Mental health challenges are becoming more common in teenagers. According to research, 1 in 5 children aged 13-18 has or will have a mental illness in their lifetime.
The good news is that many of these conditions can be treated with therapy.
If you’re looking for a therapist for your teen, here are some tips on how to find the right one.
Quick Look at The Top 8 Best Online Therapy Services For Teens:
=>Best Overall: Teen Counseling
=>Best for Christian Teens: Faithful Counseling
=>Best for LGBTQ teens: Pride Counseling
=>Best for Parents of Teens: BetterHelp
=>Best for Unlimited Messaging: Talkspace
=> Best for In-Person: Local Therapist Finder
=>Best for psychiatry: Doctor on Demand
=>Best Free and Social Support: 7 Cups
What is Teen counseling?
Before we get into how to find the right therapist, let’s first understand what teen counseling is.
Counseling for teenagers is a type of therapy that helps them cope with the various challenges they face in their lives.
These can include issues like anxiety, stress, depression, bullying, low self-esteem, body image issues, and more.
Therapy can help teens learn how to deal with their emotions, set goals, and make positive changes in their lives.
Can you get teen counseling online?
Yes, you can get teen counseling online. In fact, many counselors now offer online therapy services because they understand that it can be more convenient and accessible for teens.
Online therapy is a great option for busy teens who may not have the time to see a therapist in person or for those who live in rural areas.
It’s also a good option for teens who feel more comfortable talking to a therapist online than in person.
The 8 best online teen counseling programs of 2024?
Below, we’ve listed the seven best online teen counseling programs for 2024.
These programs offer a variety of services that can help teens with mental health issues.
Teen Counseling
Teen counseling is our top pick for the best online teen counseling program.
This program offers a variety of services that can help teens with mental health issues.
These include individual counseling, group counseling, family counseling, and more.
Faithful Counseling
Faithful Counseling is our top pick for the best online teen counseling program for Christian teens.
This program offers a variety of services that can help Christian teens with mental health issues.
Pride Counseling
If you’re looking for an online teen counseling program that’s LGBTQ-friendly, we recommend Pride Counseling.
BetterHelp
If you’re looking for an online teen counseling program that’s parent-friendly, we recommend BetterHelp.
This program offers a variety of services that can help parents of teens with mental health issues.
Talkspace
Talkspace is our top pick for the best online teen counseling program for unlimited messaging.
This program offers unlimited messaging between you and your therapist.
You can also send audio and video messages, which can be helpful if you prefer to communicate in those ways.
Talkspace also offers a variety of other services, such as group counseling and family counseling.
If you’re looking for an online teen counseling program that offers unlimited messaging, Talkspace is a great option.
Doctor on Demand
Doctor on Demand is our top pick for the best online teen counseling program for psychiatry.
This program offers a variety of services that can help teens with mental health issues.
7 Cups
If you’re looking for an online teen counseling program that’s free and offers social support, we recommend checking out 7 Cups.
Local Therapist Finder
If you are looking to see a counselor face-to-face, who specializes in teenage counseling, our directory at Local Therapist Finder has a list of therapists to consider hiring.
Which is better in-person or online counseling for teens?
There are pros and cons to both in-person and online counseling for teens.
Some of the benefits of in-person counseling include being able to see your therapist face-to-face, developing a rapport with your therapist, and having more control over the environment.
Some of the benefits of online counseling include being more convenient, being able to see a wider range of therapists, and feeling more comfortable talking to a therapist online.
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of both in-person and online counseling before deciding which is best for you or your teen.
If you’re still not sure which type of counseling is best for you or your teen, we recommend talking to a therapist about your options.
Is Online Therapy for Teens and Young Adults Effective?
Yes, online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for teens and young adults.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that online CBT was just as effective as in-person CBT for treating anxiety and depression in adolescents.
Another study found that online therapy was just as effective as in-person therapy for treating anxiety in young adults.
So if you’re looking for an effective way to treat your teen’s mental health issues, online therapy may be a good option.
What Are Some online resources for Parents of Teens with Mental Health Issues?
If you’re a parent of a teen with mental health issues, there are a few online resources that may be helpful.
Here are just a few to consider:
=>National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
=>American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
=>Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
These are just a few of the many online resources available for parents of teens with mental health issues.
How to find the right therapist for your teen?
Now that you know a little bit more about teen counseling, let’s talk about how to find the right therapist for your teen.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re looking for a therapist for your teen:
=> Make sure the therapist is licensed and has experience working with teens.
