Pros and Cons of Telehealth Therapy with Children
By Haley Pangman, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Haley works with children, adolescents and adults via Telehealth. Please see her booking page here.
Are you a caregiver seeking therapy for your child and feeling hesitant to schedule virtual
sessions? This makes a lot of sense! Telehealth can feel inaccessible, and many people believe
that children don’t have the attention span or capacity to attend therapy remotely.
I believed this too when I began my career as an Elementary School Counselor. I loved being in
the room with a child, observing body language, noticing subtle cues, and feeling the energy that
comes with in person connection. It was hard for me to imagine that my interventions could be
just as effective through a screen.
At the same time, I started to notice a pattern. It was often difficult for kids to attend sessions
consistently. Transportation can be a barrier for caregivers, especially in rural settings, and
children who are in school get sick from time to time, which leads to missed appointments.
These challenges can make it harder to maintain steady progress in therapy.
Over time, I was surprised by what I saw with Telehealth. Kids often showed up more relaxed
when they were able to attend sessions from the comfort of their home. They shared their
favorite toys with me, introduced me to their pets, and sessions began to feel more natural and
cozy. In many cases, they seemed more at ease, and that made it easier for them to engage in
ways that felt comfortable for them in their space and on their terms.
In 2026, there are also so many online tools designed specifically for children. Interactive games
and activities can help them learn to identify their emotions and build a toolbox of healthy
coping skills. Many kids genuinely enjoy this part of the process, which helps keep them
engaged. I have had success working with children as young as five remotely.
Telehealth isn’t perfect. It can be harder to pick up on nonverbal cues and it works better for
some kids more than others. It’s also important to note that virtual therapy is not suited for high
crisis situations. When a child needs immediate or intensive support, in person care is often the
more appropriate option.
While nothing fully replaces the energy of being in the same room, Telehealth is a solid and
effective option for supporting children’s mental health. For many families, it reduces barriers
and creates a comfortable space where kids can show up as themselves.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling unsure, that’s okay. Trying a session can be a helpful way to see if it’s the right
fit for your child! I would love to work together to support your child as they grow and learn.
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