The Atlantic discusses the growth of online counseling services — some of which include half-hidden disclaimers that they aren’t actually providing “counseling” services.
“Although BetterHelp is currently receiving positive reviews, its own website illustrates the confusion over what constitutes counseling,” reports The Atlantic. “The top of its home page says, ‘Online counseling is effective, affordable, and discreet.’ But a disclaimer in the FAQ section says that while the service ‘may sometimes have similar benefits’ to counseling, ‘in most cases it does not constitute ‘therapy’ or ‘counseling.’ Please note that your provider won’t be able to make any official diagnosis, to fulfill any court order or prescribe medication.'”
The Computer Will See You Now (The Atlantic, March 18, 2015)
