The Benefits of Virtual Therapy for Children and Families
In recent years, as the mental health needs of children and families have become more and more prevalent, virtual therapy - also referred to as online therapy and teletherapy - has also become more popular (think of all the ads we see for things like BetterHelp) as a flexible, accessible, and effective way to receive mental health support. Virtual therapy allows families access to address their needs from the comfort of their own home, among a myriad of other benefits.
According to an advisory by the US Surgeon General, 48% of parents feel completely overwhelmed by their day-to-day stress (source) - virtual therapy can provide mental health support in a way that can lessen the day-to-day stress by delivering care to both children and parents that doesn’t disrupt important routines.
In this article, we’ll explore its diverse benefits, from accessibility and privacy to continuity and cost-effectiveness, and highlight why this approach may be ideal particularly for many of today’s busy families.
Virtual Therapy vs. In-Person Therapy
Before diving into the benefits, let’s go into the differences between virtual therapy and traditional, in-person therapy:
Traditional In-Person Therapy:
Takes place in an office
Requires therapist and client to be in the same location
Requires a commute to the therapist’s office
Sessions are confined to an office’s operating hours
Virtual Therapy:
Takes place over video calls or messaging
Therapist and client can be in different locations
Can be done from home or wherever works best for the family’s routine
Sessions can usually be scheduled outside of regular working hours
While both approaches aim to support mental wellness, virtual therapy operates entirely online, typically through video conferencing, phone calls, or even chat-based platforms. Unlike in-person sessions, which require both the therapist and client to be in the same location, virtual therapy providers do not need to be in the same city or in many cases even the same state as their client (with the proper licensing). Virtual therapy also leverages digital tools to make therapy more accessible and adaptable to each family’s needs.
Many families also find that virtual therapy is easier to integrate into daily routines, and that children respond well to interacting with their therapist online through familiar devices and tools. While it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution that will work for every family, virtual therapy does provide a viable and effective option for a wide range of mental health needs.
Benefits of Virtual Therapy
Accessibility and Convenience
One of the most impactful benefits of online therapy is its accessibility. According to the American Association of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 90% of counties in the U.S. have a shortage of mental health specialists for children (source), but wIth virtual therapy, location is no longer a barrier. Families from rural or areas where there are minimal practical ways to seek mental health support for children can connect with therapists without the need for long-distance travel, making virtual therapy a lifeline for families without in-person options.
The convenience of attending sessions from home saves families the extra expenses and hassle of traveling, parking, and waiting that factor into in-person care regardless of location. Remote sessions create more consistency in treatment when attending is as simple as logging into a call from home, which improves the overall quality of care and its outcomes for children and families.
Virtual Therapy is also valuable for families with packed schedules. Between school, work, extracurricular activities, and other responsibilities, many parents find it challenging to carve out time for in-person therapy appointments. Virtual therapy sessions offer the flexibility to fit into a family’s schedule without the need for extensive planning, making it easier to prioritize mental health.
2. Comfort and Familiar Environment
A comfortable environment is crucial for children’s engagement in therapy, and virtual therapy delivers this through the familiarity of home. For many kids, the idea of visiting a therapist’s office can be intimidating, leading to hesitation or reluctance to open up. When therapy takes place at home, children often feel more at ease and may engage more freely with their therapists, even allowing for a deeper connection with their therapist. Sessions at home allow children to show therapists their favorite toys, activities, and the ability to share other aspects of their life that may lead to more effective sessions.
Parents also benefit from virtual therapy sessions at home, because it allows them to observe or participate in sessions when appropriate. This provides a firsthand look into their child’s behaviors and therapeutic progress and enables them to reinforce the work done in therapy outside of sessions, as well.
How a Familiar Environment Supports Progress
Studies suggest that therapy outcomes improve when children feel comfortable in their environment. A familiar setting can ease social anxiety, which may be especially relevant for children dealing with conditions like selective mutism, social anxiety, or sensory processing disorders. Virtual therapy can even be structured around specific household routines, letting therapists observe behaviors that are usually only present in certain contexts, and providing important insights for effective treatment.
3. Anonymity and Privacy
Though mental health awareness has increased over the years, stigma surrounding therapy still exists. For some families, concerns about privacy may cause some hesitation from seeking help, particularly when seeking help in-person. Virtual therapy offers a level of discretion that can be comforting, making it easier for families to prioritize mental health without concern for social stigma or feelings of embarrassment.
