E-mail Communication: Issues for Mental Health Counselors

In an era where fast, efficient communication is needed, e-mail has emerged. From its beginning in 1971, professionals have used e-mail to communicate—lawyers, counselors, psychologists, and social workers with clients; nurses and physicians with patients. But despite its advantages, e-mail can cause problems. This article discusses both the positive use of electronic communication and the need to address fundamental counseling issues that arise in using it. The article reflects the AMHCA and ACA ethical codes for the use of technology in the counseling relationship. It also looks at e-mail communication between counselor and client with special attention to challenges of which counselors should be aware.