Why Virtual Therapy Works
At PM Mental Health, we understand how difficult it can be to take that first step toward mental health support for your child. Whether you’re noticing changes in behavior, navigating a major life transition, or just feeling that something is “off,” the uncertainty of where to start can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’re here to say: You’re not alone—and help is more accessible than ever.
As Dr. Janet Kahn-Scolaro, LCSWR, PhD, and Vice President of Mental Health at PM Pediatric Care explains, “No child or family should have to wait for support when they’re ready to seek help.” With over 30 years of experience working with children and families, Dr. Kahn-Scolaro leads a team that listens deeply, responds quickly, and tailors care to each individual family’s needs. In today’s world, that care can be just as impactful, and often more accessible, when delivered virtually.
So how does virtual therapy really work for kids, teens, and young adults? And why is it more than just a convenient option? Let’s explore.
Meeting Families Where They Are
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to virtual care across all areas of medicine, and mental health care was no exception. For many providers, including our team at PM Pediatric Care, this pivot wasn’t just about making therapy possible during a public health crisis—it was about discovering new ways to connect that could remain valuable long after lockdowns ended.
- Flexible access to care: Families can fit therapy into busy schedules without commuting—sessions can happen from the kitchen table, bedroom floor, or anywhere a child feels safe.
- Comfort promotes openness: Being in a familiar environment can help young people feel more at ease, reducing resistance and helping them engage more openly in therapy.
- Building rapport with your provider: Feeling comfortable at home helps children connect with their therapist more easily, which is a critical foundation for effective treatment.
- Consistency across households: For children who split time between homes, virtual therapy ensures continuity of care from any location with internet access.
“Virtual therapy offers something the in-person environment often can’t,” says Dr. Kahn-Scolaro. “Families can receive care from the comfort and privacy of their own home, on a schedule that works for them.”
Therapy that Engages and Evolves with Each Child
One of the concerns we sometimes hear is: Can virtual therapy really work for younger kids? The answer is a resounding yes—when it’s developmentally appropriate and built around how children naturally engage.
Our clinicians are trained in a variety of techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, play therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and functional family therapy. But more importantly, these approaches are not applied in a one-size-fits-all format.
Dr. Kahn-Scolaro adds, “We don’t subscribe to modular treatments that treat kids like checklists. Families are complicated. The world is complicated. Children are complicated.” Instead, we focus on practice-based evidence—we measure success not just by published outcomes, but by how children and families actually respond.
In virtual therapy, clinicians might use interactive activities, drawing, storytelling, or games to engage younger children, while giving teens and young adults the space to talk through challenges in a format that feels less intimidating than face-to-face conversations. The key is staying flexible and attuned to what works best for each child.
Fast Access, Real Results
Perhaps the most important factor in why virtual therapy works is how quickly it allows families to access care. Too often, parents tell us stories like this: “I called 100 therapists. No one called me back. Or the first available appointment was six months away.”
We never want that to happen again.
At PM Mental Health, we are committed to ensuring that no child waits for support when they’re ready to start. That’s why we offer free consultations with immediate, flexible availability. Our virtual platform makes it possible to cut down the wait time without compromising the quality of care.
Once therapy begins, families should expect to see progress—not perfection, but real signs of improvement. “If you’re not seeing any change within three to four months,” says Dr. Kahn-Scolaro, “that’s a signal to revisit the plan. Results are part of the process.”
Destigmatizing Mental Health for Kids—and Parents
Too many families still hesitate to reach out for mental health support because they fear judgment, blame, or uncertainty. But mental health is simply part of health. And issues like anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges are more common than most people realize.
“Probably one in five of us have had symptoms of a mental health issue in our lives,” says Dr. Kahn-Scolaro. “And that’s likely an underestimate.”
Importantly, mental health concerns are not the result of “bad parenting” or “bad genes.” They’re the result of living in a complex world—one that includes stress, trauma, change, and adversity. Just like we wouldn’t wait for a child’s fever to spike dangerously high before going to the doctor, we shouldn’t wait for emotional struggles to reach a crisis point before seeking care.
Virtual therapy makes it easier to start early, have honest conversations, and build coping strategies before things escalate. It’s not just a treatment—it’s prevention.
We’re Here to Help—When You’re Ready
Every child deserves the chance to thrive. Every family deserves to feel supported. At PM Mental Health, our mission is simple: to provide timely, compassionate, evidence-based mental health care—without the wait.
If you’re wondering whether therapy might be right for your family, we invite you to start with a free consultation. There’s no pressure, no obligation—just a chance to talk with someone who understands and can help you decide the best next step for your family.
Whether your child is 6 or 16 or 26, whether you’re dealing with a recent life change or a long-standing challenge, we’re ready to meet you where you are—virtually, flexibly, and with a team that truly cares.
Let’s help your child feel better, together.
Ready to get started? Schedule a free consultation today to see if PM Mental Health is the right fit for your family.
About The Expert
Janet Kahn-Scolaro, LCSWR, PhD, has over 30 years of experience as a child and family therapist with a deeply compassionate, family-centered approach to mental health care. As Vice President of Mental Health at PM Pediatric Care, she believes that mental health is health—and that no child or family should have to wait for support when they’re ready to seek help. With decades of experience working with families and a commitment to responsive, developmentally appropriate care, she leads a team that listens first and tailors mental health treatment to each unique child and family.
