Teletherapy & Telehealth
Teletherapy has been around for a long time - but it was COVID-19 that brought it to the forefront. Children and families still need supports, even if we all have to stay at home. At Young Minds Psychology, we try and make it as easy as possible for you: you click a link from your email, and it opens up in your browser. It's as easy as that - no apps, or downloads, and most importantly, it's secure.
A lot of parents are concerned about how their kids may engage, or how effective teletherapy is compared to in-person sessions. The reality is that in the digital age, our young people are very comfortable with talking virtually. For some children, it may simply mean shortening the sessions to maintain their attention. If you are not sure whether teletherapy is appropriate for your child, please check in, and we can discuss any concerns you may have together.
However, there are some things that can make teletherapy more successful:
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Find a secure space that's quiet and able to be private. A bedroom, or any room away from noise where the door is able to be closed is good. Headphones can help with privacy and distractions.
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Check your internet connection, and if it works well in that space.
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Bring toys - for younger kids, or those who fidget a lot, have some toys on hand to play with and keep their hands busy (eg, fidgets, colouring pencils).
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Log in to the virtual appointment ahead of time to make sure everything is working.