Here, we look at some of the best companies that offer teen counseling.
Please note that the writer of this article has not used these services. All information presented is purely research-based.
All pricing is correct at the time this article was published.
7 Cups offers free support rooms for individuals aged 13–17 years, allowing them to chat with a trained listener.
Trained listeners are not qualified therapists, and these chat sessions should not substitute professional mental health care. However, teens may find them beneficial if they are looking for someone to talk to or need a little emotional support.
7 Cups’s free chat rooms do not suit those with severe mental health conditions or those experiencing suicidal thoughts, but listeners can refer them to appropriate crisis resources.
In addition, this platform offers ongoing support for teens from licensed therapists at around $150 per month.
7 Cups also has accreditation with the Better Business Bureau, which gives them a B rating. The service also has a score of 1.6 stars out of 5 from 10 reviews posted on the review platform. Positive comments mention great emotional support, while less favorable ones mention payment issues and lack of contact from customer services.
Trustpilot awards 7 Cups with a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 based on 155 reviews. Positive comments stated that 7 Cups is a great place for receiving and providing support, while negative reviews mention a lack of security and privacy from internet trolls.
Teen Counseling is a platform that forms part of BetterHelp. It works with licensed professionals who help individuals deal with stress, anxiety, bullying, eating disorders, and other issues.
Teen Counseling allows teens to communicate with a counselor in a private therapy room. Their parents or caregivers do not have access to these rooms.
The service hosts sessions through messaging, phone calls, video conferencing, and live chat, which are available via smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktop computers.
Therapy sessions cost around $60–80 per week, but prices depend on a person’s chosen plan.
Teen Counseling has a rating of 2.9 stars out of 5 with Trustpilot. However, this overall score only comes from two reviews, which reported issues with obtaining a refund or scheduling an appointment with a therapist.
In 2018, Talkspace began offering teen counseling.
The company works with over 3,000 licensed therapists available to contact via text, video, photo, and audio messages. These therapists specialize in specific mental health conditions.
Talkspace hosts sessions in a private room with a secure connection, and a person can reportedly chat with a licensed professional at any time. They can also switch therapists at no additional charge.
Talkspace offers three subscription plans, and the pricing depends on how many live sessions an individual requests.
The service has a rating of 1.4 stars out of 5 with Trustpilot from 39 reviews. Less favorable comments note insensitive customer services, high costs, and lack of therapist availability and response to messages.
MDLIVE provides physical and mental health services for adults, children, and teens, allowing them to engage in video appointments with counselors or psychiatrists.
Parents and caregivers may find this service helpful if they think a child may benefit from medication or if they need to discuss their current prescription.
MDLIVE’s pricing varies depending on the type of consultation and an individual’s insurance plan, but initial sessions with psychiatrists can cost up to around $285, with follow-up visits costing about $110.
Trustpilot gives MDLIVE 4.7 stars out of 5 based on over 11,000 reviews. Positive comments include great, secure, and fast service, while negative reviews mentioned doctors being dismissive, repeated appointment cancellations, and difficulty registering or logging in.
Below, we look at some of the most commonly asked questions around teen counseling.
Does insurance cover online therapy?
Some insurance providers cover online counseling costs just as they would with in-person appointments.
However, online therapists that do not accept insurance plans may offer a lower price, as online visits do not include office space costs.
Individuals can contact their insurance provider or employer to check their mental health benefits.
Can treatment involve parents or caregivers?
Many online therapy platforms require input from a parent or caregiver if the person is under 18 years of age. Therapists may discuss with parents and caregivers how the sessions will proceed and what to expect.
Can a minor sign up without parental consent?
Those under 18 years of age may require their parent or caregiver’s consent to book consultations with a therapist, but this can vary depending on their state of residence.
Is the session information shared or confidential?
Therapy sessions are confidential.
However, therapists may have to inform the police or other organizations if a person is harming themselves or other people. They may also notify authorities if there is an indication of abuse.
Under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which became legislation in 1996, for those aged under 18 years, confidential information has protection from third parties, but not from parents. This means that those under 18 years old receive much less confidentiality.
Is online therapy the best option for me?
Online therapy may benefit individuals who feel they cannot attend or are uncomfortable attending in-person appointments. It can also help those with limited access to mental healthcare in their area.
However, online therapy sessions are not suitable for those in crisis or who have suicidal thoughts. They are typically also not suitable for people experiencing a severe mental health condition that requires immediate attention.
