Online ACT therapy for teens & young adults
Learn to accept hard feelings and live by what matters
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps teens stop fighting difficult thoughts and feelings. Instead, they focus on living according to what's most important to them.
Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.
Covered by insurance · Licensed clinicians · Start within 48 hours
Covered by insurance · Licensed clinicians · Start within 48 hours
teens, & families
ACT for young people, at a glance
Strong results
ACT shows significant improvement for adolescents across anxiety, depression, and chronic pain in peer-reviewed research.
8-20 sessions
Typical course for young people. Mindfulness and values work begin from the very first session.
Ages 12+
Recommended starting age for standard ACT, though adapted versions work with children as young as 7.
What is ACT?
How acceptance and commitment therapy works for young people.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a proven therapy that helps teens be flexible. This means noticing what's happening now, being open to experience, and doing things that matter.
Instead of trying to get rid of hard thoughts and feelings (which usually makes them worse), ACT teaches teens to notice them with curiosity. It teaches them to accept what they can't change and do things that fit their values.
ACT uses stories, exercises, and mindfulness that work well for teens. It helps with identity, purpose, and fitting in.
Evidence-Based
Backed by clinical research and validated outcomes.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a proven therapy that helps teens be flexible. This means noticing what's happening now, being open to experience, and doing things that matter.
Instead of trying to get rid of hard thoughts and feelings (which usually makes them worse), ACT teaches teens to notice them with curiosity. It teaches them to accept what they can't change and do things that fit their values.
ACT uses stories, exercises, and mindfulness that work well for teens. It helps with identity, purpose, and fitting in.
Core ACT processes
The six pillars of psychological flexibility.
Acceptance & Defusion
- Making space for hard feelings without struggling
- Unhooking from thoughts that don't help you
- Seeing thoughts as mind events, not the truth
- Stopping avoidance of uncomfortable feelings
Present Moment & Self-as-Context
- Mindfully noticing what's happening right now
- Flexibly focusing on what matters each moment
- Building a sense of self that's bigger than thoughts
- Noticing what happens without being stuck to it
Values & Committed Action
- Identifying what truly matters to the young person
- Setting goals aligned with personal values
- Taking meaningful action even in the presence of difficulty
- Building patterns of values-consistent behavior
How ACT helps
Evidence-based outcomes for adolescents and young adults.
- Reduces avoiding hard feelings
- Improves flexibility and staying strong
- Lowers anxiety and depression
- Builds a strong sense of self and purpose
- Helps with chronic pain and health worries
- Teaches mindfulness and coping skills for life
Who benefits from ACT
Where ACT has the strongest evidence.
Emotional Challenges
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression and low mood
- Chronic pain and health anxiety
- Perfectionism and academic pressure
Behavioral Patterns
- Avoidance and withdrawal
- Emotional suppression
- Identity and purpose struggles
- Adjustment to chronic illness or disability
Why families choose Emora for ACT
Specialized ACT vs. general providers.
General providers
Therapists trained in ACT with adolescent adaptation expertise
Limited ACT-specific training or certification
Developmentally appropriate metaphors and exercises
Adult ACT applied without age adaptation
Values-based approach that resonates with teens
Generic coping skills without values exploration
Integration with mindfulness and other evidence-based practices
Isolated techniques without the full ACT model
Outcome tracking focused on psychological flexibility
No measurement of psychological flexibility
Get started in minutes
Three simple steps to connect with the right clinician.
- 1
Share what's going on
Tell us about your teen's challenges and what matters to them.
- 2
Verify coverage
See insurance estimates and available appointment times.
- 3
Start therapy
Meet your matched ACT therapist and begin building flexibility.
Frequently asked questions
What parents and young adults ask most about ACT.
Standard ACT usually works for teens 12 and up and young adults. Simpler versions for younger kids have been used with kids as young as 7. Your therapist will match the approach to your teen's age.
CBT focuses on changing your thoughts. ACT focuses on changing how you relate to thoughts. ACT teaches teens to notice and accept hard thoughts without fighting them. Then they focus on actions that matter to them.
