Online Therapy Institute

Online Therapy Institute


Curriculum Vitae DeeAnna

OTI consultancy portfolio

DeeAnna Merz Nagel 

PO Box 1194
Havana, FL  32333
Phone: 706.506.9151
da@onlinetherapyinstitute.com

 EDUCATION

D.Th. Spiritual Direction
SCA University of Theology and Spirituality, 2021

M.Ed. Rehabilitation Counseling
University of Georgia, Athens, GA 1994

B.S. Mental Health and Human Services
Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 1992
magna cum laude

CURRENT EMPLOYMENT 

Online Therapy Institute (2008-present)

Co-founder; Services are designed for therapists, coaches and other helping professionals and organizations who wish to enrich their knowledge about online therapy and coaching, complementary and alternative modalities and online business building.

The Institute is a think tank for topics related to telemental health, online coaching, cyberpsychology, cyberculture, technology and the Internet. Our mission is to provide a platform that allows people to learn collaboratively from one another. As an Institute, we offer training and education as well as disseminate information about research, education and training.

DeeAnna Merz Nagel, LLC (2008-present)

  • 2015-present: Owner dba  Havana Wellness Studio;  Health/Wellness Coach & Consultant , Counselor and Coach Educator offering several online, self-directed Telemental health and wellness coach courses for Continuing Professional Development; qualified to grant continuing education for nurses, psychologists, counselors, social workers, addictions counselors, & marriage and family therapists; Courses include Introduction to Online Therapy & Supervision, The Online Written Word as Therapeutic Dialogue and The Role of Avatars in Telemental Health.; conducts intuitive wellness coaching, holistic living and essential oils education, trains coaches and therapists on intuitive and alternative approaches to wellness as well as online strategies for delivering and marketing services, consults on topics related to online therapy, coaching and distant healing.
  • 2008-2015: Private Practice; Psychotherapist/Educator, Consultant/Evaluator.  In-Office psychotherapy, online counseling and evaluation, training and consultation in areas of counseling ethics, online counseling and the impact of technology on mental health, Clinical and peer supervision.

Developed curricula and facilitate several self-directed courses toward coaching credentials (ICF & BCC). These courses were among the first self-directed courses to be approved for credit toward certification by the International Coach Federation. Course topics include Introduction to Online Coaching, Ethical Issues for Therapist-coaches, Complementary and Alternative Methods in Coaching, and Cognitive Behavioral Coaching.

Provided EAP E-Counselling Services via an asynchronous, confidential platform (similar to email).Closed over 1000 cases and composed approximately 6000 therapeutic emails.

  • 2008-2014 ReadyMinds/University of Phoenix Distance Credentialed Counselor Facilitator

Developed the curriculum for Distance Credentialed Counselor training and conducted workshops online and in-person throughout the Unitied States via 3rd party contract; Center for Credentialing and Education awarded the DCC credential; currently he DCC is being phased out and replaced with the Board Certified Telemental Health Provider (BC-TMH) credential.

This committee evaluates the credentials and experience of all WPO practitioners and providers to ensure that they comply with WPO guidelines.  In fulfilling its duties the committee:

  • Assesses and re-assesses the credentials of practitioners and providers.
  • Conducts peer review and approval of network status of practitioners and providers.
  • Monitors any practitioner or provider placed on a corrective action plan by Network Operations to ensure compliance with the plan.
  • Makes recommendations on content of credentialing policies and procedures for practitioners and providers.
  • Investigates quality of care issues related to individual practitioners or providers and makes recommendations, as appropriate.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Counseling

Coaching

Complementary &  Alternative Modalities

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

PUBLICATIONS

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

  • Anthony, K. & Nagel, D. (2013) Appreciating cyberculture and the virtual self within. Self & Society, Volume 40 (3).
  • Anthony, K. & Nagel, D (2012). A brave new world: coaching online. Coaching Today. BACP Publications, Lutterworth. pp 33-37, Issue 1.
  • Nagel, D. & Anthony, K. (2011). Avatar therapy. The CAPA Quarterly,  Counsellors and Psychotherapists Association of NSW Inc. Australia. Issue 3, pp. 6-9.
  • Anthony, K., Jung, A., Rosenauer, D., Nagel, D. M., & Goss, S. (2010). Interview with Audrey Jung, president of the international society for mental health online (ISMHO), presented at the online counselling and therapy in action conference, 25 April 2009. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 38(4), 483-494..
  • Nagel, D.M. & Anthony, K. (2009). Forensic mental health and technology: Risk management strategies for the practitioner. The Forensic Examiner. 18(1) pp.62-65.
  • Nagel, D.M. & Anthony, K. (2009). Writing therapy using new technologies- the art of blogging. Journal of Poetry Therapy, 2009, 22(1).
  • Nagel, D.M. (2008). Filling the void in the virtual consultation room. Voices: The Art and Science of Psychotherapy, 44(1), 98-101.
  • Merz, D. (2003). In K. Anthony (Ed.), Information technology: future therapy stories. Counselling and Psychotherapy Journal. 14 (9).

