Parents need to carefully consider the best options for therapy for their kids. (Getty Images)
When your child starts slamming doors, bursts into tears over small things or suddenly becomes withdrawn, parental alarm bells start ringing. These behavioral changes can stir up a storm of fear, worry and doubt for any caregiver. You might be wondering if online therapy for kids could help, but making sense of these digital mental health services can feel overwhelming when you're already stressed about your child's well-being.
Content concerning mental health is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical or health advice. Consult a medical professional for questions about your health. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911, local emergency services, or 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).
To determine when therapy may be necessary, we spoke with Carly Steinberger, a licensed clinical social worker and children's therapist. She explained, "A child who is going through something may tantrum, be very scared or withdrawn or even hit or kick others." She added that parents should trust their gut instinct — if you believe your child needs support, it's essential to consider getting professional help.
As parents and caregivers, our primary goal is to ensure that our children receive the best possible support; however, finding a reliable online therapy service can be a challenging task. That's why we conducted extensive research to compile a list of the top online therapy platforms for children. We consulted three subject matter experts, explored 20 different platforms and personally tested three of the top choices.
Before reviewing our recommendations, take a moment to think about what matters most: your child's specific needs, how much you're able to spend and whether you need insurance coverage. This quick mental checklist will help you find the perfect match from our carefully vetted options below. Continue reading to discover the best online therapy options for kids, as recommended by research.
Update, April 28, 2025: We checked the prices and details of all platforms. We researched and added four additional platforms worth considering, but our No. 1 pick for best overall online therapy for kids remains unchanged.
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Cost: $200-$500 | Insurance accepted: Yes | States available: CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, MD, MN, NJ, NY, NC, PA, TX, UT, VA, Washington, D.C. | Types of therapy offered: Therapy, medication management, parent coaching, couples therapy | Ages served: 0-14 years old and parents
Looking for mental health support for your child shouldn't feel like solving a Rubik's cube blindfolded. Enter Little Otter — a refreshing solution that's earned our top spot for kids' online therapy by cutting through the typical headaches of finding quality care.
Little Otter shines with their results-focused approach designed to help children truly flourish. Its specialized treatments cover the full spectrum of childhood challenges from anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD and trauma to eating disorders and behavioral issues. However, it doesn't currently assess for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). What really sets it apart? Its whole-family wellness philosophy includes parent coaching and couples therapy, because it understands that supporting your child means supporting you too.
At $350 for initial assessments and $200 for regular sessions (with psychiatry starting at $500 for evaluations and $250 for follow-ups), Little Otter isn't a budget option. However, it does accept several insurance plans, including Independence Blue Cross, AmeriHealth, Sana and Florida Blue — potentially making this premium service more accessible for many families.
Cost: $40-$70 + $65 lifetime membership fee | Insurance accepted: No | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples | Ages served: All ages (varies by provider)
Therapy often comes with a price tag that makes you wince, but Open Path Collective turns this reality on its head with its directory of sliding-scale providers. It has earned our top recommendation for affordable online therapy for kids by offering sessions between $40 and $70 — comparable to what you'd pay for an insurance copay, but without needing insurance. You can also opt for student intern sessions for $30.
What makes Open Path Collective particularly valuable is its focus on therapist diversity. For BIPOC or LGBTQ children who benefit from counselors who understand their unique experiences, this platform offers representation that matters.
Pro tip: When searching the directory, check "Child or Adolescent" under the specialties tab to filter for kid-friendly therapists. Since this is a directory rather than a matching service, you may need to chat with a few providers before finding your perfect match. However, that extra effort unlocks exceptional care at a price point rarely seen in mental health services.
Cost: $185-$275 | Insurance accepted: Yes | States available: AZ, CA, CT, FL, GA, MD, MA, NJ, NY, NC, OR, PA, TN, TX, VA, WA, Washington, D.C. | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples, family, groups | Ages served: Ages 18 and up
Parenting is a team sport, especially when your child needs therapy. That's why couples counseling is a game-changer, creating a safe space where you can openly discuss your child's challenges, process your emotions and develop unified parenting strategies with professional guidance.
