Why does virtual therapy work for kids?

Kids are already comfortable on screens - for most kids today, a video call is a familiar space. They get to be at home with their own room, their own stuff, and their dog at their feet. Kids open up more when they feel safe. There's no commute, no waiting room, and no missed school - therapy fits into your week without taking it over. Our clinicians use interactive games, shared drawing boards, and play-based activities built for video sessions. Parents can be more involved, which is especially important with younger kids and changes outcomes.

Are Backpack therapists trained for online therapy?

Every Backpack clinician completes training in online therapy techniques before seeing patients. Our play therapists are trained in online play therapy and use specialized digital tools. We use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. We meet weekly as a team to keep learning and share what's working. For younger kids, we coach parents on how to set up the space at home and support engagement.

What do I need to get started with virtual therapy?

You need a device with a camera (phone, tablet, or laptop), internet connection, a private spot where your kid feels comfortable, and about 45 minutes per session. That's it.

Virtual Therapy

Does online therapy really work for kids?

Q: Does online therapy really work for kids?

Short answer: yes. Often better than parents expect. Online therapy for kids isn't a copy of in-person therapy on a screen. Done right, it's a real, evidence-based way to help children and teens feel better.

Short answer: yes. Often better than parents expect . Here's why and how we make sure of it.

Why it works

See how it works

Why it works for kids

Online therapy for kids isn't a copy of in-person therapy on a screen.

Done right, it's a real, evidence-based way to help children and teens feel better. Here's what makes it work.

Kids are already comfortable on screens

For most kids today, a video call is a familiar space. Sometimes it's more comfortable than astranger's office.

They get to be at home

Their own room. Their own stuff. Their dog at their feet. Kids open up more when they feel safe.

No commute. No waiting room. No missed school.

Therapy fits into your week. It doesn't take it over.

Tools that work better online

Our clinicians use interactive games, shared drawing boards, and play-based activities built for video sessions.

Parents can be more involved

It's easier to step into part of a session from home than to drive across town and sit in a waiting room. Especially with younger kids, this changes outcomes.

Why it works for kids

Not every therapist is trained to do this well. Ours are.

Every Backpack clinician completes training in onlinetherapy techniques before seeing patients.

Our play therapists are trained in online play therapy and use specialized digital tools.

We use evidence-based methods adapted for video— including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (talktherapy that helps kids change unhelpful thoughtpatterns).

We meet weekly as a team to keep learning and share what's working.

For younger kids, we coach parents on how to set up the space at home and support engagement.

What you need