For many teens who are teenagers, sitting in a therapist’s office to talk about their emotions isn’t exactly appealing. However, talking to an online therapist might seem like a bad idea.
Parents often wonder about whether the internet is could be a good idea. There’s evidence to suggest that speaking with a qualified mental health professional via the internet can be beneficial for teenagers.
It’s crucial to inform yourself on the risks and ensure that your child is suitable for online therapy prior to beginning treatment.
Online therapy for teens can be called by different names, like online counseling, e-therapy or the field of telepsychology. As the name implies it allows individuals to talk with a therapy therapist online instead of having a face-to-face session in an office.
Therapists can communicate using text messages, mobile application, email, or even a particular website. Some therapists utilize video chat and others use text messages to communicate.
Therapy online can be utilized as a complement to face-to-face therapy, or utilized as an alternative. A lot of people do not meet their online therapist in person.
Studies show that online therapy is Effective
Research has shown that teenagers are more likely to accept working with therapists who use computers, texts and mobile apps as well as on the internet through video chat. The quality and quantity of research available on the efficacy of each method However, the results are not uniform.
A few highlights of the research that has been conducted suggests teens could gain from online tools to get access to mental health services.
For instance, a 2016 study of teenagers in Australia discovered that 72% of teens indicated that they would seek online therapy in the event of an issue with their mental health. 32% of them said they would prefer online therapy over face-to-face sessions.
In a study conducted in 2015 teens in a study said that they would prefer online therapy to discuss sensitive topics like sexuality. But for other concerns (such as bullying, conflict with peers, and general advice) the majority of teens in the study indicated that they would prefer face-to-face therapy.
The year 2017 saw a team of researchers from Quebec examined the efficacy of therapy using text messages for Canadian teens. Teens responded well the use of text messages for communication but the therapists who participated in the study said it was harder to deal with complex mental health issues than face-to-face sessions.
A study that was published within the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology in 2016 revealed that, while further research is required the growing number of online therapy programs available to teens and children indicates the efficacy of these treatments.
However there are some online ways of providing therapy services that are being investigated don’t even require human counselors. In a study from 2017 researchers assessed the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral therapy application known as Woebot for young adults suffering from signs of anxiety and depression.
A majority of participants who participated in the study said that the use of Woebot was enjoyable and provided an increase in emotional understanding. However, they also acknowledged that the app’s technical shortcomings could cause frustration.
Potential Benefits
There are a variety of reasons you should think about the possibility of online therapy for your teenager in lieu of traditional therapy.
Teens are at ease with the internet. The majority of teens love online chat and therefore therapy on the internet can be more relaxed than speaking to an therapist face-to-face.
Therapy online can be more efficient. Therapy online can cut down on time since you don’t need to travel to the therapy center. For teenagers who live in areas that are rural or who aren’t able to travel online appointments can provide an easier way to access therapy.
There’s less stigma associated with it. Teens often feel embarrassed going to a therapist, and might be afraid that their friends will discover that they’re being treated. Therapy online can alleviate many of these concerns.
It could be cheaper. The cost of online therapy could be less than in-person therapy, so it could be less expensive.
Potential disadvantages
There are a few drawbacks parents must consider prior to taking a teenager to online therapy. Here are a few possible disadvantages
Issues with technology could cause problems. If your internet is down and you are unable to reach the therapy. Specific software programs designed for keeping confidential information private could be complex.
Insurance companies may not provide coverage for the cost of online therapy. While your insurance provider may pay for in-person therapy, you might not be covered for the use of telehealth.
Face-to-face interaction can hinder the treatment. Mental health professionals can learn many things through watching someone’s body language. If your teenager is communicating via emails, the counselor will not be able to discern the body language of your teenager or observe the tone of the voice of your teenager. While video communications might be more effective but it’s not a substitute for face-to-face interactions.
The written expressions of your teen might be not up to scratch. The internet requires your teenager to be capable of reading and retaining details from their therapist. Additionally, they must be able to communicate effectively through text. Teens who struggle with writing communication will not be a good candidate to undergo online counseling.
The referral to other services could be more challenging. The therapist you choose to work with may not reside in your area and might not have knowledge of local services available in your area. This could cause problems when the therapist is thinking of sending referrals to other local sources, such as a psychiatrist or support group.
Boundaries may get blurred. Texting online or chatting messages could cause your teenager to view the mental health professional more as a friend rather than an actual service provider. Uncertain boundaries can cause confusion regarding the role of the therapist.
Things to Think About Before Signing Your Teen’s Name
If your teenager is a fan of therapy online doesn’t mean that it’s an ideal choice. It is important to consider the advantages and risks carefully.
Before you decide to seek an online therapy program for your teenager Ask the following questions regarding the service you’re thinking of using.
Are they licensed? If someone claims that he offers online therapy doesn’t suggest that they’re licensed as a mental health professional. There are numerous people who claim to be mental health professionals, however they’re not licensed. Online mentors, life coaches, or those who offer advice could not have the proper education.
Are online therapies the most effective alternative? It’s not suitable for all situations. If your child is engaged in dangerous behavior, such as alcohol use or are contemplating self-harm or suicide, in-person therapy is better.
What is the best way to keep information private? Health professionals must ensure that the information private. Therefore, it’s crucial to inquire what procedures are in place to ensure that your child’s private information isn’t compromised.
What are the terms of payment? Online therapists set their own payment methods. Some allow clients to pay monthly fees for unlimited email, while others offer video sessions that are priced at an hourly rate. Be sure to know the cost of your treatment and the method you’ll be charged before you begin treatment.
What can I do to be involved in the treatment process? Although your child should have access to private conversations with the therapist, without having you present, it is important to understand how you can help your teenager’s efforts. In the traditional office it is possible for you to be present.
What is the procedure for keeping records? Find out the method used by the therapist to keep records. Each therapy session will be recorded? Do notes from therapy be provided to the physician who is treating you on request? A good online therapist will be capable of providing details on how the data will be stored and recorded.
How can the therapist deal with crises? Therapy online can be difficult when there is a crisis. Find out what your therapist would do in the event of an emergency, for instance whom should the therapist call when your teenager said that she was contemplating suicide?
Where do I begin?
If you’re considering online therapy for your teenager, or suspect that your child is suffering from mental illness, begin by speaking with the doctor of your teenager. It is important be sure to exclude any other underlying health conditions that could contribute to mental health issues that could be a cause for concern.
The doctor of your teen can inform you on whether online therapy is an appropriate alternative based on your teenager’s requirements. If your child has an illness that is serious to their mental health, or if the doctor is concerned regarding safety concerns, therapy online might not be the most appropriate alternative.
If your doctor believes that online therapy might benefit your child, you should contact your health insurance provider. Find out if online therapy is covered by your insurance and inquire if they have any preferred providers.
Talk to your teenager regarding online therapy. Discuss the possible advantages as well as disadvantages of having a therapist face-to-face or online.
Consider your teenager’s opinions to be considered. Whatever treatment your child receives the amount of time she invests and her interest in the process will make a an enormous difference in how successful the treatment will be.
