Traditional Counseling Barriers

Traditional barriers to counseling services such as limited hours, mobility challenges, medical illnesses and transportation can be overcome through the use of online counseling services (Barnett 2005). Online counseling presents a new and convenient alternative to the traditional face-to-face counseling which often requires overcoming barriers such as child care, transportation and other factors (Riemer-Reiss 2000). Individuals in remote or underserviced areas now have increased opportunities to access services (Riemer-Reiss 2000). Online counseling reduces the barriers to service utilization, reduces stigma and enhances positive help-seeking attitudes (Chang 2005). Online counseling is also often more affordable for clients, since there are