Introduction to the Counseling Profession Chapter 7 Technology in Counseling

Chapter Topics Online Counseling/Distance CounselingComputer-Assisted CounselingTechnology in Assessment and DiagnosisTechnological Aids for Client InterventionTechnologically Based Resources Technology in Counselor Supervision Counselor Education and Continuing Education

Introduction “The use of technology in counseling has been apparent in some form or another for the last six decades.” Technology in counseling services are varied and include:  Software to aid in report writing.  Excel spreadsheets for recording client data.  Statistical analysis packages for analyzing client data.  Publishing software for marketing and client recruitment.  Software for assessment and testing.

Online Counseling/Distance Counseling “Online counseling is one of the fastest growing health services on the Internet. It is estimated that over 100 million Americans have sought help or mental health information online.” Definitions  Online counseling is counseling that is performed strictly with the use of computers via the Internet (e.g. , web sites, chat rooms, webcams).  Distance counseling can use a variety of mediums in addition to the computer such as the telephone, television satellite hookup, or video and audiotape.

Online Counseling/Distance Counseling Definitions  Synchronous counseling occurs when there is little or no gap between the responses of the counselor and the client and the interaction resembles a dialogue. Synchronous counseling might be delivered utilizing the telephone or webcam.  Asynchronous counseling occurs when there is a gap in time between the response of the counselor and the client. Asynchronous counseling uses mediums such as . “Counselors have used videoconferencing and other technology to treat issues such as depression, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, attention deficit disorder, panic disorders, posttraumatic stress, and grief among others.”

Online Counseling/Distance Counseling Positives  More convenient for counselor and client than face-to-face counseling.  Eliminates barriers to counseling (e.g., rural clients).  Often occurs more frequently than face-to-face counseling.  Communication is written and therefore automatically documented.  Reduces client anxiety and stigma of mental health counseling.  More client anonymity.

Online Counseling/Distance Counseling Negatives  Not usually covered by insurance.  Lack of presence in counseling session.  More difficult to build rapport, read non-verbal cues etc.  It is a “buyer beware” market.  Not all client populations or issues are appropriate for online counseling.

Online Counseling/Distance Counseling Ethical Concerns  Confidentiality  Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  Client Safety Issues.  Legal issues (e.g., which state has legal jurisdiction if both client and counselor reside in different states?)

Computer-Assisted Counseling This can include:  Software packages for assessment or treatment planning.  Psycho-educational software packages to provide clients with information about disorders such as depression and anxiety.  Computer-assisted counseling whereby the computer actually provides a type of counseling service to clients.  Virtual Reality Systems. “Computer-assisted counseling utilizes computer software to provide assessment, intervention, and specific counseling techniques to clients. Today, the category of computer-assisted counseling can include any computer-based application that aids the counselor in his or her work.”

Computer-Assisted Counseling Positives  Can be more affordable than face-to-face counseling.  Some systems can be accessed by the telephone.  Most are available 24-hours per day.

Computer-Assisted Counseling Negatives  Computers are fallible.  Computers have to be maintained.  Computers are literal and can only process what is typed into them.  Computers can’t build a relationship, assess, or diagnosis a client. Ethical Concerns  Some counselors and clients rely to much on the technology.  Computer can’t assess for suicidal or homicidal clients.

Technology in Assessment and Diagnosis  Web-based Assessment  Test-Interpretation and Scoring Software  Databases “Assessment can be defined as the accumulation of knowledge about a person from a variety of sources for purposes of providing some kind of intervention, diagnosis, or treatment for individuals seeking services. Regardless of counselor specialty, technology can be used in the assessment process.”

Technology in Assessment and Diagnosis Positives  Gives counselors access to fast, accurate, highly accessible testing and scoring.  Computer scoring is nearly errorless.  Data are accessible immediately.  Data are easily transferable to a statistical package for analysis.  Norms can be updated frequently.  Testing is convenient for counselor and client.

