Wellbeing - Parents

Telehealth Appointments: How can I (or my teen) get the most out of it?

Since COVID, we have all become accustomed to telehealth appointments. During the COVID lockdowns, a time we would all rather forget, most doctors’ appointments were conducted as telehealth sessions over the phone or via video calls on programs such as Teams, Zoom or Skype. Counsellors also organised sessions to take place in these settings and continue to assist and support clients after the lockdowns in the same way. However, you may be concerned with the effectiveness of a telehealth session and privacy and confidentiality of these sessions.  Below are some simple tips to get you started or improve your/your child’s sessions.

Telehealth counselling works much in the same way as a face-to-face session. The only difference is that sessions are conducted over the phone or via video calls. Instead of going into a building, your counsellor will start the video conference or phone call at the time of your session. Often counsellors will send the login details and instructions for a Zoom or Teams session before your scheduled time, such as earlier in the day. Video calls offer a more similar experience to a face-to-face session than a phone call. Online counselling has a range of benefits, convenience being one. Telehealth appointments can easily be arranged around your life, commitments, and schedule. If you have a smart phone, tablet or computer with a stable internet connection, you can access online counselling.  

Despite its many benefits, online counselling can present with some issues. However, these useful tips will help you get started or improve the quality of your sessions:

• Find a quiet and private place where you can speak openly and honestly - this can be hard when there are multiple people around or other distractions in the home. At times these may be unavoidable. As long as you feel that you are able to speak openly this will be ok.
• A stable internet or phone connection – This enables the session to flow consistently whilst ensuring clearer communication between the client and counsellor.
• Prepare a drink of water or tea/coffee before your session - This way you are ready to start on time and you don’t need to leave to get one mid-session.
• Go to the bathroom before your session – trust me on this one!

It can be tempting to be near when your child is having a telehealth session to offer support should they need it However, it is important that they feel they can discuss any topic they chose without being overhead. This will ensure they are able to discuss their concerns and develop the skills and strategies to overcome them instead of holding things back. If possible, allow them to have their session in their room and ensure you, your partner, and their siblings are in another section of the house for the duration of the session so that they are not disturbed.  You can always check in with them after the session. This also allows them an opportunity to begin to feel comfortable discussing their concerns with you without judgment or bias.

Counselling via telehealth may be a little awkward at first. You may find that you and the counsellor are looking at an area of the screen and not each other. That’s ok, that’s often the case. As you get more experienced with the online setting you will start to feel more comfortable. Give it a try and see how you go!

Parent Support Services

We understand that supporting a young person with mental health concerns can be hard. If you are thinking of engaging in some extra support for yourself, or are interested in some information to help with concerns as they arise, please take a look at the document attached which you can use to talk things through. You don’t have to do it on your own!

The Wellbeing Team,

Lauren, Steph, Livia, Belle, and Jess