Does anyone have information on starting an internet counseling business?
Asked by chris w
I have been a substance abuse counselor for a number of years, and have been wondering if there was a market out there for on line counseling services, and how to get started in that field.

Best Answer:
Probably not much. After all, how you going to get them to pay you, via paypal? (that might work) Get your own site up, advertise it on the radio/online search engines and see what happens. Never know! Problem is, what is your business plan? What are you going to sell, advice? Like online AA meetings? Go for it, just try to keep your start up costs low.

Oh that is a tough one! Your first problem is confidentiality. Not only keeping it but convincing your potential customer that you will keep it. Particularly if they have to contact you in writing. Second problem is the area you are dealing in. Might be a bit difficult to have your contact details out in such a large, uncontrollable and difficult area. Don't need to tell you that there are some nasty people out there that might not want you to meddle with their customers. This is a suggestion: 1)Put a web site up with some common/standard advice. 2)Keep your contact details safe by using mail boxes and controlled emails on yahoo.com 3)Offer ebooks with more detailed advice or a correspondance course. http://www.clikkmarketing.com/ can offer advice on this. 4)Offer audio/MP3 products to help 5)Offer 1-1 counselling - but check out the client first. You could aim for the "white collar" abuser who may not want to be seen going into an office. Good luck - its a service well needed.
Answered by Biz Guru