Another advantage would be that those who may be better served by specialists would have access to those counselors who may be more qualified to help them, regardless of geographic limitations. Those who are physically disabled or seriously ill would have the option of getting support without having to leave their homes. Instead of arranging for someone else to pick the kids up from day care and fighting rush hour traffic to get to a counselor's office, an individual can have their session after the kids go to bed in the comfort of their own living room. Still another advantage would be that those who are apprehensive about being seen walking into a counselor's office, or who have thought about counseling but are not sure what it's about, may be more likely to seek services if they can do so from the safe and comfortable confines of their homes. Clearly there exist some disadvantages as well.
Confidentiality is one.
E-mail may be intercepted by others. Possible solutions include digitally encrypting transmissions, and passwords protecting access to sensitive information on both the counselor's and client's computer. In reality, you are more likely to have your phone conversations eavesdropped on than to have your e-mail transmissions monitored. Another problem is how to handle emergency situations that arise with clients who may be halfway across the globe. Local authorities may be able to assist the online counselor by contacting emergency services within the client's local area.