valuable insight as well as hope during otherwise challenging milestones.”
Specs
| Price | $165-$500 for self-pay, varies for insurance |
| Insurance accepted | Yes |
| Messaging | Yes |
| Additional features | Parenting resources |
| Ages treated | 0 to 14 |
Best online therapy for kids that takes insurance: Amwell
Key product features
What you should know
Amwell is an online provider of both mental health services and healthcare, and it has one of the most extensive lists of insurance providers. This fact alone makes it one of the more accessible online therapy platforms on our list for people with insurance.
- With a huge list of therapists at your fingertips, Amwell also allows you to choose your own provider based on your needs and preferences.
- Because Amwell has an extensive list of insurance providers it is in-network with, this can help keep costs down; even if you are uninsured or want to self-pay, Amwell’s prices are still reasonable at $109 per session.
- Amwell is well suited for those with mental health insurance, but people who want to pay as they go or avoid expensive subscriptions will also appreciate the simplicity of Amwell’s online therapy option.
Why we like Amwell as best online therapy that takes insurance
With one of the most extensive lists of insurance providers of any of the online therapy options we reviewed, Amwell is a great option for people who have insurance that covers their mental health needs. This makes this online therapy provider extremely accessible for people who want to receive therapy but would prefer not to visit a therapist in person.
We also appreciate that no subscription is required, nor do you have to pre-pay for therapy sessions. Instead, parents can work directly with a therapist who accepts their insurance. This feature allows their kids or teens to try therapy without the parent making a huge, upfront financial commitment. Plus, if you decide online therapy is not right for your child or if you want to switch to a different platform, you don’t have to lobby to get a refund. That said, there is a $40 cancellation fee for missing appointments or if you do not cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment.
And, if your child needs medication for anxiety, depression, or another mental health need, the therapists often collaborate with the psychiatrists on staff so that medication (excluding controlled substances) can be prescribed promptly.
In theory, you also should be able to schedule with a therapist at a convenient time for you and your child that doesn’t interfere with after-school activities or homework—especially with night and weekend appointment times available. Depending on your location, though, these appointment times may sometimes be hard to come by.
Amwell also does not offer many extras or support materials to use between sessions. While this may help keep costs within a reasonable range, the therapist will have to direct or assign any additional work done outside of therapy, which can create additional costs.
What our experts say
“Having an extensive list of providers in a network like Amwell is both a blessing and a curse,” says Johnson. “That being said, having so many provider options (that can be filtered for your specific needs and insurance) can help you find an ideal match in a therapist. Amwell increases access to services that can be challenging to find.”
What customers are saying
People who have used Amwell for therapy are most impressed with the level of care they’ve received while on the platform. They appreciate their therapist’s knowledge and expertise and like the validation they have received.
In fact, Quinn, a verified Trustpilot reviewer, indicates that her experience has been a “game changer.” Not only has the care exceeded the therapy she received in the past, but she also feels that she is being truly listened to and that her medication needs are being thoughtfully considered.
“I look forward to our meetings and appreciate the quality and effectiveness of the homework assigned. She is well-versed in PTSD and depression. I am grateful to have found her.”
”LW,” verified Trustpilot reviewer
That said, LW has experienced some technical difficulties as well. “Despite my internet connection speed being high, the therapist and I can only use the video connection for 15 minutes or so before the sound and picture are out of sync. We then have to resort to phone only [which is not ideal].”
Specs
| Price | $99 per session or less, insurance varies |
| Insurance accepted | Yes |
| Messaging | No |
| Additional features | None listed |
| Ages treated | 10 and up (therapy); 18+ psychiatry |
How we test online therapy
We researched and evaluated numerous online therapy platforms geared toward children, tweens, and teens to develop this list. We reviewed them based on key factors exclusive to children’s therapy, such as the quality of therapists and their experience working with kids, the platform’s convenience and accessibility, and the cost or value of the services. We also considered each platform’s privacy policies and their supplemental support and resources.
Therapist quality—30%
A top-notch teletherapy service should feel both personal and professional, not impersonal or generic. It should connect users with certified and experienced therapists, not unqualified individuals. Here’s what we look for:
- Expertise
- Personalization
- Interaction quality
Accessibility and convenience—30%
Teletherapy directly impacts an individual’s ability to seek, engage with, and benefit from mental health services. Everyone’s situation is different, whether it’s a scheduling issue, lack of transportation, or being physically unable to see a therapist in person. Teletherapy is here to help change that. With the convenience of teletherapy being a significant advantage, we evaluate:
- Ease of use
- Availability
- Platform reliability
Cost and value—20%
Unfortunately, mental health services are not a financial privilege for most people who don’t have insurance that covers it. In an era where mental health care is more necessary, yet often more expensive than ever, assessing the cost-effectiveness of teletherapy services becomes not just relevant but essential.
