In today’s fast-paced world, telehealth has become a go-to essential for so many families seeking accessible and flexible healthcare options. We love seeing everyone in our clinics, but we know that for a lot of people, telehealth may suit their lifestyle better!
For children needing therapy services, telehealth offers the convenience of professional care from the comfort of home. But is it the right fit for your child?
We want to help you make an informed decision about whether this approach aligns with your child’s unique needs and your family’s lifestyle.
Convenience
With virtual appointments there are more opportunities to work your appointments around your schedule. There’s no need to worry about commuting, parking, or rearranging your schedule to fit in travel time.
You and your child can attend the session from the comfort of your own home, in an environment that your child is already comfortable in.
The major hurdle that comes with this convenience is that a lot of homes, particularly if there are multiple children living in the home, don’t have a space that’s therapy-friendly. Ideally a space would be distraction-free, private and also interruption-free. For some households this may be no problem, but for others it can be a major obstacle.
Accessibility
Technology can make healthcare more accessible: telehealth appointments help to break down geographic barriers, making healthcare more accessible to everyone.
If you live in a remote or underserved area, or you have mobility difficulties which make it more difficult to travel, telehealth provides access to specialists without the need for long-distance travel. Even if you live in a metro area telehealth means that services aren’t limited to just who is geographically close to you, you can have more choice and control over who you are supported by.
Though a stable internet connection or phone signal is often needed, which might still be a challenge in some remote areas.
Flexibility
Thanks to the aforementioned flexibility in choosing your therapist, telehealth offers a wider range of appointment times, allowing you to schedule sessions around your other commitments.
Additionally, in some cases, telehealth may help you find someone with more immediate availability outside your area, reducing wait times compared to local options.
Now this may not always be the case, and there are certainly benefits to choosing someone local as it opens up more options. For example, you may at some point choose to do some in-person appointments, and choosing a local therapist helps you to avoid long-distance travel or changing therapists.
Less disruptions
We’ve all seen how important it can be to maintain consistency with therapeutic care, and sometimes in-person appointments aren’t going to be possible. Telehealth ensures that you can maintain consistent care, even during unexpected circumstances.
Whether it’s bad weather, illness, or family emergencies, virtual appointments can proceed without the need to cancel or reschedule. This continuity not only supports a child’s ongoing development but also provides peace of mind for families, knowing that help is always within reach. Telehealth bridges the gap between convenience and quality care, making it easier for families to prioritise their child’s well-being, no matter the circumstances.
Comfort
For many people, particularly children, attending appointments from home can make them feel more comfortable and relaxed. A familiar environment can reduce anxiety, and lead to more effective communication.
The downside to this convenience can be that while telehealth can enhance comfort, its effectiveness may vary depending on the type of therapy and your child’s ability to focus.
This is where parents play a vital role. Observing how your child responds to therapy at home can help you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right setting for them. Some children thrive in a familiar environment, while others may benefit from the structure and focus provided by a more neutral setting like a clinic.
Ultimately, choosing the best environment for your child’s therapy is a judgment call—one that should consider their unique needs, personality, and ability to engage meaningfully in their sessions. Should you decide to try telehealth appointments, our therapists are always happy to support parents and guardians on how to set up the space and support their child during telehealth sessions.
In summary, there are a lot of benefits to telehelath appointments, and it is worth considering whether this may be a good choice for you and your family. Some people choose to do all their appointments virtually, others choose to do them all in our clinics, and some choose to do a blend of the two. You can do whatever is going to work best for your family, and give you the most benefit.
Our team is always here if you want to discuss your options; and if you are already seeing one of our therapists talk to them about how you would like to structure your appointments!
