Four in 10 have visited the web, well ahead of the general population. As I have watched psychologists become more wired I have become concerned about the identities that many have chosen. I have been sent e-mail by people with names such as cyberdoc and drsigfreud. First, and foremost, is advertising and marketing psychological services. In this era of managed health care and shrinking reimbursements, psychologists are scampering to find ways to increase their client base.
Advertising provides one such opportunity.
On the Internet you have millions of potential viewers, many of whom may be in close proximity to your practice, who may want to avail themselves of your services. An online presence can spell out those services in an attractive format and potentially increase your business. You can market books, materials and even direct services in cyberspace and people can purchase them through a credit card or using cyber cash. One serious issue about portraying yourself to the world as a mental health practitioner must be concern about liability. Suppose you are engaged in a cancer support group online and your username, PsyDrJim, identifies you as a psychologist and someone asks for your opinion on a psychological issue.