In many corners of this country and others, there is a serious lack of access to trained and competent psychiatric professionals. I can tell you to go get help, but if there isn't any, what are you supposed to do? One emerging option that you maywish to consideris online therapy.

ABC News recently did a story on a study conducted in Britain and published in the journal Lancetthat found that online behavioral therapy conducted via instant messaging was effective.

"The investigators said online [cognitive behavioral therapy] may actually enhance the therapeutic effect of psychotherapy because written expression gives patients the opportunity to reflect, and a transcript of each session is available for review."

Psych Central also recently reported on a study that found online therapy was helpful in treating insomnia. And Dr. Kathleen Young wrote in her blog about another study, conducted in Australia, that found online therapy to be helpful.(Note: I am unaware of any study resultscurrently available on the impact of online therapy specifically on postpartum depression sufferers, although I believe some are underway.)

This is still a fairly new form of treatment, so I think it is really important for you to do your homework before choosing to go this route. Dr. Young offers a list of things to consider before starting online therapy, such as making sure you have a way to contact the therapist in case the technology fails, and making sure that the online therapist clearly identifies his or her credentials and, if possible, offers you some way to verify those credentialsthrough a licensing board or other trusted organization. The website Metanoia also offers a goodlist offour things you shouldthink aboutbefore you proceed with internet therapy. They point out the fact that you must be comfortable writing expressively and descriptively, and you must be willing to reveal things about yourself to the therapist so that this person may help you.

The Online Therapy Institutecreateda list of ethical guidelines that includes things like ensuring secure and encrypted communications with them so that your privacy is protected and offering you informed consent on the advantages and disadvantages of using online therapy. Dr. John Grohol at Psych Central has also developed a series on best practices in e-therapythat you may find helpful.

Finally, keep in mind that this form of therapy may not be covered by insurance.

Here's another story on this topic from CNN this week.

For more on psychotherapy as a treatment for postpartum depression, click here.