No. Acceptance in ACT means acknowledging what's true without unnecessary struggle. It's not giving up. It's an active choice to stop fighting what can't be changed and focus on what matters.
Most teens benefit from 8 to 20 sessions of ACT. Some notice changes in their first few sessions. These skills are made to be practiced and improved your whole life.
Yes. ACT works well with other proven therapies. ACT and exposure therapy work together for anxiety. ACT can help with DBT for trouble managing emotions. Your therapist will create the best mix for your teen.
Real stories of growth
Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.
She is very kind and professional.
Parent of a 17 year old
Aug 10, 2026
Dr. August Alvarado, PhD
Stacey really showed a genuine level of care, patience and interest in my daughter’s health and wellbeing that we have been missing in her ADHD care up to this point. It feels refreshing and hopeful to have someone partner with you to help support, encourage and guide your child in the process. We left feeling assured we are on the same page and my child felt empowered which means so much to me as her mom! We are excited to continue working through this process together.
Parent of a 10 year old
Aug 10, 2026
Stacey Bailey, LMHC
Silas felt seen and listened to by Ms. Thomas. We are both excited to begin this journey!
Parent of an 8 year old
Aug 9, 2026
Jennifer Thomas, LPC-A
It’s refreshing talking to someone who truly cares about my son and his wellbeing. I can’t thank you enough.
An Adult client
Aug 9, 2026
Jamie Blakeman, LCPC
Martha is patient and creates a safe space discussion and promotes positive coping skills.
Parent of an 11 year old
Aug 9, 2026
Martha Mateo, LCSW
It was amazing to feel like I was truly heard and knew that I would be in good hands
Parent of a 16 year old
Aug 9, 2026
Brittany Cherry, LCSWA
I felt super confident with the session and I know what it will be the next steps in the process. I wish I found you before. When you raise a child with disabilities it is important to know how to deal and have the tools to handle it.
An Adult client
Aug 9, 2026
Brittany Cherry, LCSWA
I love how Elsie communicates with my daughter in a way that truly resonates with her. We’ve already seen so much progress in just five sessions. My only regret is that I didn’t start her in therapy sooner. I’m so grateful for Elsie and the positive impact she’s already had.
Parent of a 14 year old
Aug 9, 2026
Elsie Peña, LPC
Very caring and helpful and patient
Parent of a 16 year old
Aug 8, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
Due to this therapy session, I was able to better pinpoint and identify my emotions, as well as brainstorm coping mechanisms for the future and develop a healthier mentality. I felt listened to, and received excellent advice.
An Adult client
Aug 8, 2026
Deann Fossati, LPC-Associate
She is very thorough with concerns such as new medicines, and very personable with teens and their parents
Parent of a 15 year old
Aug 8, 2026
Runako Richardson, PMHNP
My daughter talked about how to socialize. She was more relaxed after the session.
Parent of a 12 year old
Aug 8, 2026
Lisandra Rodriguez, LMHC
Robert Lemus is a perfect fit for our son. Highly recommend. Thank you!
Parent of a 17 year old
Aug 8, 2026
Robert Lemus, LCSW
How he is very understanding and is able to connect.
Parent of a 13 year old
Aug 8, 2026
Antonio Richey, LCSW
My son has been talking with Milton since March and he is now a completely different kid. Milton has helped him learn to be confident in himself and how to deal with his anger and frustration. He definitely knows how to speak and deal with kids. He has great communication with me as well. We are very lucky to have found Milton.
Parent of a 13 year old
Aug 8, 2026
Milton Hernandez, LPC
NP Richardson was really sweet, thorough , and I highly recommend her.
Parent of a 15 year old
Aug 8, 2026
Runako Richardson, PMHNP
Dr. Toni is absolutely fantastic. She is thorough, careful, and compassionate. I truly appreciate everything she did for us.
Parent of a 7 year old
Aug 8, 2026
Dr. Toni Hickman, PsyD
I’ve been having a very high pain day and Maria helped me a lot
An Adult client
Aug 7, 2026
Maria Martinez, RMHCI
Living fully means making room for all of it
ACT teaches young people that a meaningful life includes difficult moments. They gain tools to move forward anyway.
Not sure where to start? Book a clinical matching session.
