Online and Phone Counseling
The time constraints that restrict many busy professionals can also determine the way in which they approach counseling. Instead of opting for no counseling at all, many are fitting counseling sessions in through the internet or over their phones.
Online and phone counseling services are offered in a variety of ways and from a variety of counselors.
The American Counseling Association describes their guidelines for online and phone counseling:
Professional counselors develop an appropriate in-take procedure for potential clients to determine whether online / phone counseling is appropriate for the needs of the client. Professional counselors warn potential clients that online counseling services may not be appropriate in certain situations and, to the extent possible, informs the client of specific limitations, potential risks, and/or potential benefits relevant to the client’s anticipated use of online or phone counseling services. Professional counselors ensure that clients are intellectually, emotionally, and physically capable of using the online counseling services, and of understanding the potential risks and/or limitations of such services.
Here are some of the different types of counselors that you may find are available for online or phone therapy services:
Social Workers (abbreviations usually have “SW” in the end)
Licensed Professional Counselors (“LPC”)
Counselors (usually master’s level clinicians will have “MA”)
Psychologists (“Ph.D” or “Psy.D.”)
Psychiatrists (“MD”)
Marriage and Family Therapists (“MFT”)
While online or phone counseling is not going to be right for every situation, it is a great match for many people who are in need of counseling but, for different reasons, cannot physically attend a therapy session.
There is always the possibility that the counselor will recommend traditional counseling if they do not feel that online or phone counseling is the right match for you.
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