Here’s what we factor into a teletherapy’s cost and value rating:
- Pricing transparency
- Insurance and coverage
- Value for money
Support and resources—10%
Good mental health habits don’t end after each session. It’s a constant task we must continue to practice. Access to additional support and resources is invaluable for clients seeking to deepen their understanding of mental health issues, learn additional coping strategies, or continue therapeutic work in between sessions. Beyond the therapy sessions, additional support can enhance the therapeutic experience.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Supplementary materials
- Customer support
- Aftercare
Privacy and security—10%
While teletherapy is an incredibly convenient way to seek mental health, it poses some risks. Maintaining client confidentiality and data security is paramount in teletherapy. As clients entrust teletherapy services with their mental health information, stories, and vulnerabilities, the responsibility of these platforms to protect such information is paramount.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Compliance with HIPAA and data protection laws
- Encryption and security measures
- Anonymity options
How to choose the best online therapy for kids
When choosing online therapy for your child, it should be much easier to find these services today than it was before COVID. In fact, one study found that the number of therapists providing online therapy has increased from about 40% to 98%. (12)
This is great news if you need to find a therapist because it means you will likely have more options. But it also means you may need to do some legwork to find the right fit for your child. Here are some things to consider when choosing an online therapist for your child.
Qualified therapists
Look for licensed mental health professionals who specialize in working with kids. They should be licensed to practice in your state and have the appropriate training and qualifications for addressing your child’s specific concerns. Some examples of licensing include a licensed professional counselor (LPC), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), licensed professional clinical counselor (LCC), licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), and a doctor of psychology (PsyD). There are also therapists with further training, such as licensed creative arts therapists (LCAT) and registered play therapists (RPT). Keep in mind, many mental health professionals are limited to only those states where they are licensed.
Platform features
Online therapy should be flexible and tailored to your child’s needs and availability. You also want to determine whether the therapy is performed using telephone or video calls, how long the sessions are, and whether or not the platform is child friendly.
Privacy
Ask the therapist if they use a HIPAA-compliant video service. (13) They should also be able to tell you how they protect your child’s privacy while they are online, what types of information they can share with you, and what will be kept between the therapist and your child.
Insurance and cost
Sometimes, therapy can be expensive, especially if you do not have insurance. So, it’s important to find out all of the costs upfront. If you have insurance, ensure the platform accepts your particular provider. It’s also a good idea to contact your insurance company directly to determine exactly what they will pay and how much it will be before signing up. By taking this step, you can hopefully minimize—or even eliminate—any billing issues down the road.
Additional resources
Some online therapy providers for kids will offer games and activities that your child can utilize. They may also have support groups or forums for you to use. Some platforms even provide messaging options. If there is something specific you would like to have, make sure you research the online therapy providers you’re considering to see if they offer it.
Cancellation policies
Sometimes, your child will not feel up to therapy, or they may be ill, and you have to cancel at the last minute. Ensure you know in advance what the cancellation policy is and whether or not you will still have to pay for the session. Likewise, you should find out if you can cancel your subscription with the provider at any time or if you are locked in for a specific time period.
How do I know if my child needs online therapy for kids?
While all children have good days and bad days, if you notice a consistent change in your child’s moods or behaviors that lasts two weeks, contact their pediatrician and ask for a mental health evaluation. They can determine if what your child is experiencing is related to a mental health concern or if it’s caused by an underlying medical condition or even a new medication. Here are some signs that sometimes indicate that therapy may be beneficial for your child or teen: (14, 15, 16)
- Having trouble sleeping or sleeping more than normal
- Experiencing changes in weight or eating habits
- Acting out in anger or aggression
- Feeling anxious or worried more than normal
- Complaining of headaches, stomachaches, or other discomfort
- Engaging in negative self-talk
- Having trouble completing chores or schoolwork
- Neglecting hygiene and self-care
- Losing interest in things they once enjoyed
- Experiencing intrusive thoughts, feelings, or worries
- Obsessing over a school, friends, goals, relationships, or something else
- Experiencing behavior problems at home or at school
- Withdrawing or isolating from friends, family, and others
- Canceling plans regularly
- Having trouble in school or struggling to keep grades up
- Changing friend groups or hanging out with people you have never met
- Refusing to discuss what is bothering them—even when you have made it safe for them to do so
- Exhibiting signs of substance use
- Showing signs of self-harm like cuts, burns, or bruises
- Making comments about suicide and not being able to take it any longer
How to get help
If your child is having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. Someone can assist you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If your child is in immediate danger, call 911.
Pros and cons of online therapy for kids
When deciding if online therapy is right for your child, weighing the pros and cons is important. For instance, your child’s age or the type of therapy they need may dictate whether online therapy is a good vehicle for getting them the help they need. For teens, online therapy can be extremely effective because they can receive intervention through a medium they are comfortable with. However, for small children, using a screen may make it difficult for them to connect with the therapist. Here are some additional pros and cons to consider.
Pros of online therapy for kids
There are several benefits to using online therapy for kids—especially if your child is reluctant to see someone in person. Here are some other benefits.
- Improves accessibility: One of the biggest benefits of online therapy is that it makes therapy available to kids who would not otherwise have access. In fact, some families live far away from providers or do not have therapists in their area. They also may lack transportation or bus fare to get their child to therapy. (17)
- Adds convenience: Kids—and their parents—often have extremely busy schedules, particularly after school, and online therapy allows for convenient and flexible scheduling, allowing families to add online therapy without disrupting their routines.
