Maanvi Singh reports on the uptick in online psychotherapy services, but notes that there are concerns not only about efficacy, but licensing and privacy. With respect to privacy, Singh reports:
Some studies suggest that therapy online can be as effective as it is face to face. “We have a lot of promising data suggesting that technology can be a very good means of providing treatment,” says Lynn Bufka, a clinical psychologist who helps develop health-care policy for the American Psychological Association.
“I don’t think we have all the answers yet,” Bufka says. There are cases where therapy online may not work, she notes. Therapists usually don’t treat people with severe issues online, especially if they are contemplating suicide. That’s because in case of a crisis, it’s much harder for online therapists to track down their patients and get them help.
Privacy is another a concern. Instead of Skype, many online therapy companies choose to use teleconferencing software with extra security. Arthur at Pretty Padded Room says her company takes measures to protect her clients’ records.
But it can be hard for people to know exactly how secure the website they’re using really is, Bufka says.
Read more on NPR.