 Non-Peer Reviewed Articles

Essays

Book Chapters

  • Anthony, K., Goss, S, & Nagel, D.M..(2017). Wider uses of technology in therapy. In Feltham, C., Hanley, T., & Winter, L. A. (Eds.). The SAGE handbook of counselling and psychotherapy, (4th ed, pp.639-644). Sage: UK.
  • Nagel, D.M. & Palumbo, G. (2016). The role of blogging in mental health. In S. Goss, K. Anthony, L. Stretch & D.M. Nagel (Eds.), Technology in mental health: Applications in practice, supervision and training (pp. 83-90), Charles C. Thomas Publisher: Springfield, IL.
  • Nagel, D.M. & Anthony, K. (2016). Using chat and instant messaging to enrich counselor training and supervision. In S. Goss, K. Anthony,133- L. Stretch & D.M. Nagel (Eds.), Technology in mental health: Applications in practice, supervision and training (pp. 242-247), Charles C. Thomas Publisher: Springfield, IL.
  • Anthony, K., Nagel, D.M., Jung, A. & Turner, K. (2016). Mentoring therapists to work online effectively. In S. Goss, K. Anthony,- L. Stretch & D.M. Nagel (Eds.), Technology in mental health: Applications in practice, supervision and training (pp. 290-302), Charles C. Thomas Publisher: Springfield, IL.
  • Stretch, L., Nagel, D.M. & Anthony, K. (2016). An updated ethical framework for the use of technology in supervision. In S. Goss, K. Anthony,133- L. Stretch & D.M. Nagel (Eds.), Technology in mental health: Applications in practice, supervision and training (pp. 303-309), Charles C. Thomas Publisher: Springfield, IL.
  • Anthony, K., & Nagel, D. (2014). Avatars—opening the virtual doors of therapy. In Psychotherapy 2.0 (pp. 133-145). Routledge: UK.
  • Anthony, K., Goss, S. & Nagel, D.M. (2014). Developing Ethical Delivery of Cross-Border Services. In Weiss, P. (ed). Psychotherapy 2.0. (pp. 193-208), Routledge: UK.
  • Goss, S., Anthony, K. & Nagel, D. (2012). Wider issues of technology in therapy. In C. Feltham & I. Horton (Eds) The sage handbook of counseling and psychotherapy, (3rd ed, pp. 594-601). Sage Publications, London.
  • Nagel, D.M.  & Palumbo, G., (2010). The role of blogging in mental health. In K. Anthony, D.M. Nagel & S. Goss (Eds.). The use of technology in mental health: Applications, ethics and practice pp.76-84). Charles C Thomas Publisher: Springfield, IL.
  • Nagel, D.M.  & Riley, S. (2010). Using chat and instant messaging (IM) to enrich counselor training and supervision. In K. Anthony, D.M. Nagel & S. Goss (Eds.). The use of technology in mental health: Applications, ethics and practice (pp.206-212). Charles C Thomas Publisher: Springfield, IL.
  • Gehl, N., Anthony, K. & Nagel, D.M., (2010). Online training for online mental health. In K. Anthony, D.M. Nagel & S. Goss (Eds.). The use of technology in mental health: Applications, ethics and practice (289-295). Charles C Thomas Publisher: Springfield, IL.
  • Nagel, D.M. & Anthony, K. (2010). Text-based Online Counseling: Chat. In R. Kraus, G. Stricker and C. Speyer (Eds.) Online counseling: A handbook for mental health professionals (2nd ed, 169-182). Academic Press: USA.
  • Nagel, D.M., Goss, S. & Anthony, K. (2009). The use of technology in supervision. In Pelling, N., Barletta, J & Armstrong, P. (Eds.) The practice of supervision (pp.340-363). Australian Academic Press: Australia
  • Nagel, D.M. (2007). Who can perform distance counseling? In J.F. Malone, R. M. Miller & G.R. Walz (Eds.), Distance counseling: Expanding the counselor’s reach and impact (pp. 44-52). Counseling Outfitters: Ann Arbor, MI.

