Why Telehealth Can

Work For Your Child

84% of parents who accessed teletherapy for their child REPORT A POSITIVE experience

78% report significant improvement in their child’s symptoms FOLLOWING teletherapy

What We Know About the Effectiveness of Teletherapy?

 Teletherapy encompasses many different treatment methods, including phone, chat and video conference appointments

 Research supports teletherapy’s effectiveness for a wide range of mental health challenges common in children

 Over 3 out 4 parents who’ve tried teletherapy report seeing a significant improvement in their child’s well-being

 Although the early outcomes are positive, more research is needed on teletherapy treatment for conditions affecting youth populations

Advantages of Teletherapy

While teletherapy isn’t fit for every child and every situation, there are advantages to meeting outside of a traditional office, including:

Convenience

Instead of traveling to their therapist's office, families can access telehealth from their home, school, or workplace–eliminating traditional barriers like limited transportation, long commutes and sickness. Teletherapy appointments can also be scheduled outside of typical office hours, empowering parents to make therapy a priority.

Getting Parents Involved

When parents participate in their child’s mental health treatment, it leads to better outcomes. Teletherapy invites this sort of collaboration by limiting the logistical burden on parents and opening more channels for communication. One study found that dads took part in 95% of digital therapy appointments compared to only 5% of face-to-face visits.

Access to Experts

Teletherapy isn’t limited by the same geographical constraints as traditional therapy. By choosing teletherapy, families immediately expand their access from local providers to experts from across their state. This allows families to access skilled therapists who specialize in their child’s specific concern.

Fewer Missed Appointments

Consistency in therapy leads to better outcomes, but life doesn’t always make it easy. Teletherapy breaks down traditional barriers and leads to more steady care. In one study, psychiatrists who switched from in-person to hybrid care were three times more likely to have all their patients keep their appointments.

The Comfort of Home

Many patients prefer the less-formal environment offered by virtual therapy. Maybe they get to wrap up with their favorite blanket, or have their pet nearby during sessions. Especially for patients with anxiety or autism spectrum disorders, the barrier of a screen can actually be comforting and encourage open communication.

Make it
work

How to Make Teletherapy Work For Your Family:

- Clean Up: Minimize distractions by creating an organized, uncluttered space that helps your child focus on their appointment
- Make it Comfy: One of the benefits of telehealth is enjoying the comfort of your own home. Don’t be afraid to wrap up under your favorite blanket or rock your cozy slippers.
- Set Boundaries: While therapists sometimes recommend parents attend their child’s sessions, it’s important to protect your child’s privacy so they can truly open up with their therapists–especially with older children.
- Plan Internet Use: Ask others to minimize internet use during your child’s session to decrease chances of connection issues.
- Do a Test Run: Test your internet connection and video-conferencing software before the appointment to help things go smoothly when it’s time for the session.
- Get in Position: Situate yourself at a close but comfortable distance from your computer or smartphone so your therapist can clearly see your facial expressions.
- Minimize Sound: Plug in headphones or put a towel under the door to keep sessions private and comfortable.
- Avoid Screens: Turn off your phone and avoid other unrelated screens and apps to keep the focus on the session.
- Keep Fidget Toys: For younger kids, or those who struggle with attention, having a small toy on hand can aid with focus.
- Expect Technical Difficulties: Even with a good internet connection, technical difficulties are bound to occur from time-to-time. Integrate these issues into your expectations to avoid frustration.
- Be Strategic: Is there a time when there won’t be much commotion around the house? Are you available to participate on certain days and not others? If you can, plan your appointment times to suit your family's needs.
- Evaluate What Works: Talk with your child about what went well and what didn’t so you can better plan for your next appointment.
- Communicate with Your Therapist: Discuss your concerns about teletherapy with your child’s therapists and encourage them to do the same.