
Telehealth Therapy Sessions: What You Need to Know
Introduction
- Telehealth therapy sessions became a lifeline for many seeking mental health support, especially after COVID 19 accelerated its adoption
- Telehealth makes therapy more accessible than ever
What Are Telehealth Therapy Sessions:
- Telehealth therapy, also known as online or virtual therapy, involves receiving psychological services through digital platforms
- Instead of visiting a therapist’s office, individuals connect with a therapist via video calls, phone calls, or messaging apps
- Provides support from the comfort of your home
If you are simply looking to access the 10 Telehealth Therapy Sessions through Medicare, feel free to skip ahead to the “Get Help Now From Our Registered Psychologists” section.
How to Access Telehealth Therapy Sessions
- Finding a Provider
- Search for qualified mental health professionals who offer telehealth services
- Options to find providers:
- Online directories: Websites like the Chat Corner Psychologists or Beyond Blue list telehealth providers
- Health insurance providers: Many insurers have directories of covered professionals who offer telehealth
- Referrals: Ask your GP or psychiatrist for recommendations
- Scheduling an Appointment
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- Contact the identified provider to schedule your appointment
- Many telehealth therapists offer flexible scheduling options
- Ensure a stable internet connection and a private space for the session
- Preparing for Your Session
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- Follow instructions from your therapist on how to connect (may include downloading specific apps or software)
- Test your device’s camera and microphone to ensure they work properly
- Check your internet connection to avoid disruptions during the session
- Initial Assessment
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- The first session typically involves an initial assessment
- The therapist will learn about your mental health concerns and discuss your goals for therapy
- Interview Methods – May include a structured or semi-structured interview.
- Ongoing Sessions
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- Subsequent sessions will focus on treating your mental health condition and addressing underlying issues
- Therapists may use various approaches, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, or mindfulness based therapies
Benefits of Telehealth Therapy Sessions
- Increased Accessibility
- Breaks down geographical barriers, making mental health services accessible to individuals in remote or underserved areas
- Especially beneficial for those in rural regions or areas with a shortage of mental health professionals
- Convenience
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- Attend therapy sessions from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need for travel
- Makes it easier to fit therapy into your schedule, especially for those with busy lives or mobility issues
- Flexibility
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- Greater scheduling flexibility with many therapists offering evening and weekend appointments
- Easier for individuals to find a time that suits their needs
- Reduced Stigma
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- Telehealth provides a more private and discreet way to receive support
- Helps individuals who find in person therapy intimidating due to the stigma associated with mental health treatment
Limitations and Considerations of Telehealth Therapy Sessions
- Technology Dependence
- Relies heavily on technology, requiring a stable internet connection and functioning devices
- Technical issues can disrupt sessions and affect the quality of care
- Lack of In Person Interaction
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- The absence of face to face interaction can be challenging for some
- Non verbal cues and body language may be harder to interpret through a screen, potentially impacting the therapeutic process
- Privacy Concerns
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- Maintaining privacy can be more difficult with telehealth
- Ensure a private space for sessions and that the therapist uses secure, encrypted platforms to protect confidentiality
- Suitability for Certain Conditions
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- Telehealth may not be suitable for individuals with severe mental health conditions, such as psychosis or those at risk of self harm
- These individuals may require more intensive, in person care
Alternative Options for Accessing Psychological Services
- In Person Therapy
- A viable option for those who prefer face to face interaction
- Many therapists offer both in person and telehealth services, allowing flexibility in choosing the best option
- Community Mental Health Services
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- Provide affordable psychological services, often with sliding scale fees based on income
- Accessible for individuals with financial constraints
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
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- Many employers offer free or low cost counselling services through EAPs
- Check with your employer to see if this benefit is available and understand the associated confidentiality policies
- Online Counselling Platforms
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- Offer counselling services at lower rates
- Platforms like Chat Corner Psychologists and Chat Clinic to connect individuals with licensed therapists for video, phone, or text based therapy
- Support Groups
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- Available both in person and online
- Provide a valuable source of peer support, sharing experiences and coping strategies with others facing similar challenges
Telehealth Therapy Sessions Best Practices
- Create a Private Space
- Ensure a quiet, private space to avoid interruptions
- Helps maintain confidentiality and focus during the session
- Use a Reliable Device
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- Use a device with a good camera and microphone
- Position your device to ensure your face is clearly visible for better communication and non verbal cues
- Test Your Internet Connection
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- Test your internet connection before the session to avoid disruptions
- Network Tip – Consider using a wired connection for better stability.
