Essay about Technology: The Digital Age

Granello discusses how through the decades many individuals, including those in medical, were slow to embrace computer information and technologies. In the 70s and 80s is when personal computers became more advent and personable to everybody. Granello talks about this embrace, and how medical professionals in the 90s began to embrace this technology that they have at their disposal. He talks of 1984, when a professional journal ran an article that talked of the potential benefit of technologies in counseling if individuals are trained properly. In the 90s is when counselors began using technology more often. They had the ability to open their own websites, have online sessions with patients, and teach courses online but he follows up with a

Individual therapy carried out over the Internet can include asynchronous methods, such as e-mail, synchronous methods, such as web-based messaging (instant messaging), chat, videoconferencing or voice-over IP (Internet phone). Virtual reality therapy and online video game therapy are two additional emerging online modalities. Online counseling may be provided as the primary treatment modality or as an adjunct to more traditional forms of mental health treatment. There are many advantages of online counseling. First of all, it provides accessibility to individuals who are disabled or housebound. Then, it is also always affordable and convenient. Internet makes mental health information more accessible. Later, people also feel comfortable while talking to friends and family about their health care issues, but may not feel the same discussing mental health

Many of these barriers exist from lack of essentially knowing the benefits of what the incorporation of telehealth can offer within the aspect of this type of community. At times, there has been a great interest in telehealth surrounding its potential to reduce health care costs along with the improvement of patient outcomes, but at times there has been no known scientific evidence base underpinning it (McLean, Sheikh, Cresswell, Nurmmatov, Mukherjee, Hemmi & Pagilari, 2013).

Over the last 30 years, the methods of human interactions have grown explosively, from face-to-face conversations, to video calling, instant messaging, texting, Facebook, Youtube, Snapchat, and Instagram. As the technology we surround ourselves with pervades an increasing number of aspects in our lives, it has begun to affect our mental health. A Carnegie Mellon study concluding that internet usage leads to significant increases in loneliness and depression received U.S. national media coverage (Kraut, Patterson, et al., 1998). However, others argue that the internet may just provide a place of refuge for those suffering from loneliness, anxiety, and depression. (McKenna and Bargh, 59)

Telehealth has been a large topic of debate in recent years because of the economic, political, and regulatory points of view. In deciding outcomes in these areas, it is the responsibility of all healthcare professions to identify information gaps in order to come to the more rational and beneficial conclusion about telehealth (Grace, 2014). Economically, there are concerns regarding the access and affordability of telehealth equipment. At the same time, telehealth is being adapted in ways to be utilized with technological devices that many individuals already have access to like telephones, cellular phones, and personal computers/laptops. Telehealth can positively impact both clients and providers by increasing access to care and reducing the time and costs associated with traveling for health care (Allen, Aylott, Loyola, Moric, & Saffarek, 2015). As telehealth develops technological devices can be made more affordable and can be covered by insurance policies (Thomas et al., 2014). Many nurses functioning as case managers can help provide the tools and resources individuals require to manage their health.

Goss S., & Anthony, K. (2009). Developments in the use of technology in counselling and psychother

All information within the article is considered appropriate because all information is cited and factual in American Psychological Association format. The overall article is organized in paragraph structure with proper headings and allows for clear and organized reading. The article begins by summarizing what the article hopes to accomplish which is “the purpose of the present article is to define mHealth within clinical psychology, provide a review and discussion of the functionality of mHealth devices, current trends within the field of psychological mHealth, the challenges faced by researchers and clinicians in this field, and examine directions for future research.” The article ends by summarizing the information written in the article by having a conclusion. The structure is clear enough that the reader can understand the meaning of the article which is to highlight how technology, specifically smart phones can affect mental health treatments. The author marks the structure by using headings such as “Advantages of mHealth Technology” and “Mobile Phones for EMA”. This helps organize the article and helps the overall effect of the article on the reader. The authors, Clough and Casey make the structure by using headings for each section, which allows the reader to clearly follow the information in the

