Remote Psychological Support and Counseling

 

Remote psychological support and counseling involve providing counseling and psychological assistance services to those in need through a virtual environment. It encompasses the same principles as traditional psychological counseling, as defined by the World Health Organization, which involves using psychological, guidance, educational, developmental, and informative skills to help individuals develop their abilities, improve their quality of life, and enhance their mental well-being.

From this perspective, remote psychological support aims to utilize modern technology and available technological capabilities to provide official and appropriate psychological support to individuals wherever they may be and in the most effective manner possible.

Tools for Delivering Remote Psychological Support and Counseling:

1. Video Calling Software:

The counseling relationship between the counselor or supporter on one side and the client or beneficiary on the other side occurs through a virtual environment. Clients must choose from various video calling applications for conducting individual sessions while ensuring privacy and confidentiality during these sessions and throughout the use of these applications. Some of these programs include Google Meet, Zoom, Skype, and WhatsApp.

2. Testing and Assessment Software:

During the counseling process, counselors may need to use various assessments, including self-assessment tools that clients can complete independently, as well as assessments that rely on the counselor's questioning. Due to the distance and electronic communication, counselors require tools that enable efficient and suitable assessments that yield desired results. Google Forms is one such tool.

3. Data Analysis:

Counselors need to analyze data obtained from clients and assessments, connecting them and identifying relationships. To achieve this, counselors require tools that save time and effort and help them achieve effective data analysis. Artificial intelligence tools and software like Excel can be helpful in this regard.

4. Appointment and Task Scheduling :

Psychological counselors need technology to help them manage and schedule appointments and tasks, especially due to the virtual nature of their work. Applications that assist in task scheduling and provide reminders for important appointments, such as To Do lists, task management software, and voice assistants, are essential tools for counselors.

5. Electronic Contracts:

Professionals in the field of mental health often need to sign numerous professional contracts, intervention plans, and perhaps consent forms for minors. This necessitates a formal mechanism for signing documents by both parties, which can be facilitated using applications like Adobe Acrobat.

Advantages of Remote Psychological Support and Counseling:

1. Effective Access:

Remote psychological support services offer unrestricted access, allowing individuals to receive support wherever they reside, as long as they have internet access. This ensures that individuals can access the necessary psychological support, overcoming barriers related to distance, limited local services, and security concerns.

2. Privacy:

Individuals who visit physical mental health centers may face social stigmatization and security challenges. Remote support and counseling provide an excellent opportunity for individuals facing social challenges to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the support they receive.

3. Lower Costs:

Remote support services can often be more cost-effective. When services are provided for free by non-governmental organizations, individuals can save on transportation costs. Even when services are paid, remote services are often less costly than in-person ones.

4. Diversity and Multiple Options:

Remote support and counseling offer individuals the opportunity to choose the most suitable and appropriate supporter for their needs. With numerous options available, individuals can communicate with a counselor from a different continent, providing diversity in choices.

In conclusion, remote psychological support and counseling represent significant progress in the field of mental health and personal development. 

This approach demonstrates the capability to meet the needs of individuals worldwide efficiently and effectively. Given the available technology and the tools mentioned in this article, it is clear that remote psychological support has many notable advantages. 

One of the most significant is effective access, as individuals can receive support regardless of their geographical location. 

Additionally, it ensures privacy, lowers costs, and provides diverse options for individuals seeking psychological support. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that this approach will expand further in the future to meet the needs of more individuals worldwide.

By: Maher Daboul