=> Ask the therapist about their approach to counseling and whether it’s a good fit for your teen’s needs.
=> Make sure the therapist is someone your teen feels comfortable talking to.
=> Ask the therapist about their confidentiality policy and whether they’re willing to sign a confidentiality agreement.
When you’re looking for a therapist for your teen, it’s important to keep these things in mind.
If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend asking your teen’s doctor for a referral.
What are the benefits of teen counseling?
The benefits of teen counseling are numerous, and they include:
=> Improving mental health
=> Reducing stress
=> Improving academic performance
=> Improving social skills
=> Developing coping skills
=> Improving family relationships
=> reducing risky behaviors
These are just a few of the many benefits of teen counseling.
If you’re considering teen counseling for your teen, we encourage you to talk to a therapist about the potential benefits.
What to expect from teen counseling?
If you’ve never been to counseling before, you might be wondering what to expect.
Here are a few things you can expect from teen counseling:
=> A safe and confidential environment
=> A therapist who is trained to work with teens
=> A therapist who will listen to your teen’s concerns and help them develop a plan to address them
=> A therapist who will work with your teen to develop coping skills and strategies
These are just a few of the things you can expect from teen counseling.
If you have any other questions about what to expect, we recommend talking to a therapist about your specific concerns.
Hiring a Therapist For Teens Near Me: How to Get Your Teen the Help They Need
Now that you know a little bit more about teen counseling, let’s talk about how to get your teen the help they need.
If you’re considering hiring a therapist for your teen, we recommend taking the following steps:
=> Talk to your teen’s doctor about your concerns and ask for a referral to a therapist
=> Research therapists in your area and find one that is a good fit for your teen’s needs
=> Schedule an appointment with the therapist and take your teen to their first session
=> Follow up with the therapist after each session to see how your teen is doing
These are just a few of the steps you can take to get your teen the help they need.
If you have any other questions about hiring a therapist for your teen, we encourage you to talk to a professional about your specific concerns.
FAQ About Hiring a Therapist For Teens Near Me
Below are some frequently asked questions about hiring a therapist for your teen:
How much does it cost to hire a therapist for my teen?
The cost of hiring a therapist for your teen will vary depending on the therapist’s fee, the length of therapy, and whether you have insurance.
How do I know if my teen needs to see a therapist?
If you’re not sure whether your teen needs to see a therapist, we recommend talking to your teen’s doctor about your concerns.
How do I find a therapist for my teen?
You can find a therapist for your teen by asking for a referral from your teen’s doctor, researching therapists in your area, or asking for a recommendation from a friend or family member.
What should I look for in a therapist for my teen?
When you’re looking for a therapist for your teen, it’s important to find someone who is a good fit for your teen’s needs.
Make sure the therapist is someone your teen feels comfortable talking to and someone who has experience working with teens.
What if my teen doesn’t want to go to therapy?
If your teen doesn’t want to go to therapy, you can try talking to them about the benefits of counseling or find a therapist who specializes in working with reluctant teens.
You can also ask the therapist for tips on how to get your teen to open up in therapy.
What signs should I look for that indicate my teen needs to see a therapist?
There are many signs that indicate a teen might need to see a therapist, but some of the most common signs include:
=> withdrawing from friends and family
=> changes in eating or sleeping habits
=> mood swings
=> engage in risky behaviors
=> problems at school
If you notice any of these signs in your teen, we recommend talking to their doctor about your concerns.
What states have the highest number of teen therapists?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the number of therapists varies from state to state. However, some states with a high concentration of therapists include:
| 1. California 2. Texas 3. Florida 4. New York 5. Illinois 6. Pennsylvania 7. Ohio 8. Michigan 9. Georgia 10. North Carolina 11. Virginia 12. Washington 13. Massachusetts 14. Indiana 15. Arizona | 16. Tennessee 17. Missouri 18. Maryland 19. Minnesota 20 Wisconsin 21 Colorado 22 Alabama 23 Oklahoma 24 Utah 25 Kentucky 26 Louisiana 27 South Carolina 28 Arkansas 29 New Jersey 30 Nevada |
If you live in one of these states, you may have more options when it comes to finding a therapist for your teen.
What if I can’t afford to hire a therapist for my teen?
There are many resources available to help families who can’t afford to pay for therapy, such as:
=> Medicaid
=> sliding scale fees
=> therapy scholarships
=> free or low-cost therapy services
If you can’t afford to pay for therapy, we encourage you to reach out to a local mental health organization or family resource center for more information.