Many apps and services have been launched within the last few years, and it can be overwhelming to understand or know what services to use or recommend to others. Technology is quickly becoming something counselors can’t ignore.

ACA has developed new resources for our members related to the intersection of emerging technology and professional counseling ethics:

• Therapy Apps: A Decision-Making Resource for Professional Counselors 🔒
• A Quick Reference to Therapy Apps and Professional Counselor Ethics  🔒
• Example Questions for Telehealth Platforms and Therapy Apps 🔒

What do counselors need to look for?

It is important to ground whatever approach or actions one takes in our profession’s ethics to ensure the safety of one’s clients and the public above all else. Ethics requires counselors to know about any technology one uses or recommends, including its privacy practices. Counselors should be aware of not just what companies say they do or don’t do but also what they actually do with user information. Although many companies are transparent about what information they compile about and from their users (customers, patients, clients) and how they gather, use, store and sell that information, others are more vague or unclear.  

There are some key differences between types of platforms and services. Read more about these differences.

Apps & Websites

Traditional Therapy Platforms

Emerging Therapy Apps

Mental Health Apps

Digital Therapeutics

Mixed-Use Apps and Websites