In the midst of a global pandemic, it can be next to impossible to organize the many parts of our lives that were once in–person that have now become virtual. Schools and organizations are shifting their curricula and services to virtual with video chatting platforms like Zoom, Google Hangout, and 3CX.  

Clinical social workers have used virtual interfaces like this before to offer mental health care and have found many benefits to using this modality of treatment. While a world shift like this can feel insurmountably hard and frustrating at times, there are many benefits to online mental health treatment to support you in navigating this unknown space.  

Virtual mental health care allows you to access a mental health professional to discuss current stresses, anxiety, depression, and worry that pandemics can foster. Virtual mental health therapy can support you in problem solving in many areas of life during “typical times” but especially during times of crises and uncertainty. Virtual mental health minimizes any travel and exposure to others, thus minimizing exposure to illness and viruses like the Coronavirus while being able to access support.  

Virtual home sessions can also support children, youth and families in organizing their new normal. When parents are tasked with working from home and supporting their children in organizing their time and completing school work, this process can feel overwhelming. Virtual home therapists can work with you and your family in organizing your and your family’s days in an effort to foster continued education and wellness.  

Virtual home sessions are also an efficient means of accessing emotional support compared to in-person sessions. No longer are you tasked with looking for parking, making sure you have enough time to get from point A-B, or enough gas in your tank. Virtual therapy allows you and your child to simply log on via a link or invite from your therapist, and get to work!  

Virtual therapy during times of stress can also support families in fostering balance. It is so challenging to organize your own schedule as an adult within the context of this massive life change, but also organizing your child’s schedule and wondering what their time away from academics could be dedicated to if their extracurricular activities are no longer an option. A time like this is a perfect opportunity to begin therapy or maintain mental health care to target stress, anxiety, and other challenges related to mental health. 

Virtual home sessions can offer the same level of support and problem solving as in-person therapy, while minimizing anxiety about exposure to illness and balancing other facets of your life.