If you are in therapy:
If you are in therapy now you should not seek advice or counsel from an Internet therapist. If you have a therapist, and you have any issues and concerns, you need to talk about them to your current therapist. Don't ask another psychotherapist to second-guess your current treatment, and by all means don't stop face-to-face therapy in favor of interacting over the Internet. This is to protect you. In almost all cases such a move would not be helpful to your healing process. Any therapist worth his or her ethical salt will tell you the same.
Interacting with a therapist via the Internet can be helpful, especially as an introduction to therapy; but it is not a substitute for it. To find out why, keep reading.
If you are in crisis:
If you are in crisis or suicidal now...
If you are experiencing intense emotional distress and need immediate response:
1. Get off the computer and pick up the phone.
2. Call 1-800-SUICIDE from anywhere in the U.S. or look in your phone book for a mental health hotline.
3. Call a psychotherapist, counseling center or mental health clinic and make an appointment for an office visit. In urgent situations, many counselors and therapists can see you on short notice. Be sure to make it clear that you have an emergency need.
Bear in mind that online counseling is not appropriate for issues regarding child abuse and endangerment, and homicidal or suicidal behaviors and threats. Adherence to professional ethics mandates Wolfleg Counseling to report any such incidents. However, follow-up counseling services are always available. This is for everyone’s welfare and is governed by most state laws. You can also help yourself and others by reporting violence and abuse to the following agencies:
Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453
Child Help USA National Crisis Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD
National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-784-2433
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children:
1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
National Youth Crisis Hotlines (for persons 17 and under):
1-800-488-4663 OR 1-800-KID-SAFE
National Organization for Victim Assistance: 1-800-TRY-NOVA
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
