Best Online Therapy for Kids Over Age 10

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It can be difficult as a parent to make the decision to seektherapy services for your child, but it’s important to remember that even with the best parenting, kids can still develop mental health issues or need other support.

In fact, the preteen and teen years are when many conditions—including depression, anxiety, and impulse-control disorders—first emerge.This is also a crucial stage when young people must learn to navigate conflict with authority, cope with not yet having full control over their lives, and develop their own identities and senses of self.

Luckily, kids these days are less shy when it comes totalking about mental healthand seeking in-person or virtual support than they used to be. While online therapy can be more accessible and affordable than traditional therapy (and equally as effective), not all platforms that offer mental health services to minors are equally competent at treating adolescents’unique psychological needs.

Here are the services that came out on top in our reviews.

Best Online Therapy for Kids of 2022

Why Trust Us We surveyed 100 users from each online therapy company and asked the companies to complete questionnaires. Then, we conducted comprehensive research with a psychotherapist. Read our Full Methodology
33 Companies reviewed
3,497 Total users surveyed
300 Data points analyzed
Best Online Therapy for Kids Over Age 10
Best Online Therapy for Kids Over Age 10

Best Overall:Teledoc


  • Price:$0-$299
  • Is Insurance Accepted?:Yes
  • Communication Options:Audio, Video Chat
Why We Chose It

When it comes to mental health, whole-person care is essential. Teladoc not only offers confidential therapy, psychiatry, and medical services provided by licensed, qualified professionals, it’s also in-network with many insurance companies and offers therapy services to teens starting at age 13, making it a great resource for families with teens.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Appointments available seven days a week

  • Accepts most insurance plans

  • You choose your therapist

  • Medication management is available

  • All therapists are licensed

Cons
  • No free trials or consultations are available

  • Self-pay prices can be expensive

  • Does not offer family or group therapy

  • Website can be confusing to navigate

  • Unclear how much information is shared with parents regarding their child’s therapy sessions

Overview

Teladoc has been offering online therapy and medical appointments since 2002, making it one of the oldest telehealth providers in the United States. The platform also employs prescribers, so if your child requires medication management in addition to therapy, they can receive both services through the same platform, and providers can communicate with each other to ensure that the client’s unique needs are being met.

Specifically, prescribers can help with medication management for stress, anxiety, depression, and grief counseling when appropriate and medically necessary. Per their prescription policy, Teladoc psychiatrists (MDs or DOs) can prescribe mental health medications including antidepressants, anxiolytics (medication for anxiety), and antipsychotic medication. They can also refill prescriptions for other mental health medication that was initially prescribed by another provider. Due to varying state laws and jurisdictional issues, they do not prescribe DEA-controlled substances like narcotics or stimulants.

Teladoc users can choose their own therapist from the directory provided rather than being matched by an algorithm, so your child can read through specializations and biographies, giving them a choice in their treatment and increasing their engagement. Additionally, appointments are available seven days per week, which means you can adapt to your child’s schedule even when they are busy or when their availability changes.

It’s worth noting that because Teladoc can address so many physical and behavioral conditions, its website can be a bit confusing if you are specifically looking for mental health services only. Luckily, theFAQ pageincludes a search function that can help you find what you need.

The site has an abundant section of free resources aboutphysicalandmental health, including articles, webinars, andtestimonials. It does not specify certain information, like how much information will be shared with you (the parent or guardian) about your teen’s therapy sessions, as this is at the discretion of the individual provider. Since each family has unique needs, specific limits to confidentiality may vary, and so a specific, set policy for the entire company may not fit some clients’ needs.

Teladoc did not respond to our questionnaire, so we cannot say for sure what the company policy is. Different jurisdictions guarantee differing levels of privacy, and providers might have their own individual standards about what and when to disclose, so your child’s new therapist will likely explain this during the first session.

Therapist Qualifications & Types of Therapy

The therapists employed by Teladoc specialize in a myriad of presenting problems, including anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, mood swings,trauma, andstress management. All therapists are licensed, qualified mental health professionals, and many indicate a specialization in child and adolescent mental health. Psychiatrists who work with Teladoc are also licensed and have expertise in treating mental health conditions and treat individuals from age 13 up.

Strong client-providerrapportis vital to the therapeutic process, so giving your teen the opportunity to choose their own provider can help ensure the best possible fit. Since Teladoc allows you to choose your therapist, your teen and you can review various clinicians and gather information about their individual specialties before making an appointment.

Teladoc is a great resource for online therapy with teens who might also need medication management and who want to choose the therapist who is the best fit for them.

