A Set of Standards for Online Counseling
| Leonard Holmes, Ph.D. http://mentalhealth.about.com |
The first set of "Web counseling" standards was published in 1998 by a group which certifies counselors. The National Board of Certified Counselors announced its set of standards late last year. The standards are quoted below. Introductory material and some discussion on each standard is available at their Website.
The Practice of WebCounseling shall be defined as "the practice of professional counseling and information delivery that occurs when client(s) and counselor are in separate or remote locations and utilize electronic means to communicate over the Internet". In addition to following the NBCC Code of Ethics pertaining to the practice of professional counseling, WebCounselors shall:
- review pertinent legal and ethical codes for possible violations emanating from the practice of WebCounseling and supervision.
- inform WebClients of encryption methods being used to help insure the security of client/counselor/supervisor communications.
- inform clients if, how and how long session data are being preserved.
- in situations where it is difficult to verify the identity of WebCounselor or WebClient, take steps to address impostor concerns, such as by using code words, numbers, or graphics.
- when parent/guardian consent is required to provide WebCounseling to minors, verify the identity of the consenting person.
- follow appropriate procedures regarding the release of information for sharing WebClient information with other electronic sources.
- carefully consider the extent of self disclosure presented to the WebClient and provide rationale for WebCounselor's level of disclosure.
- provide links to websites of all appropriate certification bodies and licensure boards to facilitate consumer protection.
- contact NBCC/CEE or the WebClient's state or provincial licensing board to obtain the name of at least one Counselor-On-Call within the WebClient's geographical region.
- discuss with their WebClients procedures for contacting the WebCounselor when he or she is off-line.
- mention at their websites those presenting problems they believe to be inappropriate for WebCounseling.
- explain to clients the possibility of technology failure.
- explain to clients how to cope with potential misunderstandings arising from the lack of visual cues from WebCounselor or WebClient. http://www.nbcc.org/wcstandards.htm , 1998
The NBCC Website has more detail on each of these standards. This set of standards is a good first start. It recognizes most of the issues involved in delivering psychological services over the Net. The American Psychological Association issued a Statement on Services by Telephone, Teleconferencing, and Internet in 1995 (and revised it in 1997). They raise issues concerning these services, and suggest some areas of concern. The newly organized International Society for Mental Health Online (ISMHO) promises to address this issue also. While we are waiting for these organizations to act it is refreshing to see an organization tackling these issues head-on.
Mental health professionals continue to offer online services. Until recently they have not had a set of suggested guidelines. The guidelines developed by the the NBCC are an excellent start. If you are considering developing online services you should view and follow these guidelines. If you are considering receiving online services you should visit their site to see how your online counselor measures up.
What do you think of these standards?
| Leonard Holmes, Ph.D. http://mentalhealth.about.com |
Previous Features
Recent Discussions