The 6 best Sandstone Care alternatives for teens and young adults in 2026

The best Sandstone Care alternatives depend on the care you need. For insured, ongoing outpatient care, Rula offers therapy and psychiatry nationwide, including Medicare in all 50 states and Medicaid in select states. Charlie Health provides virtual intensive outpatient (IOP) support for higher-acuity needs. Grow Therapy is a strong pick if you rely on Medicaid or Medicare coverage.

If you're looking at Sandstone Care alternatives, you probably need teen or young-adult mental health or substance use care, but something doesn't line up. Maybe Sandstone Care isn't in your state, doesn't take your insurance, or offers a level of care that's more or less than what you need.

This guide focuses on choosing insured, outpatient therapy and psychiatry. It compares six Sandstone Care alternatives on levels of care, ages served, insurance (including Medicare and Medicaid), cost, states, and format. If you need medical detox or residential care, start with a facility-based program, then use these options for ongoing or step-down care.

Why do people look for a Sandstone Care alternative?

Sandstone Care has real strengths. It's built specifically for teens and young adults ages 13–35. Its full continuum of care runs from medical detox to residential treatment, day treatment (PHP), and intensive outpatient (IOP).

Its programs use small group sizes, heavy family involvement, and academic and vocational support. Sandstone Care uses evidence-based therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

It also publishes outcomes, including a reported 63% decrease in depression symptoms and 48% decrease in anxiety symptoms among clients who completed treatment.

Still, several real reasons send families and young adults looking for another option:

• Location: Sandstone Care limits in-person care to Colorado, Virginia, and Maryland, so families in other states need a nationwide or virtual option.

• Insurance: Sandstone Care accepts major commercial plans, but not Medicare or Medicaid. If you rely on either one, you'll need another route to in-network care.

• Cost and commitment: Program-based treatment can mean a large out-of-pocket cost and a big time commitment. If you need lower-intensity or ongoing outpatient care, a per-session model may fit better.

• Level of care and age fit: Some people need standard weekly outpatient therapy or psychiatry, not a structured program. Others are older than 35 and don't fit the young-adult model, so a general outpatient provider may serve them better.

The 6 best alternatives to Sandstone Care

This table compares Sandstone Care with the alternatives below on insurance, pricing, services, network, access, and format.

1. Rula — Best for insured, ongoing outpatient therapy and psychiatry

Services offered: Individual, couples, and family therapy; psychiatry and medication management; 24/7 crisis support
Insurance acceptance: Yes, 170 plans; Medicare (all 50 states), Medicaid (select states)
Pricing: ~$15 average copay with insurance; self-pay from $150 per therapy session

Rula is a nationwide network of more than 22,000 licensed providers across 180+ specialties. It offers therapy for ages 5 and up and psychiatry for ages 13 and up.

You verify your insurance and see an estimated copay before booking, then match on preferences like gender, language, and specialty. Appointments are often available the next day, by video, phone, or in-person in most areas.

Rula accepts 170 insurance plans, including Medicare in all 50 states and Medicaid in select states, which makes it accessible for families who rely on public coverage. The platform also includes 24/7 crisis support for urgent situations.

93% of patients reported feeling better about their symptoms, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) handle medication management for ages 13 and up. The trade-off: Rula is outpatient only, with no detox, residential, or IOP.

Rula fits teens and adults who need ongoing, in-network therapy and psychiatry, including support for co-occurring anxiety, depression, and substance use at the outpatient level. It also offers psychiatric care for teens who need medication support.

For a direct side-by-side comparison, see the Rula vs. Sandstone Care guide.

2. Charlie Health — Best for virtual IOP support

Services offered: Virtual intensive outpatient program (group, individual, and family therapy); psychiatry as needed
Insurance acceptance: Yes; Medicaid in select states; Medicare not listed
Pricing: Many clients pay $0 with insurance; copay varies (self-pay in select states)

Charlie Health delivers a virtual IOP for kids, teens, and adults ages 8–64 with more serious or higher-acuity needs. It sits between weekly outpatient therapy and residential care, offering structured daily support without requiring a physical facility.

The intake team responds within hours, and you're matched to a group cohort plus an individual and family therapist. Programming runs about 9–12 hours per week, typically spread across multiple days, and you can start in as little as 24 hours. Sessions are conducted via video, so you can participate from home.

The program includes 24/7 crisis support, but the trade-off is it's time-intensive and isn't for primary substance use disorder that needs detox. Charlie Health also doesn't offer in-person care, so families who prefer face-to-face treatment will need to look elsewhere.

Charlie Health fits teens and young adults, and their families, who need more than weekly therapy but not residential care. Group, individual, and family therapy are all part of the program.

