The new technologies and computer-mediated communication may be used in psychiatric treatment for different type of contacts between patients and therapists including psychotherapy.

Elements of systemic family therapy (under peer supervision) were used by the means of electronic communication with the patient, addicted to alcohol and combined with therapeutic sessions in the therapist's office. E-mail sessions were conducted in a form of “electronic circle” with three family members: the patient, his ex-wife and his sister, each of them representing a part of the family.

Comparison between live and e-mail sessions shows similar patterns in communication, roles and behavior of family members.

E-mail contacts in the form of “electronic circle” could be used as addition to the live family therapy session, when regular meetings could not be conveyed. E-mail communication gives new tool for psychiatric and psychotherapeutic treatment and represents new type of patient-therapist relationship.