With virtual therapy sessions being conducted from home, families can also feel more secure in knowing that their engagement with therapy will remain private. This privacy also encourages more open communication, especially for adolescents and teens who might feel self-conscious and even anxious in a traditional office setting, and who may be concerned about stigma from their peers.
Privacy in Practice
Virtual therapy platforms also take privacy in practice very seriously. They offer secure, encrypted connections to protect client confidentiality. Many go to great lengths to ensure the privacy of both client-facing and internal communications along with HIPAA compliance, giving families peace of mind.
4. Variety of Therapeutic Tools and Approaches
Digital platforms provide an array of tools that can complement and enhance the therapeutic experience, especially for today’s kids who are accustomed to using technology. Therapists delivering virtual care often rely on interactive apps, games, multimedia resources and online worksheets to engage clients and in the way that best suits each child.
Virtual therapy also enables therapists to tailor their approach in providing therapeutic care, leveraging digital features to offer personalized interventions. Therapists might use digital art tools to help creative children express their difficult thoughts and emotions or online games with kids who are drawn to gaming in order to model and reinforce positive behaviors. Children who may be hesitant to open up in a traditional therapy setting may find online exercises more engaging, leading to better participation and progress, and a stronger foundation of trust and connection with their therapist.
Using Tools to Enhance Therapy: An Example
A therapist might use a virtual whiteboard during a session to help map out a child’s feelings, or they could share a mindfulness app that allows the child to practice techniques between sessions. These virtual tools create opportunities for engagement and help children build emotional regulation skills through familiar, interactive experiences.
5. Continuity and Consistency
The continuity of virtual therapy is a key benefit for families. In traditional in-person therapy, logistical issues such as transportation difficulties, inclement weather, or mild illness can easily lead to session cancellations. These interruptions are less likely with virtual therapy, helping families maintain a regular cadence with sessions and ensuring that kids receive the consistent support they need.
For kids especially, consistency is crucial. Progress in therapy often hinges on steady engagement. With virtual therapy, children and families can sustain momentum more easily due to the ease of scheduling and attending sessions. Consistency with therapy builds a solid foundation that ultimately leads to lasting positive changes.
The Role of Consistency in Child Development
Children thrive on routine, and therapy is no exception. Consistent engagement allows kids to build trust with their therapist, a crucial factor for effective therapy. This regularity also helps parents integrate learned tools and strategies into daily life, reinforcing new skills and insights gained from sessions that happen right at home.
6. Cost-Effectiveness
For many families, cost is one - if not the most - significant factor in accessing mental health services. Virtual therapy tends to be more affordable due to lower overhead costs for therapists who don’t need to maintain physical office spaces.
Families also save on travel costs and, in some cases, can find lower session fees for virtual options. The convenience of virtual therapy can further translate into fewer missed work hours for parents.
Many insurance companies now also cover virtual therapy services, making this format more accessible to more families. Cost-effective therapy enables more families to receive the support they need, making mental health more equitable.
Financial Accessibility
Insurance coverage for telehealth has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, with many plans recognizing the value of accessible mental health support. As virtual therapy continues to expand, families may find that insurance providers increasingly cover virtual options.
Challenges and Considerations
While we’ve discussed the many benefits of virtual therapy, it’s important to acknowledge that it may not be ideal for every family’s situation. For example, certain mental health conditions or circumstances may be better suited for in-person therapy, especially if physical presence enhances the therapeutic process.
Families considering virtual therapy should consider how prepared they are technologically: for the full benefits of online therapy, families need reliable internet access, as well as a quiet, private space for joining sessions. Working with a therapist specialized in providing virtual care can help with creating an environment at home that is conducive to virtual therapy.
How To Address Common Challenges
Many children may find it hard to focus on a screen for the entire duration of a session, which could last anywhere from 30 minutes to about an hour. In these cases, therapists often use creative strategies, such as taking breaks or incorporating physical activities, to keep children engaged. Parents can also support virtual therapy by providing a calm, private space for sessions, free from interruptions and potential distractions.
Why you should consider virtual therapy
Virtual therapy offers children and families a flexible, accessible, and private approach to mental health care, making it a valuable resource for those seeking support. Its convenience, continuity, and cost-effectiveness helps families navigate the complexities of modern life while giving them the opportunity to work towards mental wellness.
For those considering therapy, virtual options provide an empowering, adaptable way to support the mental health of both children and families. As with any therapeutic approach, families should consult with professionals to determine if virtual therapy is the best fit for their family’s needs.