User Satisfaction

Survey respondents gave Teladoc high satisfaction ratings: Seventy-one percent found Teladoc’s services to be very good or excellent, and 95% would recommend the platform to a friend.

Overall, 97% percent of survey respondents who were current Teladoc clients reported being either satisfied or very satisfied with the care they received, and 88% told us they were likely or very likely to still be seeing a professional with the company 12 months in the future.

Plans & Pricing

Teladoc is not a subscription service, so you only pay for the services that you use. It accepts most insurances—including certain Medicare and Medicaid plans—which can reduce the cost of services to a copay for many people.

If you’re uninsured, or can’t get out-of-network coverage through your policy, Teladoc’s site lists the following full self-pay prices:

  • Therapy: $99 per session
  • Psychiatry: $119 per follow-up session ($299 initial consultation)

Our survey found that 76% of current Teladoc users consider their final monthly costs to be a very good or excellent value.

Best for Psychiatry:Talkiatry

Verywell's Rating
4.0

  • Price:Copays and out-of-pocket fees vary
  • Is Insurance Accepted?:Yes. BCBS, Cigna, United Health, Aetna, Tricare, Medicare, and others
  • Communication Options:Video Chat

Why We Chose It

Talkiatry offers telehealth services for medication management that is in-network with most insurance plans, making it accessible regardless of your carrier and helping prevent interruptions in treatment if your policy changes. The company’s clinicians who specialize in adolescent psychiatry are here to help meet your teen’s unique medication management needs.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Free assessment tool to determine treatment needs

  • Pediatric, adolescent, and adult psychiatry offered

  • Flexible scheduling

    In-network with many insurance plans

  • Specialization in many diagnoses

  • Can prescribe controlled substances

Cons
  • You are matched to a psychiatrist

  • Services can be expensive without insurance

  • Service not yet available in most states

Overview

Talkiatry has a simple goal: to connect those who need psychiatric care to competentpsychiatristsat convenient times. When our survey was conducted, Talkiatry was only available in New York state, but it has since extended its service to Connecticut, New Jersey, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Massachusetts, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Texas as well.

For many individuals,medication是一个重要的精神卫生保健的一部分。Since only psychiatrists and medical doctors can write prescriptions, this often may mean needing a referral for psychiatric services. Luckily, this isn’t the case with Talkiatry, which makes matching your teen to an appropriate professional simple—no referral required.

When you (the parent or guardian) sign up, you complete a free assessment that helps your treatment team determine your child’s unique needs and symptoms. Your child is then matched to a professional whose specialization is a match for their needs. Although you cannot pick your child’s psychiatrist, Talkiatry allows you to change providers if you or your child feel that the initial match was not a good fit.

Talkiatry’s website is intuitive and easy to use, with thorough and comprehensive FAQs, HIPAA compliance measures, and a strict privacy policy. You and your child will meet with the psychiatrist for the clinical interview, and the provider will answer questions about diagnosis, medication, frequency of appointments, and how much information is shared with the parent or guardian.

Therapist Qualifications & Types of Therapy

Talkiatry focuses exclusively on the psychiatric medication management administered by its board-certified or board-eligible psychiatrists, many of whom are multiply certified.

The adolescent psychiatrists with the company can address a full range of conditions, includingADHD, trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders. Because Talkiatry’s providers have a diverse range of specializations, your child can continue to use the platform when they age out of the age ranges treated by their initial clinician.

One distinct advantage the company has over many of its competitors is that it can prescribe controlled substances—though, only after a thorough assessment. If you suspect your child has ADHD, depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, you can use Talkiatry to get an assessment and accurate diagnosis.

Our survey respondents had positive things to say about their providers, with 99% reporting being satisfied or very satisfied with their therapists’ credentials, and another 90% indicating that they were likely or very likely to continue seeing a Talkiatry clinician for at least another 12 months.

User Satisfaction

Users rated Talkiatry’s services highly. In fact, 70% considered Talkiatry overall very good or excellent, and 98% said they were likely or very likely to recommend Talkiatry to others.

Many people in the United States do not have easy access to psychiatric services. Talkiatry’s flexible scheduling and ability to prescribe controlled substances make this service accessible regardless of where you live.

Plans & Pricing

While it does not offer free trials or consultations, Talkiatry offers a free assessment that helps you determine what your treatment needs are.

Talkiatry is not a subscription service — it is a psychiatric practice — so rather than paying a monthly rate for access to the platform, you’ll just pay for the sessions your child attends. Because Talkiatry is in-network with the biggest insurance providers (including Medicaid andMedicare Part B), your final cost will likely be reduced to the relevant copay(s).

