Exploring Ethical Codes and Possible Ethical Issues in Responding Therapy Clients through E-Mail

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Recommended: Paper medical records vs electronic records

After reviewing the case of Dr. R. Ian Lyne, in which he has been communicating with his patients through email on a more frequent basis rather than in person, I came to the conclusion that there are many things that I would do differently. Because of Dr. Lyne’s decision to communicate by way of email there are many ethical issues that could arise. This case study will explore ethical codes, possible ethical issues, and possible solutions to any issue that Dr. Lyne could face. While Dr. Lyne may have found responding to clients via email as “high quality service”, I believe that responding via email could become controversial while discussing therapeutic issues.

There are several ethical codes that address the use of electronics. While using electronics one must inform the client of the limitations, and risks. In Section H of the ACA Code of Ethics booklet, the H.4.a. Benefits and Limitations section (p. 18) reads,
“Counselors inform clients of the benefits and limitations of using technology applications in the provision of counseling services. Such technologies include, but are not limited to, computer hardware and/ or software, telephones and applications, social media and Internet-based applications and other audio and/or video communication, or data storage devices or media” (American Counseling Association , 2014). In Dr. Lyne’s case he should’ve informed his clients of the benefits and limitations of communicating via email before he decided to respond to them. I also believe that this ethical code should’ve been presented as Dr. Lyne made his email accessible to his students. Once his email became accessible he should’ve discussed perimeters of confidentiality, limitations, and risks that could occur du...

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...opriate services” (American Counseling Association , 2014). If Dr. Lyne notice that his distance counseling is becoming ineffective he should follow ethical protocol.

Distance Counseling may be a practice of many therapists, but as a future therapist I view face to face counseling as more effective. There are several cases that could occur while partaking in distance counseling, even some that may be out of the clients and therapists control. I would prefer to keep my counseling sessions in person to avoid any uncontrollable, or possible issues by way of electronics. Educating a client on what can and cannot occur in a counseling relationship saves the therapist from experiencing many ethical complications.

Works Cited

American Counseling Association . (2014). ACA Code of Ethics-As approved by the ACA Governing Council. Alexandria, VA.

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