Teen Counseling 2024: 5 Best Options, Tried and Tested

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Teen counseling can be a great way to help you cope with mental health conditions and issues you face every day. Read on to learn about the best online teen therapy options making it easier for young people to access mental health care.
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The teenage years can be difficult, with school and social pressures, changing family expectations, and regularly changing hormone levels.
Online therapy can be a good option if you are a teen wanting to talk about what you are going through. It is more accessible than in-person therapy in some cases, and you may be more familiar with meeting people and forming friendships and relationships online.
Mental health conditions are not uncommon, and this is especially true for teens. Experts estimate that as many as 49.5% of U.S. teens have had a mental health condition at some point in their lives. Anxiety disorders, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders are among the most common concerns.
49.5% of U.S. teens
How easy it is to access mental health care as a young person varies depending on several factors, such as which state you live in, your financial situation, and family support. Online therapy can be a good option if you want easily accessible, flexible support for a wide range of mental health conditions.
This article discusses the best options for online teen therapy, and if you are a parent or caregiver of a teen, it provides guidance on talking about mental health.
A quick look at the best online teen counseling options
Best for support with stress and bullying: Teen Counseling Online Therapy | Skip to review
Teen Counseling Online Therapy
Skip to review
Best for LGBTQIA+ support: Talkspace | Skip to review
Talkspace
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Best for medication: MDLIVE Online Therapy | Skip to review
MDLIVE Online Therapy
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Best for night appointments: Synergy eTherapy | Skip to review
Synergy eTherapy
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Best for free ad-hoc support: 7 Cups | Skip to review
7 Cups
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If you or a teenager you care for is experiencing a mental health crisis, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or call 911 or local emergency services.
Best online teen counseling options
Below, we look into the best places for teens to try online counseling.
Teen Counseling Online Therapy

Services offered: teen therapy
Therapy formats: virtual
Cost: $65 to $95 per week
Healthline visitors get 10% off the first month.
GET STARTED WITH TEEN COUNSELING
*Price may vary.

Teen Counseling is a platform that forms part of BetterHelp. It works with licensed professionals who help people deal with stress, anxiety, bullying issues, eating disorders, and other concerns. The service is for teens ages 13 to 19 years.
BetterHelp
anxiety
eating disorders

Teen Counseling allows you to communicate with a counselor in a therapy room with 256-bit encryption. Parents or caregivers do not have access to these rooms.

The service hosts sessions through messaging, phone calls, video conferencing, and live chat, which are available via smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktop computers.

Therapy sessions cost around $65 to $90 per week. Prices depend on your location, preferences, and the availability of Teen Counseling therapists.

The company does not currently hold accreditation with the BBB, and there are no customer reviews on this platform.

Teen Counseling allows you to communicate with a counselor in a therapy room with 256-bit encryption. Parents or caregivers do not have access to these rooms.

The service hosts sessions through messaging, phone calls, video conferencing, and live chat, which are available via smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktop computers.

Therapy sessions cost around $65 to $90 per week. Prices depend on your location, preferences, and the availability of Teen Counseling therapists.

The company does not currently hold accreditation with the BBB, and there are no customer reviews on this platform.

a person can message their therapist at any time
offers many different methods of communication with therapists
therapists on this platform are all licensed and accredited in their states
does not accept insurance
costs are only confirmed when a person matches with a therapist
requires guardian consent
a person can message their therapist at any time
offers many different methods of communication with therapists
therapists on this platform are all licensed and accredited in their states
does not accept insurance
costs are only confirmed when a person matches with a therapist
requires guardian consent
Privacy: doesn’t state whether it is HIPAA compliant and NCQA accredited
App availability: iOS, Android
Medication mangement: not offered
Privacy: doesn’t state whether it is HIPAA compliant and NCQA accredited
App availability: iOS, Android
Medication mangement: not offered
Talkspace

Services offered: talk therapy, couples therapy, individual therapy, psychiatry, teen therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, therapy for veterans
Therapy formats: text messaging, video chat, and audio messaging
Cost: $25 copay or less; starts at $69 per week for messaging; $99 per week for video and messaging; and $109 for video, messaging, and workshops
Accepts insurance: yes
Use code “HEALTHLINE85” for $85 off.
GET STARTED WITH TALKSPACE
*Price may vary.

In 2018, Talkspace began offering teen counseling for ages 13 to 17 years.
LGBTQIA+ teens face unique challenges, and Talkspace prides themselves on being able to offer therapists who either identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community, or who are experienced with working with the community. They also provide gender affirming therapy.

