Why is everyone talking about Telehealth?

When people think of a psychology consultation, they typically imagine arriving at a clinic, being invited into a warm and welcoming room, then sitting on a comfortable armchair or sofa, before sharing their worries and difficulties. This has been the experience of most urban Australians seeking psychological support and so the Telehealth option suddenly being discussed everywhere feels strange and unfamiliar. However, many have been seeking alternatives for years now, whether due to living in remote areas, having mobility or access issues, ill health or due to anxiety about venturing beyond home or having face to face contact. Of course, everyone deserves good access to mental health care, and thankfully for us as we adjust to a new pandemic, we have some tried and tested alternatives to offer for ongoing therapy.

Recent events in Australia and globally, including the devastating Bushfires and uncertainty of COVID-19, have highlighted the importance of having alternative means for offering psychological therapy to every Australian regardless of their location or circumstance.

So what is Telehealth?

Telehealth or Online Psychology is an established and crucial resource for all of those who suddenly find themselves having to shake up the way they see their psychologist or dietitian. Here at Person Centred Psychology and Allied Health we are thrilled to be able to offer you a range of alternatives including secure video calling appointments, and for those of you who think that sounds like a terrible idea, as much as we would like to see your face during your appointments, we can also use the humble telephone.

Now that Victoria has rolled out Stage Three restrictions, with a strong message of “if you can stay at home, you must stay at home,” speaking to a psychologist or dietitian via Telehealth provides the opportunity for you to access allied health services from the comfort of your own home.

For those of you who require a little more privacy, Coviu video software also offers text options to communicate those “I’d rather not say it out loud” moments with your clinician. The team at PCP&AH have been practicing for weeks now and are familiar with video communication. Video consultations are like ‘virtual’ therapy, and we have been thrilled that most of our clients have let us know that after the first two minutes they felt just like they would at an in-person session.

What will I need for a Telehealth session?

For a Telehealth Psychology video consultation, you will need a reliable internet connection and a tablet, smartphone or computer. You do not require any specific software or apps as Telehealth is available through a secure messenger platform, Coviu, for which your psychologist will send you an email invitation.

If you prefer a phone appointment, we can arrange to call you for the scheduled consultation, wherever you are located. Phone and video consultations, as when in person, are typically 50-6 minutes in duration. Fantastically Medicare have just released specific item numbers for Telehealth sessions, so if you have an existing plan from your referring doctor, this can now be billed under Medicare for Telehealth. If you do not currently have a referral and plan, we encourage you to speak with your GP to see if you are eligible. GP’s are able to issue or review Mental Health Care Plans via telehealth as well! Alternatively, you may be eligible for a rebate through your private health provider, or prefer to pay privately. FOR VIDEO OR PHONE APPOINTMENTS BOOK HERE

Is Telehealth as effective as a face-to-face consultation?

Telehealth consultations are now offered by a range of health professionals, including doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists. While this is incredibly welcome, many people wonder if video or phone consultations are as effective as those conducted face-to-face, and the overwhelming evidence is – yes they are! A number of studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Telehealth. Studies have found that online psychological therapy was as effective (if not more so) than traditional face to face sessions for adults with depression (Beatie, Shaw, Kaur & Kessler, 2009; Kessler et al 2009), adolescents (Wade, S. L., Walz, N. C., Carey, J., McMullen, K. M., Cass, J., Mark, E., & Yeates, K. O. (2012), and children with behaviour difficulties (Jones et al 2007).

Research also indicates that people are likely to feel less inhibited when using Telehealth services. This is particularly useful if you are experiencing a high level of anxiety that makes it hard for you to discuss these concerns face to face.

Speaking to a psychologist via Telehealth is appropriate for most common psychological concerns, including depression, anxiety, panic, phobias, trauma, sleep difficulties, eating disorders, worry or stress, managing pain, intimacy or sexual problems, anger and adjusting to life changes. Our dietitian is also able to offer her full range of services via Telehealth allowing continuity for all.

Want to give it a go? Give us a call and we discuss the best clinician on our team to help you. If you are and exisiting client of Person Centred Psychology and Allied health, and feel concerned that Telehealth may not be appropriate for you, please call us to discuss. We are committed to finding the solution that works best for you.