Online Therapy BSHS/352 February 3,2014

Online Therapy Therapy can be seen as a way for a client to work through an issue in their life. A client may find that they don't feel comfortable sitting in an office with a therapist discussing their issues or concerns but that they would rather obtain therapy by accessing the Internet and utilizing online therapy. With modern technology it makes it much easier to access different forms of online therapy. Online therapy has increased in recent years. Many individuals are looking for assistance from a therapist and have found that with online therapy they can do it from the convenience of their own home. A client takes into consideration the cost of the online therapy as well as their ability to get online and fit it into their busy schedule. When a client first looks into online therapy they will encounter many different online their fists available to meet their needs. It is the clients responsibility to research the online therapist as well as the services they have to offer client. You'll also need to research how the therapist will secure the information that they would be given to the therapist. It is also the clients responsibility to research the disadvantages and advantages of the online therapy that they will be receiving.
Online therapies researched The first online therapy site and I've research was online their human factor Masha Godkin (Godkin 2013). She is based out of California and is a licensed marriage and family therapist as well as a professor of psychology. Dr. Godkin specializes in addictive behaviors and have experience with online counseling for individuals, groups, couples, and family therapy. She facilitates recovery meeting. Dr. Godwin offers a client the opportunity to fill out a new client questionnaire via safe mail that allows a client to give their personal information as well as agreeing to the terms and conditions of the online therapy safe mail also allows the client to sign a consent form for online therapy and treatment. This also sets the guidelines between the individual and the online therapist Dr. Godkin uses the PayPal system to accept payment for her services. Serenity online therapy was the second online therapy organization that I've research. Carl Benedict is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) through the board of professional counselors and therapists (Serenity Online Therapy, 2013) Carl Benedict has a license to diagnose and treat mental health disorders and he specializes in depression, recovery from childhood sexual and physical abuse as well as codependency. Carl has worked for many different facilities that treat different populations, he now works as a therapist that has created a co occurring disorders treatment program for individuals suffering from mental illness and substance abuse. Clients have the option to look a deeper into Carl's online therapy site and read the success stories from past and present clients that have utilized his services. When individuals consider choosing the option to use Serenity Online therapy they are given many options of different types of therapies to choose from. Carl offers patients counseling through e-mail and chat therapy. Chat therapy is set up in a secure chat session so that the individual feels as if they are receiving face to face interaction. E-mail counseling gives the client and therapist the opportunity to be male between one another and receive feedback from one another. E-mail counseling gives a client the opportunity to write how they're feeling and not feel the pressure of having to speak in an uncomfortable situation about what they're going through. Payments for services provided depend on the form of therapy that the individual is seeking. Chat therapies run to 225 and up a for five 60-minute sessions. E-mail therapy can cost up to $225 for five e-mail submissions. Services can be paid for by a cashier's checks, money orders and personal check. Carl Benedict encourages some individuals who are clients to follow the safety plan that they have agreed upon and if situations were to arise and the individual did not feel safe they could e-mail a group named Samaritans, and provides services to individuals who are suicidal or who have suicidal tendencies. This agency offers a free confidential e-mail service The last online therapy group that I've research is a Sunrise Counseling (Sunrise Counseling, 2008). This organization is run by Rev. Dawn Sutton, MSW,RSW, to have the site is dedicated to providing Christian counseling to individuals in need . Rev. Sutton is a member of an International Society for mental health online members and her mission is to counsel in a particular way. She believes in result oriented and holistic counseling measures.(Sunrise Counseling -mission,2008) Rev. Sutton works when individuals that have issues with relationship, low self esteem, and loss of direction in affect of abuse. Rev. Sutton encourages her clients to know their rights and ask questions if they are unsure. When she also encourages her clients to request that the therapist they are working with send a written report regarding services rendered to a qualified therapist or organization with written authorization, as well as terminate therapy at any time. Dr. Sutton acknowledges that confidentiality is important however she will not follow the confidentiality rules if child abuse is reported are suspected, if a client is in danger or they are a threat to themselves or others. She will also have to break confidentiality is a court subpoenas her records. She worked to the best of her ability to keep all hover information strictly confidential including e-mail correspondence and phone conversations through cryptic system. Dr. Sutton services are not refundable and rates may vary. All three of the websites that I've research over the same services and have the same goals in mind: to assist clients each website had a different way of doing it. All three sites offer links to other resources for clients and professionals with possible ways to receive other therapies. The first two sides are researched was very clear that they protect children and if there was any evidence of the child was being abused they reserve the right to breach confidentiality and notify law enforcement as well as child protective services. The first two sites also gave information to individuals that have suicidal tendencies more are feeling suicidal. A secure e-mail and hotline information were given in the event that they did not feel safe. All three websites promoted confidentiality with the exception of crimes against children. All three of the sites that I've research promoted client /therapist relationships, promoted clientele to know and understand their rights. Each site and research made it apparent that the relationship between the client and the therapist would be kept confidential and that all information would be secure. Most people feel that online therapy is not a safe and secure way to receive the best treatment. According to the Clinical Social Work Federation feels that confidentiality when working with clients in an online therapy setting. Most individuals are leery about seeking online services and because they fear that their confidentiality will be breached. There are many advantages and disadvantages of using online therapy today. Every therapist desires to make their clients feel safe and comfortable will receiving online services. Online services allow individuals to receive services in the privacy of their own home. Another advantage of the online therapy is that the client does not have to be uncomfortable sharing their personal information. The disadvantage of online therapy is that the therapist can always see the consumers body language. Body language reveals how individuals feel. Another disadvantage two online therapy is that not all insurance companies will cover this type of therapy. Online therapy is a new way of communicating with therapists and is a good tool for individuals seeking services the fear others may find out and that their feelings of change course the individual receiving services. Individuals seeking online therapies should be cautious and make sure that they are aware of any agreements that they may need with a therapist. Individuals should ask questions if they don't understand and be very knowledgeable of their rights. Online therapy is only one way to receive services. Clients should keep in mind that there are other resources that they can access to get the services they need.

References
Online Therapy Dr. Masha (2013 htt://www.online therapywith-drmasha.com
Sunrise Counseling (2008) htt://sunrisecounseling.com/index.html
Serenity Online Therapy(2013) htt://serenityonlinetherapy.com