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Last Updated: Mar 2024

Best Online Therapy for Teens for 2024
Therapy on your time, in your space

Compare the best online therapy services for teens from our list of the top providers and find the right therapist for you or your son or daughter.

Our Top Online Therapy Services
Great Value
BetterHelp
BetterHelp
exceptional
9.8
3 million+ people helped
Get Started
Faithful Counseling
Faithful Counseling
very good
8.6
300+ glowing reviews
Get Started
ReGain
ReGain
very good
8.8
5,000+ glowing reviews
Get Started

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Did you know?
Online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy (Psychology.org)
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Natural Intelligence does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or your local emergency number immediately.

We find the 10 best options, so you can make informed decisions on tons of products and services.

What Is Online Therapy?

Like the name suggests, online therapy is a term used to describe mental health counseling that you can receive from the comfort of your own home in front of your PC or right at your fingertips on your smartphone. Often referred to as “e-therapy” or “internet therapy,” online therapy isn’t meant for people who are in the midst of a mental health emergency or who need urgent medical care. Instead, it’s a way for people to get easy, convenient, and reliable counseling that tends to be more affordable and more accessible than in-person therapy. 

What Is Onlne Therapy for Teens?

Teen online therapy is similar to general online therapy except its counselors work primarily with adolescents and specialize in struggles common to that age. These might include:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Identity issues

  • Bullying

  • Trouble fitting in

  • Coping with divorce 

How Does Online Teen Therapy Work?

In online teen therapy, counselors speak one-on-one with adolescents remotely via video sessions, phone calls, or real-time chat, 

Typically, online teen therapy requires parental or guardian permission. Sites may have policies in place that allow parents to consult with their child’s therapists or be alerted in the case of self-harming behavior. It’s a general practice that conversations between the teen and their counselor are kept between the two parties. 

Since today’s teens are so adept at technology, many find that online therapy suits them as well if not better than face-to-face counseling. They can send messages to their therapist, conduct sessions from the comfort of their homes, and communicate through their own online portal. 

When you sign up for an online therapy service, you’ll typically be asked to take a short quiz to determine which sorts of issues you’re dealing with, which can be used to help the service match you with a counselor who may specialize in your concerns. When you’re seeking out online counseling for your child, the quiz will ask you a lot of questions about what you think the child needs help with, before sending the child an invitation on your behalf.

How Much Does it Cost?

The prices vary by company, but typically online therapy services charge a monthly fee to use the service, and don't charge by minute or hour or text. For instance, BetterHelp, one of the bigger names in the industry, charges a flat fee of between $40-$70 per week, including all messaging, chats, phone, and video sessions.

These memberships tend to be quite flexible, and allow you to quit at any time.

Most online counseling is not covered by insurance, so while it’s cheaper than in-person therapists, you will typically have to pay out of pocket.

How to Choose the Right Online Teen Therapy Service

Before you sign up for an online therapy service, do a little research. Make sure the platform offers counselors who specialize in teen therapy. Take a look at how the company screens its counselors and if their certification checks out. You can also look at online testimonials by customers to get an idea about the quality of service.

You’ll want to decide which types of counseling you and your teen are most comfortable using—chat, video, or email—and if they’re available through the service. If your teen is interested in using the service on their smartphone, see if the company has an app and if your child can have sessions with their counselor by chat on the phone.

Look at the price also, and see if it fits your budget. In addition, see if you can quit the membership at any time, or if it’s binding.

Our Top 3 Picks

    1
    BetterHelp
    World's largest network of licensed therapistsVisit Site
    • Best for - Messaging your therapist anytime
    • Pricing - $65-$90/week
    • Modes of communication - Text, live chat, video call, phone call
    World's largest network of licensed therapists
    Visit Site
    Description

    BetterHelp - Best online therapy site overall

    BetterHelp is one of the largest providers of online therapy services, letting you get matched with a licensed professional therapist in less than 24 hours. You’ll be able to communicate with your therapist by phone, video call, live chat, or text messaging.

    While the platform doesn’t take insurance, it does offer financial aid for patients with tighter budgets.

    Why we chose BetterHelp: BetterHelp’s app and online platform are both user-friendly, giving you access to self-help worksheets on various topics, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and conflict resolution.

    Our experience: BetterHelp reviews are positive and the service is reasonably priced. We like the fact that BetterHelp counselors each go through a rigorous vetting process.

    Read BetterHelp Review
    Pros & Cons

    PROS

    Message your therapist anytime
    Studies show the platform is effective
    Operates in 200+ countries and 82 languages

    CONS

    Therapists can’t prescribe medication
    Harder to find specialized therapists
    betterhelp logo
    BetterHelp
    Visit Site
    2
    Faithful Counseling
    A faith-based approach to clinical therapyVisit Site
    • Best for - Clinical therapy that includes biblical teachings
    • Pricing - $65-$90
    • Modes of communication - Video, phone, message, live chat
    A faith-based approach to clinical therapy
    Description

    Faithful Counseling - Best for faith-based therapy for Christians 

    As of recent, Faithful Counseling merged with Betterhelp, which also delivers clinical therapy for Christians. Its therapists are all licensed and certified within their field and submit declarations as to their beliefs to ensure they conform to the statement of faith. When signing up for the service, you will be directed to fill out a questionnaire that will properly match you with a suitable Christian therapist. 

    A sophisticated matching process is employed to connect you with a therapist specializing in your mental health difficulties and your branch of Christianity. This means it’s a suitable platform if your faith is important and you wish to include biblical teachings in your therapy. Its easy sign-up process, clear and appealing display, and simple functionality in terms of booking appointments make it easy for Christians who want faith-based counseling. 

    Why we chose Faithful Counseling: Though Faithful Counseling merged with Betterhelp, Christian-centered therapy practices are still easy to access. The platform uniquely integrates clinical therapy with Christianity, ensuring a harmonious blend of faith and mental health support. Various Christian denominations are catered to, including Catholic, Protestant, Baptist, and others, allowing users to find counselors who resonate with their specific faith traditions. Spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, and scripture reading are also integrated. This online therapy provider is an ideal choice for believers who want to incorporate biblical principles into their counseling sessions.

    Read Faithful Counseling Review
    Pros & Cons

    PROS

    6,000+ therapists specializing in Christianity-based counseling
    24/7 messaging services
    Accessible via website or the free app

    CONS

    Matching process can take 1-2 days
    Can’t choose a specific therapist
    faithful-counseling logo
    Faithful Counseling
    3
    ReGain
    Dedicated online relationship therapyVisit Site
    • Best for - Therapists that specialize in relationship therapy
    • Pricing - $65-$90/week
    • Modes of communication - Video, phone, message, live chat
    Dedicated online relationship therapy
    Description

    ReGain - Best for online relationship therapy

    ReGain offers convenient online relationship therapy for couples and individuals. Their service matches you with a licensed therapist specifically chosen to address your needs and goals. Its monthly subscription grants one live video or phone session per week, along with 24/7 access to an online therapist. 

    Why we chose ReGain: ReGain understands everyone’s situation is different and offers reduced fees to those with financial difficulties or disabilities.

    Our experience: With ReGain, you can pick and choose your therapy appointments entirely around your schedule. This makes it a particularly convenient option if you are restricted in time. 

    Read ReGain Review
    Pros & Cons

    PROS

    Therapists specialize in a wide range of relationship issues
    User-friendly app
    Discount available to those in need

    CONS

    Not appropriate for crisis situations
    Does not work in-network with insurance providers

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BetterHelp
BetterHelp
BetterHelp
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Faithful Counseling
Faithful Counseling
Faithful Counseling
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ReGain
ReGain
ReGain
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