While it is common to be unsure about whether telehealth can work for young children, most families I have worked with have found it to be helpful, and many find that they prefer it to in-person therapy. Families have shared that telehealth allows the clinician to see their child as they really are in everyday life, allows the clinician to better understand all aspects of the problem at hand, and eliminates the need to to trek across town every week for an appointment.

Telehealth allows families to receive services in a convenient way, in the location where many of their challenges are taking place--their home.  For parent-only sessions, many parents find it convenient to join sessions from their office, parked car, or home. Most sessions with children take place at home, often in a play area, a bedroom, or even at the kitchen table. Research suggests that telehealth is just as effective as in-person therapy.

Many children act differently in an unfamiliar office environment than they do at home, so telehealth can be a way to see more accurately how they typically behave and feel. Telehealth also allows us to practice coping skills in the exact environment where you want your child to use their skills, with the tools and resources that are available to them at home.

Young children are not expected to sit in front of a computer and "talk" during therapy--it is more common for them to be in and out of the room, engaging in play and interacting with their caregiver.  As a therapist, I often serve as a 'coach' to support caregivers and help them to navigate situations in the home, and understand what their child might be thinking and feeling during challenging moments.