Does Your Child Need Therapy? Look No Further Than These Online Therapy Companies

These 11 online therapy companies treat children and teens of all ages

Depression, anxiety, ADHD, and behavioral issues are the most common mental health problems amongst kids and teens, and catching these issues early can mean the difference between a happy, healthy kid and one that faces serious future challenges. As awareness of mental health issues among young people grows, therapy for kids and teens is also becoming more available online. Many virtual therapists have specialized experience treating childhood mental health concerns, whether that's low self-esteem, social anxiety, or bullying, and virtual therapy can be very effective. Your kid can meet with their therapist individually (or with you present, if they prefer) and they can get support for a wide range of concerns. An online psychiatrist can also prescribe your child medication, if that is deemed necessary.

That said, as a parent, it important to vet your child's virtual therapist or psychiatrist just as you would an in-person provider — but that can be an overwhelming process. So to help make it a little easier to find a good child therapist, we did some of the research for you. We evaluated over 80 online providers with the help of three licensed therapists, surveyed 10,000 users, and signed up for the companies ourselves to test the services. We also had this article fact-checked and medically reviewed by a licensed therapist. Here are 11 online therapy companies we recommend for families with children.

Best Online Therapy for Kids of 2023

• Most Comprehensive: Thriveworks

• Best for Young Kids: Little Otter

• Best for Teenagers: Teen Counseling

• Best for Family Therapy: LifeStance Health

• Best for Psychiatry: Talkiatry

• Best for ADHD: Amwell

• Best for Black Communities: Therapy for Black Girls

• Best for LGBTQIA+ Children: Inclusive Therapists

• Best for Bullying: Wellnite

• Best Directory: Headway

• Best Subscription Service: Talkspace

Most Comprehensive: Thriveworks

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Key Specs

• Price: Varies by provider but starts at $99 without insurance

• Insurance Accepted?: Yes

• Types of Therapy: Kids, teen, individual, couples, family, group, medication management, psychiatry

Why We Chose It

Thriveworks stands out because it offers both online and in-person therapy to kids, teens, and families all across the country. Its providers use a range of approaches proven effective for treating a variety of children's mental health issues.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Its therapists have specialized experience treating kids and teens

• Overs both teletherapy and in-person therapy at its 380 in-person locations

• Accepts health insurance

Cons

• Difficult to search for therapists with specific cultural identities

• Session prices vary based on provider

• Availability of kids therapy varies by location

Overview

Thriveworks is an online and in-person therapy service that operates in 45 states. With 380 in-person locations — plus virtual options — it offers a comprehensive suite of services that includes therapy for kids, teens, adults, families, and groups, plus psychiatry. Additionally, unlike many competitors, therapists at Thriveworks treat a wide variety of issues that affect children, from bullying to learning disorders to behavioral issues.

While the number of therapists that treat kids varies based on state, finding a provider isn't likely to be a problem because Thriveworks has such a wide network of providers. On the website, you'll find a list of providers by state and you can pick anyone that is accepting new clients. To keep your search refined to your needs, you can use the site's filters to narrow down therapists by the ages they treat. You can also call a Thriveworks office to get help finding an in-person provider.

If you and your child opt for teletherapy, sessions take place via live video and audio — there is no text-based therapy. Therapists at Thriveworks use modalities like play therapy, which can help kids express feelings; cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help kids reframe their reactions and perceptions; and dialectical behavior therapy, which gives teens tools to manage overwhelming emotions.

Plans & Prices

Thriveworks isn't a subscription-based service: You can schedule and pay as you go. Session fees vary based on provider, location, and insurance acceptance, but start at $99.

User Satisfaction

Overall, Thriveworks users found their experience to be positive: 88% of 105 surveyed users rated their therapist's qualifications positively, compared to an 84% average among all the companies we researched; 80% would recommend Thriveworks to a friend, compared to a 71% average; and 90% rated it positively overall, compared to an 84% average.

One of our testers of Thriveworks said that their experience with the company was much more personal and inviting than that of other online therapy platforms, noting that, "as someone who uses telehealth therapy often, I felt willing to open up because I didn't feel like I was using a service run by a massive corporation. It felt very personable."