Books

  • Nagel, D.M. &  Anthony, K. (in press). Coaching Online: A Practical Guide. Routledge
  • Goss, S., Anthony, K., Stretch, L.  & Nagel, D.M. (2016). The use of technology in mental health: applications in practice, supervision and training, 2nd Edition. Charles C. Thomas, Publisher: Springfield, IL.
  • Anthony, K. & Nagel, D.M. (2010). Online therapy: A practical guide. Sage Publishing: London.
  • Anthony, K., Nagel, D.M. & Goss, S. (2010). The use of technology in mental health: applications, ethics and practice. Charles C. Thomas: Springfield, IL

Relevant Curricula

  • Nagel, D.M. & Anthony, K.(2018) The online written word as therapeutic dialogue. 6 clock hours. US/UK, OTI Europe LTD, DeeAnna Merz Nagel, LLC.
  • Nagel, D.M. & Anthony, K. (2018) The role of avatars in telemental health. 10 clock hours. US/UK, OTI Europe LTD, DeeAnna Merz Nagel, LLC.
  • Nagel, D.M. & Anthony, K. (2015). Introduction to online therapy & supervision. 9 clock hours. US/UK, OTI Europe LTD, DeeAnna Merz Nagel, LLC.
  • Nagel, D.M. (2015). Intuitive wellness coach specialist certificate. 200 clock hours. Havana, FL. DeeAnna Merz Nagel, LLC.
  • Nagel, D.M. & Anthony, K. (2014). Distance Credentialed Counselor Training: Mental Health Concentration. Internal Proprietary Training Document. Phoenix, AZ: ReadyMinds, a division of University of Phoenix, Apollo Group.
  • Nagel, D.M. & Anthony, K. (2011). Ethical issues for therapist-coaches. 5 clock hours, developed for The Institute for Life Coach Training, US/UK, , OTI Europe LTD, DeeAnna Merz Nagel, LLC.
  • Nagel, D.M. & Anthony, K. (2011). Introduction to online coaching. 5 clock hours, developed for The Institute for Life Coach Training, US/UK, , OTI Europe LTD, DeeAnna Merz Nagel, LLC.
  • Nagel, D.M. & Anthony, K. (2010). Distance Credentialed Counselor Training: Mental Health Concentration. Internal Proprietary Training Document. Lyndhurst, NJ: ReadyMinds, LLC.
  • Nagel, D.M. & Anthony, K. 2010). Distance Credentialed Counselor Training: Career Counselor Concentration. Internal Proprietary Training Document. Lyndhurst, NJ: ReadyMinds, LLC.
  • Nagel, D.M., Malone, J.F., Sutherland, J. (2007). Distance credentialed counselor mental health focus training handbook. Internal Proprietary Training Document. Lyndhurst, NJ: ReadyMinds, LLC.