3. Thriveworks — Best for in-person or virtual care at any age

Services offered: Individual, couples, and family therapy; child and teen therapy (ages 0–17); psychiatry and medication management
Insurance acceptance: Yes, 360+ plans; Medicare (most providers); no Medicaid
Pricing: $0–$55 copay with insurance; self-pay $200–$240 initial therapy, $160–$195 follow-up

Thriveworks is a clinician-founded provider with 340+ offices and more than 2,600 clinicians. It offers both in-person and online care across all 50 states, making it accessible whether you prefer face-to-face sessions or the convenience of video appointments.

You browse profiles or call to be matched, and most people start within a week. Appointments are available on nights and weekends, and you can switch providers anytime. The platform accepts 360+ insurance plans, including Medicare with most providers, which gives you flexibility in how you pay for care.

Thriveworks reports that 75% of people with depression or anxiety feel better within three months. Providers use evidence-based approaches like CBT and DBT, and the network includes specialists in trauma, addiction, and family therapy. The trade-off: Thriveworks doesn't work with Medicaid, there's no 24/7 crisis line, and self-pay pricing varies by state.

Thriveworks fits families who want a mix of in-person and virtual therapy and psychiatry for children, teens, and adults. It's a strong option if you value the choice between office visits and telehealth, or if you need evening and weekend availability.

4. Grow Therapy — Best for Medicaid or Medicare coverage

Services offered: Individual, couples, and family therapy; child and adolescent care; psychiatry and medication support
Insurance acceptance: Yes, 125+ plans; Medicare and Medicaid in select states
Pricing: ~$21 average copay with insurance; self-pay $75–$200 per session

Grow Therapy is a nationwide marketplace with more than 26,000 providers across 135+ specialties. It shows transparent, in-network pricing before you book, so you know what you'll pay upfront.

You filter by insurance, specialty, and availability, then book online. Most people are seen in two days or less, and care is available by video or in-person, depending on the provider's availability in your area.

The platform accepts both Medicare and Medicaid in select states, which gives it an edge for families who rely on public coverage. The trade-off: specialty and in-person availability varies by location, so you'll want to confirm your options during the search process.

Grow Therapy fits people who rely on Medicaid or Medicare and want to browse and pick their own provider. It's also a strong choice if you value transparent pricing and the ability to compare multiple providers before committing.

5. LifeStance — Best for established in-person clinics

Services offered: Psychotherapy; psychiatry and medication management; testing and evaluation; some addiction and specialty treatments
Insurance acceptance: Yes; Medicare and Medicaid (varies by state and provider)
Pricing: $22–$36 copay with insurance; self-pay averages ~$210–$434 (range $122–$758 by state)

LifeStance has more than 8,000 clinicians across 550+ clinics in 33 states. It offers in-person and virtual outpatient care for children, adolescents, and adults.

You search by condition, insurance, gender, and language, and staff schedule most people within a week. Standalone psychiatry is available without therapy, which gives you flexibility if medication management is your primary need. The platform also offers psychological testing and evaluation services at select locations.

LifeStance reports 73% clinically significant improvement in depression and 79% in anxiety across a large measurement-based dataset. Providers use evidence-based approaches, and the network includes specialists in trauma, ADHD, and family therapy. The trade-off: it requires a credit card on file, coverage and services vary by location, and there's no 24/7 crisis support.

LifeStance fits people who want an established brick-and-mortar clinic with the option of virtual visits. It's a strong choice if you value the stability of a physical office network or need specialized testing alongside therapy and psychiatry.

6. Talkspace — Best for messaging-based therapy

Services offered: Individual therapy (18+), teen therapy (13–17), couples therapy, psychiatry and medication management
Insurance acceptance: Yes; Medicare and Medicare Advantage; no Medicaid
Pricing: $10-$15 copay with insurance; self-pay subscriptions from $69–$109/week; psychiatry $299 initial evaluation, $175 follow-up

Talkspace is a virtual-only platform built around asynchronous messaging plus live sessions, with more than 6,000 providers. The platform offers individual therapy for adults 18 and up, teen therapy for ages 13–17, couples therapy, and psychiatry with medication management.

You answer a questionnaire, get matched in about 48 hours, then message your provider anytime between scheduled live video sessions. The messaging feature lets you send updates, questions, or reflections throughout the week, and your therapist responds on their schedule. You can switch providers anytime if the fit isn't right.

Talkspace reports that 70% of patients show significant improvement on standardized anxiety and depression measures. The platform accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicare Advantage, which broadens access for older adults. The trade-off: the messaging-first format doesn't suit everyone, there's no in-person option, and no Medicaid.

