Telehealth Mental Health Support for Children: When to Seek Help

Telehealth mental health support provides children and teens with professional therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral challenges through secure video sessions, offering the same clinical effectiveness as in-person treatment while allowing them to receive care in their familiar home environment.

As a parent, watching your child struggle emotionally can feel overwhelming. Telehealth mental health support makes professional help more accessible than ever, allowing your child to connect with licensed therapists from the comfort and safety of your home—where they feel most secure and ready to open up.

Finding Mental Health Support for Your Child Through Telehealth

Understanding Mood Swings, Stress, and Anxiety in Children

Children experience a range of emotional challenges including mood swings, stress, and anxiety as they navigate through different life transitions. Like adults, children have mental health needs that may require professional support. Child therapy or counseling can address various issues such as family conflict, academic challenges, self-esteem concerns, or general stress. Being informed about available telehealth counseling options can help you make the healthiest choices for your child’s mental wellbeing.

When to Consider Professional Support for Your Child

Many parents struggle to determine when their child might benefit from therapy. While a mental illness diagnosis isn’t necessary to seek help, certain signs might indicate your child could benefit from speaking with a licensed clinical social worker through a service like ReachLink.

Signs of Mood or Anxiety Disorders

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), over 40% of children experiencing anxiety and depression receive therapy. These conditions are relatively common among children.

Consider telehealth therapy if your child displays these symptoms:

• Frequent worrying
• Panic attacks
• Prolonged sadness
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Social withdrawal
• Fear of social situations
• Compulsions or rituals
• Unexplained physical symptoms like shaking, headaches, or stomachaches

Emotional Regulation Challenges

As children develop, they learn to understand and control their emotions. However, if your child has uncontrollable outbursts, destructive behavior, frequent crying, or abnormal emotional responses, it may be time to consider therapy. Connecting with a licensed clinical social worker through ReachLink’s secure video platform can provide the support needed for these emotional challenges.

Behavioral Concerns

While occasional behavioral issues are normal for children, persistent problems that cause harm to themselves or others may indicate underlying mental health concerns. Working with a specialist through ReachLink’s telehealth services can provide tools and strategies to help improve your child’s behavior from the comfort of your home.

Self-Esteem Issues

Many children struggle with self-esteem, particularly when facing bullying at school or online. If your efforts to strengthen your child’s self-image have had limited success, a ReachLink counselor specializing in adolescent issues can offer unique strategies and coping skills through virtual therapy sessions.

Trauma Experiences

According to the CDC, approximately one in seven children has experienced some form of neglect or abuse as of 2020. Childhood trauma can occur in various settings—at home, school, or in public places. If your child shows extreme fear of specific places, people, or situations, they may benefit from trauma-focused therapy with a licensed clinical social worker.

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please contact crisis services for immediate assistance.

Children of Divorce

Studies indicate that divorce can be a leading cause of childhood PTSD. If your family has experienced separation or relationship conflict, your child may benefit from discussing its impact with a ReachLink therapist through secure video sessions.

Sleep or Appetite Changes

Significant changes in sleeping or eating patterns may suggest mental health concerns or stress. If your child has drastically altered their eating habits, they might be experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder. A ReachLink therapist educated in these conditions can provide appropriate support and guidance.

Self-Destructive Behaviors

Self-harm or threats of self-destructive behaviors require immediate attention. If you’re concerned about your child’s safety, they may need urgent intervention. ReachLink can connect you with appropriate resources, though some situations may require in-person or residential treatment programs.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Text or call 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Support is available 24/7.

Stress and Anxiety Management

Telehealth counseling can benefit children experiencing stress from various life circumstances. Family conflicts, difficulty fitting in at school, or adjusting after a significant move can all create anxiety. ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers can help children process these challenges in a supportive, virtual environment.

How Telehealth Therapy Works for Children

Each therapy session through ReachLink is tailored to your child’s individual needs. Despite being conducted virtually, sessions can incorporate a variety of therapeutic approaches. Therapists may engage children through conversation, age-appropriate activities, creative exercises, problem-solving, or skill-building practices. Many therapists use play-based techniques that make therapy less intimidating for children, even in a virtual setting.

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health Through Telehealth

The length and duration of therapy depend on your child’s specific needs and your goals as parents. In some cases, ReachLink may recommend family counseling sessions involving the entire family. When starting telehealth therapy, consider these tips:

• Choose a ReachLink counselor qualified to address your child’s specific challenges
• Prepare your child for what to expect in telehealth therapy, encouraging an open mind
• Schedule a one-on-one consultation with the therapist to discuss your goals and observations
• Encourage your child to practice skills learned during therapy sessions
• Be patient and available, allowing your child to speak openly about their therapy experience
• Model positive mental health practices to support your child’s therapeutic journey

Advantages of Telehealth Counseling for Children

Many families face barriers to traditional in-person therapy, including cost, transportation challenges, and scheduling difficulties. Telehealth services like ReachLink remove these obstacles by providing convenient access to licensed clinical social workers from your home.

Benefits of Telehealth Therapy for Children and Teens

• Eliminates transportation and geographic barriers
• Offers flexible scheduling options that work around school and family commitments
• Provides therapy in a familiar, comfortable environment
• Reduces anxiety some children feel in unfamiliar clinical settings
• Allows access to specialists who might not be available locally
• Offers various communication options, including video sessions

Is Telehealth Therapy Effective?

Research shows that telehealth counseling from licensed professionals is as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health conditions and stress symptoms in children. ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers provide the same quality of care as in-person providers, connecting with children and teens through secure video sessions to discuss concerns, symptoms, and therapy goals.

Getting Started with ReachLink for Your Child’s Mental Health

ReachLink offers specialized telehealth mental health services for children and adolescents aged 13 and older. With parental consent, teens can engage in therapy through secure video sessions with licensed clinical social workers who specialize in adolescent mental health. All ReachLink providers are fully licensed and vetted professionals experienced in working with young clients.

Takeaway

Investing in your child’s mental health through telehealth counseling can provide them with valuable skills to manage emotions and challenges throughout their development. By connecting with a ReachLink counselor, you’re giving your child the opportunity to receive support and develop self-understanding in a convenient, comfortable environment. Reach out to ReachLink today to learn more about getting started with telehealth therapy for your child or teen.