CONFERENCES, PRESENTATIONS, WORKSHOPS AND TRAININGS

  • Summit Professional Education, Multiple Locations, USA, 1-12/14, How to Implement Online Counseling .
  • Psychotherapy Networker Symposium, Washington, DC, 3/13, Therapy’s Digital Future.
  • EAPA-SA, 14th Annual Conference, Western Cape, South Africa, 9/12, An Introduction to Online Therapy.
  • Psychotherapy Networker Symposium, Washington, DC. 3/11. The Future of Online Therapy.
  • EAPA’s Annual World EAP Conference, Pre-Conference Training, Tampa, FL. 10/10. Distance Credentialed Counselor Training.
  • EAPA’s Annual World EAP Conference. Tampa, FL. 10/10. Let your Fingers do the Talking; Critical Issues Forum.
  • 2nd Virtual Conference on Counseling, Second Life, CESL Conference Center, 9/10, Demonstrating Cyberculture Through Film: Life 2.0 Questions and Answers with Life 2.0 Director, Jason Spingarn-Koff.
  • MedInfo 13th World Congress on Medical and Health Informatics, Capetown, Africa, 9/10; Using Social Media to Build an Online Community: Learning by Doing, Panel Discussion.
  • 2010 EAP-MAP Conference; Villanova, PA. 6/10. Let Your Fingers do the Talking; Panel Discussion.
  • Good Ideas Conference: Monmouth County School Counselor Association and Ocean County Personnel and Guidance Association, Lakewood, NJ. 5/10. Working Ethically in Cyberspace
  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy: Alaska Division. Pieces and Parts Teleconference. 5/10. Online Therapy.
  • EAPA Learning Center, Webinar 2/10. Best Practices for Providing EA Services via Email Exchange.
  • EAPA’s Annual World EAP Conference, Pre-Conference Training, Dallas, TX. 10/09. Ethical Implications Online: Working and Socializing in Cyberspace.
  • First International E-Mental Health Summit 2009, Amsterdam, 10/09 Poster Session: Ethical Implications for Therapists Who Work and Socialize in Cyberspace.
  • International Therapist Leadership Institute’s Practice Building Virtual Conference and Teleseminar, 10/15/09. Online Therapy.
  • Virtual Conference on Counseling, Second Life, CESL Conference Center, 9/16-18/09. CE offered through Kent State University. Keynote: Online Therapy in Second Life and the Online Therapy Institute
  • Metropolitan New York Chapter, National Rehabilitation Association, NY, NY, 6/09. Ethical Issues of Cyberspace: Considerations for the Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Joint Spring Conference NASW GA Chapter and GA Society for Clinical Social Work, Atlanta, GA. 5/09.  Ethical Implications of Cyberspace: Understanding the Clinical Risks and Responsibilities
  • Online Counselling and Therapy in Action, University of Leicester, UK 4/09. Online Therapy- the State of Play in the USA
  • Mid-Atlantic Consortium for Human Services- 2009 Annual Conference, Lincroft, NJ. 4/09. Mental Health and the Impact of Technology.
  • Summit on Behavioral Telehealth, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; 5/08; ISMHO Exhibit Representative
  • Project Safe Childhood Summit, U.S. District Attorney’s Office, Atlanta, GA, 8/07: Ethical Issues in Victim Advocacy when Working with Child Sexual Abuse Victims
  • Summit on Behavioral Telehealth, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; 5/07: ISMHO Exhibit Representative
  • Licensed Professional Counselor’s Association Annual Convention, Savannah, GA, 5/07: Ethical Dilemmas: An Experiential Workshop
  • American Counseling Association 2007 National Conference, Detroit, MI; 3/07: ISMHO Exhibit Representative
  • Association of Family and Conciliatory Courts, International Child Custody Symposium, Atlanta GA 10/06: Parents with Developmental Disabilities: Determining Parental Fitness
  • American College of Forensic Examiners International, Annual Convention, Orlando, FL 9/06: The Benefits of Utilizing Forensic Evaluations in Child Welfare Cases
  • Licensed Professional Counselor Association Annual Convention, Pine Mountain, GA 5/06: Case Studies in Mandated Reporting: A Review of Ethical and Legal Requirements
  • New Jersey Counseling Association, Annual Convention, Eatontown, NJ 5/06: Online Counseling as an Adjunct to Private Practice
  • New York Mental Health Counselor Association Annual Convention, Albany NY 4/06: Is Online Counseling Ethical?
  • Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Children; Child Placement Conference, Augusta, GA 11/05: What to Ask for When: A review of Forensic Evaluations
  • American Psychological Association, Annual Convention. Washington D.C. 8/05: Clinical Topics on the Internet: Working in the Online Medium Symposium, Utilizing the Internet and Technology to Enhance the Supervisory Process
  • 1st Annual Comprehensive Child and Family Assessment Symposium, Atlanta, GA 6/05, Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS):Parental Fitness, Domestic Violence, Psychological, Psychiatric…When to Recommend What Evaluation and Why
  • Licensed Professional Counselor Association Annual Convention, Peachtree City, GA 5/05: Utilizing the Internet and Technology to Enhance the Supervisory Process
  • American Psychiatric Association, Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA 5/05 Online Communication in Mental Health: Different Contexts, Different Issues
  • Licensed Professional Counselor Association Annual Convention, Savannah GA 5/04: Is Online Counseling Ethical?
  • Licensed Professional Counselor Association, Moderator Atlanta GA 1/04: Evolving Ethics: Trends, Dilemmas and Contradictions
  • National Rural Mental Health Association Conference, Orlando, FL 7/03: Online Counseling: Benefits for the Rural Consumer of Mental Health Services
  • Annual National Youth-At-Risk Conference, Savannah, GA 3/03: Online Counseling as an Adjunct to Private Practice
  • National Association of Social Workers, Georgia Chapter Conference, Atlanta, GA 10/02: Online Counseling as an Adjunct to Private Practice
  • American Mental Health Counselor Association Annual Convention, Atlanta GA 7/02: Online Counseling as an Adjunct to Private Practice
  • Licensed Professional Counselor Association Annual Convention, 5/02: Online Counseling as an Adjunct to Private Practice
  • The Georgia Compliance & Quality Training Project, The Council on Quality and Leadership, 9/01-4/02, Developed and presented the following workshops across the state of Georgia: Record Keeping 101, Progress Notes/Incident Reporting & Documentation, Clinical/Program Records Management
  • Arc of Georgia, Panel Discussion, 1/95: Sexuality in the Developmentally Delayed
  • To Tell the Truth, Co-sponsor, Opening Remarks, Atlanta, GA  10/94: Childhood Sexual Abuse: The Problem and How You Can be a Part of the Solution

