This article discusses online and in-person counseling for adolescents, including how it works, whom it helps, and what the benefits are.
How Teen Counseling Works
Counseling for adolescents can be provided by a variety of mental health professionals, including social workers, licensed professional counselors, mental health counselors, peer counselors, and pastoral counselors. Counseling begins with the therapist establishing a trusting relationship with your teen.
The frequency of counseling sessions will vary based on your teens’ needs. However, in the beginning, sessions are typically held weekly. These sessions can be in person or online.
Who Needs It?
The teenage years bring many emotional challenges—often referred to as teenage angst—and it might be difficult to tell whether your teen’s mood swings and behavior are “normal” or a sign of something more serious.
In addition to mood swings, there are other behaviors that can indicate your teen is struggling and could benefit from a mental health evaluation and possibly counseling. These can include:
Loss of interest in enjoyable activities Social isolation Excess sleeping or insomnia Self-harm behaviors (such as cutting) Substance misuse Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Online Counseling vs. In-Person Counseling
Counseling services were traditionally performed in person. However, with advances in technology, these services can now often be delivered online. There are benefits and potential drawbacks to both types of counseling.
Suicidal statementsGiving away personal possessionsSudden onset of cheerful mood after prolonged depressionSuicide notesLack of self-care (not showering for a long time, not brushing their teeth, etc. )Obsession with death and dyingWithdrawal from friends and familyRisky behaviors
Online Counseling
Online counseling provides many benefits. It is convenient and sessions can be held virtually anywhere that the Internet is available. Online counseling saves you the effort of finding a counselor who is close by and commuting to their office every week.
There are also disadvantages of online counseling. Internet connection issues can disrupt the flow of a session. Communicating over the Internet also comes with security risks, which can interfere with confidentiality.
During an online session, a counselor can’t read your teen’s body language (even if they are using video chat), which often provides important information about a person’s emotional state. In addition, online counseling might not be covered by your insurance, which can make it expensive.
In-Person Counseling
In-person counseling is more personal than online counseling. The counselor can communicate with your teen without distractions, and will be able to interpret things that are not being said by watching your teen’s body language.
If your teen is easily distracted, in-person counseling can make it easier to focus. In-person counseling is also more likely to be covered by insurance plans that offer coverage for mental health services.
Finding a Therapist
Looking for the right therapist for your teen presents its own challenges. There are several things to keep in mind, such as the therapist’s education, training, and areas of specialty, as well as the types of services covered by your insurance.
It’s also very important to find someone that your teen is comfortable talking to. Consider talking to your teen’s doctor or school counselor and ask for recommendations. Using a reputable resource, such as the Psychologist Locator website produced by the American Psychological Association can help significantly.
Finding an online therapist can be a bit more risky. It’s important to do your research and make sure they are a licensed mental health professional, qualified to work with your teen.
Summary
The teenage years are full of changes and challenges as a person transitions from childhood to adulthood. Counseling can provide teens with support and teach coping skills to improve their quality of life. Counseling can be online or in person, each having its own benefits.
Consult your insurance company to see if both in-person and online mental health services are covered. They can help you find a covered provider who is a good fit for you and your teen.
A Word From Verywell
Supporting an adolescent during the teenage years can be very stressful. Finding a counselor can help relieve that burden and give your teen a trusted third-party confidant to discuss their thoughts and feelings with. Counseling provides support to your teen and can help your teen learn new coping skills, which can significantly improve their quality of life.
