Every therapist in private practice needs to make contingency plans for consultation. In fact, every therapist needs to engage 
in regular consultation. It is quickly becoming a standard of care in the mental health professions.
Here is an excellent post in American Medical News addressing the many risks to be considered before consulting with your colleagues online.
I’m interested in learning how you go about meeting your own consultation needs in private practice. What options (other than social media) do you have for consultation? Or, are you still engaging in online consultations? Let’s chat!
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Hi Tamara!
Wow, the part of that article that scared me the most was the idea that someone with whom you may be consulting with isn’t who they say they are (i.e. not having qualifications for providing such info). For me, I don’t think I would randomly choose someone to consult with online, but I do consult with someone who I met at a conference one. She and I live on opposite coasts and we Skype about once a month. Even though I know her and trust her, I don’t ever call my clients by name or give great detail. Our conversations really revolve around my growth as a therapist more than anything, but would certainly want to reach out to her if I got stuck regarding a client. What are your thoughts about Skype for consultation?
Hi, Marie! It’s good to have you back here! HEY! What’s up with hiding?! I can’t SEE you! How about checking out this little post that tells you how to add your own image to your comments. It’s easy! I promise!
And, as for using Skype for consultations . . . I just wouldn’t do it. It’s not HIPAA compliant and it’s not a secure form of communication. However, I might use it to discuss hypothetical situations and ask for general, non-client-specific information.