Young adults and teens 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 the use of screens from the study of a cross-sectional sample coincides with a different trend: the growing popularity of virtual therapy and online counseling. If you’re worried about the mental health of your child studies show that counseling can aid in improving their mental health. But is it as beneficial as traditional therapy in person?
The Benefits of Online Counseling
Children struggle with mental health issues and mental illness as never before. In the past 10 years researchers have discovered an alarming increase in anxiety, depression stress, self-esteem issues as well as other mental health issues among adolescents and young adults. The issue has only grown as of the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, as per the U.S. surgeon general’s report published in December 2021 depressive symptoms have doubled in the epidemic, and 25% of young people suffering from these symptoms.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declares that having access to online mental health therapy for teens early on can improve your child’s overall health and well-being. However, getting your child to see a counselor may be difficult:
The integration of a appointment with a therapist in your child’s already hectic middle school or high school or job schedule could cause an increase in anxiety and stress.
Teens and young adults might be uncomfortable, awkward or even embarrassed to visit a therapist in person.
Your child’s life is likely already completely ensconced in the digital world that includes video games, as well as the internet, counseling online provides an additional option
Your child will have more freedom regarding appointments and schedules especially if the service are accessible via mobile apps.
Online counseling may feel more familiar to teenagers and young adults who are used to socializing with other people on the Internet.
Benefits of virtual 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 is a means to gain more support and help from those who have been devoted to helping those in these groups.”
Two major advantages of virtual counseling:
1. Online counseling is a viable option to address mental health concerns
Therapists have offered options like telehealth programs and text messages to their clients, however the widespread use of smartphones and tablets has elevated online counseling a whole new level. While there may be a screen in between the counselor and a teenager or young adult research studies have shown that it’s not as important far as you’d believe.
For instance, as per an analysis of 2018 of several study published in Journal of Anxiety Disorders, the cognitive behavioral therapy offered over the Internet for those aged 18 or older who suffer from depression or 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 at any time and from any time, from anywhere. This is why online counseling is ideal for your child
lives in a rural location or is far from a counselor or therapist who is trained to address their particular requirements or issues.
Have physical or mobility limitations which make it difficult to visit a therapist’s clinic.
Are you suffering from an issue with mental health for example, a fear or social anxiety that can make meeting people in person challenging and triggers.
“This is a means to reach a larger number 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 every therapist provides 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 you can find via the Psychology Today website — are required to follow strict guidelines for the reporting of dangerous situations (e.g. when an teen or young adult 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 virtual counseling platforms . They should 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. Make a move towards online counseling using video 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 may be beneficial, you should encourage your child to engage in video chats to their counsellor. In a secure space the ability to observe body language provides mental health professionals greater insight into your child’s health.
3. Do your own research about the background of the therapist
Simply because it’s simple to join the virtual counseling sessions at the touch of a button, doesn’t mean that you should approach the process of vetting more lightly. If you decide to utilize an online counseling service be sure to do your homework on:
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 address particular factors that cause stress.
Applications or technology required for the platform.
The reviews of the user are left by patients.
If you’re planning one-on-one online therapy with a particular 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 to your liking
A teenager or young adult must feel at ease and secure with the counselor or therapist who they consult on the internet. Keep track of your child once their initial few sessions have been completed. If there’s a conflict in personality or the approach of the therapist does not feel right for your child, then be open to finding a new counselor. When you have online counseling, changing therapists is easy and swift.
Closing Thoughts
Online counseling can be an effective, convenient alternative for adolescents and young adults who want at improving their mental well-being. Although your child might prefer to attend in person sessions however, the convenience and flexibility of online therapy makes it a worthwhile option especially in the midst of the stressful COVID-19 epidemic.