- Be Prepared
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- Have any necessary materials (notebook, forms, etc ) ready before the session
- Being prepared maximises the session’s effectiveness
- Communicate Openly
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- Therapeutic Connection – Share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with your therapist.
- Ask questions if something is unclear to ensure you understand the process
- Set Goals
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- Work with your therapist to establish clear goals for therapy
- Helps guide the process and measure progress over time
Telehealth Therapy Sessions and Insurance
- Medicare
- In Australia, Medicare covers telehealth therapy for eligible individuals
- Requires a referral from your GP and a valid mental health care plan
- Medicare rebates can cover a significant portion of the session cost, making therapy more affordable
- Private Health Insurance
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- Check with your private health insurance provider to see if telehealth therapy is covered
- Some insurers offer rebates for telehealth sessions, reducing out of pocket expenses
- Out of Pocket Costs
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- Financial Planning – Be aware of potential out-of-pocket costs.
- Some therapists may charge above the Medicare Benefit Schedule fee, requiring you to pay the difference
- Some therapists may also charge a gap fee
Conclusion
- Telehealth Therapy
- Telehealth Options – Provides a convenient and accessible way to receive mental health support.
- Understand how to access these services, their benefits, and potential limitations to make an informed decision
- If telehealth therapy isn’t suitable, there are alternative options to access the support you need
- Next Steps
- For more information or to schedule a telehealth therapy session, contact a registered psychologist or mental health professional
- Your mental health is important, and various resources are available to help
Insights
- Diverse Client Utility
- Telehealth therapy sessions works with clients from various backgrounds, including teenagers with anxiety and seniors with grief
- Case examples
- A woman with severe social anxiety could not attend in person sessions Telehealth allowed her to receive therapy from home, and she eventually gained confidence to participate in social activities
- An elderly man in a remote area used telehealth to connect with a therapist, helping him manage depression and improve his well being without the need for long distance travel
- Impact of Telehealth
- The flexibility and accessibility of telehealth therapy, bridges gaps that traditional therapy sometimes cannot, making mental health support more inclusive
Addressing Concerns
- Effectiveness of Telehealth
- The therapeutic relationship and techniques are key to therapy’s effectiveness, not physical presence
- Communication, empathy, and expertise translate well across digital platforms
- Telehealth is not one size fits all, but it opens doors for many who previously lacked access to therapy
- Emphasise the importance of tailored mental health care
- Focus on individualised care, whether through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or other evidence based approaches, addressing specific needs and goals
Future of Telehealth
- Promising Developments
- Technological advances will continue to enhance virtual therapy quality
- Telehealth will likely become a standard option in mental health care as more people embrace digital communication
- Ongoing improvements in secure, user friendly platforms will ensure privacy and ease of use
Final Thoughts
- Telehealth as a Key Mental Health Tool
- Telehealth therapy makes mental health support accessible for those in remote areas, with mobility issues, or those preferring the comfort of home
- Mental health is just as important as physical health, so don’t hesitate to seek the support you need in a form that works best for you
Get Help Now From Our Registered Psychologists.
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References:
Department of Health. (2022). Better Access initiative. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/better-access-initiative#:~:text=Extra%20support%20is%20available%20until,Read%20about%20these%20extra%20sessions.
Australian Psychological Society. (2023). How much does seeing a psychologist cost? https://psychology.org.au/psychology/about-psychology/what-it-costs
Department of Health. (2010, November) Evaluation of the Better Acess Initiative Component D: Summary of consultation with stakeholders. Retrieved from: https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-ba-eval-dsum-toc~mental-ba-eval-dsum-8~mental-ba-eval-dsum-8-1
Australian Association of Psychologists. (2021). Submission to the Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. https://www.aapi.org.au/common/Uploaded%20files/SCMHCP%20AAPi%20Submission%202021.pdf
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
Department of Health. (2023). Medicare Benefits Schedule – Item 91170. Retrieved November 1, 2023, from http://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=91170&qt=item
Private Healthcare Australia. (2023). Private Healthcare Australia. https://www.privatehealthcareaustralia.org.au/