Online Therapy


Online Therapy - Erika Russina, MA, LPC, NCC

Privacy Notice

"There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside of you" --Maya Angelou

Online therapy, online counseling, eTherapy, online psychotherapy, and email counseling all describe counseling services that are provided online. Online therapy involves an ongoing dialogue where the therapist and client establish a therapeutic relationship through email. Some people choose to consult with an online therapist on only one occasion or issue. Others prefer to establish a continuing relationship, and utilize the online counseling service on a regular basis. Although it is relatively new, and is different than face-to-face counseling, online therapy has been shown to be effective for many people.

You may consider online counseling if:

	You are at least 18 years of age
	You agree (along with your online therapist) that the issues you are experiencing can be appropriately dealt with through online counseling
	You are not currently in a crisis, feeling suicidal or homicidal
	You understand the potential limitations of online counseling
	You are hesitant or reluctant to otherwise seek face-to-face therapy

Please keep in mind that there are some potential limitations to online counseling. Because the online counseling does not occur in a face-to-face setting, clients and therapists are not able to decipher tone, expression, or body language. In addition, there may be instances when technical difficulties prevent clients from utilizing the service, or online therapists from being able to respond as quickly as they would otherwise.

On the other hand, it is important to note that, according to the U.S. Surgeon General's Report, approximately 2/3 of those who need mental health services are unable to access them. Online therapy may serve as a bridge to overcoming these barriers for those who may be deaf, ill, live in remote areas with few resources, are afraid of the "stigma", or otherwise unable to access traditional mental health services.

Please note that this site is not for people who are experiencing a crisis. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 for help. If you are suicidal, you may call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-784-2433, or go to www.suicidecrisiscenter.com.

If you are ready to begin online therapy, please go to the Begin Therapy section of this site.

This site was last updated 07/11/05