Exploring Teletherapy: Virtual Services for Children, Teens and Families

What is Teletherapy?

In recent years there has been a steady increase of virtual services for children and families, particularly as we have all tried to navigate the effects of the pandemic on mental health care access, medical support, and other therapeutic services, like OT, PT, SLP, and ABA. Many doctors, counselors, therapists, and programs have shifted much of their service delivery to virtual support for their patients and clients.

Traditionally, when services were needed from a doctor, therapist, psychologist, or counselor, or occupational or speech therapist, patients would schedule an office visit. Children saw therapists in their office and met with their pediatrician at the health care clinic. With the advancements in technology, along with the need for providing services to remote areas, Telehealth and Telemedicine began to emerge. 

In 2020 the COVID pandemic caused a major shift in the way many providers needed to offer services. As the Pandemic created the need for us to begin practicing strict safety guidelines, some providers closed their offices temporarily, and some permanently. This meant that patients and clients had to quickly learn how to navigate virtual service delivery platforms.

Teletherapy, also known as telehealth, online counseling or therapy, virtual counseling or therapy, and telepractice, indicates that therapeutic services are provided through a video (and sometimes audio) connection with a licensed professional.   

What services can be provided through Teletherapy?

Online therapy services may include counseling, psychiatry, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or ABA therapy. Although the interventions may be somewhat modified due to the client and therapist not being in the same room, experienced therapists are able to successfully work with children and teens virtually, just as they would during in-person.   

Are Teletherapy services covered by insurance?

Most commercial and government health insurance companies have provision for teletherapy. It’s important to ask your provider to verify your benefits for telehealth before making an appointment.  You may also want to call you insurance provider and ensure that virtual services are covered the same as in-person sessions would be. 

What are the pros and cons of Telehealth for my child?

PROS of Teletherapy:

• Not limited to providers in your community, expanding opportunity to connect with providers who may have more experience and specialization.
• Flexible scheduling
• Ability to choose from a more diverse group of providers due to the ability to connect with providers across your state
• No travel required-your child can visit with providers from the comfort of their home.
• Kids and teens may feel more relaxed and able to engage virtually vs. going into an office with a new provider.
• Telehealth is similar to using Skype or FaceTime, or a virtual classroom that your child already uses for school.
• Relatively easy to use.  Usually, you just need a good internet connection and computer, tablet, or smartphone, a quiet, comfortable space that minimizes distractions and provides privacy. Some people also prefer to use headphones or ear buds for confidentiality and for better audio quality.

CONS of Teletherapy:

• Must have reliable internet service and device
• You or the provider may have technology (including weather interference) issues during the visit which may make continued connection challenging
• Not the best option for clients who prefer being in the same room with their provider
• Children do not have the same access to therapy equipment or play therapy toys that they would have access to in the office.
• In some cases, planning for services would be different than being in the provider's office. For instance, for healthcare, you would need to take your own temperature and blood pressure readings. For play therapy, you would need to have the toys, printed worksheets, or other items like crayons, paper, or Legos available for your children instead of using the ones in the Play Therapist's office.

Along with these changes, we have seen an influx of new virtual only health care companies or networks for both pediatrics and adult-related services. Learn more.

Curious about whether Teletherapy suits you or your child? Connect with a therapist in our directory today for a conversation to explore if it's a suitable option.