What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Therapy Referral

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents, the healthcare provider may recommend therapy to help manage symptoms. Therapy often includes talking with a trained mental health professional who understands trauma and can provide support and coping strategies. The provider may refer you to specialists such as child psychologists, psychiatrists, or counselors who offer treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or trauma-focused therapy. It's important to follow up on these referrals and attend therapy sessions regularly. Sometimes, additional assessments or support services may be suggested to address related challenges. Telemedicine visits are a helpful first step but usually are part of a broader care plan. If symptoms worsen or new concerns arise, seeking in-person care is important. This guidance helps families understand what to expect after a telemedicine visit and how to prepare for ongoing care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child shows signs of harming others or aggressive behavior — contact emergency services right away.
• Sudden worsening of symptoms such as severe anxiety, panic attacks, or inability to function — seek urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment and discussion of PTSD symptoms.
• Providing referrals to mental health specialists.
• Offering education about PTSD and coping strategies.
• Monitoring progress through follow-up visits for stable symptoms.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations involving self-harm or harm to others.
• Physical examinations requiring in-person presence.
• Administration of certain therapies or medications needing direct supervision.
• Immediate crisis intervention for severe psychiatric symptoms.

Understanding Your Telemedicine Visit for PTSD

During a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider talks with you and your child about experiences and symptoms related to trauma. This visit helps the provider understand your child's needs and decide on the best next steps. Telemedicine allows this conversation to happen safely from home or another comfortable place.

What Happens After the Visit?

After the visit, the provider may recommend therapy to help your child manage PTSD symptoms. Therapy often involves regular sessions with a mental health professional trained in trauma care. You might receive a referral to specialists such as child psychologists or counselors. The provider may also suggest additional support, like school-based services or family counseling, depending on your child's situation.

Types of Therapy Commonly Recommended

Common therapies for pediatric PTSD include:

Your provider will guide you on which approach fits your child's needs.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

Regular follow-up appointments, either through telemedicine or in person, help track your child's progress. The healthcare team may adjust therapy plans based on how your child responds. It's important to keep all scheduled visits and communicate any new or worsening symptoms promptly.

When to Seek Immediate Help

If your child experiences severe symptoms such as thoughts of self-harm, harming others, or extreme withdrawal, seek emergency in-person care immediately. Telemedicine providers can offer guidance but cannot replace urgent crisis intervention.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, private space for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a list of your child's symptoms and any questions ready.
• Ensure a stable internet connection and a charged device.
• Have contact information for your child's primary care provider available.
• Prepare to discuss your child's medical and mental health history.
• Have a trusted adult available to support your child during the visit if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow up on therapy referrals promptly and schedule initial appointments.
• Attend therapy sessions regularly as recommended.
• Keep a symptom diary to share with healthcare providers at follow-ups.
• Maintain communication with your child's healthcare team about progress or concerns.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or emergency signs appear.
• Engage family members in supporting your child's recovery process.

FAQs

What is the role of therapy after a telemedicine visit for PTSD?

Therapy helps children process trauma, learn coping skills, and reduce PTSD symptoms. It is often recommended after an initial telemedicine visit to provide ongoing support and treatment.

Can telemedicine replace all in-person mental health care for PTSD?

Telemedicine is useful for assessments and follow-ups but cannot replace all in-person care, especially in emergencies or when physical presence is needed for therapy or medication management.

How can I prepare my child for a telemedicine visit about PTSD?

Prepare a quiet space, gather information about symptoms, and explain the visit to your child in simple terms. Having a trusted adult present can help your child feel safe during the visit.

What should I do if my child's symptoms get worse after the telemedicine visit?

If symptoms worsen, especially if your child talks about self-harm or shows aggressive behavior, seek emergency in-person care immediately. Contact your healthcare provider for guidance as soon as possible.

Are medications prescribed during telemedicine visits for pediatric PTSD?

Medications may sometimes be part of treatment but usually require careful evaluation and monitoring. Your provider may refer you to a specialist for medication management, which often needs in-person visits.

Sources

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Mayo Clinic — Mayo Clinic.
4. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. Always seek immediate medical attention if your child experiences emergency symptoms or if you have urgent health concerns.