Best for Young Kids: Little Otter

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Key Specs

• Price: $90 for intake session; $200 per session; $540 for assessment bundle; $2,040 for 12-session bundle; $500 for psychiatric evaluation; $250 for each psychiatric follow-up

• Insurance Accepted?: Only one plan (Kaiser Permanente)

• Types of Therapy: Children's, couples, family

Why We Chose It

Little Otter supports young children's mental health through therapy, psychiatry, medication management, and parent and family coaching and education to create a healthy home environment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Designed specifically for kids up to age 14

• Has psychiatry and medication management services

• Offers couples and family counseling

Cons

• Doesn't accept insurance

• May be too expensive for some

• Limited to only 12 states

Overview

Little Otter is designed specifically to treat kids up to age 14, an age group that isn't always easy to find treatment for, especially online. Not only does it offer therapy and psychiatry services for your kid, but it also has a range of other services aimed at supporting your child's mental health, including family and couples therapy, individual therapy (if your own issues are affecting your ability to parent), parent coaching, and parent education resources.

There's also a chatline, which provides guidance for you as a parent during business hours (for an additional cost). Clearly, the team at Little Otter has thought of everything, and its providers are equipped to treat a range of kids' mental health issues, including OCD, trauma recovery, ADHD, behavioral issues, eating disorders, and anxiety.

Sessions take place over live video and last around 45 minutes, while psychiatry sessions last between 15 to 30 minutes every four to six weeks. One big drawback? Little Otter is expensive. So while its services could greatly benefit kids and their families, it's not accessible to everyone.

Plans & Prices

Little Otter isn't a subscription service: It has a pay-per-session model. It only accepts one insurance plan — Kaiser Permanente. Pricing is as follows:

• $90 for a 30-minute welcome session

• $200 per 45-minute therapy session

• $680 for a bundle of four 45-minute therapy sessions

• $1920 for a bundle of 12 45-minute therapy sessions

• $500 for an initial child psychiatry evaluation

• $250 for a 15-30-minute psychiatric follow-up session

The on-demand chatline, which includes emotional and behavior guidance and support during business hours, costs $30 per month.

User Satisfaction

Our user survey indicates that Little Otter supports its users well. Eighty-one percent of the 105 users we surveyed said it was better than services used in the past, 79% rated their therapist's qualifications positively, and 70% said their provider met all or most of their needs.

Our Little Otter tester was happy with the quality of care and scheduling speed. She said that "the therapist asked me thought-provoking questions, and showed significant interest and discerning curiosity, allowing me to cover all of our mental health concerns." She also said that, "impressively, I was able to schedule a session for my daughter within 24 hours of my first solo session with the therapist."

Best for Teenagers: Teen Counseling

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Key Specs

• Price: $240 to $360 per month

• Insurance Accepted?: No

• Types of Therapy: Teen, individual

Why We Chose It

Teen Counseling is designed specifically to help teens and features therapists who specialize in adolescent mental health. Teens can get counseling on their own or with you, together or separately, and each person's privacy is respected.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Designed specifically for teens and their parents

• Includes chat messaging between sessions

• Respects teen privacy in chats

Cons

• Follows a surge pricing model

• You're charged even if you miss sessions

• Short session times

Overview

Teen Counseling is an online therapy platform owned by BetterHelp that specializes in therapy for teens between the ages of 13 and 19, as well as for you as a parent. Like BetterHelp, therapy at Teen Counseling operates as a monthly subscription service and your plan includes weekly live sessions and messaging for one set price. Your sessions can be private or include your teen.

The company is an effective option for teens experiencing a myriad of problems, such as low self-esteem, stress, the effects of bullying, anxiety, anger, and more. Your weekly live sessions take place over live chat, video, or phone, but your teen can also message your therapist via a private chat portal anytime between sessions and receive asynchronous responses. If both you and your teen sign up, you'll have separate messaging platforms so you can both independently (and privately) message the therapist. This is critical: To have effective therapy, both you and your teen must feel secure that what you share is confidential. It also means that you as a parent can get support and advice for how best to support your teen who is undergoing treatment for depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.

Plans & Prices

Teen Counseling doesn't accept insurance and doesn't have set rates. Rather, subscription fees vary based on location, availability, and demand. Your subscription cost usually ranges from $260 to $360 per month for one weekly session and unlimited messaging.

User Satisfaction

Overall, Teen Counseling performed well among users: 85% of our 105 surveyed users rated it positively overall, compared to an 84% average; 88% said it was better than services used in the past, compared to an 86% average; and 85% rated their therapist's qualifications positively overall, compared to an 84% average.

Our tester of Teen Counseling noted that "[my teen] said he enjoyed talking to his therapist and that she was giving him 'a different way to look at things' that he hadn't thought about before. He indicated that he wanted to keep engaging in therapy using the Teen Counseling platform even after this review was complete."

