The spread of COVID-19 has increased the need and demand for virtual mental health services. Not too long ago, telehealth was obscure to the majority of therapists, an uncharted territory we may have assumed we would never need to explore. Now, however, telehealth has become the primary (or only) means through which clinicians across the world can connect with their clients. As it is with most unexpected changes, this transition to a new format is scary for many providers and requires quick creative adjustments.

Though many therapists and providers are new to telehealth, it’s not a new concept and is in fact expanding. Historically, telehealth has been used to serve clients who live in remote locations or lack access to face-to-face care. Additionally, telehealth has been instrumental in providing treatment to clients who are homebound due to illness, injury, infirmary, age, physical limitations, or limits in driving. For these individuals, virtual mental health services can be the difference between not receiving any care at all to receiving excellent support from a skilled mental health provider. Telehealth service does not mean subpar service. Research studies indicate that treatment delivered via telehealth is equivalent to face-to-face care in various settings.

The truth is that you can use almost all therapeutic techniques you used in a face-to-face setting in a virtual environment; you may just need to be more creative and plan differently. There are a plethora of trainings available now as well that can share some creative approaches. In  the interim, however, I put together a list of imaginative telehealth ideas I have gathered from providers in different departments at Child Guidance. Most importantly, be creative and have fun! This is a new zone for both therapists and clients. Being gentle with yourself is important as we learn new things.

Creative ideas to try:

  • Ask the child to find/show/discuss 3 items in their house that represent how they’re feeling today. They can go on a mini scavenger hunt!
  • Play “Show and Tell” for the child to show you significant items in their homes.
  • Have the child create a time capsule. A perfect family activity!
  • Use digital worksheets and handouts. Share your screen so the child can see and complete the worksheets in session. An example of an eBook exploring emotions through activities can be found here.
  • Explore the numerous educational online games and websites together. Examples are https://www.highlightskids.com/ and http://www.familylearning.org.uk/preschool-games.html
  • Find age-appropriate YouTube videos to watch, via screen share, with your clients. Then talk about it!
  • Encourage the child to take a sensory walk or practice a mindfulness activity. You can walk them through noticing trees, paying attention to their feelings, and more.
  • Engage the child with digital coloring pages. Crayola has lots of free coloring pages and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has a free downloadable coloring book about the Coronavirus for kids.
  • Explore a virtual museum or zoo! You can find a list available here.
  • Make crafts with things the kids may have at home.
  • Use drawing prompts to explore the child’s feelings (ex. “can you draw a lighthouse and put yourself somewhere in the picture? Now give your drawing a title and tell me why you drew it the way you did”). Or, have the child “free draw” and show you what they created.
  • Utilize music in therapy. Can they play you their favorite song and tell you how it makes them feel? Can they create a “soundtrack to their lives”?
  • Use creative writing/journaling prompts to explore emotions.
  • Engage the child in a physical activity like Yoga. Yoga for kids videos are easily available online. We recommend Cosmic Yoga or Yoga with Adriene.
  • Read a book together online. This website features celebrities reading their favorite children’s books aloud and there are tons of free books available here.

There are so many ways to connect with your clients virtually. We’d love to hear your ideas, too!