Online therapy: lessons learned from the COVID-19 health crisis

ABSTRACT

This study explored counsellors’ experiences with online therapy during the COVID-19 crisis, which presented an opportunity to examine how counsellors evaluated the drawbacks, benefits, and appropriateness of online therapy. Data collected through surveys from 114 professional counsellors, school counsellors, addiction counsellors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists in the United States were analysed. Results indicated the level of preparation for online therapy varied. The process was heavily impacted by technical functionality and perceived as more effective face-to-face. Counsellors found clients disengaged and distracted rather than comfortable and open. The effectiveness of online therapy was more strongly associated with client characteristics and treatment approaches than with diagnoses and treatment goals. Interpretations, clinical implications, and further research recommendations are provided.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• online therapy
• counselling online
• telehealth
• best practices

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Disclosure of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gina G. Barker

Gina G. Barker is an Online Instructor at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, USA, and a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Communication at Regent University in 2004 and a Doctor of Education degree in Community Care and Counseling at Liberty University in 2018. She served as a full-time faculty member in the Department of Communication at Liberty University 2004–2011 and as a full-time faculty member in the Department of Communication, Languages and Cultures at Coastal Carolina University 2011–2015. Her research focuses on intercultural adaptation and acculturation processes, intercultural marriage and family communication, cultural influences on news and advertising, third-culture individuals, crisis communication and intervention, and burnout. Her work in these areas has been published in the International Journal of Intercultural Relations, Journal of International and Intercultural Communication, Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, Southern Communication Journal, Western Journal of Communication, International Communication Gazette, the International Journal of Cross Cultural Management, the International Encyclopedia of Intercultural Communication and in several book chapters.

Edgar E. Barker

Edgar E. Barker is a Licensed School Counselor in Virginia, USA and a Professor of Counseling at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, USA, where he has served as a full-time faculty member since 2003. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Education at the University of Iowa in 1990 and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Pastoral Counseling at Liberty University in 2015. He holds graduate degrees from Oxford University and Ft. Hays State University. He has served as a High School Counselor, College Counselor, Director of Counseling, Dean of Students, Director of two master’s level programs, Doctoral Program Director, Department Chair, ESL Instructor, and teacher at the Middle School, High School, Community College, Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral levels in a number of areas and institutions. His primary areas of research are in crisis and trauma. His publications include articles on School Counseling, Pedophilia, and Forgiveness in The Popular Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.