Cyberspace Travels: APA 2002

110th APA CONVENTION: Chicago, IL
Saturday, August 24, 2002, 3:00PM-4:50PM
McCormick Place--South Building-Level 1, Meeting Room S105a

Plenary Session

CYBERSPACE TRAVELS
FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCHERS, EDUCATORS, & PRACTITIONERS

Internet-facilitated communication is undeniably changing our way of life and becoming integrated into the daily lives of psychologists and their clients. This symposium will feature a virtual tour of online psychology and provide an in-depth look at some of the ways in which new tools have led to new possibilities for the 21st Century. Technology has revolutionized our lives and forever altered our ability to communicate, interact, and access information. These presentations will highlight several innovative and exciting new projects.

Michael A. Fenichel, Ph.D. (ISMHO)
21st Century Psychology: Innovations and Challenges of Internet-Facilitated Communication

Azy Barak, Ph.D. (University of Haifa, Israel)
SAHAR: Emotional Support and Prevention for Suicidal People via the Internet

John R. Suler, Ph.D. (Rider University)
Designing an Online Therapeutic Program: Preliminary Observations

David W. Nickelson, Psy.D., J.D. (APA Practice Directorate)
New Frontiers for Psychology: Legal, Ethical, and Practical Considerations

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CYBERSPACE TRAVELS FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCHERS, EDUCATORS, & PRACTITIONERS

This symposium will focus on the challenges and opportunities of utilizing 21st Century technology and integrating it into our professional lives. Specifically the use of Internet-facilitated communication tools will be explored (e.g., e-mail and chat), with special attention to the implications for clinical practice, education, research, and the world of online self-help.

Dr. Michael Fenichel, a founding member of ISMHO, will present an overview of such current "hot topics" as online counseling, "e-therapy", and building an integrated practice through maintaining an online presence. Is it therapy? Is it legal? What is possible? What is ethical? Some of the pioneers who have been working on these questions are here today as our distinguished panelists.

Dr. John Suler is renowned for his seminal work on "The Psychology of Cyberspace". He will share a framework for understanding and harnessing the potential of online clinical work. Dr. Suler will also describe how various therapeutic modalities, educational approaches, and communication channels are being used separately and in combination.

Dr. Azy Barak is an Israeli psychologist, well known to researchers in the area of online support groups, who will describe an innovative program called "SAHAR: Emotional Support and Prevention for Suicidal People via the Internet". Issues of ethics and risk-management will be discussed, along with a general overview of research into the efficacy of online support groups.

Dr. David Nickelson is an attorney/psychologist with great expertise in the areas of ethical, legal, and regulatory issues as they relate to psychologists’ daily use of technology in clinical practice. Now APA’s Director of Technology Policy and Projects, he leads various projects on behalf of the Practice Directorate. He will present an overview of several cutting-edge developments affecting practitioners.

Following individual presentations, the chair will attempt to integrate and highlight some of the common themes, and invite questions from the audience.

APA Current Topics in Psychology Psychology of Cyberspace ISMHO Azy Barak

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