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In November of 2012, Another Security Problem Surfaced with Skype
TechSpot reported that a security hole in Skype’s password recovery mechanism has allowed any account to be hijacked by knowing only an account’s username and email address. This is the statement posted on November 14th, 2012 on Skype’s blog: We have had reports of a new security vulnerability issue. As a precautionary step we have temporarily disabled password reset as we...
Read MoreShould You Trust Online Counselors, Online Therapists or Coaches with the Details of Your Personal Life?
Unless you can verify that someone is licensed or credentialed, they could be anyone masquerading as a professional. As with everything else online, consumer beware… In the case of counseling, therapy or coaching, consumers need to be double aware. Types of Professionals Let’s start with licensed professionals (psychiatrists, who most often prescribe medication; psychologists, social...
Read MoreAre You Uneasy with Skype Sessions for Counseling Or Therapy?
Some therapists seem to be inviting their clients to join them online using consumer grade video platforms such as Skype, Google Talk, and a host of other free platforms. Rather than using videoconferencing equipment that meets federal regulations for both protecting your privacy and security (HIPAA), some therapists are choosing to use free platforms up on the open Internet. These therapists may...
Read MoreWill “APPS” Soon Replace Your Therapist?
A recent PEW report dated March 1st, 2012 stated: Nearly half (46%) of American adults are smartphone owners as of February 2012, an increase of 11 percentage points over the 35% of Americans who owned a smartphone last May. Two in five adults (41%) own a cell phone that is not a smartphone, meaning that smartphone owners are now more prevalent within the overall population than owners of more...
Read MoreWhat If You Have An Emergency or Feel Suicidal While Receiving Online Therapy?
Working with emergencies and suicidal clients can be a challenge for any therapist. The more well-trained your therapist is, both in handling clinical issues such as suicidal feelings or other emergencies, as well as online counseling or therapy, the better he or she will be able to handle any of your emergencies online. Online therapy and online counseling fall under the specialty area of...
Read MoreMistreated by An Online Therapist or Doctor? Your 3 Best Solutions
Working online with a professional has many benefits, but when it comes to reporting a professional for unprofessional behavior, your options are limited if you didn’t do your homework first. That homework involves verifying the credentials of the professional you have chosen and knowing ahead of time where to go if a problem arises. Solution#1: How to File a Licensing Complaint Consumer...
Read MoreOnline Therapy Anyone?
Today I’m starting a new series of blog posts about online therapy. You can look forward to seeing me discuss a number of issues that many therapists, counselors, patients & clients ask themselves: 1. Is it ok for me to ask my therapist to text me rather than call and leave messages? or have a Skype session with me online? or let me send them an email describing how I feel about a...
Read MoreCan My Therapist Work with Me Even When I Move to Another State or Country?
Using today’s technology, yes, online counseling and online therapy are possible, legal and ethical. Here’s how: 1. Your therapist needs to get secure technology. SKYPE is not yet secure, but if they pay a little money, they can get what’s known as “HIPAA-compliant technology.” If they have any questions about doing that, ask them to get the audio recording...
Read MoreHow Might You Check Out An Online Therapist?
You finally found a counselor or therapist who might just be able to help you online. The price is right, she is available, but you stop for a minute and want to check out her credentials (smart). You want to be sure she is legitimate, and not just some woman working out of a corner of her fancy laundry room. How do you figure out if she is the “real thing?” It’s easy. Check...
Read MoreIs Your Therapist Using Skype and Billing Your Insurance Illegally?
Many therapists are already using technology to extend their reach online, but aren’t being honest with the insurance companies about the location of the services they bill. Telehealth services, that is, online therapy, online counseling, Internet therapy, etherapy, webtherapy, Skype therapy – all these terms mean the same thing, and they typically require a special...
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Marlene M. Maheu, Ph.D.
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