Random Questions about RYL
 

Ok i have a random question/suggestion for RYL. It's probably really dumb but i wanna see how many people take to the idea. How many users would find it helpful to have a certified psychologist or therapist available for them so that when they are online and feeling they need to talk they can? I am sure there are some reasons as to why this may not work but i was just curious to see how many users would find is useful.

While this may be useful, I want to bring up a few points before anyone gets the idea to petition Harley about it.

1. In order to have around the clock coverage by a psychologist/therapist, there would need to be a minimum of 5 or 6 people hired by RYL because it would be a full time job. Since RYL is funded totally by the members, this is almost certainly not financially possible. Even for just therapists I'm estimating it would cost RYL about 250,000 to 300,000 a year (US Dollars)

2. RYL is not a primary care center. It is here for support only. It is always better to have a doctor that you see on a regular basis in real life. RYL is more meant to supplement your recovery rather then be the primary source of it.

3. The liability factor would be huge, as RYL would be responsible for any advice the therapists gave.

4. There would probably also be issues with the fact that many of RYLs members are in a lot of different countries, and someone with a license from one country might not be able to legally treat someone from another country.


If anyone is feeling like they need some specific help while they are on RYL, there are always the supporters, who can be reached via live help, or through their e-mail supporters@recoveryourlife.com


AD

In theory I think its a really good idea, but in reality it just couldnt be done. As AD said there would be a huge liability and RYL could not risk it. If you could imagine someone asking for advice and then something going wrong and someone got hurt or worse, if that persons friends or family found out about RYL and found out thats where the advice came from the reprecussions would be huge. RYL is founded and run by Harley, of course James and the mods and supporters and members all put a lot of effort in, but Harley would be the one to face consequences.
The costs as well would be impossible, Harley again is the one to fund most of RYL and he has a job to do as well, hiring psychologists to cover all hours and most countrys would be very expensive and at the moment the funding is not there.
In the end asking for help from a psychologist on the internet is never going to be as accurate and helpful as seeing someone in real life, expressive yourself just through words is hard and I personally dont think psychologists can help you to their full potential.

I hope I make sense, if not I apologise.

i don't think it's a good idea.
everyone is here voluntarily. it's only the internet.
i don't think anybody should have the responsibilty of being a "professional" on a site like this.

RYL did at one time have an "advisor" who was in the process of becoming a counselor, or had some training as one. She wasn't a psychologist and her work was purely voluntary.
I think if anyone has some experience with counseling others professionally they might be beneficial to the support team and should consider joining, but I think actually having a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist on board would not be very feasible.

I also don't think RYL - even the supporters - should be a substitute for receiving face to face professional support from a trained psychologist, pyschiatrist, or doctor - who can actually involve your parents and family and is a realiable person. I personally think RYL and the supporters should just be a step towards getting you the help in your real life, and taking the steps you need in your own personal life - when you are ready, of course.

And all of the above.

There are probably many people here who are psychologists or psych students. But they shouldnt have to take on that burden, along with all the other issues with it. RYL is for support, not treatment. Dealing between so many people, with so many issues, without contact would be impossible/impractiable for a psychologist. And we shouldnt need one here. A person doesnt need a degree to offer support and advice. And yes, the liability would be horrible.