Free Online Therapy for Teens: Benefits, Drawbacks, & What to Know

We evaluate telehealth products for patients and providers. If you click a link below and make a purchase, we may receive an affiliate commission. Learn more.

In today’s fast-paced world, mental health along with self-harm behaviors are a growing concern for many teenagers. Online therapy has emerged as a convenient and accessible way for teens to seek help and support.

The Online Mental Health Reviews team has a lot of experience evaluating and recommending online mental health tools, which makes us well-suited to write about free online therapy for teens.

We’re dedicated to a caring and informative approach to give kids and their families accurate and useful information to help them make good choices.

This blog post aims to guide parents, guardians, and teens in finding reliable online mental health resources for medication management. We’ll discuss the benefits and limitations of online therapy for mental health concerns and explore some top free options available.

Quickly Book High Quality, Local Doctors Who Take Your Insurance

Learn More

Table of Contents

Benefits of Teen Counseling

• Teen counseling helps teens build better relationships, manage stress, and have coping skills to cope with emotions.

• Online therapy is a convenient way to access licensed therapists from home.

• Local counseling centers provide in-person sessions and free consultations with experienced professionals.

• With the help of a licensed professional, in teen counseling, your teen can live a healthy, productive life.

List of Free Online Therapy for Teens

Online therapy offers several advantages for teens, including accessibility, convenience, and anonymity. It allows them to receive support from trained professionals without having to travel or take time out of their busy schedules.

However, there are some limitations to consider, such as the lack of face-to-face interaction, potential privacy concerns, and varying quality of services.

Now, let’s dive into the top free online therapy resources for teens.

The National Helpline of SAMHSA is a free, private, round-the-clock information and referral service for treatment available in both English and Spanish (https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline).
7 Cups: Offers free internet therapy and counseling services (https://www.7cups.com).
BuddyHelp: Provides free online counseling, chat, and emotional support (https://buddyhelp.org/).
Provides a free week of counseling through Free Online Therapy (https://FreeOnlineTherapy.org/).
Text 494949 from anywhere in the United States to receive free chat help for depression and anxiety from Remedy Live (https://www.remedylive.com).
New Yorkers are the target audience for NYC Well, but anybody can phone (1-888-692-9355) or text WELL to 65173 for free stress, anxiety, and depression help.
Free internet counseling is available at Blah Therapy (https://blahtherapy.com).

Additional Online Therapy Teen Resources

Free therapy options for teens?
by u/WebChronicles in mentalhealth

As part of our mission to help you make a wise mental health decision, we want to empower you with resources where you can learn more.

Please check out these other authority review articles, specific to online therapy for teens.

Healthline – https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/online-therapist-for-free
Talkspace – https://www.talkspace.com/blog/introducing-talkspace-for-teens/
Mantracare – https://mantracare.org/therapy/therapist/free-online-therapist-for-teens/
Everyday Health – https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/best-online-therapy-for-teens/
Forbes – https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/best-online-therapy-teens/
Choosing Therapy – https://www.choosingtherapy.com/online-therapy-for-teens/

How to Tell Whether Teenagers Need Online Therapy

Teenagers may need online therapy if there are changes in behavior such as increased irritability or aggression, withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, poor academic performance, low self-esteem or feelings of hopelessness, and increased use of drugs or alcohol.

Pros and Cons of Online Therapy for Teens

• Online therapy is a convenient and anonymous option for teens with limited access to traditional in-person counseling.

• It can be done from anywhere with an internet connection, and many services offer free or low-cost options.

• However, there may be difficulties in establishing a therapeutic relationship without face-to-face contact, along with potential technological issues.

• Insurance coverage for online therapy is not always guaranteed, so you should check your insurance plan first before deciding if it’s right for your teen.

Talkspace: Best for Unlimited Messaging

Talkspace is the best online therapy option for teens who need unlimited messaging.

With Talkspace, teens can send messages to their therapist any time of day via text, audio, or video. The therapist will reply daily and provide support for mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Teens can also benefit from access to counseling resources and advice from experienced mental health professionals too.

Additionally, our team purchased and documented our experience using Talkspace. We had a great conversation (which we recorded secretly and have made available in our Talkspace review).

Looking for the best teen online therapy?

Try Talkspace

How to get help without parents being involved

In most cases, minors cannot sign up for online therapy services without parental consent.

However, some services may offer an exception if the teen is in a state that allows them to make their own medical decisions.

It is important to check with the specific service and/or your local laws before signing up for any online therapy service as a minor.

Does Online Therapy for Teens Prescribe Medication?

Online therapy for teens does not typically prescribe medication.

While some online therapists may be licensed to prescribe medication, this is not a common practice.

Instead, online therapy focuses on providing teens with the tools and resources they need to manage their mental health issues without the use of medications.

How to Prepare for a Teen’s First Online Therapy Appointment

• Teen’s first online therapy appointment can be successful with the right preparation.

• Ensure the session takes place in a quiet, private, and distraction-free environment.

