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Psychology sessions over telehealth
We are able to have your psychology sessions over telehealth — either videoconference or phone — as needed. Telehealth psychology services have been made available to improve the accessibility of support, and to minimise any risk of community transmission of illness.
What is telehealth psychology?
A telehealth psychology session is a therapy session, with your regular psychologist, attended remotely over the phone or internet. This option is available to all new and existing clients who prefer not to leave home to come in for a face to face session. We can have voice chat sessions over the phone, or can do video-conferencing or text-based chat over the internet.
How does it work?
For video sessions we use the teleconferencing function within Halaxy (which is our practice management software). However there is no need for you to download anything in order to access a session. About half an hour prior to your appointment you will receive an email including a link to the session. When it’s time for your session to start, all you’ll need to do is click the link to join the chat, which will open in your web browser.
You will need a stable internet connection, as well as a camera, microphone, and sound on your device. Many people find using a headset with a microphone improves the quality of the session, however this is by no means strictly necessary.
It is also always a good idea to ensure you have a quiet space for the duration of your session, where no one can interrupt or overhear your conversation.
What is the cost?
In general our Telehealth sessions attract the same fees as our regular sessions.
Video and phone sessions are covered by Medicare the same way your face to face sessions are. Existing clients can use the Mental Health Care Plan they have already. If you’re a new client, you’ll simply need to call up your GP and let them know you’re after a new Mental Health Care Plan for a referral to a psychologist.
Clients who hold a Commonwealth concession card, are under 16 years of age, or are more vulnerable to COVID-19 will have their Telehealth sessions bulk billed. This means there is no out-of-pocket cost.
All other clients will need to pay the portion of the fee not covered by Medicare. Please see our Fees and Rebates page for more information.
If you would prefer to have a text-based chat session via our secure chat room, please note that these types of sessions presently do not qualify for a Medicare rebate. Please have a chat with your psychologist if you’d like to explore this option.
How do I pay for a telehealth session?
Once we have confirmed your appointment time, you’ll receive an email from our booking system that will have an invoice attached. The invoice will outline the fee for the session, and will include details for you to make a bank transfer. Please ensure the fee is paid prior to your scheduled session time.
If you will be claiming a rebate through Medicare or your private health cover, this can be done after you’ve attended the session. We can submit your Medicare claim on our end, and your rebate will be sent to the bank account you have on file with Medicare. Otherwise we can email you a “Paid” invoice, which includes all the information you will need to make a claim yourself with your insurer.
How do I get started?
Simply get in touch with us to book your first session! We’re always happy to have an introductory chat over the phone or email about how you’d like to move forward, and to answer any other questions you have.