Ethical and professional issues in computer-assisted therapy

Ethical and professional issues associated with computer-assisted therapy (CAT) are discussed in this article. Some of these issues are unique to CAT, while others have been of concern to psychologists for decades. A succinct overview of CAT is followed by an examination of whether CAT can be considered psychotherapy. Issues associated with CAT self-help software and CAT software in general, such as independent use, validation of effectiveness, and restricted access, are discussed. Clinician resistance to CAT is explored, including Weizenbaum's (1976, 1977, 1980) oft-quoted objections and Colby's (1980, 1986) retorts. The issue of client acceptance of CAT is examined, and suggestions for dealing with technoanxious and computerphobic clients are offered. The impact of CAT on ethical standards (American Psychological Association, 1989) is also discussed. It is recommended that guidelines for users, developers, publishers, and distributors of CAT software be developed along the lines of those instituted for computer-assisted assessment (American Psychological Association, 1986).