Octave stands out in the crowded field of couples therapy with its impressive roster of diverse providers, who bring specialized training to your relationship. Having put its services to the test ourselves, we can vouch for its exceptional quality of care.
Opening your relationship to a therapist requires trust, which is why Octave's commitment to evidence-based approaches makes such a difference. Its professionals are trained in proven methods, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT) and the Gottman Method. The cherry on top? Octave accepts many insurance plans, offers responsive customer support and provides enough therapist options that you're likely to find someone who clicks with both of you.
Cost: $99-$199 | Insurance accepted: Yes | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples, family, medication management | Ages served: Adolescents ages 10-17 and adults
Let's face it — what affects one family member ripples through the whole household. Whether you're dealing with siblings who can't stop fighting, processing grief together, navigating divorce or managing collective stress, family therapy creates a space where everyone can be heard and understood. The payoff? Better communication, fewer explosive arguments and the peaceful home environment you've been craving.
After putting Amwell to the test ourselves, we're confident recommending it as our top choice for online family counseling. Its standout features make therapy accessible when you need it most: It works with over 100 insurance plans (a rare find!), offers both talk therapy and medication management under one digital platform, and has a sign-up process so simple that even a technophobe could handle it.
The downsides? Amwell's website navigation feels somewhat like navigating a maze, and you can't browse therapist profiles until after creating an account. However, if you can look past these minor frustrations, Amwell provides comprehensive family support.
Cost: $160-$300 | Insurance accepted: Yes | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples, family | Ages served: All ages
Juggling the needs of the entire family can be exhausting. There are sports practices, playdates and school events, on top of work and spending quality time together. That's why we set out to find a platform that offers appointments quickly, accepts insurance and has something for every member of the family.
We're pleased to share that Thriveworks meets each of these criteria. With same-day appointments available and treatment for all ages, we believe this is the most convenient online therapy for kids.
Thriveworks provides online therapy and, in some locations, in-person sessions. This is a valuable feature, as it allows you to switch to in-person therapy if online sessions don't suit your child. That said, the availability of these services depends on your location, with some areas offering more options than others.
While self-pay for intake and follow-up sessions typically ranges from $160-$300, Thriveworks accepts insurance from most major companies. Clients with insurance typically pay between $0-$55 per session.
Cost: Varies based on insurance | Insurance accepted: Yes | States available: All states except AK, DE, HI, ID, NM, ND, WY | Types of therapy offered: Medication management | Ages served: Ages 5+
Looking for an online psychiatrist who can prescribe the ADHD medications your child needs? You're not alone in that frustrating search. Most virtual mental health services dodge prescribing controlled substances, which is exactly what many kids with ADHD require to thrive.
Enter Talkiatry — our top online psychiatry recommendation serving children five and older. Unlike most competitors, its providers can prescribe controlled medications, such as Adderall, although availability varies by state law, with some requiring in-person visits.
What truly sets Talkiatry apart is its specialized expertise in ADHD treatment. It operates exclusively through insurance, accepting a wide range of plans that typically reduce your cost to a manageable copay. No insurance? Check out Amwell’s psychiatry services instead for comparable care without the coverage requirement.
Cost: Varies based on provider | Insurance accepted: Varies based on provider | States available: All states except HI, ND, SD and WY | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples, family, group, medication management | Ages served: All ages
Finding an LGBTQ-affirming therapist is crucial for children exploring their gender identity and sexuality.
Inclusive Therapists is an online directory featuring a diverse range of providers committed to inclusive care. With various filters, including one for therapist identity, this directory helps you find the best mental health care provider for your child, making it our top recommendation for LGBTQ-affirming therapy for kids.
Given the extensive filter options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Discuss your child's needs and preferences with them to streamline the process. Draft a list that includes the therapist's identity, insurance compatibility, fees and therapeutic approach to make your search more efficient and effective, ensuring your child receives the best possible care.
