FAQs about Virtual Therapy for Kids and Families

It’s completely natural to feel uncertain about using virtual mental health care for your child.

Many parents worry that a screen might interfere with the personal connection that is so essential for effective therapy. But, hear us out— by connecting with your child in the comfort of your own home, virtual therapy often reduces the anxiety associated with unfamiliar clinical offices, allowing for more genuine interactions and deeper progress.

At Tampa Pediatric Psychology, we understand that finding the right mental health care for your child can feel overwhelming, especially when statistics show that only one in ten children under the age of 12 receive the care they need. The challenges of long waitlists, extensive travel across town, and a nationwide shortage of pediatric mental health experts have led us to reimagine how care is delivered.

By embracing a virtual model, we’re able to provide accessible, high-quality mental health services to every family, regardless of location or circumstance. This is made further possible by our psychologist’s additional credential in PSYPACT, which allows us to work with families in almost every state!

Many parents picture their child laying on a therapist’s couch and having a conversation about their stressors. In reality, the real magic happens when we get to see your child in action at home.

We don’t want to see how your child behaves or interacts in a staged office session; we want to see them in their natural environment, where every toy, pet, and quirky habit tells us something valuable.

One of the key benefits of our virtual model is the ability to engage young children in the place they feel most natural and comfortable—their homes.

Many parents picture their child laying on a therapist’s couch and having a conversation about their stressors. In reality, the real magic happens when we get to see your child in action at home. We don’t want to see how your child behaves or interacts in a staged office session; we want to see them in their natural environment, where every toy, pet, and quirky habit tells us something valuable.

This insider view helps us fine-tune our approach. Working in your child’s own space means our support is not only more effective—it’s as genuine and relatable as your family’s daily life (and sometimes a little more entertaining, too). This model ensures that every session is tailored to address not only your child’s unique needs but also the dynamics of your family as a whole.

Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Yes, virtual therapy is highly effective when delivered using evidence-based approaches. Virtual therapy allows for real-time coaching, family involvement, and observation of a child’s behavior in their home setting, which we’ve seen first-hand enhance treatment effectiveness. 

At Tampa Pediatric Psychology, our clinicians are adept at using creative, play-based techniques—such as interactive games, storytelling, drawing, and even virtual whiteboards—to ensure that sessions are both engaging and effective. We’ll ask that you prepare the space with any materials they may need such as colored pencils or Playdoh.

In addition to play-based sessions, our therapists often work with you and your child together to provide real-time feedback regarding your interactions to promote a strong and secure relationship.

This interactive approach allows us to observe their behavior in their natural home environment, leading to more accurate assessments and personalized interventions.

Your child will be encouraged to move around, show us their favorite toys or pets, and interact naturally, rather than feeling restricted to sitting still in front of a screen. 

When your child participates in virtual therapy from the comfort of their own home, it gives us a unique opportunity to see them in action, understand their daily challenges, and tailor our approach accordingly.

Research supports that treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) are just as effective when delivered virtually, making it an excellent alternative to traditional in-person therapy for children and teens.

You shouldn't be left in the dark about your child's therapy.

We’re committed to ensuring that you have the tools to support your child between meetings. This means we don’t just deliver therapy behind closed doors; we make it a collaborative journey that values your child’s confidentiality, yet ensures you're actively involved and informed.

At Tampa Pediatric Psychology, we believe that effective therapy means you are never left in the dark about your child's progress. We actively involve you in the process—whether it’s through joint sessions or by sharing practical strategies that you can use at home.

If your child is currently in therapy and you do not receive regular updates, clear explanations of the methods your child’s therapist is using, or specific advice on how to reinforce those strategies at home—read this blog post next.

We help you to see progress over time and catch issues as they arise.

At Tampa Pediatric Psychology, we track progress using measurement-informed care, ensuring that interventions are continuously adjusted to meet your child’s needs.

To monitor progress and ensure that our sessions are effective, we utilize an assessment package of developmental and behavioral rating scales into all of our therapy programs. These check-ins offer insights into your child’s behavior, your own mental wellbeing, and the overall health of your family relationships. By tracking these metrics over time, we can adjust our therapeutic strategies to better meet your child’s evolving needs, ensuring that our interventions remain both effective and personalized.

Tampa Pediatric Psychology’s virtual mental health care model makes it easier for children and families to get support. We offer accessible, evidence-based therapy so that kids, parents, and caregivers can receive the help they need whenever they need it.

Virtual therapy provides a comfortable, secure, and flexible option that meets the needs of modern families. As virtual therapy continues to evolve, more and more families are discovering that it can be just as effective—if not more so—than traditional in-person sessions.

By removing the constraints of travel and long waitlists, we’re able to provide timely, evidence-based support that can lead to meaningful improvements in your child’s mental health. We’re proud to offer a service that not only addresses immediate concerns but also lays the foundation for long-term family wellness.

If you’re interested in learning more about how our virtual care can support your child’s mental health journey, please explore our website or contact us directly. We’re here for you when you are ready.