E-therapy during a pandemic in Poland and worldwide - a temporary trend or a new reality?

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this article was to present the benefits and difficulties of online psychotherapy and to highlight the ethical context of this form of therapy.

Concept. Conducting psychotherapy online is not a new phenomenon. However, the spread of this form of therapy has changed in recent years and for that reason, the literature on e-therapy focused on the period just before and during the Covid 19 pandemic was analysed.

Results and conclusion. Despite the initial costs associated with implementing e-tools and training psychotherapists, e-therapy is a financially beneficial mode of operation for institutions. On the other hand, a barrier may be the quality of equipment and Internet connections available in offices and insufficient staff training.

For patients, the benefits of e-therapy are primarily related to easier access to services. Both increased time flexibility and reduced mobility barriers are essential, especially when combined with financial savings. However, attention should be paid to patients with limited network competence or difficulty accessing equipment or the Internet. The spread of e-therapy may result in the exclusion of this still large population.

The online therapeutic process involves greater risk and patient concerns about recording, storing, and securing confidential information. The key in this situation seems to be the psychotherapist's awareness, caution, and transparently informing patients about how to work and secure data.