week 5 post 3

A growing trend in the field of social work is online therapy or e-therapy. Using the NASW website (www.socialworkers.org), familiarize yourself with this movement. Discuss the pros and cons to both the social worker and the client when using this format. What are the potential concerns?

Breanna Williams

Re: Topic 5 DQ 2

Technology has become a major part of everyday life and due to this, there is a growing trend of offering online medical services such as therapy. According to Camper & Felton (2020), telemental health delivers clinical health care services through technology or other electronic means between the worker and the client. E-therapy can help clients who are reluctant to come face-to-face with a therapist or can not find the time in their lives to focus on their mental health. Social workers who offer this type of service must ensure that they are practicing legally and ethically, following state regulations, and adhering to both state and federal guidelines (Camper & Felton, 2020).

As with anything in life, there are pros and cons for both the social worker and the client. E-therapy offers those who live in rural areas and those with physical limitations the ability to access mental health treatment. Online therapy also is convenient and affordable for clients. Individuals are able to schedule whenever is best suited for them and often are less costly than in-person visits. This is also a benefit to the worker who only treats clients online. Without the cost of renting an office and other office-related expenses, they are able to offer more affordable sessions. The worker is also able to work away from a desk and typically in a more comfortable setting, such as their own homes. A downside to online therapy is some insurances do not cover it. This can end up being costly to the client as out-of-pocket costs can add up, especially if the sessions are frequent. Privacy and confidentiality can be compromised when using the internet. Though social workers must adhere to the same privacy and confidentiality laws as in-person therapy there is the risk of being hacked or information being leaked. Lastly, there is the downfall of being unable to respond in an emergency situation. With there being such a distance between the worker and the client, if an emergency were to arise it can be difficult or even impossible for a worker to respond quickly and effectively.

Class,

I am personally familiar with e-therapy. We use it in my home. I think it is a great benefit for people that otherwise would not be able to have access to therapy, especially during times like COVID. There may be cases when a client is sick or has a medical condition and cannot around anyone. It is crucial to keep all avenues of communication open when working with clients. The downfall to on line therapy is it is just simply not the same as in person. You may not open up as much because it does not feel as personal. With children it can be hard to get them to focus and sit still. It it more difficult for some people because of the technology involved. There is nothing like face to face in person therapy. Overall, I believe the good out ways the bad when it is a necessary situation.

Amanda Coughlin