Therapy for teens costs $60 to $150 per session on average if not covered by insurance, with prices in major metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles reaching up to $250 per session. Most sessions last 45 to 60 minutes, and prices depend on the therapist's experience. Some therapists offer packages of 10 to 12 sessions at a slightly discounted rate, while others charge sliding-scale rates based on your income.

The average cost of therapy with insurance is $20 to $60 per session for the copay. Check your insurance plan for coverage details.

Online therapy costs $50 to $110 per week for a membership plan. Online therapy websites pair you with a licensed therapist or counselor who provides therapy via text messaging, email, online chat, or live video sessions. Some teens prefer online therapy over in-person therapy because it uses communication formats they're already familiar and comfortable with.

A therapist can help your teen with emotional and behavioral challenges relating to:

• Low self-esteem
• Academic struggles
• Family problems
• Friendships and social challenges
• Gender or sexual identity
• Bullying
• Drug or alcohol use
• Depression, anxiety, or stress
• ADHD, OCD, or eating disorders

Teenagers often face problems they can't cope with alone. A therapist can provide guidance, teach your teen coping techniques and problem-solving skills, and give your teen a safe place to express their feelings.

Consider taking your teen to see a therapist if you notice any of these signs:

• Changes in eating or hygiene
• Behaviors or emotions that interfere with their ability to function socially or academically
• Isolation or withdrawal from friends, family, or favorite activities
• Feelings of sadness, anxiety, worry, hopelessness, anger, or irritability
• Sudden drop in school grades
• Trouble concentrating or remembering things
• Destructive behavior
• Self-destructive activity, such as hair-pulling, skin-picking, or cutting

A licensed therapist can give a mental health diagnosis in all states except Maine Indiana. However, the therapist typically must refer your teen to a psychiatrist or other medical doctor if the condition requires medication. Schedule an appointment for your teen with a therapist near you if you have concerns about ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.

Most therapists recommend starting with one session per week. However, severe issues may require more frequent sessions in the early stages. After your teen's first session, the therapist will recommend a schedule that will provide the most benefit.

The timeframe for therapy varies depending on your teenager's current state, personal experiences, and the challenges they are facing. Every teenager is unique. Some issues require only a few sessions, while others require more extensive treatment.

Some teens may experience improvement within a few weeks of beginning therapy, while others may require several months or more of treatment. You and your teen should discuss their progress with the therapist at regular intervals to determine if more sessions are needed or any changes should be made to the treatment plan.

When seeking therapy or mental health care for your teenager, follow these tips:

• Choose a therapist who specializes in treating adolescents.
• Ask your medical provider for recommendations.
• Read therapist reviews on Thervo and Google.
• Confirm the therapist is licensed to practice in your area.
• Schedule an initial session with the therapist to make sure their personality and treatment style is a good fit for your teen.

Ask these questions to help you find a therapist who is the best fit for your teen:

• How long have you been practicing?
• What are your certifications?
• Do you specialize in therapy for teens?
• What therapy style or modalities do you practice?
• What is your philosophy as a therapist?
• What does a typical session look like?
• Are you more directive or guiding as a counselor?
• Do you give your clients homework or reading assignments?
• How do you determine success in therapy?
• What is your success rate in treating past clients with these issues?
• Will you see my teen if they run into problems between sessions?