Old sibling conflicts had resurfaced. After remarrying, she had left good friends behind in Tennessee and moved with her new husband to Madison, Ga., where she had no job or friends. I've been able to work through a lot of problems. She has never met her counselor, though, because he lives 2,100 miles away. Five years ago, six therapists practiced online.
Clients send therapists e-mails any time of the day or night.
Counselors typically respond within a day or two, sometimes within hours. There's a small, leading edge of work with Web cameras and audio that allows therapists and patients to visit virtually through their computers. It costs less. It can work faster. A painful romantic breakup added to the stress.