Counseling with the assistance of technology is becoming more widespread. The use of the internet in counseling and psychotherapy will likely increase in preval because of advanced technology and more internet users. Virtual counseling will be a reality and in the future, professional counseling sessions about personal and professional concerns may be accomplished as virtual counseling instead of during the traditional face-to-face meeting. Some counselors may see this trend as positive while, others may be concerned with ethical issues and quality. Counselors should present a professional identity on the Internet that is in line with our values, practices, and ethical standards. The authors describe the major ethical considerations and technological challenges related to distance proonal services with a special focus on the area of video-based professional counseling.Keywords: distance counseling, online counseling, video counseling, cyber-counseling
Major Ethical Considerations and Technological Challenges Related to Distance Professional ServicesThe use of the Internet for delivering counseling has been considered by Fenichel et al. (2002) as a service delivery method with a higher potential for ethical and legal violations. Counselors who resist implementing available technologies, however, may experience disadvantages in an increasingly competitive field, while counselors who are early adopters of this new service delivery method may be more successful than clinicians who start later (Elleven & Allen, 2004). The authors of this paper describe distance professional services such as video-based professional services and intend to help counselors understand the major ethical considerations and technological challenges of this innovative approach to service delivery.
Distance Professional ServicesThe National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) submitted new standards for the provision of distance professional services in 2012. The new standards represented major policy modifications to the earlier 1997 and 2005 versions. Chief among these modifications is the introduction of the term "distance professional services" replacing the term "Internet counseling." In addition, NBCC broadened its definitions to include a greater variety of distance professional services (NBCC, 2012).
Terminology
Methods of Counseling PracticeFace-to-face counseling can be delivered as individual counseling, couple counseling, family counseling, and group counseling. The interaction between individuals who are able to see and hear each other is defined as a synchronous interaction. Technology-assisted distance counseling includes counseling via telephone or the Internet, which can be either typed-, audio-, or video-based messages (National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. and Center for Credentialing and Education, Inc., 2005). (Nam et al., 2010a).
Methods of Delivering Distance Professional ServicesAll distance professional services can be provided to individuals, couples, families, or group members. Telephone-based prof...