These last few weeks, as a consequence of the confinement situation occurring due to the Coronavirus / COVID-19, many psychology professionals have chosen to leverage new technologies to continue offering their services.
Although using new technologies in consultation might seem very novel, it is not, as they have been used in the field of mental health for over 25 years. However, it is true that more and more psychology professionals are opting for the use of ICT as another therapeutic tool. In this way, cyberpsychology has emerged.
What is Cyberpsychology?
Cyberpsychology is a new discipline of psychology characterized by the use of any type of ICT in psychological consultation with the aim of improving clinical care processes.
Likewise, cyberpsychology can be divided into two main groups based on its purpose.
Positive Technology
On one hand, there is positive technology, which uses ICT to improve both the quality of life of the population and their physical or emotional well-being.
Cybertherapy
On the other hand, there is cybertherapy, where ICTs are used to evaluate, prevent, monitor, and even treat a psychological disorder.
In any case, the use of new technologies in therapy has been endorsed by several studies, as it has been shown that when some type of technology in therapy is used, both its effectiveness and efficiency can be increased.
However, at this point, Iván Alsina, a lecturer for the Master in Third Generation Therapies and Application of New Technologies, tells us that there are a series of basic aspects that must be taken into account when using new technologies in the psychological field.
Complying with Basic Requirements to Practice as a Psychologist
As with in-person consultations, the therapist conducting the session must not only possess the degree that accredits them to practice as a psychologist, but must also comply with the tax requirements corresponding to their activity and ensure that the service offered is registered in the general registry of health centers, establishments, and services.
Possessing Psychotherapeutic Knowledge and Skills
Beyond having the degree to practice as a psychologist, it is essential that the therapist has knowledge of evidence-based treatments, since the use of new technologies in consultation does not represent a paradigm shift, but merely consists of introducing technological tools within the strategies and techniques used in the psychological process.
At the same time, the psychotherapist conducting online sessions must also possess good competencies and skills related to both the therapeutic field (empathy, respect, active listening…) and the digital environment (knowledge of new technologies, development of digital content, technical problem-solving…).
It is also important for professionals to periodically evaluate and update their professional and technical competencies, whether through literature review, attendance at clinical sessions, participation in training programs… in order to examine the latest developments in scientific evidence and thus know what type of ICT interventions are most appropriate depending on each patient’s psychological disorder.
Respecting Legal, Ethical, and Deontological Aspects of Cyberpsychology
The psychologist must be informed and updated on the necessary measures to maintain the protection of patient data, privacy, and confidentiality as prescribed in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, May 25, 2018).
This law specifies the rules for maintaining the confidentiality of patients’ most sensitive data through the use of secure and encrypted systems.
As dictated by the GDPR, it is not recommended to use applications such as Gmail, Dropbox, or Skype in the field of psychological intervention, as they do not allow for maintaining the necessary confidentiality of sensitive patient or user data.
Informed Consent for Using ICT with Patients
As in any psychological process, it is necessary for the patient to be informed about everything related to the services the professional offers. In the case of new technologies, the psychologist must provide a clear and complete description of the tools that will be used, how they will be used, and when. Likewise, it is important for the patient to know the benefits and risks associated with the use of new technologies in their psychological process; as well as the possible vulnerability of the applications used regarding their confidentiality.
Similarly, the patient must be aware of the service fees, payment methods, and the actions that will be taken in case of cuts or interruptions during the session.