Covid-19; Thriving New Technologies for The Social Inclusion of People with Psychosocial Impairments

Abstract

Since its first appearance in China in late 2019, the novel coronavirus illness (COVID-19) has rapidly spread throughout the world, causing significant morbidity and mortality. COVID19 is a pandemic that has enslaved and paralyzed the entire human population for the fear of the virus spreading. Our communication methods have evolved, which is one of the few constants in our medical and mental health practices. People have realized the value of using Internet-based communication technologies to help them overcome social isolation, and they will continue to do so. This necessitates the establishment and growth of a robust, ethically controlled field of experimentation on these methods. As a result, appropriate ethical guidelines, particularly in the areas of confidentiality and privacy, must be developed by professionals from various mental health sectors. As a first step, we encourage regulatory bodies and national organizations to collaborate in the development of clearly defined competencies for tele- and e-mental health training.