Digital Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) in Canada: Ethical Considerations

作者：Lawlor Savage Linette^*; Prentice Jennifer L

来源：Canadian Psychology, 2014, 55(4): 231-239.

DOI：10.1037/a0037861

• cognitive behaviour therapy
• iCBT
• digital CBT
• e-therapy
• code of ethics
• electronic record-keeping
• access to therapy

On the surface, computer- or Internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) appears to be a convenient and efficacious method of delivering the well-established protocols of CBT. However, caution is warranted before digitised CBT can be conceptualised as a natural extension of face-to-face CBT. The key difference in digitised CBT is its mode of delivery, but this distinction significantly influences the client's experience of CBT. The treatment settings of digitised CBT interventions are diverse and may include on-site treatment at a clinic computer station, Internet-delivered CBT at a location of the patients' choosing, or delivery of CBT through mobile technologies such as smartphones and tablet computers. To varying degrees, such settings are less controlled and could therefore introduce factors that not only deviate from well-established, manualised, in-person CBT treatments, but also introduce ethical issues for the well-meaning clinical psychologist who prescribes CBT. This article reviews the core features of digitised CBT interventions and examines potential ethical concerns of digitised CBT as they relate to the principles of the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists. Issues related to accessibility, cost, confidentiality, record keeping, risk assessment, and the role of the therapist are explored. Areas in need of further consideration are suggested, and recommendations that align with the Code of Ethics are provided for Canadian clinicians.

• 出版日期2014-11