The company works with over 3,000 licensed therapists available to contact via text, video, photo, and audio messages. These therapists specialize in specific mental health conditions.

The platform will match you with several therapists. You can then choose which one you would like to connect with. Talkspace hosts sessions in a private room with a secure connection, and you can chat with a licensed professional anytime. You can also switch therapists at no additional charge.

Talkspace offers three subscription plans, and the pricing depends on how many live sessions you request, your location, and therapist availability. Below we look at the Talkspace plans available and approximate pricing:
Messaging therapy: Includes text, video, and audio messaging. Prices start from $69 per week.
Live therapy: Includes four 45-minute live sessions a month. Prices start from $99 per week.
Live + messaging therapy: This is the most expensive plan and includes text, video, and audio messaging, plus four 45-minute live sessions per month. Prices start from $109 per week.

Talkspace is accredited with the BBB and has received a B grade. Less favorable comments note confusing billing procedures. Positive comments mention the ease of getting started and using insurance.
BBB
Read our review of Talkspace.
Read our review of Talkspace.

The company works with over 3,000 licensed therapists available to contact via text, video, photo, and audio messages. These therapists specialize in specific mental health conditions.

includes unlimited messaging feature
accepts insurance
online reviews say the app is user-friendly
therapists are experience in LGBTQIA+ concerns
live counseling sessions capped at 30 minutes
only offers access to medication to people over age 18 years
can take a long time to receive three top therapist matches
includes unlimited messaging feature
accepts insurance
online reviews say the app is user-friendly
therapists are experience in LGBTQIA+ concerns
live counseling sessions capped at 30 minutes
only offers access to medication to people over age 18 years
can take a long time to receive three top therapist matches
Privacy: HIPAA compliant and NCQA accredited
App availability: iOS and Google Play
Financial aid: discounts available for certain groups (i.e., parents, first responders, teachers, military, etc.) if you pay out of pocket
Insurance coverage: Premera, Optum, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and more; FSA/HSA also accepted
Privacy: HIPAA compliant and NCQA accredited
App availability: iOS and Google Play
Financial aid: discounts available for certain groups (i.e., parents, first responders, teachers, military, etc.) if you pay out of pocket
Insurance coverage: Premera, Optum, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and more; FSA/HSA also accepted
MDLIVE Online Therapy

Services offered: therapy, psychiatry, urgent care, primary care checkups, dermatology
Therapy formats: phone, video
Cost: $0 to $284 per visit, depending on insurance
Accepts insurance: yes
GET STARTED WITH MDLIVE
*Price may vary.

MDLIVE provides physical and mental health services for adults, children, and teens, allowing you to engage in video appointments with counselors or psychiatrists.

If you are a parent or caregiver, you may find this service helpful if they think your teen may benefit from medication or if they need to discuss their current prescription.

Learn more about the best online psychiatry services.
best online psychiatry services

MDLIVE’s pricing varies depending on the type of consultation you choose and your insurance plan. However, initial sessions with psychiatrists can cost up to $284, with follow-up visits costing $108. Talk therapy sessions cost up to $108, depending on insurance.

MDLive has accreditation with the BBB and an A+ grade. Customers give the company an average of 1.14 out of 5 stars from 79 reviews. Positive comments mention convenient and easy-to-schedule appointments, while less favorable ones mention payment issues and issues with connecting to appointments.
BBB

MDLIVE provides physical and mental health services for adults, children, and teens, allowing you to engage in video appointments with counselors or psychiatrists.

If you are a parent or caregiver, you may find this service helpful if they think your teen may benefit from medication or if they need to discuss their current prescription.

Learn more about the best online psychiatry services.
best online psychiatry services

people can choose phone calls or video chats to speak with therapists
accepts insurance from most major insurers
sessions are 50 to 60 minutes long, giving people more time to discuss concerns
sessions can be expensive for people without insurance
psychiatrists have limited availability
the service lacks a messaging option
people can choose phone calls or video chats to speak with therapists
accepts insurance from most major insurers
sessions are 50 to 60 minutes long, giving people more time to discuss concerns
sessions can be expensive for people without insurance
psychiatrists have limited availability
the service lacks a messaging option
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
App availability: iOS and Google Play
Insurance coverage: Regence, Cigna, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Independence, AvMed, and more; HSA, FSA also accepted
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
App availability: iOS and Google Play
Insurance coverage: Regence, Cigna, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Independence, AvMed, and more; HSA, FSA also accepted
Synergy eTherapy

Services offered: individual therapy, couples therapy, teen therapy
Therapy formats: phone and video calls
Cost: $100 to $200 per session
Accepts insurance: yes
GET STARTED WITH SYNERGY ETHERAPY
*Price may vary.