Best for Family Therapy: LifeStance Health

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Key Specs

• Price: $75 to $300 per session without insurance

• Insurance Accepted?: Yes

• Types of Therapy: Individual, family, couples, groups, kids, teens, psychiatry, medication management

Why We Chose It

LifeStance Health has a suite of therapy offerings that support children and their families, including family therapy, parent-child therapy, and individual therapy for kids. This makes it a flexible and sustainable option for families over time.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Specializes in family therapy

• Also has parent-child, kids, and teen therapy

• Culturally diverse providers

Cons

• No options for messaging

• Not available in all 50 states

• Final prices only available after sign-up

Overview

Sometimes you need to get the whole family involved to support your child's mental health. LifeStance Health can help you do just that. It offers comprehensive services, including family, kids, teen, and parent-child therapy, to address the complex challenges that affect family systems and often impact young people the most. Additionally, it offers couples and individual therapy, should you as parents need support so you can be your best for your kids.

Sessions are 45 minutes long and take place over live video. Therapists come from diverse backgrounds (which makes LifeStance Health accessible for a variety of cultures and identities) and use varied modalities including, but not limited to, dialectical behavior therapy, which helps patients regulate overwhelming emotions; emotion-focused therapy, which focuses on processing feelings rather than thoughts; and psychodynamic techniques, which look at the deeper roots of repeated challenges.

Family therapy at LifeStance Health can improve your communication as a family, help with boundary-setting, support you in controlling difficult emotions, and promote empathy for all family members. This in turn can support a positive, healthy environment for kids.

Plans & Prices

Unlike many competitors, LifeStance Health doesn't require a subscription. It's a pay-as-you-go system, with out-of-pocket costs varying according to the provider and ranging from $75 to $300 per 45-minute session.

LifeStance accepts most commercial insurance plans from each state in which it offers services.

User Satisfaction

LifeStance is a solid choice overall, according to the 105 users we surveyed. Ninety percent rated their therapist's qualifications positively, compared to an 84% average. Eighty-eight percent rated it positively overall, compared to an 84% average, and 88% said it was better than services used in the past, compared to an 86% average.

Our tester of LifeStance noted that "In general, I was delighted with my therapist. I felt that they listened to me and were compassionate," and felt that "due to the expansive network of providers LifeStance employs, the chances of receiving good quality of care for various mental health issues is likely."

Best for Psychiatry: Talkiatry

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Key Specs

• Price: Depends on insurance

• Insurance Accepted?: Yes

• Types of Therapy: Individual and kids psychiatry or psychiatry/therapy combo

Why We Chose It

Talkiatry offers psychiatry services for children as young as 5 years old, a rarity in the online therapy world. It also has high user satisfaction, indicating that it's a safe choice for your child.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Offers psychiatry for kids 5 and up

• Has high user satisfaction

• Clinicians are empathetic and caring

Cons

• Only accepts patients with insurance

• You won't know the cost until sign-up

• Not available in all states

Overview

Talkiatry is an online psychiatry service that treats individuals, both adults and children age 5 and up — highly unusual for an online psychiatry practice. It does not offer stand-alone therapy, though psychiatrists may refer patients to a Talkiatry therapist if they think that's what's best. Talkiatry is unique in that it only accepts patients whose insurance it accepts. That's unfortunate for those who don't have insurance. However, it does accept a large variety of carriers.

It's always a little nerve-wracking to put your child's mental health in the hands of a stranger, especially online. Luckily, Talkiatry sets the bar high in terms of quality of care. In our survey, users indicated that Talkiatry psychiatrists are patient, caring, and truly take their time with patients. This can make all the difference, whether you're seeking help for your child who displays behavioral issues related to ADHD, struggles with insomnia, or has Tourette's syndrome.

Sessions take place over live video. Many providers come from diverse backgrounds and speak multiple languages, which broadens the number of communities Talkiatry can serve.

Plans & Prices

Talkiatry accepts many major insurance plans, and will only take you or your child on as a patient if it accepts yours. Fees for sessions and medication will vary based on your coverage.

Your child's first psychiatry visit will be 60 minutes, while follow-ups will be 30 minutes long.

User Satisfaction

Overall, it appears that Talkiatry offers an elevated experience staffed by caring providers: 44% of our 105 users said their provider never made them feel rushed, compared to a 32% average; 58% said they like how their provider took their time with them, compared to a 52% average; and 92% rated the company positively overall, compared to an 84% average.