Cost: Varies based on insurance and level of care | Insurance accepted: Yes | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Full-spectrum support including a dietitian, therapist, peer and family mentors and medical care | Ages served: All ages
Eating disorders require prompt, expert care to address their serious health implications. Equip offers an intensive virtual treatment program tailored for individuals with anorexia, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFED), bulimia and binge eating disorder (BED).
What sets Equip apart is its total-care approach, combining therapy, dietitian guidance, medical monitoring, peer mentorship and family support into a single coordinated plan. This well-rounded strategy (a standard and recommended treatment protocol in in-patient and out-patient facilities) makes it our pick for online eating disorder treatment for kids.
It's essential to note that Equip's program is intensive, providing more than just weekly therapy sessions. While working with a multifaceted treatment team with a range of therapeutic, health and nutritional interventions, including family-based therapy, has been shown to yield more positive results in the treatment of eating disorders, it necessitates greater family involvement and a higher time commitment.
Pricing depends on insurance coverage and the level of care required, so please contact Equip for a personalized price estimate. It accepts insurance and offers private pay options.
Treatment may take up to 3 weeks to begin, so keep this short waiting period in mind. It's also important to note that while online eating disorder treatment shows promise, there still isn't much research that compares outcomes to in-person treatment.
Finding the right virtual therapist for your child may feel challenging — after all, you're entrusting your child's emotional well-being to someone you've never met face-to-face. You need to consider more than the therapist's credentials; you need to find someone who connects with your family in meaningful ways. And remember, it's perfectly OK to switch if the fit isn't right.
"It is always important for parents to assess and reassess to make sure that they have found the right therapist who is not only a kind person but is also helpful for the [child] and family's specific needs," explains Amanda Sacks, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in holistic online therapy for overwhelmed teens.
When selecting an online therapist for your child, consider these important factors:
Specialization: Look for therapists with specific experience treating children and your child's particular challenges.
Credentials: Verify the therapist is appropriately licensed in your state.
Approach: Consider whether their therapeutic style (play therapy, CBT, etc.) aligns with your child's needs.
Technological comfort: Ensure both you and your child can easily use their platform.
Scheduling options: Look for someone who offers appointments that fit your family's routine.
Insurance/payment: Determine if they accept your insurance or offer affordable self-pay rates.
Parent involvement: Understand how they'll keep you updated while respecting your child's privacy.
Remember that finding a therapist for your child is a collaborative effort. Since therapy may be new territory for them, create space for them to express any concerns or questions they may have.
This team approach becomes absolutely essential with teenagers. "I think a key thing to understand is the teen also needs to want therapy. Otherwise, forcing them to do it might backfire, and they might not want to try it out in the future," explains licensed marriage and family therapist and teen therapist Alicia Flores. When young people feel heard in the process, they're more likely to engage meaningfully with therapy rather than just going through the motions.
Finding the best online therapy for kids isn't something we take lightly. That's why we used a rigorous selection process to identify exceptional online therapy options.
Firstly, we consulted three highly qualified professionals, including two licensed clinical social workers with extensive experience in pediatric care and a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in youth therapy. These experts provided invaluable insights on what truly works in virtual therapy for children of different ages and needs.
We thoroughly investigated 20 online therapy platforms, evaluating each against strict criteria, including:
Affordability: Cost per session, insurance acceptance and financial aid options
Accessibility: User-friendly interfaces, availability across devices and accommodations for diverse needs
Clinical quality: Provider qualifications, evidence-based approaches and specialized training
Reputation: User reviews, professional recommendations and complaint history
Service range: Types of therapy offered and age groups served
Security: HIPAA compliance and data protection measures
Our writer — a licensed mental health professional — personally tested several platforms, including three that made our final list. This hands-on experience provided critical insights that numbers and marketing materials simply can't reveal, from actual wait times to the quality of the therapeutic relationship.
We believe our multi-layered approach provides recommendations you can trust when seeking help for your child.
