Online Therapy?

More and more people are trying out a new kind of therapy - online therapy. Video conferencing is becoming an increasingly accepted way for patients to connect with their therapists, doctors and more. Several companies have recently launched sites promoting online therapy services.

A patient said, "I can have a Skype therapy session with my morning coffee or before a night on the town with the girls. I can take a break from shopping for a session. I took my doctor with me through three states this summer!"

Skype and other encrypted digital software programs, such as CaliforniaLiveVisit.com, have made online private practice accessible for a broader range of patients, including those who do not wish to visit offices in person, or who simply enjoy the convenience of being able to log in and talk with someone at their convenience.

One of these up and coming online therapy sites, Breakthrough.com, says it has signed up 900 psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors and coaches in the past two years. The recent cable television show, produced by Lisa Kudrow, called "Web Therapy", deals with this subject and was recently picked up by Showtime.

Eric A. Harris, a lawyer and psychologist who consults with the American Psychological Association Insurance Trust, said, "In three years, this will take off like a rocket. Everyone will have real-time audiovisual availability. There will be a group of true believers who will think that being in a room with a client is special and you can't replicate that by remote involvement. But a lot of people, especially younger clinicians, will feel there is no basis for thinking this. Still, appropriate professional standards will have to be followed."

Many patients find that they need sessions less, just by knowing that they can log on at any time.

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