Cyberspace: Creating a Therapeutic Environment for Telehealth Applications

Behavioral telehealth innovations promise increased opportunities for access to psychological services. Technological advancements are making available inexpensive interactive televideo (IATV) applications for the provision of mental health services. The emergence of IATV brings with it a new environment that is experienced quite differently than face-to-face interactions. Human communication in the IATV medium is unique. It is subject to different rules and cues. This article explores variables that affect IATV applications toward the development of an optimal IATV environment for effective therapeutic endeavors.