News & Trends
Many software firms their products through an honor system called "shareware": you copy a computer program off the Internet for free and send in your money if you like it. Now psychologist Leonard Holmes, Ph.D., is mimicking this approach to make his services available in cyberspace. Visitors to his Web page (http://www.psychology.com/holmes.htm) can ask for help with a personal problem--confidentially, of course--and the Virginia shrink will respond with a few paragraphs of electronic wisdom. Clients fork over their cash only if they're satisfied with the advice.
"Most of the questions I receive are about relationships," reports Holems, who estimates half of his customers pay immediately. The rest promise future payment or never respond at all. But Holmes doesn't mind giving away some of his expertise. Since two of the things people fear most when first considering in-person therapy are the stigma and the price tag, he sees his on-line service as a way for folks to dip their toes into the world of traditional counseling, but with little cost or embarrassment.
