Internet Counseling, Pt II

OK, I've provided the basic information on Technology-Assisted Distance Counseling---Internet Counseling.

What is the Internet Counseling Relationship? Well, this has to do with the counselor making certain that the client(s) understand the do's and don'ts, or general expectations of Internet Counseling.  Procedures, so to speak.

• The counselor has procedures for making contact with him/her, while off-line.
• There are steps taken to verify the identity of the client(s).
• If minors are involved, the identity of the consenting guardian is verified. (I will not do Internet counseling with anyone under the age of 18).
• Counselors have an obligation to make the site accessible to persons with disabilities (as much as possible).
• There should be client access to a local,  face-to-face mental health professional just in case of crisis intervention.
• The counselor is aware that some clients speak other languages, live in other time zones, and may have unique cultures.
• The possibility of technology failure should be explained, as well as the possibility that misunderstandings can occur when visual cues are not present (on camera).
• All financial policies should be clear to clients, including whether or not private insurance is accepted (insurance companies do not generally cover this service).

What about Confidentiality?

Clients should be aware of encryption methods used to insure security of all communications. There are hazards, such as unauthorized monitoring of transmissions. That goes without saying! These days, anyone can hack into a computer. Counselors should have a method of maintaining session data, such as emails, etc.  Counselors also follow appropriate procedures regarding the release and sharing of information. We do have to abide by H.I.P.A.A (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (1996). The bottom line is that we do everything possible to insure the confidentiality of the Internet counseling relationship.

And finally, the Legal Considerations, Licensure, and Certification. Internet counselors must be fully aware of all pertinent codes of ethics. They must review the local, state, national memberships and organizations related to ethics. There should also be listed websites of all appropriate certifying bodies, as well as consumer protection entities.

Well that's it! Some of the entities that will have additional information are:


http://www.hipaa.org/    H.I.P.A.A.

http://www.nbcc.org/   National Board for Certified Counselors

http://www.cce-global.org/    Center for Credentialing and Education

http://www.counseling.org/   American Counseling Association

http://www.apa.org/   American Psychological Association

http://www.ismho.org/   International Society of Mental Health

Ms. Erin