Online Therapy for Kids: Supercharge Your Child’s Journey

by

Dr. Mercedes Oromendia, PhD

Now, what can you do to set your child up for success with virtual care? A lot!

  1. Establish a Dedicated Space:
    Create a quiet, comfortable space for virtual therapy. Minimize distractions and ensure good lighting.
  2. Establish a Routine:
    Set a consistent schedule for therapy sessions to provide predictability.
  3. Test Technology in Advance:
    Familiarize yourself and your child with the virtual platform beforehand. Ensure the camera, microphone, and internet are working, and have a plan for tech support if needed.
  4. Participate in Session Preparation:
    Collaborate with the therapist to prepare for each session. Send a Manatee message with any specific topics or concerns in advance to make the most out of the therapy time.
  5. Provide Necessary Materials:
    Ensure your child has any materials or tools recommended by the therapist for activities during sessions. This could include art supplies, notebooks, Manatee app, or any other interactive apps.
  6. Respect Privacy:
    Make sure you and other family member’s respect your child's privacy during therapy sessions. Allow them the space to communicate independently with the therapist.
  7. Encourage Consistency in Attendance:
    Reinforce the importance of regular attendance for positive growth.
  8. Collaborate with Therapist:
    Work with the therapist, provide feedback, and actively participate in recommended sessions or tasks.
  9. Model Positive Behavior:
    Demonstrate a positive attitude towards virtual therapy to boost your child's perception and engagement.

By setting up these 9 actionable steps, you'll not only navigate the world of virtual care, but also help supercharge your child’s mental health journey. Remember, open communication, a positive attitude, and a collaborative approach with the therapist are key ingredients.

Witnessing your child flourish in this nurturing environment will be the most rewarding outcome. So, take a deep breath, embrace the possibilities, and watch your child confidently thrive in the virtual care space!

Therapy

Manatee is a virtual mental health clinic for families. If you're curious about how we help parents navigate tough situations and bring ease and fulfillment to parenting, answer our quick questionnaire to book a free 30-minute consultation with a care coordinator or an intake with one of our specialized providers.

Smiling family of four sitting closely together, with two children laughing and playing.