The current article reviews the most recent literature addressing the definitions, ethical considerations, and potential strengths and limitations of online therapy In addition, a framework is provided for how to conceptualize and categorize different aspects of online therapy for research purposes Relevant studies of both online and face-to-face therapy as well as suggestions for future research are outlined

Online therapy: review of relevant definitions, debates, and current empirical support.

As e–mental health applications proliferate, the Internet is increasingly viewed as a potentially transformative tool that will broaden access to effective mental health services. This “rapid review” of the literature found an encouraging amount of rigorous research supporting the effectiveness of e–mental health applications, even therapist-assisted cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression. Nevertheless, policy makers and health leaders must be sure to incorporate e–mental health applications into the existing service system so they complement—and not detract from—the provision of direct care, the authors said.

https://ps.psychiatryonline.org/doi/pdf/10.1176/appi.ps.201300009

E-Mental Health: A Rapid Review of the Literature

Objective
This article aimed to critically review the literature on online counseling.

Method
Database and hand-searches were made using search terms and eligibility criteria, yielding a total of 123 studies.

Results
The review begins with what characterizes online counseling. Outcome and process research in online counseling is reviewed. Features and cyberbehaviors of online counseling such as anonymity and disinhibition, convenience, time-delay, the loss of social signaling, and writing behavior in cyberspace are discussed. Ethical behavior, professional training, client suitability, and clients’ and therapists’ attitudes and experiences of online counseling are reviewed.

Conclusion
A growing body of knowledge to date is positive in showing that online counseling can have a similar impact and is capable of replicating the facilitative conditions as face-to-face encounters. A need remains for stronger empirical evidence to establish efficacy and effectiveness and to understand better the unique mediating and facilitative variables.

/pdf/online-counseling-a-narrative-and-critical-review-of-the-370phw3u4s.pdf

Online Counseling: A Narrative and Critical Review of the Literature

Online counseling is a growing area of clinical work with relatively little empirical evidence about the kind of clients that use the medium, advantages and disadvantages of online counseling, and satisfaction with relationships and treatment service. Sociodemographics were collected on 81 self-selected clients using online counseling, and self-reported therapeutic alliance and satisfaction with online counseling were assessed for comparison to past studies of clients using traditional face-to-face counseling. Online clients were predominantly female, were already regular Internet users, and enjoyed the convenience and anonymity of the service. They were satisfied with their relationships and treatment online but not as satisfied as clients who have undergone traditional face-to-face counseling. The main disadvantage, the loss of nonverbal information, was offset by the advantage of anonymity when sharing shameful personal information. Research limitations and clinical implications of the study are discussed.

An Exploratory Study of Client Perceptions of Internet Counseling and the Therapeutic Alliance

This article reviews the online-counseling literature with an emphasis on current applications and considerations for future research. It focuses on primary themes of counseling psychology including the history of process-outcome research and multiculturalism. It explores current gaps in the literature from a counseling psychology framework, including the field’s focus on normal and developmental challenges and tasks, client strength and resilience, education and career development, prevention and wellness, and multiculturalism. In general, current evidence indicates that online counseling may be a viable service option for some clients, especially those who are typically isolated; however, questions remain regarding the effectiveness and appropriateness of online counseling.

James R. Alleman

Papers

Online counseling: The Internet and mental health treatment.