Mental health conditions can affect how children manage their emotions, behave, and learn at school or home. Anxiety, depression, trauma, attention issues, and behavioral challenges are more common in children than many parents realize. Online Therapy gives kids access to professional mental health support from the comfort of home, making it easier to get help early. Therapy can help children develop healthy coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and build confidence in a safe, supportive environment.
With the rise of telehealth in the United States and Canada, online therapy for kids has become a convenient and accessible option for families. Virtual therapy allows children and teens to receive professional support without long wait times, travel, or scheduling challenges.
This guide explores the best online therapy programs for kids, different types of child therapy, common therapy techniques, signs your child may need therapy, costs, and how to choose the right provider for your family.
A Quick Look at the Best Online Therapy for Kids
Best for fast matches with a therapist → Talkspace
Best for smaller budgets → TeenCounseling
Best for younger children → Amwell
Best for specialist therapists → Synergy eTherapy
Best for CBT → Online-Therapy.com
Best for in person sessions → Thriveworks
Best for psychiatrists → Doctor on Demand
Best free service → 7 Cups
Why Online Therapy for Kids Is Growing in the USA and Canada
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 children in the United States has a diagnosed mental, developmental, or behavioral disorder. Yet only a small percentage receive professional mental health support.
The World Health Organization also reports that many children and teens worldwide do not seek help despite experiencing emotional or psychological challenges.
Online therapy helps bridge this gap by offering:
- Easier access to licensed therapists
- Flexible scheduling for busy families
- Lower costs compared to in person therapy
- Privacy and comfort for children at home
- Access to specialists regardless of location
For parents searching for affordable child therapy, online counseling for kids, or virtual therapy for teens, digital platforms can be an effective solution.
Types of Child Therapy Used Online
When choosing an online therapy program, it’s important to understand the different therapeutic approaches offered.
Psychodynamic Therapy
This approach focuses on unconscious thoughts and emotional patterns that influence behavior. Therapists help children explore feelings, past experiences, and recurring emotional responses.
Behavior Therapy
Behavior therapy is based on the idea that behaviors are learned and can be changed. Therapists reinforce positive behaviors and work to reduce harmful or disruptive ones.
Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive therapy helps children recognize negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier, more realistic thinking. It is commonly used to treat anxiety and depression in kids.
Humanistic Therapy
Humanistic or person centered therapy emphasizes empathy, self worth, and emotional safety. The therapist provides support while helping the child explore their feelings and experiences.
Common Child Therapy Techniques
Parent Child Interaction Therapy
Parent child interaction therapy focuses on improving the parent child relationship. Therapists coach parents in real time to help manage behavior and strengthen emotional bonds.
Child Centered Play Therapy
Play therapy allows children to express emotions through toys, art, and imaginative play. It is especially effective for younger children who may struggle to verbalize feelings.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT teaches children how thoughts influence feelings and behavior. Trauma focused CBT is often used for children who have experienced loss or traumatic events.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy helps teens with intense emotions, self harm thoughts, or impulsive behaviors. It combines mindfulness, emotional regulation, and coping strategies.
Applied Behavioral Analysis
Applied behavioral analysis is commonly used for autistic children. It focuses on reinforcing positive behaviors and improving communication and daily living skills.
Group Therapy
Group therapy helps children learn social skills, emotional regulation, and resilience through peer interaction.
Family Therapy
Family therapy focuses on communication patterns and relationships within the family system, helping everyone work together more effectively.
The 8 Best Online Therapy Programs for Kids
Best for Fast Matches With a Therapist: Talkspace
Price: From $69 to $129 per week
Talkspace offers online therapy for teens aged 13 to 17. Kids can message therapists anytime and attend live video sessions. Matching usually happens within 48 hours.
Pros
- Unlimited messaging
- Multiple communication options
- Psychiatry services available
Cons
- Not available for children under 13
- No financial aid without insurance
Best for Smaller Budgets: TeenCounseling
Price: From $60 to $90 per week
TeenCounseling provides affordable online counseling for teens aged 13 to 19. Parents and teens have separate communication spaces with the counselor.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Multiple communication options
- Parent involvement supported
Cons
- No psychiatry services
- Insurance not accepted
Best for Younger Children: Amwel
Price: From $109 to $129 per session
Amwell offers therapy for children aged 10 and older. Parents can choose therapists and use insurance coverage.
Pros
- Accepts many insurance plans
- Telemedicine and mental health in one platform
Cons
- Not available for kids under 10
Best for Specialist Therapists: Synergy eTherapy
Price: From $100 to $200 per session
Synergy eTherapy connects families with therapists specializing in trauma, anxiety, and family conflict.
Pros
- Reduced rate options available
- Access to niche specialties
Cons
- Higher cost in some states
Best for CBT: Online-Therapy.com
Price: From $50 to $110 per week
Online-Therapy.com focuses exclusively on CBT. It includes worksheets, journaling, and guided exercises.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Structured CBT tools
Cons
- Only CBT offered
- Limited live sessions
Best for In Person Sessions: Thriveworks
Price: From $60 to $130 per session
Thriveworks offers both online and in person therapy for kids of all ages and accepts many insurance plans.
Pros
- In person option available
- Insurance accepted
Cons
- Monthly membership fee
Best for Psychiatrists: Doctor on Demand
Price: From $129 to $229 per session
Doctor on Demand provides therapy and medication management with licensed psychiatrists.
Pros
- Medication management available
- Wide therapist selection
Cons
- Expensive without insurance
Best Free Service: 7 Cups
Price: Free for listeners, $150 per month for therapy
7 Cups offers free emotional support through trained listeners and paid therapy options.
Pros
- Free support available
- 24/7 chat access
Cons
- Free service not provided by licensed therapists
When Does a Child Need Therapy
A child may benefit from therapy if they experience:
- Persistent sadness or anxiety
- Sudden behavioral changes
- Social withdrawal
- Trouble sleeping or eating
- Academic struggles
- Low self esteem
- Thoughts of self harm
Younger children may show signs such as clinginess, bedwetting, irritability, or excessive fear.
How to Explain Therapy to a Child
Parents should explain therapy in simple, age appropriate language. Younger children may understand therapists as “feelings helpers,” while older kids should be involved in choosing the therapist and schedule.
