Therapists Doing Counseling Online Through Skype?

More and more people are requesting phone or Skype sessions for a variety of reasons.

Some clients move, or a therapist moves and the client doesn't want to have to start a new relationship with a therapist when they are already connected and getting the help they've been looking for.

Some clients live in isolated rural areas where there aren't therapists within several hours drives of their home and would benefit from sessions online.
A client may be traveling for work and not be able to make it in to their therapists' office during regular work hours.

Clients go on vacation and have a crisis come up and rather than wait for a session when they get back, their therapist has an opening and they can do a session on Skype.

What do you think? Do you think therapy online or telephonic could meet your needs?
Can you think of other situations where online therapy might be a good or a bad idea?

Concerns:

Is the therapist licensed in the state the client is in? Or do they only have to be licensed where they are located since their work is in that state?

Is the transmission totally secure? Most online and phone communications are relatively safe and secure but, as we know, there are hackers out there and we can't totally guarantee confidentiality.

Is a session between client and therapist online as "good" as one in person? If we don't see each other in 3D can we make sure we are reading body language and voice clearly? Can people make real connections over the internet as easily as they can in person? Would a therapist be able to assess someone accurately?

It's getting to be more and more acceptable. I have done this some and have found it to be pretty much the same as face to face counseling. I love seeing people in my office but there are times it just doesn't work out. It can be easier for some clients and I am comfortable using these venues.

What do you think?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/25/fashion/therapists-are-seeing-patients-online.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&smid=fb-share