Top Online Therapy Platforms for Children: Choosing the Right Service for Your Family

Virtual therapy platforms have been growing in popularity as they save on time and effort. They are particularly effective for families because parents have to juggle the responsibilities of their work and personal life. Virtual therapy is also good for kids because they can communicate with the therapist from the comfort of their own home which helps to reduce the stress of dealing with an unfamiliar environment. This allows children to feel safe while discussing their feelings. However, it is important to choose the right online therapy platform that will suit the needs of your family.

How to Choose the Right Online Therapy Platform

1. Check Credentials

One of the key factors for the rise in online therapy is that it makes it easier for people to connect with therapists and specialists that they would not be able to visit in person due to distance. Similarly, therapists in some areas have very high hourly rates compared to other areas but online platforms allow you to find experts within your budget. However, the flip side is that every online therapy platform has their own set of requirements for their therapists. This is why it is important to make sure that the platform you choose provides access to licensed therapists.

2. Read Reviews

Not all online therapy platforms are the same which is why you should read reviews to make sure that the platform is best suited to your family. Some platforms specialise in paediatric care while others are focused more on geriatric care. Many platforms also cater to specific conditions such as OCD and ADHD. In addition to this, some platforms have better reviews from users compared to others. An independent review of the top online therapy platforms will help you narrow down the options as it will provide you with all the information you need for each platform including user reviews and satisfaction with the platform.

3. Therapy Modalities

There are several therapy modalities that a therapist may employ such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), family therapy or play therapy. This will depend entirely on your child’s age and needs. For instance, if your child is very young, the therapist may recommend theraplay which is a type of play therapy that is meant to strengthen your relationship with your child and reduce problem behaviour. The therapist will help you understand your child’s emotions and how they influence their behaviour as well as teach you new ways to respond to difficult behaviour. Your therapist will suggest games and activities that you and your child will do together which will help your child see you as a skilful problem solver who can help and nurture them which increases their confidence and makes them feel less anxious.

4. Ability to Switch Therapists

There are times when a therapist is unable to create a strong connection with a child which will hamper their ability to communicate. That connection is important so that the child feels comfortable enough to discuss their feelings and experiences. For instance, a lack of self-esteem may cause a child to become shy while a traumatic experience can cause a child to become quiet and withdrawn. If the child is unable to talk to the therapist about their fears and experiences, they cannot get the help they need which can result in emotional and behaviour problems. In such cases, you have no option but to switch to a different therapist. While some online therapy platforms make it easy for you to do this, there are others that require you to go through a lengthy process. It’s important to check the platform’s policy on switching therapists before making a choice.

5. Support for Specific Issues

There are times when your child may need help dealing with specific issues such as divorce, or the death of a family member. Online platforms give you the ability to look for therapists who have

expertise in helping children understand and process these issues. Most children find it difficult to adjust to huge changes and the therapist will be able to help them navigate their feelings of loss and bereavement during this time. In the case of a divorce, your child may also need help with adjusting to new family structures and maintaining healthy relationships with parents and siblings.