History of Online Counseling

2008 March 16 by: Scott

From 1995 through 1998, Sommers worked with over 300 persons in his online practice, spanning the globe from the Arctic Circle to Kuwait. David Sommers, Ph.D. can be considered the primary pioneer of “e-therapy.” He was the first to establish a fee-based Internet service.

In 1997, the formation of the International Society for Mental Health Online took place to promote the understanding, use and development of online communication, information and technology for the international mental health community.

At the beginning of the 21st century, interaction between mental health professionals and consumers on the Internet may be divided into two types:

Online Counseling and E-Therapy, developed by numerous counselors and psychotherapists, formed ongoing helping relationships that currently evolve through Internet communication means.

Mental health advice – Counselors and psychotherapists currently respond to questions generated by the general population seeking professional mental health advice solely via the Internet.

Today, online counseling services are helping individuals worldwide. Even though this service is still in it’s infancy stage of development, online counseling is becoming a viable option to individual or family counseling needs.

Searching for online counseling? Click on “Ask A Counselor” above and discover how ScottCounseling can help you today.