The use of the Internet for counseling the suicidal individual: possibilities and drawbacks

Omega (Westport). 2008;58(3):233-50. doi: 10.2190/om.58.3.e.

Abstract

The role of the Internet in facilitating and preventing suicide is reviewed. Two online suicide prevention programs are described: SAHAR in Israel and Befrienders worldwide. Examples are provided of crisis intervention by e-mail. Finally, some caveats are presented based on experiences with crisis intervention by telephone.

MeSH terms

  • Communication Barriers
  • Counseling / methods*
  • Crisis Intervention / methods*
  • Health Education / methods
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Israel
  • Program Evaluation
  • Remote Consultation / methods*
  • Suicide Prevention*