For many teens who are teen, the idea of sitting in a therapist’s office and pouring out their feelings to an outsider isn’t the best idea. However teen online therapy sessions may be a good idea.
Since the rise of telehealth since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic psychotherapy has evolved to meet the demands of a new generation. The concept of virtual therapy has been around for many years, but the latest technological advances have provided new opportunities for professionals such as clinical social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists to offer remote services for mental health.
Online therapy is here and will stay, however, many parents wonder whether online therapy is an appropriate option for their teenagers. It doesn’t matter if you’re using different online therapy platforms or transitioning from in-person therapy, here’s all you need to know about internet therapy for teens.
What signs and mental health symptoms should you watch out for?
Each mental health issue is unique, and symptoms can vary from person to one. With that said, all mental health conditions affect thoughts, emotions, and behavior. If you’re debating whether to begin a conversation with your teen, here are some signs and symptoms to keep an eye on.
Unexpected interruptions to their lives routines, routines and relationships. Everybody experiences “bad days” from time to time If your teen is struggling with everyday tasks, it’s important to pay attention. Depending on your teen’s daily activities, this could appear like issues with friendships with family and relatives, poor academic performance as well as personality changes, or lack of motivation.
Anxiety that is excessive. The anxiety is an expected reaction to stressful or frightening situations. It’s normal for teenagers to feel anxious prior to major exams, deadlines, and sporting events. However, if the amount of anxiety and stress appears in excess of the danger, it’s time to be attentive. If your teen experiences anxiety attacks, is constantly concerned, or is constantly undergoing intrusive thoughts (obsessions) or behavior (compulsions) it is possible that they have a diagnosable anxiety disorder.
Depression. Everyone feels “down” at time, and especially when setbacks take place. If your teenager experiences a persistent low mood, energy levels, self-esteem issues, or suicidal thoughts, talk to a mental health professional.
Substance abuse. Watch out for behavior changes that may be due to drug use. Teenagers are at risk of abusing substances like marijuana, alcohol and psychedelic drugs prescription medicines, or other substances. Substance abuse can also be a result of use of prescription drugs or prescription medications.
School performance is affected. Teens may have issues with academic work–and that’s normal. However, if your teenager typically has high marks but starts having trouble, there might be an underlying mental health issue that is to cause. If academic issues persist A licensed therapist will aid your child in identifying the root of the problem.
Acute or chronic stress. If children experience trauma, violence, or abuse at home, they’re more likely experience acute or prolonged stress. The condition known as post-traumatic stress (PTSD) often involves flashbacks, panic, as well as repeated thoughts about the trauma incident. Psychotherapy can assist your teen deal with the trauma so that they can heal.
What online therapy options can aid your teen?
The use of virtual teen therapy can help teens understand their mental health, master how to live their lives and help them manage their issues. If you’re considering the pros and cons of using online counseling and traditional therapy Here are some of the reasons why teletherapy could be the best choice for you teenager.
Teens are more comfortable using the internet. The majority of teens enjoy online chat so accessing psychotherapy through the internet can be more relaxing as opposed to talking with a therapist face-to-face. The virtual therapy option will help your teenager engage with the process of healing and enhance their life quality, and work toward their goals in a safe and comfortable setting.
Teletherapy is more comfortable. For the majority of parents and teens that are online, this is the most convenient choice. It’s not necessary to worry about the commute to the therapy center, and your teen doesn’t have to disrupt their daily routine to make appointments with a therapist. For teenagers living in rural areas , or those who don’t have transport, appointments online allow an easier access to high-quality medical care. A lot of online therapists offer evening and weekend appointments.
There’s less stigma associated with therapy. Teens can be ashamed of therapy and they may be worried that they’ll be exposed to their peers if they’re going to therapy. Online counseling and other telehealth services can allow your teenager to get treatment in the comfort of their own home which means they won’t need to worry about awkward interactions or anxious waiting rooms.
Virtual therapy can be a more affordable option. Some online therapy platforms offer cheaper mental health services in comparison to conventional therapy. At Charlie Health, we’re proud to offer affordable online therapy. We have partnered with major insurance plans such as Medicaid which means that your child is able to access treatment for mental health without breaking the bank.
If your child requires additional support beyond traditional face-to-face therapy IOPs, or intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) could provide more care.
Can online therapy be effective in teens’ mental health?
Studies have proven that online therapy can be an effective treatment for a wide range of issues, including major depression, panic disorder, as well as bipolar disorders. Teenagers are typically open to working with therapists by using computer-based therapy, through mobile applications, live chat texts therapy, video sessions.
According to a 2016 study that was conducted in 2016, 72 percent of teenagers indicated that they would seek online therapy if they were experiencing mental health challenges. Moreover, 32 percent said they would prefer online therapy over face-to-face therapy sessions.
If you’re thinking about online therapy for your child, or you’ve observed signs of mental health issues, start by talking to your child’s doctor. Because certain mental health issues can mimic physical health conditions, it’s important to determine if there are any other health problems that might contribute to the symptoms.
The healthcare professional who treats your teenager can guide you on whether online therapy is a viable alternative based on your teenager’s specific requirements. If your teenager is suffering from an extremely serious mental health issue or your doctor has concerns about safety risks, online therapy may not be the best option. If, for instance, your child is depressed, your healthcare provider could recommend an inpatient program for immediate help.
If your child’s doctor recommends the use of online therapies for your teen, you have the approval to begin researching online therapists. Similar to any other kind of treatment, you’ll need to consider your child’s opinions as well as their desires, needs and preferences when making a final provider choice. According to the American Psychological Association (APA) therapy is a collaborative process between your teen and their therapist. In turn, their investment and interest can make a significant difference on their overall mental wellbeing outcomes.
How can you find the perfect online therapy service?
Locating the best therapist can seem overwhelming It doesn’t have to be. When you choose Charlie Health, you don’t need to spend hours scrolling through online therapy sites or reading directories of psychologists, or comparing subscription plans. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying an online therapy program for the first time, or trying to find the best online therapist for your child we’re here for you to help you find the right fit for your child and family.
If you’re looking to reach for assistance from a professional Our admissions team will be available to answer your questions. After you learn more the details of our service, we’ll schedule an appointment for a consultation with a clinician to learn about the particular concerns your teen has. After that, we’ll develop the treatment plan to provide individualized mental health support.
Based on the consultation you have with us, we’ll assign a primary therapy provider who is specifically trained to meet the needs of your teenager’s treatment. Your online therapist will provide support throughout the entire treatment process, from admission through aftercare. We’ll also link your teen to highly-curated group support for peers with similar backgrounds.
The practice of psychotherapy (talk therapy) can assist your teenager come up with solutions that will improve their mental well-being. Our IOP offers access to a variety of proven therapeutic methods such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which means that your teenager can receive comprehensive mental health support.
Our skilled mental health specialists can guide and guide your child on their path to mental health through sustainable healing, follow-up plan, and ongoing help with their mental health. We believe that everyone is capable of improving their mental well-being and achieving their goals in therapy. Sometimes, it’s all it takes only a gentle push in towards the direction of improvement.