Young adults and teenagers are part of today’s digital age. One study revealed that the average American teenager spent just eight hours per day online. A rise in screen use based on an observational study is in line with a different trend: the growing popularity of virtual therapy and online counseling. If you’re worried about the mental health of your child Research suggests that counseling can be beneficial. But are virtual counseling as beneficial as traditional therapy in person?
The Benefits of Online Counseling
Children suffer from mental health issues and mental illness as never before. In the past 10 years researchers have discovered an increase in anxiety, depression stress, self-esteem issues as well as other mental health issues among young adults and teens. The issue has only grown in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to an U.S. surgeon general’s report published in December 2021 depression symptoms have increased by two-fold during the outbreak, with 25% of teenagers suffering from the symptoms.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declares that having access to therapy early on services as well as other forms of mental health treatment options can improve your child’s health and wellbeing. But getting your child to see a counselor may be difficult:
A therapy session into your child’s already stressful middle school or high school or work schedule could cause an increase in anxiety and stress.
A young adult or teen might be uncomfortable, awkward or even embarrassed to meet with a therapist face-to-face.
Your child’s life is likely already engrossed in the digital world which includes video games and the internet, counseling online offers another avenue to consider:
Your child will have more freedom regarding appointments and times especially if the service are accessible via mobile apps.
Online counseling may feel more at ease for teens and young adults who are accustomed to communicating with others via the Internet.
The advantages of online counseling for teens and young adults
“Everyone experiences different levels of difficulties,” said Alec Dorman who is the chief of staff for Embark Behavioral Health. “Virtual counseling for teenagers and young adults can be a great way to receive more support and help from those who have committed their lives to helping those in these groups.”
Two major advantages of virtual counseling:
1. Online counseling can be beneficial in addressing mental health issues
Therapists have offered options such as telehealth therapy programs or texts to their clients. However, the widespread use of smartphones and tablets has elevated online counseling an entirely new level. Although there could be a screen in between the counselor and a teenager or young adult research studies have proven that it’s not a big deal as far as you’d believe.
According to an analysis of 2018 of several study published in Journal of Anxiety Disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy that is offered on the Internet to people aged 18 and older suffering from depression and anxiety is successful, with the patients displaying high levels of satisfaction.
2. Online counseling is now more readily available for young adults and teens
Online counseling is available at any time and from at any time and from any location. This is why online counseling is ideal for your child
Living in rural areas or is located far from a counselor or therapist who is specialized in their specific requirements or issues.
Have physical or mobility limitations that make it difficult for them to visit a therapist’s clinic.
Are you struggling with an issue with mental health for example, a fear or social anxiety, which can make meeting people in person challenging and triggers.
“This is a means to reach a larger number of people who are in need or contemplating therapies,” Dorman said. “That’s the goal of everyone.”
How to Find Virtual Teens and Young Adults Counseling Strategies and Tips to be Successful
Online mental health therapy for teens can transform your child, however not all therapists offer this type of treatment. If you’re trying to find the most effective online therapy Here’s the essential information you need to be aware of.
1. Be aware of ethical or legal concerns
Counselors and therapists who are licensed (who you can find via the Psychology Today website — have strict rules for sharing dangerous situations (e.g. when an teen or young adult experiences suicidal thoughts or self-harm) as well as protecting confidentiality and privacy.
However, it’s worth noting that it’s worth noting that the American Psychological Association has advised counselors to conduct due diligence prior to partnering with virtual counseling platforms . They should ensure that their privacy and reporting measures are clear and enforceable. You might also want to review the policies of each platform regarding parental consent.
2. Make a move towards online counseling using video as opposed to. calling or texting
Body communication is powerful and can inform the online counselor plenty about what a teenager or young adult experiencing. While checking in on text messages or phone calls are helpful, it is a good idea to encourage your child to engage in an online video chat together with their counselor. In a secure environment 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 access an online counseling session at the click of a button, doesn’t mean that you should approach the process of vetting less seriously. If you decide to utilize an online platform for counseling make sure you do your research about:
How can your child be connected to one of platform’s therapists.
Costs for individual therapy sessions and subscription costs.
Modalities of various kinds (e.g. cognitive behavior therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy) to tackle particular stresses.
Applications or technology required for the platform.
The reviews of the user are left by patients.
If you’re planning one-on-one online counseling with a certain person in your area consult the state’s governing body or oversight agency to locate an individual who’s certified and is in good standing.
4. Don’t be afraid of mixing things with a twist
A teenager or young adult must feel at ease and secure with the counselor or therapist who they consult on the internet. Make sure to check in with your child once their first few sessions with a therapist have been completed. If there’s a conflict in personality or the way the therapist conducts their sessions does not feel right for your child, then be open to finding a new counselor. When you have online counseling, switching between therapists can be easy and fast.
Closing Thoughts
Online counseling can be an effective, convenient alternative for adolescents or young adults seeking at improving their mental well-being. While your child might prefer an in-person session but the versatility and accessibility of online therapy makes it worth taking a look especially in the midst of the stressful COVID-19 epidemic.