The aim of this quantitative study on “Computerised cognitive behaviour therapy, CCBT and older people”, is too firstly measure if the group of older people are interested in using computerised therapy, and are they willing to learn computer skills needed for computerised therapy. Other factors were also taken into the results, such as if the group being studied had previous experience of self-help and therapy, and if they had any experience on computers. A small scale study took place with a short questionnaire, of nine questions, and given to 60 people using a mental health service. Participants were aged 65 plus, some who regularly attended day hospital, fewer who were

I would like to know more about the market. I understand that this industry is growing and expanding, but how much? Looking back years ago I do not believe that coaching/ counseling was used as it is now. A big reason I believe this is because people are becoming more accepting to receive help. There has always been a negative stigma around professional services like this, but with media/ the internet now it has become more socially acceptable. We also have the opportunity to share information and experiences with each other instantly, I feel this has helped as well. With all this awareness and exposer I wonder where this industry will go? Advancement in technology has also played a big role in services like this. From video chat to email

Another question remains regarding the status of the therapeutic relationship in e-therapy. The therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient is a paramount element of successful mental health treatment. As such, some authors have reflected upon how this aspect of therapy translates to services delivered

Online therapy has emerged as a viable new option in the helping profession. Online therapy or e-therapy occurs when a therapist provides therapy and support over the Internet. E-mail, chat, video, or smart phone are all ways individuals can communicate through online therapy. Online therapy websites are abounding on the Internet, any individual seeking online therapy will surely find what they are looking for. This paper will evaluate and explain the content from

Since at least 1982, the internet has provided a new venue for support group (John Schappi, 2012). Discussing online self-help support groups as the precursor to e-therapy, Martha Ainsworth notes that "the enduring success of these groups has firmly established the potential of computer-mediated communication to enable discussion of sensitive personal issues. For example Email, Usenet and internet bulletin boards have become popular methods of communication for peer-to-peer self-help groups and facilitated support groups. Support groups have long offered companionship and information for people coping with diseases or disabilities, and online situational oriented groups have expanded to offer support for people facing various life circumstances, especially those involving personal and cultural relationships (Van Brunt, 2008).

On the other hand, clients are more likely to be open and honest when communicating through online sessions. As a result, counselors will be able to provide better and more effective treatment options and plans for the clients. Furthermore, online therapy is available to clients who have difficulty making appointments on-time and in the

There is an increasing need within the U.S. for quality health care to be provided to individuals who have limited access whether it is due to a rural environment, disabilities, or in the field of battle. Telemedicine is literally medicine provided at a distance. Telehealth is able to alleviate some of the effects of a growing shortage of professionals such as primary care physicians. In this type of health care delivery, the dynamics between the patient and the entire health care system changes. Telemedicine meets the increasing demands of patients to have greater access, or responsiveness, from a health care provider. It also meets the needs of the provider who is very interested in time-saving, safety-enhancing assistance in their daily practice. Employers and health plans are also very interested in telemedicine as a means of improving compliance with treatment plans and care management initiatives (Hodgkins, 2008). The use of email also allows the patient to have increased access to their health care providers. Instead of calling their health care provider’s office, patients are now able to email their non-emergent health care questions to their provider. Conversely, health care providers are able to email patients reminders for appointments or wellness tips.

For many of these studies, technology was utilized for reflection, stimulation, or record keeping. Previously, technology use was debatable for the field, but had been used prior to 2005. However, throughout the year, support and possibilities for technology use increased in a range of topics. Computers were brought to the therapy scene less than two decades before, but once the technology was introduced it continued to thrie througout the medical field. The Internet's ability to be used for communication gained popularity with clients, family caregivers, and occupational therapists. For example, Doris Pierce urged therapists and scientists to inquire how technology could benefit health professions and research through the use of video and visual data. As exciting as new technology was though, it came with notable areas of uncertainty. IN the past, some research had been limited because not all properties of the study could be suitably recorded or studied without technological assistance. Introducing technology to the research enabled it to be completed faster and more accurately in some cases,. In other cases, technology may not have benefited the research at all. The researcher must give discretion as to whether the value of the study will rise with the use of technology. The new use of computers, the Internet, new programs, videography, etc. all could enable a