Online Community Therapy: The Support Network

This book explores how online therapy communities offer an accessible space that is not confined by economic abilities, geographical barriers, or familial restraints. Will Henderson and Mary Jackson Pitts use mixed methodologies of self-administered surveys and in-depth interviews to explore how online therapy communities can be used as a tool in the overall care of individuals who are in crisis and dealing with self-harming thoughts and behaviors. Faced with monetary constraints, lack of insurance coverage, and close connections who have no experience in addressing self-harming behaviors, this book highlights online therapy community members’ experiences and insight into how online therapy communities have been helpful and may be helpful for others who choose to be a part of these communities. Scholars of communication, sociology, and psychology will find this book of particular interest.

Will Henderson is associate director of the Social Media Listening Center at Clemson University. Mary Jackson Pitts is professor of creative media production at Arkansas State University.