Cell phones, most of us have and
utilize them frequently either for personal or business application. Within our
field a cell phone can be a tool that benefits our clients. The usefulness and
ease of access of the mobile device can be used to increase the communication
between client and counselor. This, device however can operate in both a
beneficial purpose as well as an un-ethical exploit on the therapist client
relationship.
Mobile phones are a great
way to ensure a line of emergency communication with clients after the session
is over. As well as the time in between sessions. As long as you have battery
life and service you can be connected to one another within seconds.
Additionally, the rapid response can provide a client with a therapeutic outlet
in emergencies an on a day to day basis.
Unfortunately there are some apparent cons to
using a mobile device for client contact. One being boundaries. Giving your
client a mobile number opens an avenue to test boundaries. Because there is
literally nothing to stop your client to see if they can get you to pick up the
phone at any hour of the day.
Another drawback to giving
clients access to your cellular device is that they might become dependent.
Similar to boundary testing clients may feel that being available on the cell
phone means that you will always be available via cell phone. A client may not
be accepting of termination, vacation, or leave of absence and will try to
contact you anyway. ‘
Some clients might try to take advantage of that fact and try to gain
free sessions. Now ethically speaking answering the phone to help the client is
not in itself an immoral action. However, if a client is making calls
frequently the clinician may be essentially giving the client a free session
over time. Which is a drain on the clinician and can strain the client counselor
relationship. It is not uncommon for a therapist to see clients on a pro bono
basis. Nevertheless, the therapist giving out his/her cell phone number almost
encourages the client to push the boundaries and test how long they can speak
to the therapist on the phone.
Since there it would be very difficult to not see the financial as well
as convenience of using a cellular device in the place of a traditional LAN
line phone a few ideas come to mind as to how these issues can be combated. Having
a single cell phone that can be used for work can be problematic; luckily there
are options. Other than buying another cell phone (details below) there is the
free program run through Google called Google Voice.
In order to activate Google Voice you must first sent up a Gmail account
(free) which can be done on any android mobile device (or if you are of the
apple persuasion you can do this through the ITunes store, also free). You will
then choose a mobile number that is different from your personal number and can
be linked to your mobile device through the app. This, way you can give your
Google Voice number to your clients instead of your personal one. A downside is
that this will still be sent to one device and you will only be able to access
voice mails left in this program from the website.
As far as buying an additional mobile device for professional needs some
may be concerned that this, purchase would be financially burdensome. On the
contrary, by doing a search for cell phones and process on BestBuy.com I was
able to locate a cell phone for $4.99 in price. This particular model was a no
contract phone. Which means that one would have to buy a prepaid card when
minuets needed to be added to the phone instead of paying a monthly bill. Now
$29.99 will get you 120 minutes that do not expire, as well as having no limits
as to the times of day when you can utilize them. With tax that would come to
$37.98 in total ( keep in mind that $4.99 is a onetime only charge and the
phone card will probably last you about 3 months if you continue reading on).
A voicemail message can also be used to convey boundaries to the clients
who call you. Whatever device you choose to youse for client communication you
should always insert the message that if this is an emergency that they (the
client) should immediately dial 911 or 211. Broward 211 and Switchboard 211 are
two reputable suicide hotlines that can assist your client after hours if they
are in crisis. This resource can be added to your voicemail message as well.
Instead of having 911 alone.
Additionally, you should note how long conversations will be when you do
return a client call. If you have a second line adding hour of operation would
bolster the strength of your boundaries. Having hours of operation concretely
tell the client that if you say this phone will be one and available from 4-8;
that during the hour before and after the device will be off and you will not
return calls until that time.
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