Whenever parents are asked about therapy, the first thing that comes is counseling or therapy for adults. Surprisingly, when they are asked regarding “online therapy,” the reply was that therapists couldn’t counsel their kids through an online system.
Children nowadays are using laptops and smartphones for their online classes. Why can’t they use the same model for counseling or therapy?
Online therapy can be beneficial for people of all ages, including kids. Seeking counseling for your child may help manage and prevent their mental health needs as they experience developmental milestones.
People are shifting towards this new form of telehealth, called online therapy. And that’s why quickly becoming one of the most popular methods of finding mental health services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This post answers all your queries regarding online therapy for kids. So, let’s get started.
How do you know if your child needs therapy?
Several signs can give you a good idea of when to enroll your child in therapy. It includes:
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of self-esteem
- Changes in behavior
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Isolation from social activities
- Increased irritability, sensitivity, and overwhelm
If your child mentions any suicidal thoughts or if you notice dangerous behaviors, it is important to get help quickly.
Please note that online therapy isn’t a substitute for true emergency services if your child is having thoughts about harming themselves or someone else. In such cases, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
What does a children’s therapist do?
A children’s therapist or counselor may have a background in family therapy, psychology, social work, psychotherapy, or psychiatry.
Before you begin therapy, it is essential to ensure that the provider is a licensed therapist, psychologist, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist and has experience working with kids.
Therapy for kids may employ techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBD, play therapy, expressive therapies, and mindfulness tools.
Play therapy is suitable for younger kids. It allows them to open up to the therapist while engaging in activities they enjoy.
Children’s therapists try to identify the cause of certain behaviors and help the kid develop the skills to cope with a difficult situation.
Below are some of the best online therapy programs for kids.
5 best online therapy programs for kids
1. Teen Counseling
TeenCounseling is a part of BetterHelp, which provides therapy for young people between the ages of 13 and 19.
Therapists at TeenCounseling are licensed mental health professionals who teach coping skills, help teens feel happier, and assist them in reaching their goals.
TeenCounseling provides strategies on how they can improve their relationships or how they can perform better in school. They develop coping skills in teens that help them deal with various issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, anger, self-esteem, bullying, and eating disorders.
Teens are also allowed to communicate with a counselor in a private “therapy room” given by the TeenCounseling. And parents don’t have access to this room.
Communication methods include messaging, live chats, phone calls, and video conferencing. You can access services by smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Cost: Therapy costs range from $60 to $90 per week, depending on the plan. They allow you to cancel the subscription at any time for any reason.
2. Talk space
Till now, Talkspace has been used by more than 1 million people. It is by far one of the biggest and most well-known online platforms. Talkspace began treatment for teens and kids in September of 2018. Teens over the age of 13 can avail their services.
Currently, they have over 3,000 licensed therapists, and each one has undergone a background check. Talkspace specializes in particular areas such as depression or trauma, and each therapist has experience working with adolescents.
Talkspace allows teens to contact their therapists through text-based messages, audio calls, or video chats. Users can send messages to their therapists at any time of day or night. Messaging is conducted in a “private room” where both teens and their therapist can communicate with a secure connection. Therapists reply a couple of times each day.
Cost: Monthly package costs $260, which includes video, text, and audio communication.
3. Am well
Amwell is one of the best online therapy platforms for younger children. Other platforms that provide online therapy to kids begin treating children at age 13. Am well, however, counsels children 10 and up.
This platform offers a variety of telemedicine services, including those for mental health.
Biography along with a photograph of each mental health professional is available for review. Your kids and teens can speak with their therapist face-to-face using the Amwell app or website.
More than 350 licensed psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals are working with Amwell.
Cost: Each visit ranges from around $99 to $110,based on the credentials and experience of the mental health professional. You can enter your child’s insurance information on Amwell’s website and find out if your health insurance company covers your visit; the cost of your copay may be lower.
4. MDLIVE
MDLIVE offers a variety of mental and physical health services for adults and children that includes allowing teens and children to meet with a counselor or psychiatrist for a live video appointment.
Unlike other online therapy platforms, MDLIVE’s psychiatrists can prescribe medication when needed.
After completing an easy and quick questionnaire, you will be able to review the biographies and photographs of potential service providers before deciding who you would like your child to see. Parents must consent for kids 10 and above to be seen by a therapist or psychiatrist.
This platform isn’t a subscription-based service, so signing up is free, and you are only charged when visits are scheduled.
Cost: cost of an initial visit with a psychiatrist is around $259, while follow-up appointments cost about $99. Talk therapy costs up to $108 per visit.
5. 7 Cups
7 cups offer therapy for adults, but they do not provide professional for teens. They do offer an opportunity for teens to speak to the trained listeners for free.
Your teen will enter “teen support rooms,” where they will chat with one another and express the issues they are experiencing. This platform also provides an opportunity to speak one-on-one with a trained listener to talk about anything they wish. While they don’t offer advice, they will listen.
Chat rooms and community forums of 7 Cups are available to anyone between the ages of 13 and 17.
Final Thoughts
Online therapy can be an affordable and accessible way to seek counseling for your child or teen. In this article, we discussed some of the best online therapy programs. These programs offer a convenient alternative to visiting a therapist’s office.
