101052: On-Line Counseling

About the Course:

This course gives practical insight into how therapists can translate their practice to an online medium. The first half of the course provides an overview of the internet and the idiosyncrasies of online therapeutic communication. The second half discusses the practical aspects of online counseling, including technological issues, ethical and legal issues, and business issues. The last section focuses on performing psychotherapy online, including treatment strategies and skills, working with online groups, online testing and assessment, and multicultural issues in online counseling.

Journal/Publisher:

Elseveir Academic Press

Publication Date:

2004

Authors

George Stricker, Ph.D.; Ron Kraus, Ph.D., C.S.W.; Jason S. Zack, Ph.D.

About the Authors:

Dr. Stricker is Distinguished Research Professor of Psychology and former dean of the Derner Institute, Adelphi University. He has received the American Psychological Association Award for Distinguished Contribution to Applied Psychology, the American Psychological Association Award for Distinguished Career Contributions to Education and Training in Psychology, and numerous other awards. His most recent books include The Comprehensive Handbook of Psychotherapy Integration and The Scientific Practice of Professional Psychology.

Dr. Kraus is a clinical and child psychologist. He has taught traditional as well as online courses at Fairleigh Dickinson University since 1998. He founded the American and International Association of Online Psychotherapy and served as the 2003 President of the International Society for Mental Health Online.

Dr. Zak is a behavioral science consultant based in Coral Gables, Florida. He is an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Education and Psychological Studies at the University of Miami, and is president-elect of the International Society for Mental Health Online.

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for health care professionals, especially psychologists, counselors, and social workers who seek knowledge about the burgeoning telehealth movement. It is appropriate for all of participants’ knowledge. It is recommended for practicing therapists looking for ways to expand their practices online and/or to help round out treatment to specific patients who might benefit from online therapy in addition to traditional delivery.

Course Objectives:

1. Provide an overview of how the internet has become an integral part of people’s lives. And examine the research to date on the use and effectiveness of counseling online, as well as the challenges and benefits of online communication

2. List practical aspects of counseling online, including technological issues, ethical and legal issues, and business issues.

3. Demonstrate the practice of performing psychotherapy online, including online treatment strategies and skills, facilitating online groups, online testing and assessment, and international and multicultural issues in online counseling.

4. Discuss in detail which clients are appropriate for online counseling and which are not.

5. Outline potential ways for clinicians to expand their current face-to-face practice to include online counseling options.

6. Evaluate the future of online counseling and any potential problems that may arise.