Our tester of Talkiatry noted that "my appointment began on time and my psychiatrist was very welcoming and created an environment that felt very conversational. The initial appointment was sixty minutes long — double how long initial appointments at other companies I'd tried before."

Best for ADHD: Amwell

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Key Specs

• Price: $109 to $279 per session without insurance

• Insurance Accepted?: Yes

• Platforms: Individual, couples, kids, teens, family, psychiatry, medication management

Why We Chose It

Amwell features caring clinicians who specialize in treating ADHD in children. It also offers psychiatry and medication management should that be necessary for your child's ADHD treatment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Has clinicians who treat ADHD in kids

• Offers psychiatry and medication management

• Accepts insurance

Cons

• Sessions end automatically after 45 minutes

• Not designed specifically for kids

• No sliding scale options for the uninsured

Overview

Amwell is an online therapy platform that treats a variety of issues for a variety of patients, from kids age 10 and up to adults. Not only does it offer therapy services, but it also has psychiatric and medication management services that can enhance treatment for ADHD, plus other common issues that kids face, including depression, anxiety disorders such as OCD and panic, and other neurodivergent conditions.

All sessions at Amwell take place over live video and last a full 45 minutes, which end promptly and automatically. Its clinicians might treat your child's ADHD with behavioral therapy to help them manage hyperactivity and impulsivity; play therapy to provide an outlet for physiological, mental, and emotional stress; and/or medications. With a large pool of providers to choose from, a pay-as-you-go rather than a subscription system, and the ability to switch providers easily, finding a provider who treats ADHD in children that both you and your child click with is easier than at many other companies.

Plans & Prices

Amwell offers a pay-as-you-go model, and session fees vary according to your provider's experience level:

• Therapist with master's degree: $109 per session

• Therapist with doctorate degree: $129 per session

• Initial psychiatric visit: $279

• Follow-up psychiatric sessions: $109 per session

Amwell also accepts a wide variety of major insurance plans — if your plan is accepted, you will be responsible for a copay.

User Satisfaction

Amwell demonstrated a solid performance in our user survey. Ninety-one percent of our 105 users rated its psychiatry services positively overall, compared to a 77% average; 88% rated it positively overall, compared to an 84% average; and 86% said their provider met all or most of their needs, compared to a 77% average.

Our tester of Amwell tried out a few of the company's services. She said, "I found the process of finding an individual therapist quite easy through Amwell. I also liked how easy it was to schedule sessions." She also felt that "our couples therapist was absolutely wonderful. We felt very heard and validated by her. She was solution-focused, providing us with ideas and tools we could use to enhance our communication."

Best for Black Communities: Therapy for Black Girls

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Key Specs

• Price: Depends on provider

• Insurance Accepted?: Depends on provider

• Types of Therapy: Individual, couples, teen, family, group, psychiatry, medication management, peer support

Why We Chose It

Therapy for Black Girls serves a critical need for culturally informed and relatable therapy for Black girls, women, and female-identifying folks.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Designed specifically for Black girls and women

• Has practitioners across 50 states

• Offers Sister Circle, an online community

Cons

• Limited search filters

• Session fees vary by provider

• Sister Circles has a monthly fee

Overview

Therapy for Black Girls is an online directory that connects Black girls and women to therapists who are culturally informed and have a shared identity. This couldn't be more needed, as only 4% of therapists were Black as of 2018. When therapists aren't relatable or, worse, are insensitive, therapy can do more harm than good. By providing targeted support, Therapy for Black Girls makes therapy more accessible for young Black girls, which in turn can normalize and destigmatize mental health support within the Black community.

Since it's a directory, you use the site to search for the provider you need. Search filters are a bit limited: Apart from logistical filters, such as location and insurance acceptance, searching by specialty is as specific as it gets. Still, each therapist has a shared ethnic and racial identity with you as a member of the BIPOC community, which reduces the need for some culturally specific search filters; you can also specifically filter for therapists who work with kids and teens, making it easier to find an appropriate provider for your child.

Each therapist sets their own policies and session fees, including whether or not they accept insurance. They may also treat a variety of issues (like anxiety, depression, and racial trauma) and may provide multiple forms of therapy besides individual therapy (such as kids and couples therapy). Therapists are trained in a variety of effective approaches, like CBT.

Plans & Prices

The site is free to use for therapy seekers. Since it's a directory, each therapist sets their own rates and policies.

User Satisfaction

Our user survey results indicate that Therapy for Black Girls is holding true to its promise to serve the community: 83% of the 180 users we surveyed would use it to search for a new therapist if needed, 86% said it was good or very good at connecting them to a therapist, and 76% said it was likely or very likely that they'd still be seeing the same therapist in six months.

