[New bridges for gaps in psychotherapeutic service provision by the internet: hopes, challenges and a solution].

Modern communication technologies such as internet, e-mail or SMS open up new possibilities for the optimization of the psychotherapeutic service provision. However, their use places new challenges. Ethical and legal requirements must be considered, technical and communicative aspects must be integrated into supplying concepts. This paper presents central requirements for the use of the Internet and a possible solution by the example of the project "Internet-Brücke" (internet bridge). In this project internet chat groups are tested as an aftercare program following inpatient treatment in a specialized hospital for psychotherapy and psychosomatic medicine. It is discussed, in what respect the solutions fit the specific requirements of this project and what can be learned for further applications.