Common Questions for Parents Seeking Therapy for Teens
Finding the right fit therapist for your teen may take time. In this blog post I’m answering some commonly asked questions about the efficacy of online therapy for teens and the process of finding a therapist. This post was inspired by a conversation for yahoo.com with my colleague Julia Childs Heyl. Here are a few questions and answers:
What are some signs a teen may benefit from therapy?
There is a broad spectrum to why a teen might go to therapy. For example, I specialize in supporting teens with reducing symptoms of anxiety, perfectionism, or low self-esteem. I also meet with teens navigating interpersonal relationships including: shifting friendships, dating intricacies or complex family dynamics.
Warning signs that more intensive therapy or support might be needed include sudden behavioral shifts like withdrawing from peers or typically enjoyed activities, a rapid academic decline, involvement in risky or self-harming behaviors or experiencing complex grief or a traumatic event.
Is online therapy effective with teens?
Building trust between a teen and therapist is often the most important indicator for how "successful" a teen's therapy experience is, whether meeting online or in person. If a teen does not have a private space to take video sessions from, that will automatically inhibit the teen's opportunity for growth.
That said, many teens prefer online therapy because they experience high level support while in the comfort of their own space, where they feel most like themselves. Teens with busy schedules may also be more likely to attend therapy consistently online. The caveat to online therapy is when a teen is considered high-risk (risk to self or to others) and may benefit from in person services or a higher level of care.
What should parents consider who are trying to find an online therapist for their teen?
Most therapists offer a free 15 minute consultation before an intake session that parents can schedule when looking for a therapist on behalf of their teen who is a minor. This is an opportunity for parents to ask questions about the therapist's approach and training, for example: Have you worked with teens who are struggling with X symptoms? What tools do you offer for teens struggling with X? Parents should ensure that the therapist has ample experience not only working with teens, but also working with the specific challenge(s) that the teen is facing.
With teens, parents can expect to be involved in treatment either through parental counseling or family therapy, as that increases the overall effectiveness of therapy. Regardless, therapists will uphold confidentiality of what is discussed in session between the teen and therapist, unless the teen is at risk of self-harm or harm to others.
While it takes time to build a therapeutic relationship, it is always important for parents and teens to assess and reassess to make sure that the therapist match is appropriate and helpful.
xoxo,
Amanda
