Young adults and teenagers are part of today’s digital age. Indeed, one study showed that an average American teenager spent around eight hours per day online. An increase in the use of screens from an observational study is in line with another trend, which is the growing popularity of virtual therapy and online counseling. If you’re worried about your child’s mental wellbeing Research suggests that counseling can be beneficial. But is it as beneficial as traditional therapy in person?
Why you should try online counseling
Children struggle with mental health issues and mental illness as never before. In the past 10 years scientists have observed an increase in anxiety, depression anxieties, self-esteem problems, and other mental health issues among adolescents and young adults. The problem has only gotten worse in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to an U.S. surgeon general’s report published in December 2021 depressive symptoms have doubled in the epidemic, and 25% of young people suffering from the symptoms.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declares that having access to therapy early on services and other types of mental health treatments can improve your child’s overall health and well-being. But getting your child to see a counselor may be a challenge:
The integration of a appointment with a therapist in your child’s already stressful middle school or high school, college or work schedule could cause increased anxiety and stress.
A young adult or teen might feel awkward, uncomfortable or ashamed to meet with a therapist face-to-face.
Your child’s existence is already engrossed within the digital realm that includes video games, as well as the internet, counseling online offers an additional option
Your child will have more freedom regarding appointments and times particularly if the services are accessible via mobile apps.
Online counseling may feel more at ease for teens and young adults who are used to communicating with others via the Internet.
Benefits of virtual counseling for teens and young adults
“Everyone has different levels of difficulties,” said Alec Dorman who is the chief of staff for Embark Behavioral Health. “Virtual counseling for adolescents and young adults can be a great way to gain more support and help from those who have been devoted to helping the aforementioned age groups.”
There are two major benefits of virtual counseling:
1. Online mental health therapy for teens can be beneficial in addressing different health issues
Therapists have offered options like telehealth programs and text messages to their clients, however the widespread use of smartphones and tablets has brought online counseling a whole new level. Although there could be a screen in between the counselor and the teen or young adult research studies have shown that it’s not as important often as you believe.
According to an analysis of multiple research studies that were published by the Journal of Anxiety Disorders, the cognitive behavioral therapy offered over the Internet for those aged 18 or older suffering from depression and anxiety is highly effective, with people receiving it achieving high levels of satisfaction.
2. Online counseling is now more readily available to teens and young adults.
Online counseling is available anytime , at any time and from any location. This makes online counseling ideal for your child
lives in a rural location or is far from a counselor or therapist who is specialized in their specific requirements or issues.
Are they unable to move or have physical limitations that make it difficult for them to visit a therapist’s office.
Are you suffering from mental health issues like a phobia or social anxiety that can make meeting people in person extremely challenging and triggers.
“This is a method to reach out to a wider population of people in need of or considering therapies,” Dorman said. “That’s everybody’s goal.”
How to find Virtual Teens and Young Adults Counseling Tips and Strategies to be Successful
Digital therapy can transform your child and family members, however not all therapists offer this type of treatment. If you’re looking for the most effective online therapy this is the information you should be aware of.
1. Be aware of ethical or legal concerns
Counselors and therapists who are licensed whom can be researched via the Psychology Today website — have strict rules for sharing potentially dangerous situations (e.g. when teens or young adults experiences suicidal thoughts or self-harm) as well as keeping confidentiality and anonymity.
It’s important to note that it’s worth noting that the American Psychological Association has advised counselors to conduct due diligence prior to partnering with online counseling platforms. Also, ensure that their privacy and reporting measures are clear and enforceable. You might also want to look into the policies of each platform regarding parental consent.
2. Try online video-based counseling instead of. calling or texting
Body communication is powerful and can inform the online counselor plenty about what a teenager or young adult is experiencing. While checking in on text messages or phone calls are beneficial, you should encourage your child to join video chats together with their counselor. In a secure space the ability to observe body language provides the mental health professional greater insight into the well-being of your child.
3. Do your homework on the background of the therapist
It’s simple to join the virtual counseling sessions at the touch of a button, doesn’t suggest that you should handle the process of vetting less seriously. If you choose to use an online platform for counseling be sure to do your homework on:
How does your child get connected to one of platform’s therapists.
Costs for individual therapy sessions and subscription charges.
Modalities of various kinds (e.g. cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy) to tackle particular stresses.
Applications or technology required for the platform.
The user reviews are written by patients.
If you’re planning one-on-one online therapy with a particular counselor in your area consult the state’s governing body or oversight agency to locate the counselor who’s licensed and is in good standing.
4. Do not be afraid to mix things to your liking
A teenager or young adult must feel secure and at ease with the counselor or therapist whom they see on the internet. Make sure to check in with your child after the initial few sessions are completed. If there’s a conflict in personality or the way the therapist conducts their sessions does not feel right for your child, you should be open to finding a new counselor. Online counseling is a great option for changing therapists is easy and fast.
Closing Thoughts
Online counseling can be an effective, convenient option for teenagers or young adults seeking for ways to enhance their psychological well-being. While your child might prefer to attend in person sessions however, the convenience and flexibility of online therapy makes it worth taking a look particularly during the stress of COVID-19 epidemic.