Does Online Therapy Work?
Online therapy services were being offered for several years before the 2020-2021 pandemic. Since then, online therapy has grown rapidly to meet the protective health guidelines during the pandemic. This means that e-therapy services have become more available for families and their teens living with the added stressors brought on by Covid-19.
This blog discusses the various types of online therapy, including those offered here at Mindful Healing. We’ll also discuss if online therapy for teens really works, the benefits it may offer your teen and you, and the important matter of insurance payment.
The Types of Online Therapy Services
For anyone who was not all that familiar with online health and therapy services, the pandemic has created an eye-opening experience. That includes:
Telehealth which includes a broad array of services, such as meeting with a healthcare provider, a physical therapist, a dental health practitioner, or a mental health counselor.
Therapy sessions can be held:
Face-to-face, as in a Zoom or other video meeting
By phone
Individually or in groups
Other therapy services are:
Touching base via email, Skype, or other messaging service
Reading blogs, like those on this site, to learn about tips for supporting your teen, or gaining some insights for yourself
Being part of a closed group in which people support and encourage each other
Online Therapy Benefits
You know about your teen’s online practices and both its positives and negatives. Because social media’s influences are so varied, parents may hesitate when thinking about online therapy. The good news is that online therapy has benefits, including those for adolescents. This certainly offers some comfort. More specifically, online therapy for teens as:
Your teen will be comfortable since e-therapy occurs in an environment they use a lot!
This was reported in 2019 by researchers in Australia who observed that meeting on a social network platform provided adolescents with support for their mental well-being amidst family challenges.
There have been other studies that suggest the benefits of online therapy for teens participating in interventions for depression and anxiety.
It alters the dynamic and potential stigma of being with a therapist.
Online therapy can fit into a busy day of studies and home and other responsibilities.
These services are now underwritten by a number of health insurers.
Please note that online therapy services are continuing to evolve.
It’s wise to check with your health insurer to learn what they offer and what, if any, limitations are associated with e-therapy.
How Will I Know the Best Online Therapy Service for My Teen?
You want to ensure that your teen has the best and safest therapy services available. That applies to in-person counseling with some added considerations when therapy is provided online.
First, you want to be sure that the therapist is a good match for your teen.
That means not relying on a search engine to find the best in a national pool of many, many counselors.
Screen for online therapy services that your teen can relate to as well as one that serves your child’s unique needs.
It is beneficial to seek out online therapy services that are attuned to your community and particular social circumstances.
Seek out e-therapy services that are open to engaging your teen by having a variety of interventions.
One may even be engaging teens enrolled in the program in design and/or feedback loops to meet adolescents’ interests.
This meets the findings of a review study that noted the value of programs having dialogue support that is appealing to teens.
At the same time, you want to assure that your needs as a parent are being met, such as:
The option to participate in group sessions with your teen or with other parents.
Working with a counseling service that is open to exploring innovative and safe e-therapy options with you.
Services that clearly provide information about confidentiality and how they ensure HIPAA regulations are met, including for their online services.
Mindful Healing LLC provides you and your teen with a variety of counseling and coaching services, including tele-therapy options. We want you to feel comfortable with the setting as that helps your teen and you to make the most of each session. Our schedule includes some evening and Sunday hours, assuring you options that match your availability.
