Best Online Therapy Services For Teens In 2024 (2024)

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To determine the best online therapy for teens of 2024, the Forbes Health editorial team distributed an in-depth survey to 43 online mental health providers with questions about their services including therapist qualifications, types of therapy offered, insurance acceptance, size of provider network and more. The Forbes Health editorial team also independently collected data and analyzed many different data points, including:

• Price per session (20%)
• Psychiatry options offered (10%)
• Availability in all 50 states (10%)
• If providers who assess for and/or treat autism spectrum disorder are available on the platform (10%)
• Whether the platform has providers specializing in care surrounding sexuality or LGBTQ+ issues (10%)
• If the platform offers messaging with providers (10%)
• Cost of initial consultation, if applicable (5%)
• Whether the platform accepts insurance (5%)
• Number of insurance plans accepted (5%)
• Youngest age treated (5%)
• Whether the platform offers parent specialists (5%)
• Whether the platform offers gender-affirming care (5%)

Extra points were awarded to companies who were transparent and provided information about their services via the aforementioned survey. All star rankings are determined solely by the editorial team.

Read more about our online therapy review methodology.

Online therapy is a form of therapy offered through the internet, an app or a mobile phone using telecommunication tools such as video, audio and texting. It’s attractive to many due to its larger accessibility and convenience compared to traditional, in-person therapy.

Some online therapy platforms offer specialized therapy options for specific groups, which often include separate services for teens or kids. Online therapy could be a solid option for teens due to the variety of ways you can communicate with therapists, the ability to receive treatment from the comfort of your own home and the often “anytime” access that many platforms offer.

How Does Online Therapy Work?

While every online therapy provider has its own process, typically, you can expect to take the following steps.

First, visit your chosen online therapy site to begin registering for a treatment plan. Most online therapy platforms offer various subscription plans with different options for monthly treatment or even per-session treatment. Once you’ve signed up, you will either be able to choose your own therapist or you will be assigned one. From there, you can schedule a session or start speaking with your therapist in whichever modes of communication the platform has available, such as chat, phone or video call.

The cost of therapy can depend on the state you live in, your insurance benefits and the exact treatment you are receiving.

The table below includes the price breakdown for Teladoc Health, Teen Counseling, Amwell, Synergy eTherapy and LGBTQ Therapy Space, as well as whether they accept insurance.

The adolescent years are a vital time to prioritize mental health. Almost half of all serious mental health conditions begin to surface by the age of 15, and three-quarters of mental health conditions begin by age 18, according to research in European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.^[1]Radez, J., Reardon, T., Creswell, C. et al. Why Do Children and Adolescents (Not) Seek and Access Professional Help for Their Mental Health Problems? A Systematic Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Studies. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2021;(30):183–211. The earlier someone is diagnosed with a condition, the earlier treatment can begin, allowing for a better quality of life as time goes on.

Even if an adolescent or teen is not dealing with a serious mental health condition, learning coping strategies for issues like stress, relationship strife or big transitions can help them better navigate all sorts of situations that arise during the middle school, high school and college years—and beyond.

While therapy can be a beneficial tool for anyone who wants to learn more about themselves, there are a few signs that your teenager in particular may benefit from therapy, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

Some of these signs include:

• They seem persistently sad or down
• They may be highly anxious about daily activities
• They’ve lost interest in things they used to enjoy
• They are sleeping a lot more than usual, or a lot less
• They are spending more and more time alone
• They are engaging in self-harm (such as cutting or burning themselves)
• They’ve started to use alcohol or drugs
• They are dieting or exercising to a concerning degree
• They have low energy
• They have periods of highly elevated energy
• They engage in destructive behavior
• They begin to talk about hearing voices that no one else can hear
• They have thoughts of suicide

It can often be difficult to tell if certain teen behaviors are just a typical part of the maturation process, or are a sign of something more serious. If you notice that your teen is exhibiting some of the above behaviors for weeks or even months, or that these behaviors are starting to disrupt their daily lives, the NIMH recommends finding them support.

If you believe your teen is in need of serious, immediate support, online therapy is not a good option. Instead, try to connect them with the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. You can also call 911 if you believe you are dealing with an emergency situation.

As stated above, some of the benefits of online therapy for teens may include the following:

• More convenience. Instead of driving to an office, teens can simply access treatment from their computer or phone and the comfort of their own homes.
• Increased comfortability. Many people today, especially teens, are quite comfortable using technology as a mode of communication, mentions the American Psychological Association (APA). Simply removing the in-office component and offering other ways to open up to a therapist may offer a bit of increased comfort for some teens.
• Wider access. Teens in rural or isolated areas may find it more difficult to find in-person therapy nearby, which could result in longer, undesired travel times. Online therapy can solve this issue as long as you have access to a Wi-Fi signal.

However, there are some clear advantages to in-person therapy as well that may work better for the needs of some teens. These may include:

• In-person connection. Some teens may find that they need an in-person format to really connect with, open up to and build a relationship with their therapist.
• May ensure more security. When it comes to online therapy, security can be one of the top concerns, according to a review in Frontiers in Psychiatry.^[2]Stoll J, Müller JA, Trachsel M. Ethical Issues in Online Psychotherapy: A Narrative Review. Front Psychiatry. 202011;10:993. While most providers have protections in place, taking the in-person route removes any cyber risk.
• Appointment privacy. Having a space to speak freely and openly is important for effective therapy. In-person practices offer a private room, while some teens may not have access to a private space at home, which could hinder online therapy treatment.

While both forms of therapy have their benefits, the right one for you will ultimately depend on you or your teen’s unique needs and what they hope to get out of therapy.

When considering online therapy for teens, it’s important to look for a licensed therapist who’s experienced in working with teens and young adults and the mental health concerns and conditions they commonly face.

It’s also crucial for teens to find a therapist that they feel comfortable talking to and one they can trust. When starting the journey of finding an online therapist, parents can also work with their teens to determine what they want in a therapist, considering treatment styles and their backgrounds.

Our winner for the best online therapy site for teens is Teladoc Health due to its acceptance of insurance and availability within all 50 states, including Washington, D.C. Teladoc Health offers video and phone therapy, with therapists available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Other online therapy sites for teens that top our list include Teen Counseling and Amwell.