Synergy eTherapy offers teen counseling at all times of the week, including during the night and the weekend. This may be beneficial if you cannot take time away from school or work to attend therapy.

The company is only available to people who reside in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.

Synergy eTherapy offers a free initial consultation. Any other consultations cost between $100 and $250. Some therapists may accept insurance from providers such as Optum and Aetna.

The company does not currently hold accreditation with the BBB, and the organization gives Synergy eTherapy an A+ grade. There are no customer reviews on this platform.
BBB

Synergy eTherapy offers a free initial consultation. Any other consultations cost between $100 and $250. Some therapists may accept insurance from providers such as Optum and Aetna.

The company does not currently hold accreditation with the BBB, and the organization gives Synergy eTherapy an A+ grade. There are no customer reviews on this platform.
BBB

offers a free initial consultation
flexible scheduling
safeguards privacy
not available in all states
not much information to guide therapist selection
the therapist decides whether or not to accept a person’s insurance
offers a free initial consultation
flexible scheduling
safeguards privacy
not available in all states
not much information to guide therapist selection
the therapist decides whether or not to accept a person’s insurance
Prescribes medication: no
Privacy: doesn’t state if they are HIPAA compliant or NCQA accredited
App availability: not available
Insurance coverage: out-of-network benefits only
Prescribes medication: no
Privacy: doesn’t state if they are HIPAA compliant or NCQA accredited
App availability: not available
Insurance coverage: out-of-network benefits only
7 Cups

Services offered: therapy, access to learning materials for self-growth
Therapy formats: chat
Cost: free limited online chats with trained volunteers; $7.99 for unlimited chats; $150 to $299 per month for online therapy
Accepts insurance: doesn’t accept insurance
GET STARTED WITH 7 CUPS
*Price may vary.

7 Cups offers free support rooms for individuals ages 13 to 17 years, allowing you to chat with a trained listener.
These trained listeners are not qualified therapists, and some of the listeners can be quite young.
While this may be helpful if you are looking to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with people of a similar age, the quality of the chat or the listener is not guaranteed. This was a concern for the Medical News Today reviewer that tried the 7 Cups free services.
As such, 7 Cups chat sessions should not replace professional mental health care. However, you may find them beneficial if you want someone to talk with casually. If you want professional help with 7 Cups, you can pay for counseling sessions with mental health professionals on the platform.

Alongside the free chats, this platform offers unlimited messaging support from licensed therapists at around $159 per month. 7 Cups has recently launched a new service where you can access a regular weekly call with a licensed therapist for $299 per month.

7 Cups also has accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has a B grade. At time of publication, customers give the company an average of 2.24 out of 5 stars from 17 reviews.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Positive comments mention great emotional support, while less favorable ones mention payment issues and lack of contact from customer services.

“I’d only recommend 7 Cups for people who just want a listening ear and don’t need robust or specialist advice. Many of the listeners are very young and they don’t have a lot of experience in helping people with mental health conditions. There is also very little standardization in how listeners fill out their profiles.

“Some have a lot of information on how they approach people’s problems and how they like to help, others don’t have any information at all.

“[I’d recommend the 7 Cups free service for] younger people, people looking for a free chat service, and those looking for casual chats about things they’re struggling with. But, anyone looking for support with a mental health condition should try 7 Cups paid services.”

— “Rose,” MNT editor

“Some have a lot of information on how they approach people’s problems and how they like to help, others don’t have any information at all.

