What Texas Parents Need to Know — By Dr. Kristin Kroll, PhD
Licensed Psychologist • Little Dove Consulting PLLC
(512) 240-2633As a psychologist who transitioned much of my practice to virtual care, one of the most common questions I hear from Texas parents is: “Can therapy over a screen really work for my child?” It’s a fair question. Here’s an honest, evidence-based answer.
Research consistently shows that virtual therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for the majority of childhood mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and behavioral issues. The American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all support telehealth as a valid and effective treatment delivery method.
That said, virtual therapy isn’t perfect for every situation. Let me break down when it works well, when it might not, and how to make the most of it.
Children around age 5 and up generally have the attention span and verbal skills to engage meaningfully in video-based therapy. For younger children, virtual parent coaching sessions — where I work with the parent to implement strategies — can be highly effective.
These are the conditions with the strongest evidence base for virtual treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is the gold standard for many childhood conditions, translates well to video sessions.
If you live in a rural part of Texas, have multiple children to coordinate, work demanding hours, or simply can’t find a local specialist — virtual therapy removes the biggest barrier to getting help.
Many children — especially those with anxiety or social difficulties — actually open up more in their familiar environment than in a clinical office. I’ve seen children share things on camera from their bedroom that they never would have said in an unfamiliar waiting room.
There are some situations where in-person therapy may be preferable:
Even in these cases, virtual therapy can play a complementary role — for example, virtual parent coaching alongside in-person child sessions.
If you decide to try virtual therapy, these tips will help maximize the experience:
Your child needs a quiet room where they can speak freely without siblings or other family members overhearing. This is essential for building trust and openness.
Make sure your internet connection is stable, the camera and microphone work, and your child knows how to use the video platform. Technical difficulties in the first session can create unnecessary frustration.
Tell your child: “You’re going to talk to someone who helps kids figure out their feelings. It’s like having a coach for your brain.” Avoid language that implies something is wrong with them.
The first session is about building rapport, not fixing problems. Your child may seem quiet or unsure at first — that’s completely normal. Most children become comfortable within 2–3 sessions.
The most effective virtual therapy for children includes regular parent check-ins. Expect your therapist to touch base with you about strategies to reinforce at home.
When evaluating any virtual therapy provider for your child, ask:
At Little Dove, we answer all of these questions during our free 15-minute consultation — before you commit to anything.
Virtual therapy is a proven, effective option for most children. It’s not a lesser version of “real” therapy — it is real therapy, delivered in a way that often fits better into families’ lives. The most important factor isn’t the delivery method; it’s finding the right therapist who connects with your child and uses evidence-based approaches.
If you’re on the fence, the best way to decide is to try it. Our free consultation gives you a chance to ask questions, share your concerns, and see if it feels like the right fit — with zero commitment.
Ready to explore virtual therapy? Call (512) 240-2633 or contact us online for a free 15-minute consultation.