and psychological services to clients. Thestudy conducted by Stoll, Müller, and Trachsel (2020) identified the following terms: The various terms used to describe such services generally refer to psychotherapy delivered remotely using some form of communication technology. In this review, the term online psychotherapy encompasses all such terminological variants, including telepsychology, telepsychiatry, online counseling, behavioral telehealth, tenemental health, internet therapy, internet counseling, online practice, online therapy, e-therapy, cyber- counseling, cyberpsychology, e-social work, and e-mental health. These terms may differ slightly according to professional context or technological modality. Results: Stoll, Müller, and Trachsel (2020): Of the 24 ethical arguments in favor of online psychotherapy and 43 against, the top five ethical arguments in favor of online psychotherapy were (1) increased access to psychotherapy and service availability and flexibility; (2) therapy benefits and enhanced communication; (3) advantages related to specific client characteristics (e.g., remote location); (4) convenience, satisfaction, acceptance, and increased demand; and (5) economic advantages. The top five ethical arguments against engagement in online psychotherapy were (1) privacy, confidentiality, and security issues; (2) therapist competence and need for special training; (3) communication issues specific to technology; (4) research gaps; and (5) emergency issues. Ethical arguments in favor of online psychotherapy in summary were as follows: Increased Access, Availability, and Flexibility 1. Online psychotherapy can improve and enhance access to health care services and evidence-based care, for those living in rural or remote areas and populations that are underserved. 2. Services can be accessed anywhere and at any time, allowing greater flexibility. This is advantageous for both therapist and patient, enabling immediate and timely care. 3. Online psychotherapy may facilitate more frequent contact between client and therapist. Therapy Benefits and Enhancements in Communication 1. According to a growing number of favorable research findings, online psychotherapy can be as efficient, effective, and efficacious as traditional therapy (or more so). 2. Multiple therapeutic orientations and modalities are translated into online communication, but cognitive behavioral approaches seem to be most appropriate or the easiest to transfer. 3. Online psychotherapy offers a viable alternative to in- person treatment but can also be used as a supplement or adjunct. 4. Data recording and documentation of the online therapeutic process is easier, allowing treatment, treatment stages, and therapeutic techniques used by therapist and client to be revisited. Convenience, Satisfaction, Acceptance, and Increased Demand 1. Online psychotherapy is perceived as convenient and comfortable by clients and therapists alike because of
the greater flexibility it offers in terms of location and time. 2. Online services have gained increasing acceptance among clients and therapists who express satisfaction with this approach. 3. Demand and interest are on the increase among both clients and practitioners. Economic Advantages 1. Online psychotherapy is reported to be more cost- efficient, with the potential to reduce healthcare costs for clients, therapists, and society. 2. As a single therapist can reach more clients, especially in underserved populations, long waiting lists for face- to-face treatment can be reduced, offering a possible solution to the workforce shortage in mental health provision. Anonymity and Privacy 1. Because online psychotherapy can be provided anonymously and one is not seen entering the therapist’s office, it can enhance the client’s sense of anonymity and privacy. 2. Perceived or actual anonymity may lead in turn to reduced inhibition and greater openness in discussing emotional topics. Eliminating Barriers to Engagement 1. By reducing or eliminating barriers, such as fear of social stigma, online psychotherapy can reach patients who might never have sought traditional in-person therapy. Online Teaching and Supervision 1. Technology-mediated communication can contribute positively to teaching and supervision and facilitates inter-professional and inter-collegial exchange worldwide. 2. Online psychotherapy conducted by email or other text- based communication automatically generates a record of the sessions, and a videoconferencing approach enables sessions to be videotaped for later supervision. Informed Consent 1. The informed consent process can be enhanced by online communication. Web pages can be revisited with links to additional information resources or technical material and for translation into different languages. Diminishing Intimacy 1. As the distance provided by technology inhibits physical proximity, online psychotherapy can help to reduce the risk of clients-therapist (sexual) intimacy. Protection of the Therapist 1. Security issues raised by risky environments, or when communicating with potentially dangerous clients, can be reduced by online service provision. Ethical Arguments Against Online Psychotherapy Privacy, Confidentiality, and Security Issues 1. Among concerns about privacy, confidentiality, security, and safety in online psychotherapy, is the use of unsecured websites or unencrypted communication tools, and commercially available software that is easily hacked. 2. Data security may be compromised when technology fails, with potential breaches of confidentiality that might extend beyond the therapist’s control. Therapist Competence and Training 1. To provide online psychotherapy, training is needed to ensure appropriate technology-related competences,
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Book Code: PCTX1325
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