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Abstract

This article examines the ethical dilemmas and consequences associated with the solicitation and utilization of client testimonials in online therapy platforms. Drawing on ethical guidelines and recent incidents involving online counseling services, the article highlights how the commercialization of mental health care on these platforms prioritizes profit over ethical considerations, compromising client autonomy, confidentiality, and the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. The rise of online therapy platforms, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has introduced unique ethical challenges that demand proactive intervention. The article proposes strategies for maintaining ethical standards in online therapy platforms and emphasizes the importance of transparency, informed consent, and professional oversight in safeguarding client rights and preserving the integrity of the therapeutic profession.

Keywords

online therapy client testimonials ethical considerations exploitation informed consent confidentiality professional integrity therapeutic relationship mental health care regulatory oversight

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References

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Marques

Bartuska

A. D.

Cohen

J. N.

Youn

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Osborn

(2020). Mental health trends among college students: A five-year comparison. Journal of American College Health, 68(4), 355–361. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2018.1541675

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(2021). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health care delivery: A review of emerging trends and future implications. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 27(5), 283–290. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X211010522

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(2020). The COVID-19 pandemic: The ‘Black swan’ for mental health care and a turning point for e-health. Internet Interventions, 20, 100317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2020.100317

Silent Threats: The Unchecked Exploitation of Client Testimonials in Online Therapy Service Platforms

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