This brief provides an overview of the emerging field of Electronic
Therapy, E-Therapy, with a specific focus on alcohol and substance
abuse. Understanding barriers that prevent individuals from seeking
necessary mental health treatment is at the center of the development
and analysis of practice models of care. Geographic location,
transportation, language barriers and other situations contribute to
difficulties in obtaining adequate treatment for mental illness.
E-Therapy eliminates these barriers by administering counseling and
mental health services through audio or audiovisual means. This brief
examines E-Therapy best practices as they apply to alcohol and substance
abuse intervention and prevention.