Comments on: Virtual Therapy : Is The World Wide Web A Good Place To Get Treatment? http://www.gusblake.com/health/virtual-therapy-world-wide-web-good-place-treatment-2/ my blog Sat, 22 Nov 2008 07:06:07 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 By: DeeAnna Merz Nagel http://www.gusblake.com/health/virtual-therapy-world-wide-web-good-place-treatment-2/#comment-761 DeeAnna Merz Nagel Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:43:45 +0000 http://www.gusblake.com/?p=101#comment-761 Online therapy (e-therapy, online counseling) has been available for many years. It is not necessarily true that anyone can call themselves a therapist- most states have laws that prevent people from calling themselves a therapist, psychotherapist, psychologist or counselor without the proper license. People seeking online counseling should be able to verify the credentials of the clinician easily. Most licensing boards offer online databases to verify licenses and responsible clinicians will offer a link on their websites. Verifying identity (both client and clinician) is important. Even so, when using email or chat without the benefit of visual or audio cues, a person tends to feel anonymous and generally discloses information readily. This is a phenomenon known as the online disinhibition effect. Clients should make sure they are being offered services that protect confidentiality. Ideally, communication should occur via encrypted services. Online counseling is a great service if provided in a responsible and ethical manner! Online therapy (e-therapy, online counseling) has been available for many years. It is not necessarily true that anyone can call themselves a therapist- most states have laws that prevent people from calling themselves a therapist, psychotherapist, psychologist or counselor without the proper license. People seeking online counseling should be able to verify the credentials of the clinician easily. Most licensing boards offer online databases to verify licenses and responsible clinicians will offer a link on their websites.

Verifying identity (both client and clinician) is important. Even so, when using email or chat without the benefit of visual or audio cues, a person tends to feel anonymous and generally discloses information readily. This is a phenomenon known as the online disinhibition effect.

Clients should make sure they are being offered services that protect confidentiality. Ideally, communication should occur via encrypted services. Online counseling is a great service if provided in a responsible and ethical manner!

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