However, the website does not list the self-pay rates for sessions with its clinicians, and the company did not provide any in its responses to our questionnaire, so services through Talkiatry are probably expensive if you are uninsured. Still, 77% of current clients who responded to our survey reported finding Talkiatry to be a very good or excellent value.

Best for Anxiety & Depression:Doctor on Demand

Verywell's Rating
3.8

  • Price:$129-$179 per session
  • Is Insurance Accepted?:Yes
  • Communication Options:Audio, Video Chat
Why We Chose It

Doctor on Demand employs licensed, qualified therapists and psychiatrists to help teens who are coping with anxiety and depression. Confidential, competent care is available at your convenience, wherever you are.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 免费的心理健康assessment

  • 可用药物管理

  • Flexible scheduling

  • You choose your therapist

  • Services are a la carte

  • Medical services also available

Cons
  • No free trial or consultation

  • No discounts or sliding scale available

  • No monthly subscriptions

  • No option for audio or text communication

Overview

In 2016, research found that 4.4 million American teens had been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, and 1.9 million had been diagnosed with depression, both of which tended to peak in severity during the 12–17 age range.Children and adolescents alike need access to competent care from qualified professionals—like those at Doctor on Demand.

Doctor on Demand was founded in 2013 and has both a website and an app that you can use to access services. Providers specialize in many aspects of mental health, including working with teens.

Although medication is not the right fit for everyone seeking mental health support, many people experience symptom relief throughantidepressants. Doctor on Demand gives users the option to get therapy and medication management in the same place.

网站提供了快速而简单的注册,和罪恶ce there is no subscription, you do not have to pay until you utilize a specific service. Teens can use Doctor on Demand from any device and from anywhere. Sessions are available seven days per week.

当你注册时,你获得的rious Doctor on Demand therapists. You and your teen can choose the provider whose training, treatment approach, and personality seem to be a good fit. You can change therapists if you do not have a good fit with the first provider with whom you match.

Therapist Qualifications & Types of Therapy

All of the licensed, qualified providers who work with Doctor on Demand undergo background checks before they are permitted to start seeing clients in the state(s) in which they are licensed to practice. The company’s therapists specialize in a wide variety of theoretical approaches and clinical certifications, including anxiety and depression, so teens with more than one presenting concern can find someone who specializes in their unique needs.

If your teen has a trauma history that contributes to their mental health concerns, Doctor on Demand hastrauma-informed therapistswho can help. Clinicians specialize in various age ranges, so teens of all ages can find therapists who specialize in their developmental level.

Users report overall satisfaction with Doctor on Demand’s professionals, with 99% reporting satisfaction with the service they received and 88% indicating that they would likely still be using the service in one year.

User Satisfaction

Users appreciate Doctor on Demand’s medication management, the option to choose your own therapist, and the convenience of scheduling. They rated Doctor on Demand high consistently when surveyed, with 75% of users saying the service provided is very good or excellent and 82% saying it was better than other platforms they had tried. Additionally, 90% of users would recommend Doctor on Demand to a friend.

The symptoms of depression and anxiety can make it challenging to ask for help. Doctor on Demand removes some of these barriers by letting you schedule at your convenience and choose providers with whom you are comfortable.

Plans & Pricing

Doctor on Demand is in-network with most insurance plans. However, if you are uninsured or have a high-deductible plan, the out-of-pocket costs can add up:

  • Therapy: $129 per 25-minute session, $179 per 50-minute session
  • Initial psychiatric consultation: $299
  • Follow-up psychiatric visits: $129 each

Unfortunately, the company does not offer free consultations, sliding-scale rates, or other discounts, which may have contributed to the fact that only 57% of surveyed Doctor on Demand clients rated the cost of services as very good or excellent.

Best for Eating Disorders:Amwell

Verywell's Rating
3.9

  • Price:$109 to $129 per session or Copay
  • Is Insurance Accepted?:Yes
  • Communication Options:Video Chat
Why We Chose It

Eating disorders present unique treatment challenges. If your teen is struggling with food andbody image, it is vital that they receive competent care from professionals trained specifically in treatingeating disorders, which Amwell can provide.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • You choose your therapist

  • Sessions can be scheduled on an as-needed basis

  • All providers are licensed

  • Offers medication management services

  • Night and weekend sessions available

  • Accepts many insurance plans

Cons
  • No free trial or consultations

  • Does not offer monthly subscriptions

  • No texting or messaging options

  • Does not offer group therapy

Overview

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, and disordered eating leading to hospitalization has increased for adolescents since 2020.Because of this, competent, quality care for eating disorders is more important than ever.