• Provide the teen with background information about the therapist before the appointment.

• Have teens write down what’s bringing them to therapy for discussion during the session.

• Encourage teens to ask questions regarding session content.

• Both parties should sign the Telemental Health Informed Consent document beforehand.

• Remind teens that feeling anxious is normal and can help manage feelings of anxiety and stress.

Please also consider finding parent therapy as well. If you’re child or teen is struggling with some issues, as a parent, you likely can benefit by investigating your parenting style in a more objective way.

At-Home Alternative – Social Anxiety Course

What if therapy is too expensive, or your teen doesn’t want to participate?

Another alternative is taking a comprehensive course on social anxiety, which is the top mental health concern teens openly admit to struggling with and are willing to work on!

Social Anxiety Disorder Comprehensive Training Course (https://onlinementalhealthreviews.com/social-anxiety-disorder-comprehensive-training)

The Social Anxiety Disorder Comprehensive Training Course is a comprehensive program that teaches evidence-based CBT techniques for dealing with social anxiety disorder.

It can help you overcome fear, shame, and avoidance. This course is an effective and cheap way for people to improve their mental health and get over social anxiety disorder. It focuses on giving people the tools they need to help themselves and guides them with empathy.

Social Anxiety Disorder Comprehensive Training Course

Free Online Therapy For Teens Conclusion

Keep in mind that while online therapy can be beneficial, it may not be suitable for everyone or every situation. In some cases, traditional face-to-face therapy might be a better fit. If you have concerns about your teen’s overall mental health well, consult a mental health professional for guidance.

Do you have any questions or suggestions about online therapy resources for teens? Leave a comment below, and let’s keep the conversation going!

Quickly Book High Quality, Local Doctors Who Take Your Insurance

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Free Online therapy work?

Free online therapy is a convenient and secure way for teens to access mental health services from the comfort of their own homes.

The process typically involves connecting with a licensed therapist through an online platform, such as video chat or phone call.
During the session, teens can talk about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe space and receive personalized guidance and support from the therapist.
Free online teen therapy may include additional resources like educational materials or self-help tools depending on the service provider.

Is Free Online Therapy Effective?

Online therapy can be an effective way for teens to access mental health treatment and support. A meta-analysis scientific study¹ has confirmed that online therapy offers many of the same benefits as in-person therapy.

Many online therapy services offer free or low-cost counseling and are available 24/7, making it easy for teens to get the help they need.
Free online therapy services often provide volunteer listeners, licensed therapists, and video sessions, all of which can be beneficial for teens in need of emotional support.
Additionally, there are many free or low-cost counseling options available that can help teens access the care they need.

Are Online Therapists Licensed?

Yes, many online therapists are licensed professionals.

Depending on the state in which they practice, they may be licensed as psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, or professional counselors.
In addition to being licensed by their respective states, many online therapists have also completed specialized training in areas such as trauma therapy or child and adolescent counseling.
It is important to research any potential online therapist before beginning treatment to ensure they are properly credentialed and qualified for the services they provide.

Does Insurance Cover Online Counseling?

• Insurance coverage for free online therapy for teens varies by provider and plan.

• Most major health insurance plans cover mental health services, including online counseling.

• It is important to check with the insurance provider to determine the type of coverage available and what specific services are covered.

• Special discounts or rates may be available from some providers.

• It is important to research and contact insurance providers directly to confirm coverage for free online therapy for teens.

• Other costs such as technology fees or additional materials may not be covered by the insurance plan.

• Pre-authorization is often required before mental health services can be provided.

Sources

Azy Barak, Liat Hen, Meyran Boniel-Nissim & Na’ama Shapira (2008) A Comprehensive Review and a Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Internet-Based Psychotherapeutic Interventions, Journal of Technology in Human Services, 26:2-4, 109-160, DOI: 10.1080/15228830802094429

Additional Online Chat Options

Online chat is becoming an increasingly popular choice. If you want more info on a sub-niche or topic, please delve further with these resources:

Unfortunately, many free online chats are of poor quality as you might suspect.

For better service, you may want to try Just Answer. Why?

Just Answer is the top website for Expert questions and answers. Because of this reputation, our team bought and reviewed Just Answer.

While we thought Just Answer was over-rated, if you need to talk with an Expert fast, their $5 trial is worth a shot.

Our team invites you to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Let us know which mental health software products, apps, or courses that Online Mental Health Reviews should explore and review next.

Get Matched With A Therapist With BetterHelp (Sponsored)

Sign-Up

If You Are In Crisis

If you find yourself in a crisis, waiting for an online therapy session might not be safe. In such situations, if you need immediate help, dial 911. This includes instances where there’s a risk of harm to yourself or others. If you’re contemplating self-harm, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, where assistance is available 24/7.

Additionally, you can contact the Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 800-662-HELP (4357). This helpline offers a free, confidential service for individuals struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues, providing treatment information and support 24/7, 365 days a year.