Will Online Screening Convince Your Teenager to See an Anxiety Counsellor?

Will Online Screening Convince Your Teenager to See an Anxiety Counsellor?

30 November 2018
 Categories: , Blog


Teenagers often suffer from intermittent periods of anxiety because adolescence is a difficult life stage. However, some teenagers develop long-term problems with anxiety and stress. Their anxiety is more constant and affects their everyday lives.

If your child regularly gets anxious or seems stressed a lot of the time, often for no reason, then you'll be keen for them to see a counsellor. However, your child may not want anxiety treatment. They may refuse to accept they have a problem; the thought of seeing a counsellor may simply make them more anxious.

It may help if your child takes an online therapy screening test. What do these tests do and what are the benefits?

How Online Therapy Tests Work

Online therapy screening may be a stand-alone tool or part of a web-based therapy system. Screening usually works via a quick quiz that asks the user various questions.

These questions cover issues like physical and mental symptoms. They also ask feelings, mood and well-being questions. While some tests are general, some focus solely on anxiety. Once the test is done, you get your results and, sometimes, recommendations on treatment options.

How Online Tests Help Your Teenager

Teenagers are used to organising a lot of their lives online. Your teenager may be more willing to try an online solution first rather than seeing your GP or a counsellor from the get-go.

An online therapy test isn't a substitute for professional counselling. This is more of a problem identification tool than an instant solution. However, it may convince your teenager that they will benefit from seeing an anxiety specialist.

Sometimes, teenagers are in denial about possible mental health issues or feel that what is happening to them isn't something that anyone else will understand. Being able to do a quick test online may be a lightbulb moment for them.

For example, your child may start to see that they have real symptoms and that these symptoms aren't uncommon. They may realise that getting help could make them feel better. Plus, they may also just be more willing to follow things up with a counsellor if their test shows that they should.

If the screening test helps your teenager identify and accept their anxiety issues, then you stand a better chance of getting them to go to counselling. Your GP can recommend a good counsellor. Alternatively, you can find qualified youth counsellors via organisations such as the Australian Counselling Association.