Our reviewer of Therapy for Black Girls said that "the directory is filled with useful information and a variety of options for both online and in-person therapy sessions. It's encouraging to see faces like mine, and I feel like they'll have a better understanding of my issues."

Best for LGBTQIA+ Children: Inclusive Therapists

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Key Specs

• Price: Depends on provider

• Insurance Accepted?: Depends on provider

• Types of Therapy: Kids, teen, couples, individual, family, group, psychiatry, medication management

Why We Chose It

Inclusive Therapists features therapists who specialize in treating LGBTQIA+ minors. Its extensive search features include filters for therapists with similar gender identities and sexual orientations, making therapy feel safer for your LGBTQIA+ child.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Has therapists who specialize in LGBTQIA+ minors

• Extensive range of search filters

• Some therapists offer sliding scale rates

Cons

• Therapist availability varies

• Session fees vary

• Not designed specifically for LGBTQIA+ community

Overview

Inclusive Therapists is a directory that's committed to inclusivity on many levels, including race, nationality, language, socioeconomic status, and of course, gender and sexual identities. Not only that, it features therapists who provide kids and teen therapy in addition to therapy for adult individuals, couples, families, groups, and those needing medication management. It's about as broad as it comes.

Finding online therapists who treat children is already a challenge, but finding those who provide culturally informed care for LGBTQIA+ kids can be even harder. Yet teens and kids who don't fit into the status quo are often bullied at school or experience mental health challenges unique to their identity. In fact, suicidal ideation (having thoughts about self-harm) is on the rise among teens in the LGBTQIA+ community. Getting support from an empathetic and understanding professional can make all the difference for them.

Since this directory has extensive search filters, you can get even more specific with your search. You might look for therapists who speak a certain language, identify with a specific culture, or hold specific spiritual beliefs if that's important to you and your child.

Plans & Prices

As Inclusive Therapists is a directory, session fees, insurance acceptance, and policies will all depend on the therapist.

User Satisfaction

Users indicate that Inclusive Therapists scores particularly high for cultural inclusivity towards the LGBTQIA+ community: 28% of our 180 users said their therapist was more culturally inclusive towards the LGBTQIA+ community than past providers, compared to a 23% average; 40% of users said it was much better overall than services used in the past, compared to a 39% average; and 47% were very satisfied with the therapist they found, compared to a 43% average.

Our reviewer of Inclusive Therapists said that "I was pleased to learn Inclusive Therapists make searching for a therapist relatively simple. You can begin your search on the landing page, then narrow your search based on what you're hoping to find. There are many options to fine-tune your search regarding specific services, specialties, therapeutic approaches, cultural knowledge, location, and more."

Best for Bullying: Wellnite

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Key Specs

• Price: $73 to $112 per month for therapy; $61 to $95 per month for medication; $159 to $245 per month for both

• Insurance Accepted?: Yes

• Types of Therapy: Individual, teen, couples, psychiatry, medication management

Why We Chose It

Wellnite features therapists who treat teens experiencing a range of mental health issues, including the effects of bullying.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Therapists treat teens experiencing bullying

• One of the most affordable therapy platforms

• Offers live chat sessions for the socially anxious

Cons

• Most affordable options require buying bundles

• Customer satisfaction is average

• Limited therapist modalities

Overview

Wellnite is an affordable online therapy and medication management company that serves kids, including those who are dealing with bullying, as well as adults and couples experiencing a broad range of issues. It's known for discounted prices, which are especially low when buying large bundles (half a year to a year), though price-per-month rates are comparable to other online therapy companies.

Most therapists draw from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), one of the most well-researched therapy modalities available. This type of therapy can help victims of bullying by addressing the repercussions of bullying, including feelings of emotional distress, low self-esteem, and low assertiveness. For example, a therapist might help your child reframe self-denigrating thoughts, address difficult feelings, and find coping and assertiveness skills. If the bullying has been severe, many Wellnite therapists specialize in trauma and can help address more serious feelings of distress.

Plus, CBT is also helpful for bullies themselves. If your child is exhibiting such behavior, though, it's worth considering seeing an in-person therapist.

