Online Counseling Services

The new millennium brought with it a revolution in mass communication called the internet. Unlike traditional mass media such as newspapers, radio and television, the internet allows for interpersonal communication –  people from all over the world may communicate with each other via the world wide web. Essentially the internet combines both mass (television, radio, print) and interpersonal (telephone, instant messaging) communication services. This generation of "dotcomers" will continue to utilize the internet for both personal and commercial purposes.

In the realm of mental health services, the use of the internet is relatively new and remains under development. Although the potential of using videophone and "virtual reality" technology over the internet has been demonstrated, it has not yet become universal enough to replace in-person, office-based services. However, the use of the internet as a conveyor of text-based and telephony services is growing and making long distance interpersonal communication easier and more affordable.

Online counseling refers to any type of mental health service provided over the internet using e-mail, instant messaging, webcams, audio chats, internet telephone services, etc. "Counseling" refers to a broad range of services from intensive psychotherapy to consulting or coaching. Using the internet for counseling should be based on each person's individual circumstances and needs. For example, if someone is interested in obtaining information or getting a brief consultation or second opinion from an expert in a distant location, and is not in need of intensive psychotherapy, online counseling may be helpful.

Of course, online counseling has drawbacks, such as being more impersonal, less spontaneous and limiting the benefit of non-verbal communication. Nonetheless, it appears that online counseling services can be an excellent supplement to traditional psychotherapy services.