We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Online counseling is making mental health treatment more accessible for some teens. Increased access to mental health treatment can help teens navigate some of the unique life circumstances that affect them — such as:
social media
bullying
physical, social, and emotional changes
If you’re a teen wondering if you can get online counseling and if it will work for you, you can read on to learn more about it, plus which services pass our criteria.
We only considered online services that provide therapy to people under the age of 18. We chose services that employ licensed mental health professionals, including:
offer a variety of subscriptions, services, and communication options
We only recommend companies we stand behind as being credible and ethical (learn more about our vetting process here). Healthline’s Medical Network is made up of a diverse group of mental health professionals who bring experience from a variety of specialty areas. These experts review all our recommendations for mental health-related products.
Some services also offer messaging or chat services. These don’t limit you to communicating at a particular time, whereas video chats or phone calls are for more structured sessions.
Think about what your schedule is like and what type of services you’re looking for so you and your therapist can coordinate accordingly.
Many studies suggest that online counseling is comparable to in-person therapy and, in some cases, is more advantageous because of its cost-effectiveness and adaptability, especially in more isolated communities.
If you’re a teen experiencing distressing behavioral or emotional symptoms that interfere with your daily life at home or school, it might be time to reach out to a mental health professional.
Online counseling allows your therapist to meet with you where you are instead of in an office environment. Therapists might communicate over text, video, phone, or a mobile app, depending on the service.
According to the NIMH, teens may benefit from evaluation and treatment if they experience:
changes in sleep patterns, including sleeping too much or too little
loss of interest in things that they used to enjoy
low energy
self-isolation and avoidance of time with friends or family
changes in appetite
a decline in grades or school performance
increased irritability
physical symptoms of anxiety, like stomach aches, muscle tension, and restlessness
Online counseling might not be a good fit for teens if they are:
engaging in high risk behaviors, including drug and alcohol use
performing self-harm behaviors
having suicidal thoughts — if you or someone you know needs immediate help, call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
living with a severe mental health condition that requires intensive psychological supervision or psychiatric care
unable to access a reliable internet connection
expressing symptoms of an eating disorder, excessive diet or exercise, or fear of gaining weight
The above conditions and situations are not particularly suited for online therapy because they can require in-person treatment and care that goes beyond the scope of what virtual sessions can offer.
In these cases, telehealth counseling could supplement in-person treatment or be used for follow-up treatment to help manage a condition in the future.
If you know a teen who is dealing with any of these issues — or you are a teen going through them — reach out to a doctor or school counselor to help you find available in-person treatment options in your area.
If you’re having trouble coping on your own, it may be time to talk with a therapist. A therapist can help you understand your feelings. They can also give you helpful strategies on ways to cope with emotions like:
Also, consider talking with a therapist if you’ve been previously diagnosed with a mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and you feel like you’re not managing well.
If you suspect you may have one of these conditions, a mental health professional may make a diagnosis or point you in the right direction, depending on their credentials.
If you are having severe mental health symptoms, such as panic attacks, self-harming, or suicidal thoughts, it’s very important to get help.
Online counseling can be a good first step, but is probably not the best longterm fit for severe mental health conditions, such as:
It is still highly recommended you reach out to someone you trust about these feelings or urges as soon as possible to make sure you’re safe. Online counseling can offer this initial support.
You can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to speak with a licensed professional at any time. You’ll reach a trained counselor who will listen carefully and understand how your specific issues are impacting you, offer support, and refer you to any necessary resources.
When choosing a therapist, it’s important to select someone who has expertise in the area of concern you’d like to focus on so you can receive targeted care.
Therapists may have extensive experience in helping people cope with various issues — like anxiety, depression, stress, or bullying — so choosing someone who specializes in counseling people going through similar things you are will likely be the most beneficial.
It’s also important to feel comfortable and build some sort of connection with your therapist. You’ll know from your initial meeting whether this person is a good fit, like if you feel you can easily talk with them, share your feelings, and they put you at ease.
Choosing a therapist with cultural competency is also an important consideration. Cultural competence in therapy means that a mental health practitioner can understand, empathize with, and thoughtfully discuss the convictions, histories, and principles held by their patients. This encompasses factors like your:
cultural background
racial identity
ethnicity
faith
economic status
sexual orientation
Know that it may take time for you to find the right fit, and that’s OK. If you don’t feel comfortable with a particular therapist or they’re not particularly helpful, it’s best to move on to someone else who you can really connect with.
Be honest with yourself about how you feel when you’re talking with your therapist. If things just don’t feel right, trust your gut. You can find someone who you feel comfortable with — it will help a tremendous amount in the long run.
Counselors work with adolescents to identify areas they may need help in and help them understand how their behavior affects emotions and the people around them. The goal is to provide teens with tools that help them better address their issues.
Many types of teen counseling are available depending on the individual’s needs. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help people recognize patterns in their thoughts and behaviors and challenge distorted thinking that could lead to negative beliefs.
Other forms of therapy include psychotherapy, which examines each person’s unique circumstances and helps them understand why they feel what they do so that solutions can be identified for change.
The goals of teen counseling are varied but generally include helping teens:
create positive coping skills
improve their communication
learn how to express feelings appropriately
It can also help teens identify healthy boundaries and develop decision-making skills.
Teens should also remember that seeking professional help does not mean something is wrong but that it serves as an opportunity for growth.
Not all insurance providers cover online counseling, but out-of-pocket costs may still be lower than traditional in-person therapy.
You can check with your insurance provider to see what’s covered under your plan.
Can a minor sign up without parental consent?
Most U.S. states require a parent or guardian to provide consent for teens under the age of 18 to start therapy. For example, parents may need to provide consent by video message before a teen can begin online counseling.
Additionally, parents may also have access to their children’s therapy records, but therapists will typically work with families to support their privacy unless there’s a safety issue.
However, each state has its own laws, so it’s important to check the guidelines for your state.
Is the information shared confidential?
Sessions are typically confidential. However, minors do not always have the right to full privacy.
If a teen discloses an instance of sexual assault, child abuse, or abuse happening to an older adult or disabled adult, or if they express intent to harm themselves or others, therapists are required to report this to child protective services, and sometimes to the police.
Can parents participate in the therapy?
Therapists may consult with parents before beginning therapy to discuss how parents can best support their teens during therapy and what to expect.
Are online therapists licensed?
The online counseling services on this list provide counseling by licensed therapists, social workers, counselors, and psychologists. You should feel comfortable asking your therapist about their credentials.
Mental health conditions among teens are on the rise, but teens often don’t receive the treatment they need.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key in preventing the more severe, debilitating effects of mental health conditions. Online counseling can be a convenient, more accessible, and cost-effective way to get teens the help they need to live healthier, happier lives.
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
