Virtual Counseling

Access to mental health support for children can be extremely challenging. As we all know, mental health services are not cheap. And it tends to be the families with the least resources that struggle the most to find the money to pay for such services. Thankfully many school psychologists are trained and comfortable providing services like this. Sometimes there is a school social worker who would also be a good resource for these students, especially the younger ones.

As the students become older (6th grade and above) they tend to isolate themselves more. It becomes more challenging for them to reach out at all if they are in need. Sometimes just the real face-to-face part of it makes it completely aversive. Luckily, we are finally living in a time where mental health services can be accessible through a mobile phone or computer. It is a new way of practicing mental health so many are skeptical and options are limited, however, I have firsthand experience that it is absolutely perfect for people like myself.

I personally have significant issues with anxiety and I am currently a stay-at-home mother so my schedule is not my own. When I return to the workforce it would not be likely to change in that aspect. I am no longer in need of counseling, but I really love that this option is available to me now.

I was a skeptic. I wondered how someone could possibly provide therapeutic services without seeing and observing during a session. And in some respect, those things can be lost, making the therapeutic process a bit more challenging. Many of the services offer a video chat or messaging services, which can be extremely helpful in times where emotions are high and typing would be cumbersome. My skepticism faded very quickly. It can be extremely helpful to be able to message your counselor as things are happening. I didn't have to wait a whole week or so and try to remember everything I wanted to talk about. The somewhat immediate feedback also helped me implement strategies quickly and more effectively because that waiting period didn't exist. I could show my face or remain fairly anonymous. It honestly provided me with a sense of more control than the traditional set up for therapy.

I bring this up because our youth will only become more reliant on technology to provide services. And it is our job to try to meet them where they are comfortable enough to share. This might mean having an open door policy, providing therapeutic supports in the school setting, or (if parents are willing and able to pay) using virtual counseling.

TalkSpace was the one I went with. The prices for what you were able to get out of it were the most reasonable for me. I did a lot of research on these and this one also had the best reviews. At the time there were approximately three options. There are likely more now as this begins to catch on. But don't hesitate to do your research and find options that might work for your students. This could be a resource that changes their life.

Living in the Community You Work In

So when we get ready to move on from the lecture to the field work we must ask the question, "Should I live in the community I work in?"  Many will say "yes", even the ones who currently don't reside in the same community they work in.  Perhaps, this is not an issue for most.  Many do not mind the blur between work and personal life.

I have not really answered this question for myself.  There are good arguments for it, and good arguments against it.  My biggest concern is conflict of interest.  At this point in my life I don't have any children so it won't be too difficult to keep that professional line drawn.  Living right in the community you work in though might prove to be an issue.  One can no longer go outside or around town without being recognized, talked to, or possibily asked questions about work that should not be discussed in public.

The service I work for recently switched my schools and I will now be working right here in my own town.  I am excited that it will be less drive time and less gas to burn, but there is still that worry about my personal life conflicting with my professional life.  It is a VERY small town.  I enjoy my privacy.  Will I be able to keep it?

Comments on this topic are welcome.