For many teenagers who are teenagers, sitting in a therapist’s office discussing their feelings doesn’t sound particularly attractive. However, talking to an online therapist may not seem like a bad idea.

Many parents are wondering about whether the internet is could be a good idea. There’s evidence to suggest that talking with a certified medical professional on the internet may be beneficial for teenagers.

However, it’s vital to educate yourself about the potential risks and make sure your teenager is an appropriate candidate for online therapy prior to starting treatment.

Online therapy is often referred to as other names, including internet counseling, e-therapy or the field of telepsychology. Like the name implies, online therapy allows people to talk with a counselor online in contrast to a face-to-face meeting in an office.

Therapists may communicate by text messages, mobile app, email or even a particular website. Some therapists make use of video chat while others use text only to communicate.

Therapy online can be utilized in conjunction with face-toface therapy or used as an alternative. A majority of people don’t meet their online therapists in person.

Research shows that online therapy for teens is Effective

Research has found that teenagers tend to be open to working with therapists via technology-based therapy, via texting and mobile applications or over the internet via video chat. The amount and quality of the available research into the efficacy of each of these methods However, the results are not uniform.

A few of the results of the research that has been done seems to indicate that teenagers could be benefited by using internet-based methods for accessing mental health services.

A 2016 study of teens in Australia discovered that 72% of teens admitted to using online therapy when they were experiencing an illness of mental health. 32% of respondents said they would choose online therapy over face-to-face sessions.

In a study conducted in 2015 teens who participated in the study stated that they would prefer online therapy for discussing sensitive issues such as sexuality. However, for other issues (such as bullying, conflict with peers, and general advice) the majority of teens in the study said they would prefer face-to-face therapy.

The year 2017 saw a team of researchers in Quebec examined the efficacy of therapy using text messages to Canadian young people. Teens responded well using text messages to communicate with therapists, the therapists in the study noted that it was harder to tackle difficult mental health issues when compared to face-to-face sessions.

A study published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology in 2016 concluded that even though more research is required however, the expanding range of online therapy programs available to children and teens is a good sign of the efficacy of these treatments.

On the other hand there are some online ways of providing therapy services that are being investigated do not even have human counselors. In a research study in 2017 scientists evaluated the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral therapy app known as Woebot for adolescents with symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Many of the people who participated who participated in the study said that using Woebot was enjoyable and gave them a deeper understanding of emotions. However, they also acknowledged that the app’s technical limitations can be a source of frustration.

Potential Benefits

There are several reasons you may want to think about the option of online therapy for your child in contrast to traditional therapy.

Teens have a comfortable time using the internet. A majority of teenagers enjoy online chat so therapy via the computer may feel more comfortable than talking to a therapist face-to-face.

Therapy online can be more comfortable. Therapy online can cut down on time because you don’t have to drive to a therapy center. If you have a child who lives in areas with limited access or with limited transportation options online appointments can provide an easier way to access therapy.

There’s less stigma associated with it. Many teenagers are embarrassed seeing a therapist and they might worry that their peers will be aware that they’re receiving treatment. Therapy online can alleviate many of these worries.

It might be less costly. The costs for online therapy are less than in-person therapy, so it could be less expensive.

Potential disadvantages

There are certain disadvantages parents need to consider before enrolling their child in online therapy. Here are a few possible disadvantages

Problems with technology can cause problems. If your Internet goes down it will not be possible to connect with the Therapist. Special software programs aimed at protecting the privacy of your information could be complex.

The insurance company may not cover the cost of online therapy. While your insurance provider may cover the cost of in-person care, it is possible that you do not have coverage for telehealth.

In the absence of face-to face contact, it may impair treatment. Mental health professionals are able to learn much through watching someone’s body language. If your teen communicates over electronic mail, the psychologist won’t be able to read your teen’s body language or detect the inflection of your teen’s voice. While video communications could be superior however, it’s not an alternative for face-toface interaction.

The written expressions of your teen might be not up to scratch. Communication on the internet requires your teenager to be capable of retaining and reading details from their therapist. It also requires that they be able to express themselves effectively through text. Teens who struggle with writing communication will not be a good candidate for online therapy.

Referrals to other services may be more challenging. Your therapist may not be within your city, and may not be familiar with local services available in your area. This can cause issues if the therapist is considering offering referrals to other local resources, such as a psychiatrist or support group.

Boundaries may get blurred. Texting online or chatting messages may lead your teen to see a mental health professional more as a friend, rather than as a service provider. Inconsistencies in boundaries could cause confusion over the role of the therapist.

You should ask yourself a few questions prior to signing Your Teen Up

The fact that your teenager is in favor of therapy online doesn’t mean that it’s an excellent idea. It is important to consider the advantages and risks carefully.

Before you look into on-line therapy services for your teenager Be sure to ask these questions regarding the service that you’re contemplating.

Are they licensed? If someone claims that he is offering online therapy doesn’t necessarily indicate that they’re a licensed mental health provider. There are many people who advertise as mental health professionals, however they aren’t licensed. Live coaches and online tutors or people who give guidance may not have the appropriate qualifications.

Is online therapy the best alternative? It’s not suitable for all conditions. If your child is engaged in risky behavior, like drinking or using substances, or are expressing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, in-person treatment is more appropriate.

What is the best way to keep information private? The mental health professionals have to keep their information secure. Therefore, it’s crucial to inquire which methods are being used to make sure your teen’s personal information won’t be compromised.

What are the terms of payment? Online therapists create their own payment plans. Some allow patients to pay a monthly fee for unlimited emails, whereas others provide video sessions that are charged at an hourly fee. Find out the cost of your treatment and how much before you begin your treatment.

How can I get involved in therapy? Although your child should have access to private conversations with the therapist even without you being present, it’s important for you to know how you can assist your teen’s efforts. In the traditional office there is a possibility for you to join in.

What is the procedure for keeping records? Find out how the therapist plans to maintain documentation. Do all therapy sessions be documented? Do notes from therapy be provided to the primary physician upon request? A good online therapist will be able to provide you with details on how the data will be stored and recorded.

What is the way the therapist handles crises? Online therapy can be a challenge when a crisis arises. Find out what the therapist would do if there was an emergency situation, for example, who would the therapist contact in the event that your child said she was thinking of killing herself?

Where do I begin?

If you’re thinking about using online therapy for your child, or you suspect that your teen has a mental illness, begin by speaking with the doctor of your teenager. You’ll need to rule out any other underlying medical issues that might contribute to mental health problems that might be troubling.

Your teen’s doctor can advise you on whether it is a suitable alternative based on your teenager’s needs. If your child has a serious mental health condition or if the doctor is concerned about safety risks, online treatment may not be the best alternative.

If your doctor believes that online therapy might benefit your child, you should contact your health insurance provider. Learn whether online therapy is covered and ask whether they have any preferred providers.

Also, talk with your teenager concerning online therapy. Discuss the potential benefits as well as the disadvantages of seeing a counselor in person versus online.

Take your teen’s opinion in mind. Regardless of which type of treatment your teen receives, her investment and interest in the process can make a huge difference in how effective the treatment will be.