Challenges and opportunities in internet-mediated telemental health (original) (raw)

2012, Professional Psychology: Research and Practice

The use of technology to provide remote psychological assessment and intervention services is growing rapidly. Remote assessment, treatment, training, and consultation options, particularly those provided via the Internet (e.g., videoconferencing, self-help Web sites, handheld devices), have the potential to increase access to high-quality psychological services. Despite the promise of these technologies, a variety of clinical, ethical, and logistical challenges accompany the remote delivery of such services. Among these challenges are issues involving security, competence, the therapeutic alliance, usability, and technical difficulties. We elucidate some of the challenges posed by these technologies and suggest preliminary recommendations for psychologists considering their use.