RELEVANT PUBLIC WORK

Additional Public Works such as interviews for peer-reviewed books and journals, professional associations and popular media are listed separately at Online Therapy Institute’s Consultancy Portfolio: https://www.onlinetherapyinstitute.com/consultancy-portfolio/

PREVIOUS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Merz Consulting, Inc., Adairsville, GA/1998-2007

CEO & President; Supervised up to 70 staff people in both management and field positions working with indigent families and families involved with child protective services; provided online counseling; provided workshops and seminars on such issues as ethics, online counseling, team-building, education and forensic mental health (workshops approved by the Georgia Department of Education for teacher PLU); provided case consultation and clinical supervision face-to-face and online; oversight of all aspects of agency, developed protocol and format for all behavioral health services; conducted professional and corporate trainings, facilitated parent education through coaching and therapy services

Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ/2005-2008

Adjunct Faculty; Psychology Department. Taught Intro to Psychology face-to-face and via satellite.

The Council on Quality and Leadership, Towson, MD/1999-2002

Quality Consultant; Provided monitoring, evaluation and technical assistance to state agencies and providers of MR/DD services; participated in the development and/or revision of monitoring and evaluation methodologies; developed and facilitated workshops as assigned.

Morningstar Family Resource Center, Rome, GA/2001-2002

Therapist; Provided Homestead/Wrap-Around Therapy services, in-home and case management supports and forensic First Placement Best Placement (FPBP) Family Assessments for Georgia DFCS.

UMRA, Inc., Gadsden, AL/1998-2000

Executive Director of Services/QMRP; Supervised 50 employees in direct care and management positions for an agency serving adults with developmental disabilities; provided clinical oversight for 27 resident/trainees in 9 homes and a day-habilitation facility; wrote Individual Service Plans; facilitated staff trainings; developed behavior intervention strategies; wrote and reviewed policies and procedures; pursued grant opportunities.

The ARC of DeKalb County, Fort Payne, AL/1997-1998

Programs Coordinator; QMRP; Developed and implemented a residential program for people with mental retardation; developed ISPs, training goals and objectives; supervised 15 staff direct care staff and case managed 9 consumers; wrote grants and pursued advocacy issues.

Chattanooga Community Kitchen, Chattanooga, TN/1997

Employment Counselor; Developed and implemented the Homeless Lifeskills and Employment Program (HELP); taught life skills and job readiness classes; provided job coaching and individual counseling as needed; facilitated weekly men’s and women’s therapy groups; provided referrals to community agencies, provided case management services to an average case load of 10.

Family Life Center, Inc., Fort Payne, AL/1996-1997

Drug Screen Coordinator; Collected urine drug screens for pre-employment, random & post-accident; reported drug screen results to employee representatives; scheduled appointments for counselors; administered new client intakes; administered breath alcohol tests according to DOT standards; facilitated Intensive Outpatient addiction groups.

Night Hospitality at Clifton Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA/1991-1996

Shelter and Food Coordinator; Provided shelter and food coordination for 30 homeless men who are elderly and disabled, coordinated with other staff and volunteers concerning social services and employment opportunities, wrote grant proposals, monitored food donations and provided oversight for meal volunteer preparation, supervised weekly food pantry for 50 indigent families.

Georgians for a Common Sense Health Plan, Decatur, GA/1995-1996

Administrative Assistant; Submitted monthly financial and project reports, prepared monthly mailings, chaired monthly meetings, wrote grant proposals, networked with similar agencies, provided information to health care consumers, and mobilized agencies in an effort to effect change in the health care system.

Mentor Clinical Care, Atlanta, GA/1994-1996

Foster Care Provider; Provided therapeutic foster care to persons with developmental and physical disabilities; participated in ongoing training; participated in ongoing supervision from a Licensed Professional Counselor; awarded Mentor of the Quarter, summer 1994.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Stephen Ministry First Presbyterian Church, Quincy FL current

In the News

Online Therapy Institute in the News

Become A Certified Cyber Therapist

Certified Cyber Therapist

Get News Updates!