Overview
If covered by your benefit plan, you are able to invite minor dependents (under 18-years-old). This article explains the process for inviting dependents via the mobile or web app, details eligibility based on company policies, and describes available services like 1:1 care and Family Care Circles. Please note that minors cannot directly access the app and that most sessions are conducted via telehealth.
Minor Dependent Coverage
If your benefit plan includes therapy and minor dependent coverage, you can invite your dependent and request 1:1 services via the Modern Health web or mobile app (iOS / Android). Dependent eligibility is based on your company's coverage details. For example, if your company does not cover dependents under the age of 18, then these dependents would not be eligible for Modern Health services. If your company only offers coaching then you will not be able to submit a therapy request for a minor. Please also note that coaching is only available for members ages 18+.
To invite your minor dependents, you must complete registration and initial onboarding. We have provided additional instructions for inviting your minor dependent to your Modern Health benefit below.
Care Offerings for Minor Dependents
In addition to 1:1 care, Modern Health offers Family Care Circles, many of which, specifically relate to minor dependents. These Circles can be accessed regardless of whether your Modern Health benefit includes coverage for dependents. To view or register for upcoming Family Care Circles, please click here.
Modern Health has a number of digital resources made with children and adolescents in mind. We offer a Meditations for Kids and Teens series for children aged 4-years and up. To explore this series, click here and scroll to the bottom of your page. Secondly, we host a range of Soundscapes for children aged 8-years and up. To explore this content, click here and scroll to the bottom of your page.
How to Invite a Minor Dependent
If your benefit plan includes minor dependent coverage, you can start the process of connecting your dependent with a therapist by adding them to your Family Care via the Modern Health web or mobile app (iOS / Android). Here, you’ll be asked to specify your dependent’s care needs.
After you fill out the questionnaire for your minor dependent, you will be able to connect your dependent with a provider whose expertise aligns with their needs. Once you connect with a therapist who’s a great match for your dependent, you can schedule your dependent’s therapy sessions.
If you notice that your dependent’s therapist(s) are not surfacing on their Care Team in the Modern Health app, one reason may be that you are located in a country where in-app therapy is not currently supported. In this case, while therapy sessions may still be covered by your benefit, your sessions will take place outside of the app using your provider's personal video link.
If the provider does not have their calendar connected to the Modern Health platform, you can coordinate a time for an initial call or session via the Messages feature. To keep track of your dependent’s sessions, you can select View All Sessions on the main page of Family Care. You will not be asked for any payment from the provider unless sessions continue beyond the number of sessions covered by your company benefit.
Note: Modern Health defines dependent eligibility based on how your employer defines “dependent.” Dependent eligibility and coverage will vary based on your employer's care plan with Modern Health. Additionally, most companies offering minor dependent coverage have similar age eligibility requirements. Generally, children are eligible for services at any age if based in the United States, or 13-years-old if based outside of the United States. If you are unsure if you have dependent coverage or how your company defines dependents, please check with your Benefits Team or refer to your company's FAQ.
Important Notes for Dependent Care
Due to COPPA regulations, direct access to the Modern Health app and web application is unavailable for minors under 18-years-old. Due to this, your minor dependents will not be able to create their own Modern Health account. Additionally, you will be in charge of all communication with your dependent’s provider via the Modern Health platform.
At this time most providers in our network only offer sessions via telehealth. While we try our best to accommodate the requests of all Modern Health members, we want to be transparent that we may be unable to match your dependent to a provider who offers in-person sessions.
For young children (ages 0-5), research indicates that parent-focused interventions delivered via telehealth can be beneficial and effective. For this reason, most of our providers in our network who work with young children only offer sessions via telehealth. However, depending on your child's areas of focus, in-person sessions may be most helpful.
If you would like to elaborate on your child's needs, please feel free to reach out to the Care Team by submitting a request at the top right of the browse and our Care Team will do our best to assist you. This information will support our teams to arrange appropriate care for your dependent.
Web App
You can request therapy for your minor dependent via the Modern Health web app. To do so, please follow these steps:
- (Skip this step if you have already taken the onboarding assessment) Log in and select Get care for your family. Move to step 3 after this selection.
- Select your name at the top right-hand corner, then click Invite Dependent.
3. Based on your dependent’s age, click Learn more within the category your dependent falls under.
4. Review your dependent’s benefits. If you would like to add your family member to your Family Care, click Get started.
5. Fill out the forms when prompted. Once your dependent’s eligibility is confirmed, select Start Therapy. You will have a chance to share more about their care needs.
6. Select Continue and browse through the list of therapists for your dependent.
7. Once you choose a therapist, you can view the therapist’s calendar and schedule a session. After you schedule a session, you will have the option to Book another session or Return to family care page.
Mobile App
To invite a minor a dependent via the mobile (iOS / Android) app, please follow these steps:
- (Skip this step if you have already taken the onboarding assessment) Log in and select Get care for your family. You may have to scroll down to view this option. Move to step 4 after this selection.
2. Based on your dependent’s age, tap the category your dependent falls under.
3. Review your dependent’s benefits. If you would like to connect your dependent with a therapist, tap Get started.
4. Fill out the forms when prompted. Once your dependent’s eligibility is confirmed, select Start Therapy. You will have a chance to share more about their care needs.
5. Select Continue and browse through the list of therapists for your dependent.
6. Once you choose a therapist, you can view the therapist’s calendar and schedule a session. After you schedule a session, you will have the option to Book another session or Return to family care page.