— “Rose,” MNT editor
offers free mental health chats for teenagers
has a large number of topic-specific discussions and forums
texting with therapists offers flexibility
listeners are not qualified therapists
does not accept insurance
offers free mental health chats for teenagers
has a large number of topic-specific discussions and forums
texting with therapists offers flexibility
listeners are not qualified therapists
does not accept insurance
App availability: iOS and Google Play
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Financial aid: no
App availability: iOS and Google Play
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Financial aid: no
Comparing online therapy for teens
The table below compares each of the teen counseling services in this article.
TeenCounseling
Talkspace
MDLIVE
SynergyeTherapy
7 Cups
How we chose the best therapy services for teens
Medical News Today chooses counseling options according to the following criteria:
Age suitability: Services that offer therapy to teens.
Communication method: Services that offer a range of communication methods, such as by phone, text, or video.
Specialization: Services that offer therapists specializing in different areas of concern.
Cost: Services that fit a range of budgets.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Learn more here
In-person vs. online therapy for teens
Online therapy is not the only option for teens. You can also explore in-person therapy. However, there are pros and cons to both types.
Some benefits of online therapy for teens include:
flexibility and convenience of not needing to attend a physical office
less stigma attached as you can have your session at home without being seen by anybody you know
you may be comfortable with using the internet, meaning you may feel more relaxed
can often be less expensive than in-person therapy
beneficial if you do not have access to quality therapists in your area
However, some people may prefer in-person therapy. Some advantages of in-person therapy over online therapy include:
insurance companies do not always cover online therapy
technology issues may occur, like if the internet goes down, a person may not be able to attend their session
texting and messaging services may not be good for individuals who have difficulty expressing themselves with written communication
How to know if a teen needs therapy
If you look after a teenager, the National Institute of Mental Health highlights some signs that may help you identify whether they may need mental health care, including:
National Institute of Mental Health
changes in mood
changes in mood
behavioral changes
behavioral changes
low energy or lack of motivation at school
physical changes, such as showering less and decreased energy
engaging in harmful behaviors, such as smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol
spending increasing amounts of time alone
claiming people are trying to control their mind
hearing things other people cannot hear
loss of interest in things they would usually enjoy
Learn more about the signs and symptoms of teen depression.
teen depression
Seeking help from a therapist is not always the most suitable choice. In an emergency or crisis, you can consider:
calling local emergency services
texting TALK to 741741 to speak with a trained crisis counselor
calling the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988
calling 911
If you or a teen you care for needs support with self-harm, you can consider calling the self-injury hotline at 1-800-DONT CUT (1-800-366-8388).
How to know if a therapist is a good fit
The National Alliance on Mental Illness recommends finding a therapist who listens to your feelings and helps you reach your goals at your own pace.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
You should not feel as though the therapist is judging you during your sessions. The aim of each session is to ensure you are comfortable and feel as though you are progressing toward your goals.
It is also important that you feel able to give your therapist feedback. If you find assignments difficult or would prefer to approach concerns in other ways, you must feel able to talk with your therapist to adjust treatment if necessary.
You may also find it easier to connect with a therapist if you share a similar background and ethnicity and if the therapist specializes in your particular concerns.
If you do not feel comfortable discussing your concerns with a therapist, choose another healthcare professional you can connect with.
Other factors that can affect therapist choice may include:
Specialization: Refers to the area the therapist focuses on, such as family, stress, or addiction.
stress
addiction
Pricing: You should check how much a counseling service will cost. Costs may vary by specialization, insurance plan, and session type.
Reviews: Checking the company, provider, or therapist’s reviews may help individuals learn about other people’s experiences with the platform you have chosen.
Treatments: The American Psychological Association states that you should ask a therapist what treatments they offer and whether they are effective for dealing with specific needs.
American Psychological Association
How does online therapy benefit teenagers?
According to Mental Health America, over 2.5 million young people live with severe major depression in the United States, and 60.3% of young people with major depression did not receive any mental health treatment in 2022.
Mental Health America
Research shows that online therapy can be helpful for teenagers dealing with conditions such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, online therapy can help provide care for teenagers who otherwise cannot access mental health care.
Research
Teens tend to have a positive attitude toward online therapy, with 72% of adolescents in one survey stating they would use it if they needed support. The study also found that adolescents felt that using online therapy made treatment more accessible and reduced its stigma.
72% of adolescents
Teen counseling techniques
Therapists use a variety of techniques when working with teenagers, tailored to address your unique developmental needs and specific issues you might be facing. Some of these techniques include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors. It focuses on developing positive thinking and coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
focuses on
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT can benefit teens with more severe mental health conditions and concerns, including borderline personality disorder. It combines cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help you manage intense emotions, develop healthy relationships, and improve how you can cope with distress.
can benefit
Play therapy: Though typically for younger children, therapists can adapt play therapy for teens, especially those with difficulty expressing themselves verbally. Through activities like drawing, games, or role-playing, therapists can help you explore your emotions and experiences.
typically
Art therapy: Art therapy allows teenagers to express themselves creatively through various art forms, such as drawing, painting, or sculpture. It provides a nonverbal outlet for emotions and can help you process difficult experiences and feelings.
express
Advice for parents and caregivers of teenagers trying therapy
If you are caring for a teen, check in with them after they have tried a few sessions to make sure they feel safe and comfortable. While they may not want to discuss what they talk about during their sessions, you can ask them the following questions:
Do you feel heard during your sessions?
Is the therapist friendly and understanding?
Do you enjoy your sessions?
Do you find your sessions helpful?
Do you feel comfortable talking to your therapist?
You should respect the teenager’s privacy and try not to make them tell you what they talk about in their sessions.
“Teen therapy is often best done in collaboration among the teen, therapist, and parents or caregivers. At the onset of therapy, therapists should be clear about what information will be kept private, typically everything except certain issues related to safety.
“Parents and caregivers, however, can participate in treatment. This includes having parents participate in joint sessions with the teen and sometimes collateral sessions with only the parents, caregivers, and therapist.
“It is important that the teen is clear on what information might be shared and what will be kept private between the therapist when these sessions occur, but including parents can help facilitate progress in treatment.
“Parents can help support teens with their in-between-session homework and sometimes parents may make their own behavioral changes to support the teen’s therapy progress therapy.
“Having clear communication among everyone can support good relationships among all parties in service of helping teens meet their therapy goals.”
— Akilah Reynolds, PhD
The Child Mind Institute states that some teens may not admit they have problems with their mental health. They may also believe no one can help them. This can also be a symptom of certain mental health conditions. For instance, depression can affect how they think and prevent them from thinking positively.
Child Mind Institute
As a result, the institute suggests that you ask teens what they are looking for and what they wish to gain from mental health treatment. You can also ask what they want to improve, as the therapist can then determine how they can help achieve their goal.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers other ways to approach the subject of mental health with a teen, including:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
discussing the topic when they feel comfortable and safe in their environment
straightforward communication
asking if they would like to talk with someone else about their difficulties
letting them know that it is OK to speak with an adult and that this can help in some situations
asking them what is happening in their life and how they are feeling
expressing concern for their well-being and asking them directly if they are planning to harm themselves or others
Learn more about the warning signs of suicide.
Learn more about the warning signs of suicide.
Frequently asked questions about teen counseling
Yes, it is completely normal for a 13-year-old to go to therapy. Many children and teenagers benefit from counseling for various reasons, such as dealing with emotional, behavioral, or social issues, managing stress, coping with family changes, or addressing mental health concerns.
Yes, it is completely normal for a 13-year-old to go to therapy. Many children and teenagers benefit from counseling for various reasons, such as dealing with emotional, behavioral, or social issues, managing stress, coping with family changes, or addressing mental health concerns.
Children of any age can benefit from counseling for different reasons.
0 to 5 years: Therapy can begin during the very early years of a child’s life, typically involving play therapy and parent-child interaction therapy to address developmental or behavioral concerns or trauma.
typically involving
6 to 12 years: Children in this age range often benefit from individual, family, or group therapy to address academic challenges, social skills, behavioral concerns, and emotional regulation.
13 to 18 years: Therapy is quite common and helpful for teenagers dealing with a wide range of concerns and conditions, including anxiety, depression, peer pressure, academic stress, questions about identity, and family dynamics.

