Online Counselling for Children and Teenagers: What Parents Need to Know

Some children and teenagers speak more comfortably when they are in a familiar space. Others need time before they trust an unfamiliar adult or find the words to explain what is happening.

Online counselling can provide a practical option for families who live outside Sydney, have demanding schedules or find travel difficult. Advance Minds offers video counselling across Australia for children, teenagers and adolescents, alongside in-person support at Bankstown.

What can online counselling support?

Children and teenagers may not describe their difficulty as anxiety, stress or low self-esteem. Parents may first notice changes in behaviour.

These can include:

* Withdrawing from family or friends

* School refusal or distress before school

* Difficulty sleeping

* Frequent emotional outbursts

* Worry that seems difficult to reassure

* Reduced confidence

* Friendship problems

* Difficulty with routines or organisation

* Frustration connected with ADHD-related challenges

* Family conflict or adjustment after separation

* Behaviour that has changed noticeably

One sign on its own does not establish a diagnosis. The pattern, duration and effect on daily functioning matter. A GP can assess physical or medical factors and arrange diagnostic referrals when appropriate.

Advance Minds does not diagnose ADHD

Advance Minds provides counselling support around ADHD-related difficulties but does not conduct ADHD assessments or diagnose ADHD.

Assessment is generally completed by an appropriately qualified psychologist, paediatrician or psychiatrist, often after a GP referral. Counselling can still begin before, during or after that process.

The practical work may include routines, emotional regulation, frustration, school pressure, self-esteem and communication between the young person, parents and educators.

How does an online session work for a young person?

The therapist will consider the child’s age, communication style, privacy and ability to engage through video.

With younger children, a parent may need to help set up the device, provide materials or participate in part of the appointment. Sessions may use simple activities, visual tools and practical examples rather than relying only on a long conversation.

Teenagers may prefer more privacy. A parent can help establish the appointment and then move out of hearing range, depending on the agreed plan and any safety considerations.

The therapist should explain confidentiality in language the young person can understand. Parents also need clear information about what remains private and when information may need to be shared because of safety or legal obligations.

The parent’s role

Parents are an important part of support, but counselling should not become another place where a young person feels watched, corrected or reported on.

The therapist may schedule time with a parent to understand concerns, review strategies or discuss changes at home. This can happen without asking the child to surrender every private detail from the session.

Parents can support online counselling by:

* Providing a quiet and predictable space

* Avoiding listening outside the door

* Helping with technology without remaining in the session unnecessarily

* Keeping the appointment time free from chores or interruptions

* Asking how to support the agreed strategies at home

* Allowing progress to take time

* Sharing urgent safety concerns directly with the therapist

Working with schools and other professionals

With appropriate consent, the therapist may work alongside parents, educators and other professionals so the young person receives consistent support.

This may involve discussing practical strategies rather than sharing the entire content of counselling. Consent, relevance and privacy should be clarified before information is released.

Online counselling does not replace a medical assessment, emergency care or specialist treatment when those services are needed.

Is online counselling suitable for every child?

No single format suits every young person. Some children engage well online because the environment feels familiar. Others may be distracted, uncomfortable on camera or need play-based and in-person support.

The child’s age, needs, safety, internet access and ability to participate should guide the decision. If online counselling is not suitable, the practice can discuss in-person support or other referral options.

If a young person is in immediate danger, call 000. Kids Helpline is available on 1800 55 1800.

Advance Minds provides online counselling for children and teenagers across Australia. Book through https://www.advanceminds.com.au or call 0466 666 334.