- Provides a comfortable setting: Children often feel safe at home and are more likely to open up as a result. Likewise, having therapy in the child’s environment allows the therapist a window into their everyday life, potentially allowing them to address more specific issues or work through challenges they face in their everyday lives.
- Offers confidentiality: Some kids appreciate the online therapy setting because they don’t have to risk seeing someone they know in a therapist’s office. This can be a huge benefit for kids who are reluctant to see a therapist in the first place.
Cons of online therapy for kids
There are also some cons to online therapy. For instance, your child may be too young to benefit from this type of treatment and have trouble building rapport with the therapist. Here are some other pitfalls.
- Makes it difficult to connect: Not only can online therapy make it challenging to build rapport with the therapist, but there may also be missed body language cues or nonverbal communication that does not come through.
- Limits the types of therapy: Some types of therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), are very conducive to online therapy. But other types, like play therapy or exposure therapy, may be more challenging to pull off virtually. (18)
- Creates privacy concerns: While many online therapy platforms are secure and have HIPAA-compliant video systems, others may not. It can also be hard to create confidentiality in the home, especially if the child is worried that a parent is listening in or not respecting their boundaries.
- Increases risk for interruptions in care: Technology is never perfect, and there is always a chance that a technical issue, power outage, or internet issue will interrupt or derail your child’s therapy session. This can be particularly frustrating if your child is anxious or in the middle of sharing a story.
What to expect during online therapy for kids
During online therapy, your child’s therapist will meet with them via live video or audio sessions, depending on the platform’s setup. You can expect to have appointments regularly scheduled—or only as needed if the therapy is not ongoing.
Generally, when you first develop a relationship with your child’s therapist, they may meet with you and your child to talk. They will ask questions about your child’s mental health concerns and then let you know how they can help. If you all agree that continuing the therapy relationship will be beneficial, then you will schedule additional appointments. After that, your child may meet alone with the therapist (depending on their age), or the therapist may ask that you attend a few more sessions. This will be determined between the three of you.
If your child is meeting with the therapist alone, you can expect that, at the very least, they will talk. Not only is talking a healthy way for your child to express their feelings, but it’s also a way to build rapport and demonstrate that the therapist understands and is there to help.
With kids, your therapist also may have them do activities to help teach them about their feelings, develop coping skills, and learn new behaviors or responses. They may even teach mindfulness or offer breathing exercises. Each therapist is different and will likely tailor the treatment plan to your child’s temperament, challenges, and preferences.
During therapy, your child may also have an opportunity to practice new skills or role-play. They may also be asked to try these new skills in their everyday lives. They may even play games, do problem-solving exercises, or do other activities as needed.
Most of the time, parental involvement is limited during therapy unless the treatment plan involves teaching you and your child how to communicate and work together more effectively. You can expect your child’s therapist to keep what they discuss confidential and only share things that could potentially be harmful to your child or others. For therapy to be successful, this confidentiality needs to be honored so that your child feels safe enough to share even their deepest concerns.
FAQs
Is virtual therapy effective for children?
Research on online therapy is still new, but the studies that have been conducted indicate that it’s as effective as in-person sessions. (19) In one online therapy study during COVID-19, two-thirds of parents said they plan to use online therapy for their kids again. (20) Additionally, a meta-analysis of other studies found that 60% of the controlled trials for online therapy helped treat depression and anxiety in kids. (21)
What type of therapy is best for children?
There is limited information available on which type of therapy is best for kids with mental health conditions. However, the research that is available indicates that for the most common childhood conditions, like behavior disorders, anxiety, depression, and ADHD, cognitive-behavior therapy (and behavior therapy) is more likely to be effective. Of course, if your child is a preschooler, play therapy might be more suitable. Even parent training in behavior management—where parents learn or improve skills to manage their child’s behavior—can work well for younger kids. And, of course, family therapy is an option for young people with disruptive behavior disorder. (22)
Can kids use Talkspace?
While Talkspace offers services for teens ages 13 to 17, young people must have a parent’s consent to receive therapy. Not only do most states require consent before therapy can take place—even in an online environment—but Talkspace’s guidelines also stipulate anyone younger than 18 will need consent. That said, this does not mean the therapist will share the details of the therapy session with the parents unless the teen agrees. The only exception is in the event of a crisis or an emergency. (23)
What is the best online platform for therapy?
When it comes to the best online platform for therapy, this is often a subjective opinion that is based on your mental health needs, insurance, and the type of therapy you want. That said, the best online therapy platforms will connect you with licensed providers in your state, protect your privacy, be cost-effective, and offer the type of therapy you want. They also should have accurate billing practices, quality customer service, an easy cancellation policy, and continuity of care if your therapist leaves. (24)
Our experts
Rychel Johnson
Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Kansas. She owns a private practice specializing in anxiety treatment and social skills development. Rychel also enjoys extensive road trips and spending time with her husband, daughter, and two cats.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Sherri M. Gordon, CLC
Fortune Recommends Health Writer