Children of any age can benefit from counseling for different reasons.
0 to 5 years: Therapy can begin during the very early years of a child’s life, typically involving play therapy and parent-child interaction therapy to address developmental or behavioral concerns or trauma.
typically involving
6 to 12 years: Children in this age range often benefit from individual, family, or group therapy to address academic challenges, social skills, behavioral concerns, and emotional regulation.
13 to 18 years: Therapy is quite common and helpful for teenagers dealing with a wide range of concerns and conditions, including anxiety, depression, peer pressure, academic stress, questions about identity, and family dynamics.

Generally, minors need parental consent to get therapy. Parents or guardians can arrange sessions with a therapist, counselor, or mental health clinic. Many schools have their own counselors, or they can refer students to external therapists.
parental consent
School counselors can provide initial support and guidance. A pediatrician can often refer children and adolescents to a suitable mental health professional.
Generally, minors need parental consent to get therapy. Parents or guardians can arrange sessions with a therapist, counselor, or mental health clinic. Many schools have their own counselors, or they can refer students to external therapists.
parental consent
School counselors can provide initial support and guidance. A pediatrician can often refer children and adolescents to a suitable mental health professional.
There is no age limit to when a child can start therapy, as there are many different types of therapy that can help children of all ages, including play therapy for younger children. Typically, the youngest ages online therapy services accept start at 10- or 13-years-old.
There is no age limit to when a child can start therapy, as there are many different types of therapy that can help children of all ages, including play therapy for younger children. Typically, the youngest ages online therapy services accept start at 10- or 13-years-old.
Summary
Online teen counseling can help if you need emotional support and mental health care.
Online therapy may prove less expensive than in-person visits, while some online services may accept health insurance coverage.
A therapist may use various techniques to help you. If you are a parent or caregiver of a teen, you may want to consider different factors — including therapy type, pricing, a therapist’s specialization, and more — before committing to a particular therapy.

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