Covid-19 and Mental Health: The Growing Need of Telecounseling in Indonesia

Abstract

Covid-19 pandemic has not only threatened public physical health but also mental health. The mental health effects of this pandemic can include anxiety of contamination and death as well as feelings of isolation. Counseling has been proved as an effective method of supporting the physical and psychosocial needs of the individual affected. Technological advancement makes it possible for psychologists and clients to carry out counseling sessions without the needs of physical presence in one place by utilizing various modes of telecommunication. This form of counseling is known as telecounseling. As a relatively new form of counseling in Indonesia, numerous aspects need to be considered in implementing telecounseling. This article aims to explore the considerations taken in conducting telecounseling sessions in Indonesia. Their opportunities and challenges which might not be present in an offline face-to face counseling will also be discussed. Psychologists need to develop both practical and technical competencies to be able to provide adequate telecounseling services. Suggestions for development are also given to other relevant parties such as psychological service institutions, professional associations, and education providers.

The Development of Research on Telecounseling at Indonesia: A Literature Review

“…However, the essence of topic can be said to be the same [7], counseling or consultation between two sides or individual. This development of using media to conduct telecounseling also occurred in Indonesia [8]. Telecounseling shows promising results [4,8].…”

“…This development of using media to conduct telecounseling also occurred in Indonesia [8]. Telecounseling shows promising results [4,8]. On the other hand, transforming face-to-face services in counseling or psychology into semi or non-face-to-face telecounseling does have many challenges [8].…”

“…Telecounseling shows promising results [4,8]. On the other hand, transforming face-to-face services in counseling or psychology into semi or non-face-to-face telecounseling does have many challenges [8]. The study of Mansyur, Badrujaman, Imawati, and Fadhillah also shows that although telecounseling has been carried out since 2008, various steps are needed to carry it out properly [9].…”

Identifikasi Kompetensi Psikolog dalam Telekonseling: Metode Delphi

“…Telekonseling dinilai lebih efektif dari segi waktu karena mudah di akses (Saptandari, 2020) dan sifatnya lebih privat (Speyer & Zack, 2003). Namun, layanan ini juga memiliki berbagai risiko, seperti rendahnya kontrol terhadap lingkungan, data klien rentan tersebar, tantangan membangun hubungan teraupetik, dan situasi krisis yang sulit ditangani (Brenes et al, 2011;Cooper et al, 2019).…”

“…Istiqomah & Saptandari || Identifikasi Kompetensi Psikolog dalam Telekonseling Meningkatnya kebutuhan telekonseling di Indonesia menurut Saptandari (2020) telah memunculkan berbagai isu baru. Kompetensi psikolog menjadi sangat penting untuk meminimalisasi berbagai macam risiko.…”