Hi,

I did try this a couple of times. Yes, there are some legitimate counselors who work on the internet. I found it somewhat helpful, but after a couple of exchanges, I realized it wasn't helping me as much as I wanted....I really wanted more support, and I needed to be able to speak to somebody face-to-face and have that form of direct support. The online counseling was helpful to limited degree for me, but my experience was that it wasn't as helpful as forming a relationship with a counselor in person.

At least with the online counseling service I used, you wrote a journal entry and submitted it for a fee. It was suggested that you keep to one topic. Then you had to wait for a day or two to get a reply. The replies I got were very kind and helpful, but it was a slow way to do counseling when it was a hard time in my life. In a face-to-face counseling session, you are able to talk more freely, and the counselor is able to interact with you right away. Sometimes this is really beneficial if you are having urgent problems. I know it has been for me.

That was my experience, but other folks might have other information to share about it.

Take care,
ErinBear