As digitalization progressed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape of mental health care underwent significant changes. While online counseling for adults has gradually gained acceptance after initial skepticism, online counseling for children is still viewed with caution. This comprehensive guide explores the opportunities that online counseling for children could offer, addresses considerations parents should keep in mind, and explains how online counseling can be a crucial tool for enhancing children’s mental well-being.

Online Counseling for Kids

Online counseling, also known as teletherapy or e-therapy, involves therapists, coaches, and psychological counselors providing psychological services over the internet. Communication occurs via video calls, chats, or emails, making psychological support accessible without the need for travel. Issues such as anxiety, depression, bullying, and stress related to school pressures or family dynamics can be addressed.

BENEFITS OF ONLINE COUNSELING FOR KIDS

1. Accessibility: A significant advantage of online counseling is its accessibility. It overcomes geographical barriers, enabling children in rural or remote areas to access qualified therapists and counselors who might not be available locally.

2. Convenience: Online therapy sessions can be scheduled around the daily routines of the child and family, making it easier to integrate regular sessions without disrupting daily life.

3. Comfort: Many children find it easier to open up in the comfortable environment of their own home rather than a traditional therapy room. Moreover, many children are accustomed to digital interaction, whereas a therapy room might seem daunting. This comfort can lead to more effective sessions and, consequently, better outcomes.

4. Anonymity: Especially for school-aged children, maintaining anonymity is crucial since mental disorders still carry a stigma. Online counseling could reduce the stigma or embarrassment that children and adolescents might feel.

5. Variety of Therapeutic Options: Online platforms often offer a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and art therapy, all adapted for the online environment. The appropriate therapy can be selected to match the personality, age, and concerns of the child.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOOSING ONLINE COUNSELING

Although online counseling offers numerous advantages, there are several factors parents should consider to ensure it effectively meets their child's needs:

• Qualifications and Experience of the Therapist: Ensure that the therapist is licensed and has experience in dealing with children’s mental health issues.
• Privacy and Security: Verify that the online platform, which is used for the sessions, complies with privacy laws and regulations, such as HIPAA in the United States, to protect sensitive information.
• Technological Requirements: Reliable internet access and a compatible device are necessary for uninterrupted sessions.
• Parental Involvement: Depending on the child's age and the nature of their issues, the level of parental involvement may vary. It's important to discuss with the therapist the most beneficial level of involvement.

PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR ONLINE COUNSELING

The following steps can help you prepare your child for counseling, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of the sessions and strengthening your relationship with your child:

1. Explain the Process: Help your child understand what online counseling is and what to expect from the sessions. You can also share your own concerns and uncertainties with your child and discuss their feelings about the sessions. It's okay to feel anxious or nervous, especially when you don't know what to expect.

2. Create a Comfortable Space: Set up a quiet, private space where your child can speak undisturbed with their therapist.

3. Technical Setup: Test the technology in advance to ensure everything works smoothly, thus reducing stress or distractions during the session.

4. Support and Encouragement: Encourage your child to communicate openly and honestly with their therapist and ensure they feel supported throughout the process. Let your child choose whether they want to  share their experiences during the sessions with you or if they prefer to keep them private, and respect their choice.

EFFECTIVENESS OF ONLINE COUNSELING ON CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH

Research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy for many mental issues. The flexibility and accessibility of online counseling can improve children's mental health by providing timely interventions. However, it is important to note that online psychological counseling is not a substitute for children and adolescents with severe psychiatric illnesses or those in acute crisis who require close and direct treatment through personal therapy. If you or your child are in an acute crisis or experiencing symptoms of a mental disorder, please contact emergency services or a psychotherapist near you. If you are unsure whether online psychological counseling is suitable for you or your child, please contact me, and we can jointly examine what is appropriate in YOUR specific situation.

If you or your child have thoughts of suicide, contact:

- TELL Lifeline at 03 5774 0992 (Japan)

- Die dargebotene Hand 143 (Switzerland)

- TelefonSeelsorge 0800.1110111 , 0800.1110222 and 116 123 (Germany)

- TelefonSeelsorge 142 (Austria)

- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 (USA)

- Samaritans 116 123 (UK)

for support and help from a trained counselor.

If your life is in danger, call the police at 110 (Japan, Germany), 117 (Switzerland), 133 (Austria), or 911 (USA).

Benefits of Online Therapy with Anna Hase Psychologie

I specialize in supporting parents, from the time of conception through to toddler age and beyond. I offer psychological coaching, resilience training, and grief counseling. My clients are healthy but face various challenges in their daily lives. My counseling services cover a range of issues including loneliness, relationship stress, grief, emotion regulation, and decision-making. In our sessions, we work together to master the complexity of parenthood by offering support and strategies tailored to your unique situation.

Free Services by Anna Hase Psychologie

If you're still unsure whether to invest time and money in a psychological session with me, you might want to first try some of the free resources I offer. These services can provide you with initial guidance and support and help you decide whether further counseling is right for you.

• Free 15-min Intro Session: The free 15-minute introductory session allows us to get to know each other, discuss your needs, and determine how we can effectively work together. It's important to me that you feel comfortable and safe in the counseling process, and this initial meeting is a step toward building trust and understanding.
• Mamatomo Community: Another free resource is the Mamatomo community. "Mamatomo" is a Japanese term meaning "mom friends." This community provides a space where you can connect with other mothers and share experiences. To join, simply fill out this form, and I will connect you with a Mamatomo free of charge.
• Newsletter: Another free offer is my bi-weekly newsletter. In this newsletter, I provide professional tips and insights into mental health and parenting. These tips are designed to help you navigate the complexities of parenthood and offer practical advice that you can apply in everyday life. Enter your email address below and subscribe to the newsletter for free.

CONCLUSION

The digitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic has also significantly changed the landscape of mental health care. Online counseling makes psychological support for children conveniently accessible at home, without the need for travel. Issues such as anxiety, depression, bullying, and stress related to school pressures or family dynamics can thus be addressed. When choosing online counseling, factors such as the therapist's qualifications, privacy protection, and technical requirements should receive special parental attention. For parents looking to support the emotional and psychological needs of their children, online counseling offers a viable, effective, and adaptable solution.