Clients as Friends?

While many digital immigrants (i.e., older therapists) recoil at the thought of having clients as Facebook friends and too readily call it "unethical," is the answer really that simple? Knowing that the digital age is moving so fast and that access to therapy may have a technological counterpart.

1. How many of you would accept a former client as a Friend on a social media site once therapy ended?

2. How many of you think it would be acceptable for a therapist to have a professional social media site and accept friend requests there? Who has had a personal experience (either themselves or knowing someone else) who crossed the boundary lines of ethical behavior with someone in a professional role?

3.Lastly, how many people think it is alright for the therapist to text their clients? Let's discuss the implications of ethical behavior and its effects on others.