Technology in Assessment and Diagnosis Negatives  Many assessments put on the Internet may not meet professional standards.  Counselors may not be able to verify reliability and validity.  Counselors cannot ascertain whether the client understood the assessment.  The counselor can’t verify if the client took the assessment or someone took it for the client.  Computer generated results may not be correct and won’t take the client’s context into consideration.  Results can be corrupted or lost.

Technology in Assessment and Diagnosis Ethical Concerns  Paper-and-Pencil assessments formatted for the Internet might not retain their psychometric properties.  Confidentiality issues.  Issue of security of data transmission and storage of electronic information.

Technological Aids for Client Intervention  Project Spectrum  Smart phones apps  Digital Cameras  Hypermedia  Websites “Computers and the Internet have become a widely used resource for counselors in many areas of their professional duties. With the technology available, counselors now have access to an array of tools that can improve their clinical interventions.”

Technological Aids for Client Intervention Positives  Newer technologies can improve the personalization of treatment and provide clients with interventions tailored to their needs.  Applications on portable devices and online services allow an increased exposure to therapy and can extend the intervention to outside the session.  The Internet makes it possible for counselors to access many materials to use in their counseling practice.  All of these resources make the counseling experience richer.

Technological Aids for Client Intervention Negatives  Some software programs can be expensive. Ethical Concerns  Counselors need to be careful that the materials they use fit the client’s needs and that these materials will be therapeutically beneficial.  Confidentiality

Technology Based Resources Resources for Counselors  Electronic databases and Journals  Social Networks  Case Management Technology Resources for Clients  Psychoeducational Websites  Interactive Self-Guided Interventions  Online Support Groups and Blogs “Counselors can access professional journals, professional organizations, and electronic databases containing psychological research articles all from the comfort of their home or office.”

Technology Based Resources Positives  There are numerous resources available and they are easily accessed.  Counselors can research information on specific disorders, access the most current journal articles regarding treatment or theory, or converse with supervisors or colleagues, all from the convenience of home or office.

Technology Based Resources Negatives  It is not always easy to ascertain the accuracy of information.  Many websites are individually owned and operated and are not peer reviewed or authenticated.  Internet material may fail to download or may not be trustworthy.  Costs can be prohibitive. Ethical Concerns  Counselors must verify that information they receive or use is correct.

Technology in Counselor Supervision “It is beneficial to the student to get immediate feedback either during or right after the session is complete, without technology this is only achieved through live supervision.”  Skype or Web Cams  Instant Messaging  Dual Track Recording  Blackboard  Digital Counseling Portfolios

Technology in Counselor Supervision Positives  Counselor and supervisor do not have to reside within the same geographical location.  Audio, video, or digital taping of sessions includes offering a high level of accuracy of observation, provides the supervisor a high level of objective detail regarding client /counselor interaction, as well as accessibility of reflection for the student.  Telecommunication applications make it possible to offer students a variety of instructional formats (e.g., , web resources, and Power Point slides).

Technology in Counselor Supervision Negatives  There may be instances when a counselor needs a supervisor to be accessible in person such as during a client crisis.  Depending on the type of technology used, visual and social cues may be compromised.  Equipment can fail. Ethical Concerns  Confidentiality for clients.

Counselor and Continuing Education “Online education is rapidly increasing and a shift has been identified regarding the use of technology in counseling education. Virtual schools are now present in the educational sphere and offer online distance learning programs.”  E-Learning  Computer-Based Simulations  Hybrid Courses  3-D Virtual Reality

Counselor and Continuing Education Positives  Offers asynchronous instruction, the counselor can then access materials, complete tests, send in papers etc., at any convenient time.  Gives the counselor a lot of flexibility to work a class into his or her schedule.

Counselor and Continuing Education Negatives  Technology is not foolproof.  Requires students to be computer literate.  Students must have access to the correct equipment and software. Ethical Concerns  Do not make the assumption that just because CEUs are offered that they meet the criteria for your profession, licensure, or certification boards.