Amwell, founded in 2006, connects clients as young as 10 to therapists, psychiatrists, and primary care doctors from the convenience of their homes. Because it employs psychiatrists and other medical doctors as well as therapists, it can offer holistic care and address the medical issues that often go hand-in-hand withdisordered eating, eating disorders, and adolescent mental health.

You can join your session from a web browser or from Amwell’s easy-to-use app. There is no subscription fee, so you only have to pay for the services that you use. Therapy with Amwell costs $109 to $129 per session, which is lower than the national average cost. Providers have a wide range of qualifications and certifications, including evidence-based care for eating disorders.

When you sign up, Amwell shows you a directory of therapists licensed to practice in your area. You choose your therapist, increasing the likelihood that your teen will have a good fit with their provider, and those providers who specialize in eating disorders have this competency noted in their profile. You can change therapists if your teen feels that they are not a good fit. When you sign in to your session, Amwell provides specific, clear instructions to ensure your privacy and safety during your appointment.

Although sometimes difficult to navigate, Amwell’s website also offers articles and resources for education about mental health, including what to expect in treatment and best practices for treatingbulimiaandanorexia(however, be aware that both pages feature potentially triggering images of people engaging in eating disorder behaviors).

Eating disorders are a serious and often dangerous mental illness, and telehealth can help reduce barriers to care. Amwell’s commitment to providing competent and quality treatment interventions can help those who do not have access to in-person treatments or who do not require intensive or inpatient care.

Therapist Qualifications & Types of Therapy

Amwell offers licensed masters and doctoral-level therapists to clients in all 50 states. Its professionals have training and certification in many different areas, including trauma-informed therapy, CBT,motivational interviewing, and stress management. They employ therapists trained in telehealth with children starting at age 10 with parent or guardian consent.

Amwell客户似乎非常满意他们的箴言ider qualifications: Ninety-two percent of users were satisfied with their experience, and 91% were likely to still use Amwell in one year.

User Satisfaction

Overall, users report high satisfaction with Amwell’s services because of the convenience, variety of services offered, and therapist qualifications. Of the users surveyed, 73% rated Amwell as a very good or excellent service, with 81% saying it was better than other platforms they had tried. Additionally, 88% of users would recommend Amwell to a friend.

Plans & Pricing

Amwell’s sessions are priced as follows:

  • Session with a masters-level therapist: $109
  • Session with a doctorate-level therapist: $129

There are no sliding-scale fees, financial aid, free trials, or free consultations available. However, Amwell works with most insurance plans to defray the cost of treatment—and 78% of surveyed users reported that the service offered was a very good or excellent value for the price.

Best for Stress Related to Bullying:Wellnite

Verywell's Rating
4.0

  • Price:$75 to $350 per month
  • Is Insurance Accepted?:Yes
  • Communication Options:Live Chat, Phone, Video Chat
Why We Chose It

Wellnite employs therapists who specialize in adolescent mental health and friendship/interpersonal issues, includingbullying. Teens and preteens who experience bullying can develop other mental health concerns as a result, and Wellnite’s ability to address these interpersonal concerns as well as secondary mental health conditions makes it an excellent platform for young people.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Affordable subscription offerings

  • Therapists' specializations include friendship and relationship issues

  • You choose your therapist

  • Offers medication management

  • Serves clients 13 and older

Cons
  • No free trial or consultation available

  • Limited medication options are available

  • Primarily offers CBT

  • Is not in-network with insurance

Overview

When it was founded in 2019, Wellnite specialized in treating depression and anxiety in adults. However, it has grown to serve individuals 13 and older with other mental health concerns—such as eating disorders, grief,family dysfunction, and friendship/relationship problems—primarily using CBT and mindfulness techniques.

Wellnite’s website includes comprehensive information about the services offered, presenting concerns addressed, and populations served with education about how users can benefit from therapy. This freely available information helps you and your kid make an informed decision about whether therapy services are a good fit for their needs.

Sign up is easy, and you choose how often you want to be seen as well as whether you are seeking therapy, medication management, or both. You can purchase additional sessions each month if needed. After you sign up, you get to choose your therapist, increasing the likelihood that your child will connect with their provider.

Bullying can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress, and Wellnite’s therapists have training in these areas. Additionally, Wellnite offers sessions for “friends in therapy” where you can work through conflicts and improve healthy communication with friends. Most people are familiar with the concept ofcouples therapy, where people who are romantically involved attend therapy together, but unhealthy communication and abusive behaviors can arise in friendships as well.

This specialization in “friend issues'' therapy is unique to Wellnite. According to founder Paulo Gonzalez, clients “can bring a friend to therapy and work out their relationship with a neutral and arbitrary professional.” Paul shared that sometimes when an individual seeks therapy, issues related to friends or family come up, and they can bring that individual with them to a session to work through it.

