Payoffs and Pitfalls of E-Communication in Psychiatry

The continued growth of the Internet, and its increasing pervasiveness in our lives, has many of us considering how we might incorporate Web-based avenues of communication in our practice. The ease and convenience of e-mail, for example, is tempting, but could also open up a Pandora's box. Does e-mail inherently pose new challenges that may not be an issue with phone dialogue or in-person discussion? Dr. Richard Friedman, professor of clinical psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College and a regular contributor to the New York Times, shares his experience with e-mail in his practice and a few tips for those who use or are contemplating Web communication for their practice. Dr. Cathleen Margolin hosts.