Talkspace fits teens ages 13 and up and adults who want flexible, messaging-based therapy with optional psychiatry. It's a strong choice if you value the ability to reach out between sessions or prefer a mix of asynchronous and live support.

What levels of care do these alternatives offer?

Level of care means the intensity of treatment, from weekly outpatient therapy up through IOP, PHP, residential, and medical detox. Matching that intensity to the need is what keeps care effective and safe.

Here's the key difference: only Sandstone Care offers the full continuum, including detox and residential. Among the alternatives, only Charlie Health offers a structured IOP, while the rest focus on standard outpatient therapy and psychiatry.

Here's how each option breaks down:

• Sandstone Care: Detox, residential, PHP, and IOP.

• Charlie Health: Virtual IOP, plus psychiatry as needed.

• Rula: Outpatient therapy and psychiatry, plus 24/7 crisis support.

• Grow Therapy: Outpatient therapy and psychiatry.

• LifeStance: Outpatient therapy and psychiatry, plus testing and some specialty and addiction treatments.

• Thriveworks: Outpatient therapy and psychiatry.

• Talkspace: Outpatient therapy and psychiatry (virtual).

Which alternatives accept Medicaid and Medicare?

Medicare covers adults 65 and older, plus some younger people with disabilities. Medicaid covers many low-income individuals and families. Sandstone Care accepts neither.

Here's where each alternative stands:

• Rula: Medicare in all 50 states; Medicaid in select states.

• Grow Therapy: Medicare and Medicaid in select states.

• LifeStance: Medicare and Medicaid, which varies by state and provider.

• Thriveworks: Medicare, but no Medicaid.

• Talkspace: Medicare, including Medicare Advantage, but no Medicaid.

• Charlie Health: Medicaid in select states; Medicare not listed.

How do you choose the right Sandstone Care alternative?

These Sandstone Care alternatives all focus on insured, outpatient care. The best choice comes down to the level of care you need, your insurance, the person's age, and the format you want. Anyone who needs medical detox or residential care should start with a facility-based program first.

• Need medical detox or residential care: Sandstone Care or another facility-based program is the right starting point, and the alternatives here are for outpatient or step-down care.

• Need intensive support short of residential: Charlie Health offers a structured virtual IOP for teens and young adults.

• Need ongoing outpatient therapy and psychiatry: Rula and Grow Therapy pair therapy with psychiatry and medication management in-network, and Rula adds 24/7 crisis support.

• Rely on Medicaid or Medicare: Rula, Grow Therapy, and LifeStance have the broadest coverage.

• Supporting a teen: Rula, Thriveworks, LifeStance, and Talkspace all offer teen therapy, and you can involve the family where it helps.

• Focused on substance use at the outpatient level: Look for providers with addiction specialties who offer therapy for substance use.

Before you commit, verify your insurance and copay, confirm the provider treats the specific condition and age, and check booking availability.

Frequently asked questions about Sandstone Care alternatives

What's the difference between outpatient therapy, IOP, and residential care?

Outpatient therapy is the least intensive level, usually weekly sessions. An intensive outpatient program (IOP) adds several structured hours of group and individual care each week.

Residential care is the most intensive, with 24-hour support in a live-in setting. The right level depends on how much structure and support the situation calls for.

Does online therapy work as well as in-person care?

For many conditions, yes: research finds telehealth is comparable in effectiveness to in-person care for anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and PTSD in adults. In-person or higher-intensity care may still be better for detox, residential needs, or complex cases.

Can teens and young adults get therapy and medication in one place?

Yes. Rula, Grow Therapy, LifeStance, Thriveworks, and Talkspace all combine therapy and psychiatry, so a teen can see a therapist and a prescriber who stay coordinated. Charlie Health includes psychiatry as part of its IOP when needed. Psychiatry often starts at age 13, while therapy may be available for younger children, so check each platform's age minimums.

Which platforms offer the fastest appointment availability?

Rula often has next-day appointments available, and you can verify your insurance and book online in minutes. Charlie Health can start its virtual IOP in as little as 24 hours. Grow Therapy typically schedules people within two days, while Thriveworks and LifeStance usually get you in within a week.

Find care with Rula

Rula makes it easy to confirm your insurance and see an estimated cost before you book. You can match with a provider based on preferences like gender, language, and specialty. Then choose video, phone, or in-person care in select areas.

Rula brings therapy for ages 5 and up, psychiatry and medication management for ages 13 and up, and 24/7 crisis support together in one network. If you're ready for ongoing, in-network care, you can get started with Rula today.