The Bottom Line
TeenCounseling is a solid option for parents seeking online therapy for teenagers aged 13-19. The platform's standout feature is its privacy architecture—teens get their own private space while parents maintain oversight through a separate "parent room." It's particularly effective for teens who feel more comfortable texting than talking, though the lack of medication management is a significant gap for teens with conditions like ADHD.
What Is TeenCounseling?
TeenCounseling is a BetterHelp subsidiary specifically designed for the 13-19 age group. It addresses the unique legal and privacy complexities of treating minors online while offering a communication style that resonates with "digital native" teenagers.
The platform launched to fill a gap in adolescent mental health services—teens who resist traditional office settings often engage better with text-based therapy that feels native to how they already communicate.
Pricing
TeenCounseling costs $65 to $90 per week, billed monthly (approximately $260-$360/month). This is consistent with other BetterHelp family platforms.
Pricing Breakdown
| Weekly Cost | $65 - $90 |
| Monthly Cost | $260 - $360 |
| Insurance Accepted | No |
| HSA/FSA Eligible | Yes |
| Financial Aid | Available (income-based) |
Key Features
Privacy Architecture
This is TeenCounseling's standout feature. The platform creates separate logins for parents and teens:
- Teen's private space: Where actual therapy happens—parents cannot see these conversations
- Parent room: For logistics, scheduling, and therapist communication about general progress
- Safety exception: If a therapist identifies a safety risk (harm to self or others), they will involve parents
This structure addresses a real barrier: teens often won't open up if they think their parents are reading everything.
Communication Modes
- Unlimited text messaging — Asynchronous, available 24/7
- Live video sessions — Scheduled appointments
- Phone calls — For teens who prefer voice
- Live chat — Real-time text conversations
The text-based options are particularly effective for this demographic. Many teens find it easier to express difficult emotions through writing rather than face-to-face conversation.
Therapist Matching
Teens complete an intake questionnaire (with parental consent required for signup), and the algorithm matches them with a licensed therapist. All providers must:
- Be licensed in the teen's state (LCSW, LMFT, LPC, or psychologist)
- Have experience working with adolescents
- Pass background checks
If the match isn't right, teens can switch therapists for free at any time.
What TeenCounseling Doesn't Offer
- No medication management: This is strictly talk therapy. Teens who need psychiatric medication will need to go elsewhere.
- No insurance: Cash-pay only, which can be a significant barrier for families
- No in-person option: Everything is remote
What Users Say
What People Like
- Lowers barriers for therapy-resistant teens
- Text-based interface feels natural for teens
- Privacy controls respected—teens feel safe opening up
- No transportation or scheduling hassles
Common Complaints
- No medication management—significant gap for ADHD/anxiety
- Cost adds up without insurance coverage
- Shares BetterHelp's data privacy concerns
- Some therapists less experienced with adolescent issues
Who Should Consider TeenCounseling
- Parents of teens who resist traditional therapy settings
- Families in areas with limited adolescent therapist availability
- Teens dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship issues
- Teens who communicate better through writing/texting
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Teens who need medication management (ADHD, severe anxiety/depression)
- Families seeking insurance-covered treatment
- Teens with severe mental health conditions requiring intensive care
- Families concerned about BetterHelp's privacy track record
Alternatives to Consider
Talkspace
If you need insurance coverage and psychiatry options for teens
MDLive
If your teen needs psychiatric care—they offer pediatric psychiatry (10+)
Local Providers
If your teen's school offers counseling or your insurance covers in-person therapy
Final Verdict
TeenCounseling fills a real gap in adolescent mental health services. Its privacy-first approach and text-native interface make therapy accessible to teens who might otherwise refuse help. For parents dealing with a teen in crisis or struggling with moderate anxiety/depression, it's a legitimate option.
The main limitation is the lack of psychiatric services. If your teen needs medication—whether for ADHD, severe depression, or anxiety—TeenCounseling alone won't be enough. You'll need to pair it with a psychiatrist or consider a platform like MDLive or Talkspace that offers both therapy and medication management.
At $65-$90/week without insurance, it's a significant investment. But for families who can afford it and whose teens need talk therapy specifically, it's one of the better-designed platforms for this age group.