Lumos Paediatric TherapyCan online therapy work for my child? A parent’s guide to telepractice
Travelling to a clinic is not always practical. Some families also find it easier to talk through goals from home, where everyday routines happen. Telepractice means meeting a clinician by video instead of in the same room. It can be useful for some children and families, but the right format depends on the goals, the child and the type of support.
At Lumos Paediatric Therapy, online appointments may be available for speech pathology and psychology, including suitable one-to-one therapy and parent coaching. Secret Agent Society® may also be delivered entirely online. Please contact our team to discuss what is appropriate for your child and which clinician has availability. This does not mean every assessment or therapy activity can be completed remotely.
What might happen in an online session?
A clinician might speak with a parent about the child’s strengths and current challenges, observe a familiar interaction, practise a communication goal with the child, or coach a caregiver through strategies to try between appointments. The plan should fit the child’s age, attention, interests and goals. For some children, an in-person visit or a mix of formats may work better.
Online parent coaching is more than receiving a list of tips. It offers time to identify a specific situation, agree on an approach, try it in a real routine and review what happened. Depending on the service, a parent may be actively involved throughout a child’s session.
What to prepare
Find a place where you can speak privately and use a reliable connection. Have a device with a camera and audio, and keep any everyday materials the clinician has requested nearby. You can send a short note beforehand about what you most want to discuss. A young child does not have to sit still in front of a screen for the entire appointment; ask how participation will work in your particular session.
If you are considering psychology by video, privacy and a suitable space to talk matter. The clinician can explain how sessions will work and whether telepractice fits the clinical needs and preferences of your family.
Is online therapy available beyond Box Hill?
Telepractice can reduce travel for families outside our local area, but service availability, professional requirements and funding arrangements must be checked for your location and individual circumstances. Please tell us where you live, your child’s age, the service you are seeking and whether you prefer parent coaching or direct sessions. We will confirm what we can offer rather than assuming that every online service is available everywhere.
If you are waiting for an appointment, ask to join the waitlist or contact us to express interest in a cancellation opening. An enquiry does not guarantee an earlier appointment; our team can discuss current options and next steps.
Further reading
- Speech Pathology Australia, Telepractice information and provider listing.
- Australian Psychological Society, Can I do my sessions via telehealth?.
- Healthdirect Australia, Online therapy (eTherapy).
Tell us your child’s age, your concerns and the support you are looking for. Our Box Hill team can discuss an appropriate next step.
Contact our team →This guide provides general information and does not replace an individual assessment or advice from your child’s treating professionals.