Therapists' practical implementation and preparation of online counseling in the post-pandemic era.

ABSTRACT

In recent years, COVID-19 has led to a blossoming of online counseling (OC) as an important and alternative way to help people in need. In this regard, the present study aims to explore and clarify therapists' practical implementation and preparation of OC in the post-pandemic era by developing scales. In total, 306 Taiwanese licensed therapists participated in this study and filled out the developed scales (75 males and 231 females, 246 of whom have provided OC to clients). The psychometric analysis revealed that the two scales developed in this study, the implementation of OC scale and the preparation of OC scale, have positive reliability and validity. The former consists of three factors standardized process, presence of infrastructure, and similarity in practice, and the latter comprises two factors intent to conduct OC and perceived benefits for clients. In addition, the results indicated that therapists who are elder, more experienced, or working in community mental health facilities showed better practical implementation and preparation of OC. Findings from this study carry useful reference for strengthening therapists' preparation for and the effectiveness of OC.