Online Therapy for Teens: Finding Help Right Where You Are

When you’re in a pinch, you want and need help right then and there, and not later. Our culture and society are predicated upon convenience and getting things when we want them, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing at all times and in all circumstances. If you’re struggling, for instance, getting help sooner than later can literally be a lifesaver.

One of the realities and benefits of our current age is that most of us have access to resources online. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this, making it a new norm to interact with others via a screen. Online meetings, doing school or working remotely, and interacting virtually have become the way things are done, changing things forever. It also increased options for online counseling.

Understanding Online Therapy for Teens

Online therapy for teens is one of several ways that a teen can receive the mental health support they need. This form of therapy, which is sometimes referred to as teletherapy, is counseling that’s delivered to a teen from the comfort of their home. This is done on and through various platforms such as instant chat or messaging, emails, or video calls.

When a teen needs counseling, they can choose to do it using an online platform. Online therapy is offered by school or community programs that have relationships or are affiliated with certain mental health professionals. Licensed therapists or counselors who are qualified and certified to provide services to teens provide their services through online platforms so that the teen doesn’t have to physically come for sessions.

Online therapy works much the same as in-person therapy, and it has distinct advantages of its own. The counseling process is much the same: an initial contact and assessment to determine needs, goals, as well as a good fit between the teen and their prospective counselor. Then there will be regular sessions to address their concerns, and opportunities along the way to review progress and make changes and tweaks to the therapeutic approach.

Making Use of Online Therapy for Teens

Online therapy helps address varied concerns. The wide array of concerns that can be addressed using online therapy includes issues such as test anxiety and study-related stress, or dealing with issues of trauma and grief, loss, and recovery from abuse. If a teen is experiencing issues in their social circle, like being bullied, issues with their friends, sibling conflict, or being at loggerheads with their parents, online therapy also addresses this.

If a teen is coming face-to-face with mental health issues like chronic stress, major depressive disorder, or anxiety and anxiety disorders, online therapy is a viable option for support. Also, behavioral challenges such as anger management, engaging in risky behaviors like gambling or experimenting with substances, or being impulsive, are all situations in which a teen can make use of online therapy.

Some strong arguments can be made in favor of using online therapy, not only on its own merits, but when considered against the alternative of in-person therapy. For one thing, online therapy can allow for greater accessibility. It’s ideal for teens who live in areas that are underserved in terms of having trained and licensed mental health professionals.

Online therapy also allows for convenience and flexibility. Depending on the concern, a teen may have regular weekly or even bi-weekly sessions with their counselor. Doing therapy online allows for flexible scheduling that excludes the need to travel. This convenience and flexibility can be a huge benefit because sessions can fit easily around fixtures such as school and extracurricular activities.

Doing therapy online, and in the comfort of your home or wherever works best, provides the teen with a familiar environment. Going for therapy can be daunting, and the act of going to a special place for it can be an obstacle. Doing therapy from home provides a familiar environment that helps reduce any anxieties that could be associated with being in a new or unfamiliar setting.

Not only does online therapy provide a greater sense of anonymity and the confidentiality of not being seen walking into a particular office, but it is also often more affordable than in-person sessions. Having a sense of anonymity can help a teen feel more comfortable opening up, and online therapy being more cost-effective increases the chances of being able to do it. Additionally, doing it online gives one access to a wider choice beyond just the local options.

Concerns and Considerations for Online Therapy for Teens

The many benefits and advantages of online therapy for teens make it a viable, cost-effective, and flexible option to consider. It can allow for a more frictionless experience, especially if your teen struggles with being outside or in unfamiliar places. As parents or caregivers and their teens consider their options, it’s also helpful to keep in mind certain considerations and possible concerns that might come with online therapy.

As the therapy is done online, one thing to think about is the possibility of technical issues. Connectivity issues can interrupt sessions, as anyone who has been in a Zoom meeting with technical difficulties can attest. Consider whether you have a good internet connection and a device with the right specifications to connect seamlessly.

One challenge with online communication is that it can make the process of communicating more complicated or less rich. If you’re in a room with someone, you can pick up on subtle things like when a person shifts their weight, makes certain sounds, looks distracted, is feeling vulnerable, and so on. With online therapy, the counselor or therapist could miss subtle body language and other non-verbal cues that help them read the situation fully.

Online therapy does have its limitations, which make it unsuitable for more difficult situations, such as when a person is in immediate crisis or if they’re experiencing a complex mental health situation. In such instances, in-person interventions may be more suitable and fit for purpose. As you inquire about online therapy, ask whether the concern can be adequately addressed on an online platform.

Parents and teens can also seek to know and clarify that the therapist is licensed and has sufficient experience in addressing teen mental health, and the particular concern they have. Check their credentials, verifying that they are licensed, have the requisite qualifications, and specializations.

As with how you’d go about finding an in-person therapist or counselor, it’s important to do your research. That research will address issues such as licensing, as well as exploring reputable online therapy providers and platforms, and reading verified reviews and feedback from other parents and teens. Knowing the reputation of a provider can help you avoid pitfalls and a waste of your time and money.

Your research can also encompass finding out about the confidentiality policies of the platform. You can ask the counselor/therapist about their approach to confidentiality, as well as enquire about how they approach parental involvement. You can clarify with them the extent of parental involvement that is required or allowed in the process and find what works for you and your teen.

Part of the research process is finding a therapist who will work well with your teen. Some platforms will offer a free initial consultation, and this can be helpful to determine if they are compatible with your teen. Make use of this. You can also permit yourself to have a trial period, trying a few sessions with several therapists until your teen finds the right fit.

Online therapy can help

If your teen is working through some concerns, online therapy can be a great choice for them. Online therapy has its limitations, but it also has its benefits, and it’s important to be aware of these to moderate your expectations as well as find the best mental health support available. Reach out and talk with a counselor to begin exploring options for online therapy for your teen.