What is a potential risk when conducting therapy over the phone?

The potential risk of conducting therapy over the phone primarily relates to the difficulty in assuring confidentiality. In a therapeutic context, confidentiality is a foundational principle that supports trust between the therapist and the client. When sessions occur over the phone, there is an inherent risk of unauthorized individuals overhearing the conversation, which can compromise the client's privacy. This may happen if the client is in a public place or if their phone is not secure.

Moreover, issues such as potential data breaches or lack of secure channels for communication can further complicate confidentiality. It's critical for therapists to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect client information, but the nature of phone conversations can limit the effectiveness of those measures, thus posing a significant risk in comparisons to in-person sessions.