Many teens and preteens experience bullying and friendship conflicts, and it can be difficult to find support that directly addresses these concerns. Wellnite’s added specializations give users a unique opportunity to process these issues in a safe environment.

Therapist Qualifications & Types of Therapy

Wellnite employs licensed therapists for therapy sessions, and it has trained listeners whom clients can contact for additional support in between sessions. Therapists can serve clients in more than 40 states, though the site does not list which.

Users rated Wellnite’s therapists high in our survey, with 95% satisfied with services.

User Satisfaction

Wellnite reports high user satisfaction on its website due to high standards of care, variety of services offered, and the ability to offer both medical and mental health interventions. Of those who completed our survey, 76% reported that Wellnite’s service was very good or excellent, and 91% would recommend Wellnite to a friend.

Plans & Pricing

Wellnite提供两种治疗计划的基础on the services you need (you can pay monthly, biannually, or annually):

  • Therapy:For about $350 per month, this plan includes six video sessions per month with a licensed therapist and the option to purchase additional sessions if needed.
  • Medical Care + Therapy:For about $200 a month, you get one consultation with a physician each month, discounted mental health medication, and two video sessions per month with your therapist.

Wellnite’s website does not include information about the cost of additional sessions. Of the users we surveyed, 82% indicated that the value offered for the cost was very good or excellent.

Best for LGBTQIA+ Youth:Kip Therapy

Verywell's Rating
3.8

  • Price:$95 to $250 per session
  • Is Insurance Accepted?:No. Can provide receipt for reimbursement
  • Communication Options:Audio, Video Chat
Why We Chose It

Kip offers telehealth and in-person therapy services for clients of all ages. All clinicians are highly trained, and many have specialization inLGBTQIA+identities. It also has providers who have competency in a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Sliding-scale fees available

  • Culturally competent and LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists

  • Same-day or next-day sessions are available

  • You choose your therapist

  • Free resources available on the website

Cons
  • Not in-network with insurance

  • Out-of-pocket cost can be expensive

  • No free consultations available

  • Cannot message therapists between sessions

Overview

Everyone, but especially young people, needs support when they’re exploring their identities. Luckily, Kip employs highly trained therapists who specialize in a myriad of conditions and presenting concerns and who work with adolescents as well as adults.

Minority stress and oppression can be risk factors for mental health issues and substance use for folks who are LGBTQIA+ and/orBIPOC(Black, Indigenous, and People of Color).That’s why Kip places an emphasis on cultural competency and ensuring that therapists are trained to work effectively with different populations.

Kip’s therapists specialize in mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, and life changes. They can also delve into secondary mental health issues that arise due to stress from bullying or mistreatment.

Kip’s website has resources likewebinarsandblog entriesthat anyone can use to learn more about mental health andidentity work.

The website has easy-to-follow steps for signing up for treatment. You can have sessions via telephone, video, or in-person at their New York City office.

Privacy is essential in building and maintaining therapeutic relationships, especially for preteens and teens who might not have the expectation of confidentiality in other parts of their lives. Kip requires that parents sign a privacy agreement that spells out exactly what information will be shared with parents or guardians. These guidelines are as follows:

  • Guardians are not permitted to ask about specific details of what is discussed in therapy sessions.
  • Guardians are given general updates about progress and can participate in sessions on an “as-needed” basis.
  • Therapists will inform guardians about safety concerns, including suicidal ideation, intent to harm others, or high-risk behaviors.

Spelling out these expectations in detail prior to starting treatment keeps the therapist, client, and guardian on the same page regarding what can be expected in sessions.

LGBTQIA+ people of all ages might worry when seeking therapy services that their new clinicians will not be competent or accepting of their identities, but Kip’s clinicians are trained to ensure that the therapy space is safe, comfortable, and affirming for all.

Therapist Qualifications & Types of Therapy

Kip employs therapists from diverse cultural, identity, and training backgrounds. Therapists include students and pre-licensure interns who are supervised by licensed professionals. Therapists practice from a variety of theoretical orientations, frompsychoanalysistocognitive behavioral therapy(CBT). This allows clients to choose a therapist whose personality, background, and training meet their unique needs.

User feedback regarding Kip’s provider qualifications was overall positive, with 84% of users indicating they would still be using the service in one year and 84% of users reporting satisfaction with the service they received.

User Satisfaction

Users seem highly satisfied with Kip’s quality, competent care, therapist training, variety of therapists available, and flexibility of scheduling. Our survey indicated that 75% of users found Kip’s quality to be very good or excellent, and 83% would recommend Kip to a friend.