Talkspace offers flexible and convenient live and text-based therapy for teens aged 13 and above. Your child can text, voice and video message therapists at any time, allowing them to express themselves thoughtfully in a medium they're comfortable using. There's also medication management in most states. Many insurance plans are accepted, making it accessible for families with coverage, though some users report occasional delays in therapist responses during busy periods.
Teen Counseling specializes exclusively in therapy for people ages 13-19 through an affordable subscription model, with weekly rates ranging from $70 to $100. Parents handle billing, while teens maintain confidential communication. The platform expertly matches teens with therapists based on their specific needs and offers multiple communication methods, including messaging, live chat, phone and video sessions. However, the lack of insurance acceptance could make long-term care expensive.
Brightline offers a comprehensive approach, combining therapy and coaching, with strong parent involvement facilitated through dedicated coaching sessions. Its specialized programs for ADHD, anxiety and behavioral challenges include personalized care plans with measurable goals. Brightline accepts major insurance providers, including Aetna and Cigna, although their services are still expanding and may have limited availability in certain states.
Alma is an online therapist directory that connects families with qualified clinicians specializing in child and adolescent therapy. It offers personalized therapist matching, or you can search the comprehensive therapist directory, filtering by insurance provider and whether sessions are online or in-person.
Great question! The signs aren't always obvious, but certain changes in behavior or mood might suggest your child could benefit from professional support. Sacks explains that a young person might benefit from therapy for many reasons. "For example, I specialize in helping teens reduce symptoms of anxiety, perfectionism or low self-esteem," she says. She adds that therapy can be beneficial for children or teens who are struggling with relationship dynamics with friends and family, or have recently experienced a traumatic event.
Beyond these scenarios, watch for:
Significant changes in sleep patterns or appetite
Withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed
Declining school performance
Excessive worry or fearfulness
Frequent physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches
Aggressive behavior or intense mood swings
Comments about feeling hopeless or worthless
Difficulty concentrating or sitting still
Remember, seeking therapy doesn't mean you've failed as a parent; in fact, it's quite the opposite. It shows that you're attentive to your child's needs and willing to provide them with the support they deserve. Many adults wish their parents had recognized their struggles and connected them with therapy sooner. When in doubt, consulting a child therapist can help determine if ongoing support would be beneficial.
Finding the right therapist for your child is like finding a great pediatrician. Their expertise should specifically match your child's developmental stage and needs. So take advantage of any free pre-session consultations that many therapists offer. This is your opportunity to interview them before making a commitment. You can ask about:
Their specific approach to working with children of your child's age
How they structure sessions and measure progress
Their experience treating your child's particular challenges
How they involve parents in the process
Their policies on communication between sessions
Experience matters tremendously. A therapist might be excellent with teenagers but less equipped to connect with your 7-year-old. Verify they have substantial experience with your child's age group and specific concerns, whether that's anxiety, ADHD, trauma or social difficulties.
Always check therapists' credentials thoroughly to ensure they're correctly licensed in your state and hold specialized certifications in child therapy approaches, such as play therapy, CBT for children or trauma-informed care. Many therapists list their areas of specialty and age focus directly on their profiles, making it easier to find someone whose expertise aligns with your child's needs.
Yes! Research suggests that online therapy can be very effective for children. However, it may not be the right fit for every child. "In-person therapy may be required or encouraged for teens who are considered high-risk," Sacks explains, highlighting that "high-risk" means the potential for self-harm or harm to others.
Many children thrive in the virtual therapy environment. Naturally tech-savvy kids often feel right at home on video platforms. For some children, the comfort of their own space can help them open up more freely than they might in an unfamiliar office.
Virtual therapy also eliminates transportation hassles and fits more easily into busy family schedules. No more rushing across town after school or missing work for appointments.
That said, very young children and those with certain attention difficulties might struggle with the online format. The right therapist will be honest about whether they believe virtual sessions can work for your specific child and will recommend in-person alternatives if needed.
Alicia Flores, LMFT, teen therapist, San Diego, Calif.
Amanda Sacks, LCSW, psychotherapist and yoga teacher, N.Y.
Carly Steinberger, LCSW, children's therapist, Hermosa Beach, CA.
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.