Question

The use of technology in therapy is becoming more common. Not only are psychotherapists conducting therapy sessions online via programs similar to Skype and Connect, but some are also starting to use text messaging and billing for such client contacts. Do you think this type of therapy can be effective? Does it violate any of the APA Ethics code? Do you think this format for therapy will continue to be used?

Answer 1

Meeting face to face, one to one is better but e therapy is also effective way for those where psychotherapies are not available. With an advancement of technology, online therapy is gaining more popularity especially for people who live in rural areas and cannot get accessible help of psychologists. Online therapy is not to replace the traditional and original form of therapy rather it is an alternative to care and reach to the needs of the people. For which group of people online threapy is beneficial:

? People or related family members who feels uncomfortable to visit any mental health services because of the so called stigma attached with it, those groups can make the most benefit out of distance and online mode of therapy without visiting the psychologist personally .

? Sometimes time and physical constraints also keeps people away from seeking help. Such group of people can discuss their problems at anytime and anywhere.

? Living in rural area far from therapist office or mental health services keep people away from the reach of the psychologist, thus geographical proximity is not an issue anymore.

Yes online therapy proves to be very effective in many ways some of them have already been mentioned above. Following are some more points to weigh the effectiveness of online therapies:

? Online therapy majority aims at early intervention programs working primarily on the preventive measures.

? CBT is the most effective therapy proves to be highly beneficial for a large number of group of people in treating anxiety and depression.

? Online therapy while keeping prevention as it's main focus majority works to prevent suicidal thoughts and provide follow up sessions to people with suicidal ideation.

? As mentioned above, online therapy is easily accessible for people with physical , time and other constraints to seek mental help and improve their quality of life.

? In sum the growing technology has allowed mental health services to apply interventions to mental health group and this bridging the gap between people and mental health services.

No, online therapy does not violate any ethical code of APA. Ethical codes are established to ensure the good of people, online therapy in the same way work in creating a healing environment for the sufferers while taking care of the ethics of the people and program.

Yes with the advancement in technology and the growing need of internet will not only help in continuing of online therapy but will also help in creating a new spectrum of mental health with an aim to remove a stigma attached with mental health because online interaction with therapist allow those people to understand the need of mental health services who actually cannot come forward to therapist offices or centres with the fear of so called label of the society.