Plans & Pricing

Kip does not have subscription plans, and you only pay for your sessions rather than a flat rate. Session cost depends on the service requested and the credentials of the therapist:

  • Tier IV (Senior Clinician): $195–$225 per session
  • Tier III (Advanced Practitioner): $170 per session
  • Tier II (Fellow): $150 per session
  • Tier I (Graduate Intern): $95 per session
  • Adolescent Therapy Tiers I-III: $200 per session
  • Adolescent Therapy Tier IV: $250 per session

This is a higher price point than many other therapy platforms; however, Kip’s prices are in the average range for therapy services provided in New York.

Additionally, the therapists have extensive training and experience to ensure that your kid receives high-quality care. Of the users we surveyed, 80% rated Kip’s value as very good or excellent for the cost.

Most Affordable:Peer Collective

Verywell's Rating
3.5

  • Price:$14-$28 per hour
  • Is Insurance Accepted?:No
  • Communication Options:Audio, Messaging, Video Chat
Why We Chose It

Traditional therapy can get very expensive, and if you just need someone to listen and provide emotional support, Peer Collective offers appointments with trained listeners. Although this is not the same as having a therapist, this resource can help those who have limited access to care and are on a tight budget. Teens might need someone to talk to who is not a parent or other authority figure in their life, and when this happens, peer counselors can be a great resource for them.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Free first session

  • More affordable than traditional therapy services

  • Extensive training and screening process for listeners

  • Same-day sessions available

  • You choose your listener

  • Serves clients in all 50 states

Cons
  • Not a replacement for therapy

  • Peer counselors aren’t required to be licensed

  • Does not offer medication management

Overview

Peer Collective aims to make emotional support available and easy to access for people of all ages. When you go to the site to sign up, you are asked questions about your level of distress, emotional needs, and preferences for support. Same-day appointments are available with someone who is ready to listen and provide emotional support.

Peer support can be an excellent supplement to traditional therapy or a resource for people for whom traditional therapy is not the right fit. If you do not feel ready to engage in traditional therapy, or you feel like you just need emotional support rather than treatment for a mental health issue, Peer Collective is an affordable and easy-to-use option.

Its peer counselors come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and you can request listeners whose identities align with your experience, including LGBTQIA+ listeners or listeners who share your ethnic or cultural background. You can also request a listener from a specific age group (though all are 18+). So, users under 18 can request an 18-year-old listener if they prefer someone closer to their age group.

According to the website, Peer Collective can be a resource for people, including teens, struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, and grief. It has listeners trained in crisis intervention and response, so teens can seek support from an adult who can listen and offer support but who is not an authority figure. You can schedule appointments on an as-needed basis and use the platform at your own pace and on your own time.

尽管同伴支持是不能代替你apy services, it can be an important component of healing and can help with crisis care. It can serve as an additional resource for those who cannot afford or do not have access to therapy services. Peer Collective helps those who cannot access these services connect with others and feel less alone.

Therapist Qualifications & Types of Therapy

同伴集体不提供治疗,和同行upport is not a substitute for treatment if someone has significant mental health issues. However, that doesn’t mean its peer counselors can’t provide effective, empathetic listening. In fact, Peer Collective chooses only 3% of applicants to become peer counselors and then provides thorough training.

Users felt that their listeners were qualified to address the issues presented and gave Peer Collective high ratings, with 96% of users satisfied with the service and 88% likely to still be using the service in one year.

User Satisfaction

Although Peer Collective is not a therapy service, it is upfront about what it offers and how listeners can help your teen. Users rated it highly in our survey, with 76% of users stating that service was very good or excellent and 93% indicating they would recommend Peer Collective to a friend.

Plans & Pricing

Your first appointment with Peer Collective is free. This is not a subscription service, so you only pay for the appointments that you use. Though Peer Collective’s services—supportive listening, not actual therapy—are not covered by insurance companies, its prices are still affordable:

  • One 30-minute session: $14
  • 一个60分钟会话:28美元

Because listeners are not licensed professionals, they can meet with users in all 50 states. Our survey showed that 79% of users rated Peer Collective as a good value for the price.