Plans & Prices

Wellnite accepts a variety of insurance plans. You can expect to pay the following without insurance:

Therapy (six 30-minute sessions, four 45-minute sessions, or three 60-minute sessions per month, plus access to member support): $112 per month billed monthly, $90 per month billed biannually, and $73 per month billed annually

Medication management (one doctor visit per month, wholesale pricing on medication, and free shipping): $95 per month charged monthly, $76 per month charged biannually, and $61 per month charged annually

Medication and therapy combo (one doctor visit and two 30-minute sessions or one 60-minute session per month): $245 per month charged monthly, $196 per month charged biannually, or $159 per month charged annually

User Satisfaction

Wellnite users rated it as a solid choice that met their needs for the most part. Seventy-five percent of the 105 users we surveyed said it met all or most of their needs, compared to a 77% average; 80% rated it positively overall, compared to an 84% average; and 81% rated their therapist's qualifications positively, compared to an 84% average.

Our Wellnite tester was impressed with how easy it was to access services, noting that "overall, the site is well designed and easy to navigate, thanks to a simple top menu." She also felt that "a big perk of Wellnite is that you get to select your therapist, doctor, or mental health coach from a directory of bios once you've subscribed. There is no algorithm to choose for you."

Best Directory: Headway

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Key Specs

• Price: Depends on provider and insurance coverage

• Insurance Accepted?: Yes

• Types of Therapy: Kids, teen, individuals, couples, family, psychiatry, medication management

Why We Chose It

Headway makes it easy to find therapists who treat kids for a variety of issues, and you can book a session right on the therapist's bio page. Plus, all therapists at Headway accept insurance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy to search for therapists who treat kids

• In-network with over 30 insurance companies

• You can schedule sessions on the therapist's bio page

Cons

• You need insurance to book a session

• Doesn't accept Medicare/Medicaid

• Doesn't cover all 50 states

Overview

Therapy is known to be expensive, but having insurance doesn't always resolve that issue — many therapists and psychiatrists accept a limited range of insurance plans or none at all. The directory Headway was designed to alleviate that very problem. Providers listed on Headway accept over 30 types of insurance, though exact coverage varies according to each one. However, you must have insurance to sign up and book with a provider.

It's easy to find a child or teen therapist at Headway. It's one of only a few filters, and you can find it under the "More Filters" option. Additionally, you can filter for concerns that children often face, like anxiety, depression, or ADHD. It hosts a wide variety of providers who use a diverse set of modalities ranging from the most common (like CBT) to the more unique, like art therapy and attachment-based therapy, which takes into account how your child learned to relate to and build a relationship with you as their parent at a young age (and in turn affects the way your child develops other relationships).

Another great feature at Headway is the ability to book a session right on the therapist's bio page. Between that, the simple search features, and the insurance options, Headway makes it easier to get therapy for your child.

Plans & Prices

Headway accepts 30+ insurance plans, but plans vary by state. As it's a directory, each provider sets their own plans and policies, but the site itself is free to use for therapy seekers.

User Satisfaction

Our survey of 180 users found that they are pleased with Headway. Forty-five percent of survey respondents said it was very likely they would recommend Headway to someone like them, which was average across the other directories we reviewed. Sixty-two percent were able to find a provider who met all or most of their needs, and 73% would start their search there again if needed.

Our tester said that "overall, Headway is a useful directory for those in need of a qualified therapist that's in-network with their insurance, suggesting it is succeeding in making online therapy more accessible and affordable by bridging the gap between therapists and those in need of care."

Best Subscription Service: Talkspace

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Key Specs

• Price: $276 to $516 per month

• Insurance Accepted?: Yes

• Types of Therapy: Teen, individual, couples, psychiatry, medication management

Why We Chose It

Talkspace offers therapy for teens and has a variety of flexible subscription plans, including messaging, live sessions, and a combination of both. As one of the largest online therapy platforms, it features a wide range of providers who can treat many issues adolescents struggle with.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Has therapists who specialize in treating teenagers

• Offers three subscription plans at different prices

• Has messaging therapy for the socially anxious

• Accepts insurance

Cons

• No psychiatry/medication management for teens

• Short session times

• Doesn't treat kids under 13

Overview

As one of the largest online therapy providers, Talkspace is a household name. Its large network of practitioners includes therapists and psychiatrists across the country who treat a wide variety of issues. Teens struggling with depression, insomnia, stress at school, and difficulties with relationships, among other concerns, can find providers here who can help using a variety of evidence-based, effective types of therapy.

Live sessions are held over video, phone, or chat, and last 45 minutes. Depending on your needs, you or your teen can opt for messaging only, live sessions, or a combination of both. Messaging therapy isn't preferable for serious issues, but if your child is socially anxious or privacy isn't attainable for sessions, it can be a lifesaver. It's easy to switch plans, making it flexible based on your needs.

