NORTHFIELD, Ill., May 13 /PRNewswire/ -- In between clients in his Northfield, Illinois office, Jack Cox checks his e-mail for messages from a growing segment of his business -- people seeking online therapy.
Cox is a licensed clinical social worker who, in addition to his traditional practice, recently began offering online therapy through Psychology.com.
"There are many people who need help, but are hesitant to visit me, or any other therapist, in person," says Cox. "Online therapy is a way to take that first step towards getting help."
"I answer questions covering the whole range of behavioral issues -- from relationships, to family issues, to individual struggles. There is no 'typical' question. These are often people who do not need intensive therapy. Instead, they are perhaps worrying about something and need somewhere to turn," says Cox.
Psychology.com offers online therapy through licensed therapists from around the country.
Michael Callans, President of Psychology.com, has noticed a definite trend toward online therapy since he started the site in 1995. "E-mail, blogs, instant messaging, message boards ... the way we communicate has changed drastically in recent years. Online therapy is part of that change."
"Online therapy is different than tradition face-to-face therapy. There's no question about that. But online therapy reaches a whole new audience that often see a stigma attached to traditional therapy," says Callans.
Callans says that online therapy removes that stigma. "The service is completely confidential. The therapist does not have to know your name. All questions and answers take place on our secure website, and are not transmitted by e-mail. And since it's done according to your schedule, no matter where you are in the world, it's pretty convenient."
Online therapy at Psychology.com starts by choosing a therapist. You
can choose a therapist based on his or her specialty, or choose s
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