Ethics in Computer-Aided Counseling

Linda Guthrie

Technology in counseling began with the advent of the desktop computer over 30 years ago. Success in computer-aided services for career counseling and increased comfort with technology were factors in the computer becoming a mainstay in the therapeutic setting. Research has found that the computer enhances counseling services in the areas of testing and assessment, career decision making, intake interviewing, and personal counseling, and that it enables maintenance and storage of records in a smaller space and improves cost effectiveness. Although Internet access has provided avenues for filing insurance, advertising services, and providing e-therapy, computer-aided counseling refers to applications that are strictly accessed on a basic computer without Internet access. Expanded uses of computer-aided counseling have challenged mental health professionals to understand and take measures to ensure that all ethical standards are met. The advantages of computer-aided counseling should not lull therapists into ignoring the ethical challenges and considerations that ...

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