Ethical dilemmas in online psychotherapy - a review of selected ethical codes and recommendations of psychotherapeutic and psychological associations

Until recently, only some psychotherapists have used a remote form of contact with their patients. The COVID-19 pandemic Has changed this situation, as the experience of life and health threats has resulted in many therapists choosing to work remotely with patients. Working online for psychotherapists poses new challenges and ethical questions. Many practitioners, when looking for answers to bothering questions arising from the clinical practice of working with patients remotely, look for answers in Professional codes of ethics or in the guidelines of therapeutic associations. This article is a review of 52 codes of ethics from different countries on five continents in terms of looking for norms and principles that provide an ethical framework for online psychotherapeutic work. Additionally, the guidelines and recommendations of selected Professional psychotherapeutic associations were analyzed. These societies, in additional Communications or statements, also introduce temporary ethical criteria, guidelines and good ethical practices that remotely working therapists should take into account in their work.