Plans & Prices

Talkspace offers three subscription plans to suit your needs:

• Messaging therapy is $69 and up per week and includes unlimited text, video, and audio messaging with guaranteed therapist responses five days a week.

• Live therapy is $99 and up per week and includes four live 45-minute sessions per month via live chat, phone, or video call.

• Live + messaging therapy is $129 per week and up and includes messaging plus four live sessions per month.

User Satisfaction

Talkspace users rate it positively overall, indicating it's a solid choice. Seventy-five percent of 105 users surveyed said they would start their search at Talkspace again if needed, compared to a 59% average. Ninety-two percent rated their therapist's qualifications positively, compared to an 84% average, and 82% would recommend it to a friend, compared to a 71% average.

Our tester of Talkspace appreciated that, in order to participate in teen therapy, "you must upload a video of your parent or guardian approving of you using Talkspace" — this guarantees that the company can responsibly serve its teen clients. She also said that "Talkspace stands out among its competitors in providing personalized and affordable talk therapy and psychiatry services."

Compare the Best Online Therapy For Kids

How to Choose an Online Therapy Provider for Your Child

Finding a therapist for your child might feel overwhelming at first — what should you look for in an online therapy service? We recommend considering these factors:

• Price: Insurance coverage varies when it comes to children's mental health. Check with your carrier. However, it's common for therapists to accept limited insurance plans or none at all. In that case, seek out providers who offer sliding scale rates, or shop around and compare. Buying discounted session bundles is an option at some online companies.

• Topic: When assessing providers, keep in mind the specific issues your child needs support with. Tailor your search toward those issues. In cases where you can search for and select your provider, try to filter for their areas of expertise. If you opt for a matching service or can't choose your provider, ask the therapist about their expertise and credentials to determine if it's the right match or if you need to switch.

• Scheduling: One of the biggest benefits of online therapy is the convenience aspect — you don't have to drive anywhere. Still, you want to be mindful when scheduling. Consider both your child's schedule and your own, and if you need to supervise or be available. Keep in mind that therapy can bring up big feelings, so schedule a time when you and your child can spend time on self-care afterward. Your child will also get more out of therapy when they're well-fed and rested.

• Location: Online therapy requires a secure internet connection and privacy. Set your child up in a home office, their bedroom, or another quiet location. Avoid areas of the home in which the internet connection tends to be unstable. Keep water and snacks easily accessible to minimize disruptions during sessions.

• Method of counseling (chat system, text messaging, phone call, video call, etc.): Live sessions are generally considered to be more effective than messaging. Live video will work best if you're involved in the session, as three-way calls can get confusing. If your child struggles with social anxiety or is shy to open up to a therapist, messaging may be an effective alternative.

• Ease of switching therapists: Not every therapist will be the right fit, and that fit makes a huge difference in whether a child feels comfortable in therapy. You should always seek out companies that make switching therapists as easy as possible. This is especially important if you're assigned a therapist instead of being able to choose.

Key Considerations for Online Therapy for Kids

Is Online Therapy a Good Fit for Kids?

Online therapy for kids is right for children with mild to moderate mental health issues.

In fact, it especially helpful for families who experience scheduling and transportation issues or who live in rural areas, says Amy Marschall, Psy.D.

"Research shows that most kids, including those as young as four, can benefit from online therapy with comparable outcomes to in-person sessions as long as the provider has adequate training in providing therapy online," Marschall said. "Some kids with significant hyperactivity can have difficulty engaging in an online session but could still benefit if a parent participates in treatment to ensure they remain engaged and stay in the session."

However, online therapy is not for kids who display severe behavioral issues, have complex disorders like schizophrenia, or are in crisis.

What Should You and Your Child Expect from Online Therapy?

You can expect online therapy to be quite similar to in-person therapy for kids. The therapist will meet with your child on a regular basis, typically once a week. You may be asked to attend your child's first session with them, as the therapist develops a treatment plan and determines what therapeutic approach would most benefit your child — from there, you and your child can decide whether you should continue to attend sessions with them. If your child decides to attend their sessions alone, their therapist will not share information with you concerning the content of your child's sessions unless your child has given them permission to do so. Therapists are only required to break this confidentiality if your child expresses intent to harm themselves or others.

Of course, you'll need to make adjustments to accommodate the online format. This includes making sure your child has privacy, a secure connection, and is free from distractions. When in doubt, "ask your therapist any questions or concerns you have about your child's online therapy," said Marschall.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Online Therapy for Kids?

