Sir: The article "Googling Suicide: Surfing for Suicide Information on the Internet" by Recupero et al. 1 demonstrates that while most suicide-related Internet "hits" are either suicideneutral or anti-suicide, the Internet allows individuals to easily access not only Web sites that furnish detailed instructions on maximizing self-harm but also sites that provide forums for encouragement and support in furtherance of such acts. These findings lead the authors to conclude that "mental health professionals should ask patients about their Internet use." 1(p878) I would agree that clinicians should talk to patients about their lives. They should speak to patients about their relationships, their interests, even their leisure time activities. In short, they should get to know their patients. The last thing contemporary clinicians need, however, is another item added to the "what should be asked about" list-in this case, patients' Internet usage patterns. Laundry list approaches in both assessment and treatment settings do not result in the establishment of an optimal therapeutic relationship between clinician and patient and at times may even serve to further alienate patients. (This alienation may in fact be what many patients searching the Internet are already feeling.) The best approach remains getting to know your patients-which requires not only asking patients questions but taking the time to listen to their answers.
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