Counselling via the Internet is a form of online therapy that can benefit people who need mental health support. There are many advantages available with this option of treatment. First, online therapy can be more accessible, convenient, and affordable than in-person therapy, providing a greater choice of therapists to suit different needs and preferences. It can also help reduce stigma and barriers associated with seeking help for mental health issues (Cherry, 2022).
However, online therapy also poses some challenges and ethical issues that may need to be addressed. Some disadvantages and concerns of online therapy include that it may not provide the same level of rapport, intimacy, and nonverbal communication as in-person therapy (Cherry, 2022). Because of the lack of familiarity, online treatment may not be suitable for people with severe or complex mental health problems or needing medication or crisis intervention. There may be confidentiality, security, and privacy issues, especially if the online platform is not encrypted or secure (Stringer, n.d.).
How would you handle a patients mental health crisis, thorough online counseling?
