The internet has created many new possibilities for providing clinical services to patients who will not, prefer not, or cannot come to our offices. In some ways, this model of providing care is so new that we don’t even have agreement about what to call it! Telehealth, Tele-Mental Health, Telepsychology, Tele-Counseling and Online Psychotherapy are all terms that are used interchangeably to describe the provision of psychological care when the patient is outside of the therapy office. Using video, audio or both, clinicians are bringing treatment opportunities and continuity of care to a much larger audience than ever before.
Regardless of whether one practices TeleMental Health or not, the impact of the new type of “Tele” or “Online” services effect ALL mental health providers because it effects how the culture at large and current and potential clients’ approach and view general medical as well as mental health services.
“When is something gained, something else is lost.” There are many considerations for clinicians using technology to help our patients. These considerations often include, who is the client, what are the clinical concerns, where is the client located, therapists’ comfort with digital technologies, therapeutic approach, style and orientation and much more. Then come some fascinating and important questions, such as, where does therapy takes place when our offices cease to be our exclusive place of work? It has been common or typical for psychotherapists, these days, to focus on the technology, states’ laws and whether this delivery platform is “HIPAA compliant”. Equally important questions, that often get less attention, have been how different we may need to be when we are not physically present while working with patients or how do we apply or adjust our interventions and diagnostic tools, theoretical orientation and clinical interventions to effectively fit the online model.