3 Reasons Telehealth Works for Counseling Kids and Teens

How many times have you tried to get your kids to go to a doctor and there was resistance? Too many to count? You’re not alone. Many children and teens can be resistant to seeing a doctor or mental health professional in person, and telehealth offers a solution to this by offering services in the comfort of familiar locations. Telehealth, or the delivery of health care services remotely using technology such as video conferencing or phone calls, can be a convenient and effective way to access mental health services for children and young adults.

Unlike other doctors who may need to see your child or teen in person for a routine exam, mental health involves sharing thoughts, feelings and emotions. Technology is simultaneously bridging gaps and reaching more people across Tennessee.

Below are three reasons why telehealth works for counseling children and young adults.

Comfort

If your child is nervous to visit at a doctor’s office, telehealth removes the in-person barriers people can face. Staying home while accessing care eliminates exposure to and spread of illness. Children are accustomed to learning and communicating on electronic devices making telemental health much less intimidating.

The support remains unchanged via a video conference. Face-to-face interaction research shows real conversations release feel-good hormones. Despite not being in person, the sentiment and human connection remains and is often enhanced to problem solve, counsel and offer support.

Being in a safe, supportive environment like at home allows children and teens to feel more motivated to open up. A scenic view, sentimental photos, engaging artwork, comforting objects such as blankets or toys or petting a loving pet provides peace and lowers anxiety.  Access to these elements is greatly increased when working with children and teens in their own environments.

And for parents, there’s ease in knowing that video telehealth with HopeNation is always HIPAA compliant. Data is secure and private information is stored at the highest encryption level permitting the safest video call.

Accessibility

Video calls let clients interact with therapists anytime and anywhere making it easier to schedule appointments around busy schedules.

One scholarly article from 2021 states, “home telehealth is a feasible and acceptable care modality for a wide variety of youth mental health disorders.” The study concluded the importance of addressing mental health diagnoses as soon as possible and found telehealth provides a solution to help children and adolescents in a timely fashion.

Research has found there’s increased availability for therapists and clients by utilizing telehealth. Video calls remove the transportation barrier and subsequent costs some patients may face when getting to and from an appointment. A 2016 article states nearly double the amount of people have access to a phone than they do a car, so telehealth can be a great solution for people who may have trouble accessing care in person.

Telehealth can also provide more consistent monitoring and care which can prevent risky behavior and improve clients’ perception of provider support. Not to mention it can inspire trust and can often enhance outcomes.

Flexibility

We get it. Life happens. We allow 48-hour notice for cancellations. By providing flexible care, we can meet the unique needs of each client and adapt to their individual circumstances.  With telehealth appointments they can take place in different locations from one session to the next to meet the needs of busy schedules.

Your child or teen can access therapy in conjunction with their daily routine, keeping them on schedule and giving your family better organization. HopeNation offers evening weekday appointments. This can also empower families and young adults to prioritize their mental health around any obstacles they may face.

HopeNation develops a timeline-driven, personal treatment plan for every child. A fluid timeline gives children the ability to go at their own pace while advancing through the mental health care they need. The team uses evidence-based methodologies and ongoing assessments to determine when the child can move on or reduce treatment frequency.

Telehealth is here to stay.

We know making the right choices for our kids can have a positive impact on their overall well-being and can lead to better academic performance, confidence and success in other areas of their life. Telehealth has become increasingly popular as a way to access mental health care services. The technology behind telehealth has advanced significantly in recent years. Internet carriers have also been working to improve their coverage in more rural locations, which has helped break down barriers to accessing mental health care.

It’s important to remember that mental health treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and that each child’s treatment plan should be tailored to their specific needs. While treatment may not be forever, it is important to get children the help they need as soon as possible to ensure they have the opportunity to lead a vibrant and successful life.

Click here to contact HopeNation today to schedule a consultation.