Is My Child Appropriate for Telehealth Therapy?

In the world pre-COVID, I loved in-person sessions with children. Play was such a vital part of building trust, safety, and connection in the therapy space.

In my work as a therapist, I’ve had to get creative in how I bring play into the virtual therapy world—both for younger and older clients.

Here are some things to consider when thinking about virtual therapy for your child:

Caregiver participation

Having a parent or caregiver involved in the therapy process can make a big difference, especially for younger children. It helps support engagement and carryover between sessions.

Attention span

A shorter attention span can make virtual sessions more challenging, especially for traditional “talk therapy.” Some children do better with shorter, more structured activities.

Screen time distractions

Current content out there whether that be videos or video games are designed to be addicting. I have found that some children struggle focusing in session when the computer, cell phone or ipad they are using reminds them that there are cooler things they could be watching or playing.

Energy levels and timing

Timing really matters. Some children are too tired right after school and may need a break to reset before a session. Others may do better at different times of day when they have more energy and capacity to engage.

Privacy

One of the most important parts of therapy is feeling safe enough to talk freely. Having a private, quiet space with minimal distractions at home can really support a child’s ability to open up.

High-risk symptoms

In general, it’s important to consult with a therapist if your child is experiencing high-risk concerns such as suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or unmanaged psychotic symptoms to determine whether telehealth is appropriate or if in-person support would be better.

With that being said, every child is different. I always recommend consulting with your therapist when considering telehealth to make sure it’s a good fit for your child’s needs.