Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Therapy Referral

Audience: pediatric

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can affect children and teens after they experience or witness a traumatic event. Symptoms may include upsetting memories, nightmares, feeling very anxious, or avoiding places and people that remind them of what happened. Telemedicine can help by providing therapy referrals and support for many children with PTSD. However, some signs mean it's important to see a healthcare provider in person right away. These include thoughts of harming oneself or others, severe mood changes, or difficulty functioning at home or school. This guide helps families understand when to use telemedicine and when to seek in-person care, ensuring children get the right help safely and promptly. Remember, this information is for education and not a diagnosis. Always reach out to a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your child's mental health.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Thoughts or talk about self-harm or suicide — seek emergency in-person care immediately.
• Severe mood changes or sudden aggressive behavior — go to emergency services or urgent care.
• Hallucinations, delusions, or losing touch with reality — urgent in-person evaluation needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial therapy referrals and mental health screenings for PTSD symptoms.
• Providing counseling and support for mild to moderate PTSD symptoms.
• Monitoring symptom changes and treatment progress over time.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations involving suicidal or violent behavior.
• Severe psychiatric symptoms requiring medication adjustments or hospitalization.
• Comprehensive physical examinations or urgent medical interventions.

What is PTSD in Children and Teens?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can happen after a child or teen goes through a scary or harmful event. This might include accidents, violence, natural disasters, or other traumatic experiences. Symptoms often include:

These symptoms can make everyday life hard for young people.

How Telemedicine Can Help with PTSD

Telemedicine allows families to connect with mental health professionals through video or phone calls. For many children and teens with PTSD, telemedicine can:

Telemedicine can be a convenient and safe way to start getting help, especially when in-person visits are difficult.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Certain signs mean your child needs to see a healthcare provider in person as soon as possible:

If you notice any of these, go to an emergency room or contact emergency services immediately.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To make the most of a telemedicine appointment:

Being prepared helps the healthcare provider give the best care possible.

What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit?

After the appointment, you may receive:

Keep track of your child's symptoms and share updates with the healthcare provider to adjust care as needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, private place with good internet connection for the visit.
• Have a list of your child's symptoms, concerns, and questions ready.
• Gather any previous medical or therapy records to share if needed.
• Ensure your child understands the telemedicine process and is comfortable.
• Prepare a device with a camera and microphone for video calls.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's recommendations for therapy or counseling.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and behavior closely.
• Schedule and attend follow-up appointments as advised.
• Seek in-person care immediately if red flag symptoms appear.
• Communicate any changes or concerns to the healthcare provider promptly.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose PTSD in children?

Telemedicine can help mental health professionals assess symptoms and provide initial guidance, but a full diagnosis often requires in-person evaluation to observe behaviors and rule out other conditions.

What should I do if my child refuses to talk during a telemedicine visit?

It's common for children to feel shy or uncomfortable. Let the provider know, and they may use different approaches or suggest in-person visits to build trust and better understand your child's needs.

Is therapy through telemedicine as effective as in-person therapy for PTSD?

Many studies show that teletherapy can be effective, especially for talk therapies. However, some children may benefit more from in-person sessions depending on their symptoms and comfort level.

How can I support my child at home while they receive therapy?

Create a safe and supportive environment, encourage open communication, maintain routines, and follow any strategies or exercises recommended by the therapist.

When should I consider in-person therapy instead of telemedicine?

If your child has severe symptoms, difficulty engaging in teletherapy, or if emergency signs appear, in-person therapy is usually recommended for more comprehensive care.

Sources

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Children — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. PTSD in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your child's health, please consult a healthcare provider directly or seek emergency care when needed.