Compare the Best Online Therapy for Kids of 2022

Overall Rating Best For
Price
Is Insurance Accepted?
Does it Accept HSA/FSA?
Communication Options
Reset All
Teledoc Best Overall $0-$299 Yes No Audio, Video Chat Learn More
Hide, not for me
Talkiatry
4.0
Best for Psychiatry Copays and out-of-pocket fees vary Yes. BCBS, Cigna, United Health, Aetna, Tricare, Medicare, and others No Video Chat Learn More
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Doctor on Demand
3.8
Best for Anxiety & Depression $129-$179 per session Yes No Audio, Video Chat Learn More
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Amwell
3.9
Best for Eating Disorders $109 to $129 per session or Copay Yes No Video Chat Learn More
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Wellnite
4.0
Best for Stress Related to Bullying $75 to $350 per month Yes No Live Chat, Phone, Video Chat Learn More
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Kip Therapy
3.8
Best for LGBTQIA+ Youth $95 to $250 per session No. Can provide receipt for reimbursement No Audio, Video Chat Learn More
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Peer Collective
3.5
Most Affordable $14-$28 per hour No No Audio, Messaging, Video Chat Learn More
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Final Verdict

Life stressors for kids are high due to the ongoing pandemic,climate stress, and social issues that contribute to high levels of anxiety in adolescents. If your child might benefit from online therapy, choosing the right platform can be overwhelming.

Teladoc ranked Best Overall due to its high user satisfaction and variety of services offered. Your kid can get therapy and medication management in one place if they need medication support in addition to their therapy treatment. However, because Teladoc does not offer subscription plans, the cost can add up if you are uninsured.

Guide for Choosing the Best Online Therapy for Kids Over 10

Is Online Therapy Right for Your Child?

If you are considering therapy services for your teen or preteen, online therapy can be an excellent resource. Many families utilize online therapy for different reasons:

  • Privacy:Your child will not have to spend time in a waiting room, where they might see someone they know.
  • Accessibility:If your child needs to see a specialized therapist, online therapy may allow them to see someone whose physical office is not located in your immediate geographic area.
  • Time and transportation limits:Your child will not have to physically travel to their sessions, which saves time for both of you.
  • Preference:Your child might feel more comfortable—and have a better outcome—with online therapy compared to more traditional, in-person sessions because it might fit better with their school schedule and social life.

Online therapy may not be the best fit for people of all ages who are experiencingdissociativesymptoms orpsychosis. Should these issues arise after your kid begins online therapy, talk to their therapist about whether continuing online is appropriate. If these symptoms are already occurring consult atherapist directoryto find someone nearby who can see your child in person.

Is Online Therapy for Kids Over 10 Effective?

While individual preferences exist, telemental health services can show comparable outcomes to in-person therapy services for a range of different mental health conditions.

Teens and preteens especially have exhibited willingness to utilize these services and comfort with telehealth as a method of service when dealing with a number of presenting problems, includinganxiety,depression, and suicidal ideation.Research has shown that adolescents can develop a relationship with their online therapists that is comparable to the rapport developed through in-person sessions.

So, in short, online therapy can be a highly effective method of service delivery for young people.

Comparing Online Therapy Providers for Kids and Teens

It can feel overwhelming when choosing a provider for therapy, especially when you’re trying to find someone who is a fit for your child’s unique needs. Factors to consider when making your decision include:

  • Specialization:What are your child’s main reasons for seeking therapy? What are their concerns and hopes for therapy? You’ll want to find a therapist who has expertise in this area.
  • Cultural competency:Does your therapist have an understanding of your cultural background? It should not be your child’s place to educate them about it.
  • Cost:What is affordable for you? Do you need someone who accepts your insurance, or who offerssliding-scalefees?
  • Method of service:Does your child prefer phone sessions or video sessions? Is it important to them to be able to send their therapist messages between sessions? Find a therapist who offers the method of service that is a fit for their needs.

What To Expect When You Sign Your Child Up For Online Therapy

当注册在线治疗,你将是一个sked to provide information about your child, including their date of birth, identifying information, and presenting symptoms or concerns that led to you seeking online therapy for them. Once you sign up, you will either be presented with profiles from which you and your child can choose their therapist, or you will be assigned a therapist (depending on which company you use).

Typically, the first session includes gathering extensive background information about your child, their life so far, and their mental health. The parent or guardian needs to be present in order to provide this information, and some providers will ask that your child not attend this session so that they can focus on gathering the history from you.

第一次会议还应该包括预期for privacy and confidentiality in sessions. The therapist will be able to tell you their policy for communicating with you about your child’s therapy and what information they will share with you about sessions. They will also clarify what will be kept private to protect your child’s relationship with their therapist.

Finally, your child’s therapist will work with you and your child to establish goals for therapy. This means they will help you and your child articulate what you hope to gain from therapy and what changes you hope to see in your child as a result of their sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Online Therapy Appropriate For Kids Under the Age of 10 too?

As with many aspects of therapy, the answer is, “It depends!” Online therapy can be appropriate for children as young as five, and some child therapists specialize in telehealth with young children.However, because of their developmental level, younger children might struggle to stay engaged over a video session and may get distracted or have difficulty staying in the frame for these appointments. Some young children cannot engage in an online session and need to be seen in person.

