Experiences of Online Counseling Among Undergraduates in Some Ghanaian Universities

Abstract

Counseling is an age-old practice with roots dating back to the 20th century. Twenty-first-century boom in technology has offered new opportunities for counseling practice, making it possible for counselors and clients to interact virtually without recourse to physical meetings. This study sought to investigate students’ experiences of online counseling in some Ghanaian universities. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to examine the experiences of undergraduate students using online counseling. Five of the student-clients used WhatsApp messaging, two used e-mailing, and one used WhatsApp video. A thematic approach was used to analyze student-clients’ experiences. Accessibility, convenience, privacy, and mobility were some significant benefits they indicated concerning online counseling. On the contrary, loss of non-verbal cues, mistrust, and poor internet connectivity were their major obstacles to online counseling. Nevertheless, their issues were resolved with the use of online counseling. It is recommended that Counselors are trained in the use of online resources for counseling, and Management of Universities should introduce counseling technology devices to students to make online counseling more accessible and convenient.

Exploring the potential of delivering mental health care services using digital technologies in Bangladesh: A qualitative analysis

“…Previous international studies have assessed and evaluated the potential of various digital MH care services and offer insights into the potential for such services in LMIC settings ( Arafat et al, 2021 ; Zhou et al, 2020 ; Hungerbuehler et al, 2016 ; Amos et al, 2020 ; Berry et al, 2019 ). However, limited research has been undertaken on digital MH care in Bangladesh.…”

“…In coherence with our findings, globally, a range of digital platforms (social media, instant messaging applications, video conferencing, animations etc.) have been utilized as a viable method in raising mass awareness and providing care ( Siriwardhana et al, 2013 ; Hanisch et al, 2016 ; Trivedi et al, 2007 ; Arafat et al, 2021 ; Hungerbuehler et al, 2016 ; Maulik et al, 2017 ; Amos et al, 2020 ; Berry et al, 2019 ; Iqbal, 2020 ; Ifdil et al, 2020 ). Digital media-based MH content has been demonstrated as leading to increased healthcare-seeking behaviors among the population, another significant benefit of such services ( Siriwardhana et al, 2013 ; Hanisch et al, 2016 ; Trivedi et al, 2007 ; Arafat et al, 2021 ; Hungerbuehler et al, 2016 ; Maulik et al, 2017 ; Amos et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Evidence demonstrates that some LMICs have successfully adopted digital technology to raise awareness, screen, diagnose and manage common mental health disorders for a wider populations ( Maulik et al, 2017 ; Amos et al, 2020 ). Bangladesh has adopted various digital health services to promote and protect public health, including mental health, which has gained greater uptake since the COVID-19 pandemic ( Islam et al, 2021a ).…”

Counseling Challenges in the New Normal : Inputs for Quality Guidance and Counseling Program

“…These obstacles if addressed properly will make online counseling more successful and enjoyable. If not, students will stick to only face-to-face counseling and those who cannot, will resort to other means of solving their issues of which some may be detrimental (Amos, Bedu-Addo & Antwi, 2020).…”

“…A study found out that accessibility, convenience, privacy, and mobility were some significant benefits they indicated concerning online counseling. On the contrary, loss of non-verbal cues, mistrust, and poor internet connectivity were their major obstacles to online counseling (Amos, Bedu-Addo, & Antwi, 2020). Despite the issues and challenges encountered by the students and teachers, appropriate interventions were provided in collaboration with the academic heads, class advisers and subject teachers.…”