Secure, anonymous, HIPAA-compliant text message-based mental health counseling for cheap. Is this the future of mental health? http://www.businessinsider.com/what-its-like-to-use-talkspace-text-therapy-app-2015-3
sounds like a good idea. as long as it is anonymous, and not like current services that tell you its confidential then report everything anyway. the only problem i can see is that the effectiveness might be compromised by the fact messages can be edited unlike face to face talking where you can blurt stuff out. maybe its a good option, but not replacement.
I have known people who in the depths of their depression were unable to manage a face to face, or even over the phone conversation, but could use text or other written forms as a “safe” way of making contact with someone. I wouldn’t consider this the future, but certainly a valuable tool to allow certain people to reach out who wouldn’t otherwise be able to. You can’t have too many options for those in need to call out for some support
sounds one step removed from impersonal to me, there is a lot to be said for human contact and attention and holding someone’s hand when they are in distress. But I dislike what electronic communication is doing to us, so take this comment with a grain of salt.
I hear ya, @Mouse. Still, I think this is a positive. I’m probably going to sign up as a treatment provider actually. We’ll see if it’s all that it’s cracked up to be.
sounds one step removed from impersonal to me, there is a lot to be said for human contact and attention and holding someone’s hand when they are in distress.
But that is what some people need at times. There are individuals for whom conventional interpersonal interaction is too invasive for them, and a more “distant” approach is required when they are in their dark place. It’s far from a panacea, but another useful tool in the therapists toolbox which might be used to coax someone to a level where they can interact with a person
health counseling is great anyway they can get it. much cheaper than a therapist office visit. I believe it may reach more of those in need. Especially the younger demographic who lives would be lost without electronic communications in hand. 
I also believe they will need a chiropractor for the neck being place in an unnatural position for hours on end.
May or may not be a good thing, but I’m sure glad I grew up in a time where this idea would have seemed utterly weird.
Might be OK from time to time w/an established client but so much of the SOAP note & Dx is based on non-verbal communication, I think this might lead to lawsuits and misdiagnoses but nevertheless interested in how it works for you.
I thought that’s what this site was for? Well that’s how I’ve been using it. I’m feeling a little positive, well at least right now, at the moment, lets see how the day goes. Not to much nic and coffee or the anxiety monster will get me. Famous last words. A burden shared … is a burden put onto others but here amongst fellow addicts (friends even), well…
Might be OK from time to time w/an established client but so much of the SOAP note & Dx is based on non-verbal communication, I think this might lead to lawsuits and misdiagnoses but nevertheless interested in how it works for you.
Unfortunately the type of license I have is currently incompatible with their (perfectly reasonably) high standards. I’m still in the first 3,000 hours of my practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern, which makes me ineligible. Kudos for them for taking only the most experienced therapists aboard. I’ll have to try again come October when my 3,000 have completed. Good point on SOAP and Diagnosis. There’s a lot of subjectivity in diagnosis, which is one reason I’m so cautious with it…