Online Counseling After Coronavirus Pandemic: a Qualitative Study from the Perspective of Iranian Counselors and Clients

Coronaviruses have affected the world, and mental health services are no exception. At this point, online counseling was acknowledged as being necessary, allowing the appropriate focus to be maintained on the needs of the current era in terms of mental health services. This study examined the dimensions of online counseling from the perspective of both the clients and the counselors in order to provide a paradigmatic model. Using a qualitative design based on a content analysis approach through heterogeneous purposive sampling and triangulation, data were collected in three different ways, including interviews with counselors and clients, as well as a literature review. Online counseling and the use of information technologies in the future of mental health services will be inevitable. Data analysis indicates that technological challenges and the lack of counselor training are the main causes of online counseling failure in Iran. As a result of widespread recognition of online counseling advantages, limitations, and challenges during the pandemic, professional associations could codify up-to-date guidelines and provide need-based specialized training.