We introduce an aftercare program for psychotherapy inpatients, which is based on regular communication via E-mail. The organizational and operational structure of the program are described within the context of computer mediated communication. First results on utilization and acceptance are reported. In comparison to patients who did not participate in either aftercare program of the clinic, the E-mail participants are younger and higher educated. Inpatient treatment of the participants was three days shorter in duration than that of non participants. Both groups were similar with regard to symptom distress at discharge from hospital. A low dropout rate of 8%, the high activity and satisfaction emphasize the positive acceptance of the program. Therapists' E-mail activity turned out to be important for the participants. Neither age, internet experience or symptom related variables nor the own E-mail activity were associated with participants' evaluation of the new service. Based on these first positive experiences the perspectives of using E-mail in psychotherapy will be discussed.

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The "Internet-Brücke" is intended to facilitate the patient's return from a specialist institution for psychotherapy and psychosomatics to the everyday setting. Participants meet once a week in an internet chat room. The open group sessions are accompanied by a group therapist, and their overall availability is limited to 12-15 weeks. This option was greatly welcomed by the patients, and from the technical point of view proved reliable, secure and easy to use. In a prospective, controlled study, the "Internet-Brücke" turned out to be an effective means of maintaining the health improvements achieved during institutionalized treatment.This option would appear to be strongly indicated when continued, post-institution treatment either cannot be provided at all, or only after too long a delay.