There are clear logistical benefits to the online format. "The convenience is huge!" said Marschall. "You don't have to get your child to and from their sessions or deal with childcare for siblings during the appointment. It also helps for those who can't travel to sessions or live in rural areas." Additionally, therapy allows your child to work through feelings and challenges that they might have trouble tackling on their own. This might include issues like depression and anxiety, self-worth issues, and even parent-child relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can My Child See a Therapist Right Away?

Depending on the online therapy company you choose, you may be able to get therapy for your child within a few days. If speed is important to you, check to see if an online company you're assessing gives an estimated therapist matching and scheduling timeline. If your child urgently needs support or is in crisis, it's important that you seek out in-person medical attention.

Is Online Therapy for Kids Effective?

There is ample research to support how effective online therapy for kids can be. Studies show it's promising for issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. However, it may not be enough for more complex cases of mental illness. Additionally, research shows that online therapy for kids and their families is comparable to in-person therapy. Whether it's through play therapy to treat emotional issues or therapy for developmental disorders, its efficacy is well-documented. To make the most of therapy, take the time to find a therapist with the specific experience, qualifications, and specialty your child needs.

What Types of Problems Can a Child Therapist Treat?

A child therapist can treat common mental health disorders like OCD and ADHD, mental health injuries like traumatic experiences, and the effects of issues unique to adolescents, such as the presence of school bullies, neighborhood violence, the onset of adolescence, and sibling abuse. A child therapist might be called on to help a child whose parents are in the middle of a divorce, stabilize one who lost a parent, or guide a misbehaving one to better self-control through emotional regulation skills.

Can You Do Family Therapy with Your Child in a Kid's Therapist's Office?

It depends on your therapist. Some are equipped to provide kids therapy in addition to parent-child therapy and family therapy. If you think you'd like to be involved in the therapy process, look for a therapist who provides family therapy or parent-child therapy in addition to therapy for kids.

What Is the Cost of Online Therapy for Kids?

The costs of online therapy for kids span a wide range, much like other forms of online therapy. You'll find therapy sessions as low as $75 (as found at LifeStance Health) all the way up to $200 per session (as found at Little Otter). Buying in discounted bundles or opting for a less experienced therapist, when available, can often mean lower prices.

Does Insurance Cover Online Therapy for Kids?

Online therapy is being increasingly covered by insurance companies. Check with your insurance provider to verify coverage. While not every online therapist will accept insurance, many do, including online psychiatry and medication management services.

Methodology

To select the best online therapy for kids, we surveyed 105 users at 55 of the most popular online therapy platforms and 180 users at 25 directories. We also tested many of these platforms ourselves, consulted three industry experts, and sent questionnaires to the companies themselves. We favored platforms which specialized in children's and teen therapy, or those who had significant showings of therapists who can treat them. Clinician quality was of high importance — platforms with highly positive user survey results made it to the top of the list. Among psychiatric services, we assessed user survey data to find those whose providers stood out for the time and attention they spent with kids. We liked platforms with high staff diversity, cultural sensitivity, and ability to serve marginalized populations. Financial considerations such as insurance acceptance, pricing, and availability of sliding scale rates factored into our process significantly to ensure our picks were financially accessible.

Sources

• American Psychological Association. Art Therapy.

• American Psychological Association. Attachment-Based Psychotherapy in Practice.

• American Psychological Association. Emotion-Focused Therapy.

• American Psychological Association. How Diverse Is the Psychology Workforce?

• American Psychological Association. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Brings Lasting Benefits Through Self-Knowledge.

• Association for Play Therapy. Why Play Therapy?

• Child Mind Institute. Behavioral Treatment for Kids with Anxiety.

• Child Mind Institute. DBT: What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

• Cleveland Clinic. ADHD Medication.

• Contemporary Family Therapy. Virtual Family Play Therapy: A Clinician's Guide to Using Directed Family Play Therapy in Telemental Health.

• International Journal of High-Risk Behaviors and Addiction. Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy on Coping Strategies and in Reducing Anxiety, Depression, and Physical Complaints in Student Victims of Bullying.

• Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. issues Computer-Based and Online Therapy for Depression and Anxiety in Children and Adolescents.

• Journal of Medical Internet Research. The Effectiveness of Web-Based Interventions Delivered to Children and Young People with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

• Kaiser Permanente. Behavior Therapy for ADHD.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Finding Mental Health Care for Your Child.

• NAMI. What to Do If Your Child Is in Crisis.

• The Trevor Project. 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health.

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