Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2008

Abstract

A number of ethical and legal implications of on-line therapy [e-Therapy] are examined. e-Therapy is defined and its strengths and weaknesses listed. Specific ethical issues addressed include boundaries of competence, basis in science, avoidance of harm, confidentiality, avoidance of false or deceptive statements, media presentations, testimonials, solicitation of clients, fees and informed consent. Legal issues are discussed including the issue of interstate eTherapy. As a necessary measure to protect the public, the profession and the practitioner, it is recommended that federal legislation be enacted, informed by the American Psychological Association based upon APA's review of other disciplines’ (e.g., medicine) e-Practice standards.

Comments

This is the Authors’ Accepted Manuscript of an article published in Midkiff, D. M., & Joseph Wyatt, W. (2008). Ethical issues in the provision of online mental health services (etherapy). Journal of Technology in Human Services, 26(2-4), 310-332, in the JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY IN HUMAN SERVICES, 2008. Copyright Taylor & Francis, available online at http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/15228830802096994.

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