In addition, many providers are hesitant to treat children under 10 due to different developmental needs, which is why we focused on companies that treat children 10 and over.

However, if your child is able to engage in an online therapy session, telehealth might be a good option for them. Due to the added challenges of online therapy with very young kids, many platforms do not specifically offer this service. You can reach out to child therapists in your area and ask questions about their scope of practice. They may be able to provide telehealth services for your child or recommend someone who offers this service.

How Does Online Therapy for Kids Work?

As with in-person therapy services, online therapy with minors requires informed consent from the parent or guardian before offering services. Some states allow those over a certain age to consent to services independently, but guardian consent is usually needed.

Sessions are typically 30, 45, or 60 minutes in length, though different therapists and platforms may offer appointments of varying lengths. Online therapy allows them to be seen from home or access specialized services not available in their area.

Will My Kid’s Therapist Share Updates on Their Progress in Therapy?

Privacy is essential for building strongtherapeutic rapport, and so there might be things your teen or preteen shares with their therapist that is not disclosed to you. Typically, a therapist will address their or their network’s policies regarding confidentiality early in the treatment process, but if you have additional questions about what kinds of updates to expect regarding your child’s mental state and private inner life, you can always ask the therapist directly.

When certain safety issues arise, however, therapists have an ethical obligation to disclose. For example, if your child indicates that they areactively suicidalor discloses having beenabused, therapists have a duty to make the appropriate report.

What Medications Could My Child Be Prescribed if They See an Online Psychiatrist or Prescriber?

不同的开处方者有不同的舒适水平and training in prescribing different types of medication. Due to jurisdictional differences, many online psychiatrists are unable to prescribe DEA-controlled substances, including stimulants and narcotics. However, they might be able to fill a prescription that was originally prescribed by another psychiatrist.

Online psychiatrists might prescribe antidepressants, antianxiety, or antipsychotic medication, if appropriate and medically necessary. As with in-person psychiatry, they will follow up with your child to see how they are responding to the medication and if they are having any side effects.

All medications have a risk for side effects or negative reactions, so ask your prescriber about these risks when you and your child are making the decision about whether or not the medication is right for them. Your prescriber should address your concerns and answer any questions that you have. Remember that you and your child can decide not to fill a prescription. However, if your child starts a medication, you should consult the prescriber before discontinuing and report any side effects or drug reactions to them.

How Much Does Therapy for Kids Over 10 Cost?

The cost of online therapy varies depending on the platform, therapist credentials, length of sessions, type of service provided, and the number of therapists available to serve.

Subscription services can range from $30 to $90 per week, and sessions can range from $60 to $360 each.

Does Insurance Cover Online Therapy for Kids?

While some online therapy platforms are in-network withspecific insurance plans, some do not accept health insurance, in which case your child’s treatment will not be covered. Online therapy is often covered by insurance, and this includes individual therapy sessions for kids. Many plans will now cover the same therapy services online or in-person.

Call your insurance provider to find out whether you can get out-of-network coverage, or if you have any other questions about the amount you’ll be responsible for paying per session or month.

Typically, if a company uses a subscription plan, you cannot request insurance reimbursement. However, if you are paying per service, you can ask your provider to put together a superbill and seek reimbursement from your insurance company after you have paid out-of-pocket for the service. Insurance companies do not always reimburse for a superbill.

Methodology

Ourmethodology for evaluating online therapy companiesis comprehensive and data-driven. To review the best online therapy programs, we sent questionnaires to 33 companies and surveyed 100 current users of each. This allowed us to directly and fairly compare services offered by gathering qualitative and quantitative data about each company and users’ experiences of the sign-up process, quality of therapy offered, cost, value for money, and more.

Ten of the online therapy companies we reviewed did not offer services to minors at the time the survey was conducted, so they were not considered. We also focused on the variety of services offered, so even if a company exclusively offered counseling to children or teens, this did not automatically qualify them for the list. To evaluate each company’s effectiveness in treating young people, we considered the following:

  • User ratings of “very good” or “excellent” quality of services, satisfaction, and the likelihood that users would recommend this platform to others
  • Ease of use
  • Therapist qualifications
  • Communication options
  • Cost
  • Types of therapy offered
  • Therapist specialization in adolescent mental health
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ByAmy Marschall, PsyD
Amy Marschall, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist who works with children and adolescents. She is certified in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and telemental health. She provides individual, family, and group psychotherapy.

Edited by
Simone Scully
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Simone is the health editorial director for performance marketing at Verywell. She has over a decade of experience as a professional journalist covering mental health, chronic conditions, medicine, and science.

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