Online counseling or e-counseling can be defined as a method of conducting a counseling process in an electronic environment using computer and communication technologies in cases where face-to-face meetings between counselors and clients are not possible due to various reasons.

In recent years, various online counseling tools have been used in the field of counseling. These tools can be listed as electronic mail (e-mail), chat, web message systems, video conferencing and programs such as Zoom and Google Meet.

Video conferencing technically enables an interactive communication between the counselor and the client with the help of a video camera and a monitor. In this way (unlike the other methods mentioned above), the risk of misunderstanding each other during communication is considerably reduced. Therefore, the video conferencing system (although it cannot replace face-to-face communication) is considered one of the most ideal methods used in the psychological counseling process. 

Within the framework of the needs of our Vocational School students who cannot benefit from our individual psychological counseling services due to spatial distance, our PDR Center offers online individual psychological counseling services using advanced internet video technologies (video conferencing method). This service was temporarily suspended after the center moved. Now, this system will be activated again by contacting the Vocational School.

Online Individual Psychological Counseling Application and Online Counseling Process General Principles

1. Only students studying at Mersin University can benefit from the online counseling service (for the time being) upon their request.

2. Online counseling is free of charge, as with other services.

3. The application and process of online counseling is voluntary.

4. Online individual interviews are conducted using video conferencing method.

5. The video conferencing system is only available in specially arranged rooms in the counseling center and the relevant school. No one other than the expert and the client can be present in the room at the time of the interview.

6. Online counseling services are not provided for crisis situations.

7. The content of online individual interviews is kept confidential in accordance with professional ethical rules and the interviews are never recorded electronically.

8. Applications for online individual interviews can be made by phone or e-mail with the individual application of the students.

9. E-mail applications are responded to within two business days at the latest.

10. Students who want to receive online individual psychological counseling services are first taken to a pre-interview.

11. Pre-interviews are conducted face-to-face with experts who visit the relevant school at regular intervals.

12. Under normal circumstances, ongoing online counseling continues with the specialist who conducted the pre-interview.

13. In the pre-interview, whether the client will receive online psychological counseling services from the Counseling and Psychological Counseling Center or what kind of service the client will benefit more from, and the date and time of the interview are mutually agreed upon.

14. As a result of the mutual evaluation, if deemed appropriate, the client may be referred to another specialist or unit/institution.

15. If online counseling appointments are full, clients are placed on a waiting list.

16. Online individual counseling sessions are scheduled once a week for 40 minutes.

17. The client is present alone at the appointment time in the room specially organized for online counseling at the relevant Vocational School. The video conference connection is made by the Counseling and Psychological Counseling Center.

18. Clients who cannot attend their appointments must notify the relevant specialist at least 1 day in advance.

19. The client who fails to show up for his/her appointment twice in a row without giving notice loses the day and time of the online interview reserved for him/her. Afterwards, he/she re-applies for an online individual interview appointment and is directed to the waiting list again.

20. Experts cannot be asked for additional time outside the designated online meeting hours.

21. In cases of late arrival to the online interview caused by the clients,

- If the delay does not exceed the first 10 minutes, the online call will continue for the remaining time.

- If the delay time exceeds the first 10 minutes, the online call is automatically canceled.

- An extension of the duration of the online individual consultation cannot be requested under any circumstances.

22. Delays caused by the specialist will be compensated appropriately, depending on the reason for the delay.

23. Clients can benefit from the center once during their education life and can receive a maximum of 10 online individual meetings.