Telehealth Psychology: Is Online Therapy Right for You?
Telehealth psychology means having therapy sessions with a psychologist by secure video call (or sometimes phone) instead of in a clinic. For many common concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress and trauma-related difficulties, research has found video-based therapy to be broadly as effective as in-person therapy. It suits people who want flexibility, live far from their preferred psychologist, or feel more comfortable at home. It's less suitable when there's a high level of risk or when privacy at home is hard to find. Medicare rebates are available for eligible telehealth sessions in Australia.
Does online therapy work?
A substantial body of research, much of it on video-delivered CBT, has found outcomes for anxiety, depression and PTSD comparable to face-to-face treatment. Studies also show that clients generally form strong working relationships with their therapists over video, which matters because the therapeutic relationship is one of the best predictors of good outcomes.
Telehealth became far more common in Australia from 2020, and it's now a permanent part of Medicare's Better Access initiative. Our founder Mirinda Smith has written more about this in Does telehealth therapy actually work? A psychologist's honest guide.
Who telehealth suits
Online therapy can be a particularly good fit if you:
have a busy schedule and want to avoid travel time
are a new parent, carer or someone who can't easily leave home
live in a regional, rural or remote area
want to see a particular psychologist who isn't nearby
feel more at ease opening up in your own space
have a health condition, disability or chronic pain that makes travel difficult
are dealing with social anxiety, where starting at home can feel more manageable
travel often or work shifts
When in-person might be better
Telehealth isn't the best option for everyone. In-person sessions may be preferable if:
you're at high risk of harm to yourself or others, or in crisis
you don't have a private space where you can't be overheard
you live with someone who is controlling or unsafe
you strongly prefer face-to-face connection and find screens draining
the work involves children, or some assessments that need to be done in person
Your psychologist can talk through what's best for your situation. Some people use a mix of both.
Setting up for a telehealth session
Technology
a smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone
a stable internet connection (test it before your first session)
headphones, which improve sound and privacy
the video link from your psychologist, usually sent by email or text
your device charged or plugged in
Your space
somewhere private where you won't be overheard or interrupted. Some people use their car, a bedroom or a spare room
tell others in the household you'll be unavailable for the hour
have water and tissues nearby
sit where your face is visible and lit from the front if possible
turn off notifications
Before and after
It helps to create small transitions, since you won't have the drive to and from a clinic. Take a few minutes before the session to settle, and give yourself a short break afterwards before returning to work or family.
Privacy and security
Psychologists must meet the same confidentiality and privacy obligations for telehealth as for in-person sessions, under Australian privacy law and the professional code of ethics. Reputable practices use secure video platforms designed for healthcare rather than general social apps. Sessions aren't recorded without your consent. Your psychologist will also confirm your location at the start of each session and talk with you about what to do if the connection drops or an emergency arises.
Medicare rebates for telehealth
With a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral from your GP, you can claim Medicare rebates for telehealth sessions with an eligible psychologist, just as you can for in-person sessions. The same annual limit of 10 individual sessions applies across both. See Medicare Mental Health Care Plans Explained.
Telehealth at Satya Psychology
We offer telehealth sessions Australia-wide. That includes sessions with our founder, psychologist Mirinda Smith (Medicare rebates available with a GP referral), and with our provisional psychologists, Natalie Luxford and Maddison Weinert (no referral needed, no Medicare rebate). Our current fees are on the services page.
Telehealth is also how we start Walk and Talk therapy: the first session is held by video to check it's a good fit and plan your walks.
Clients join sessions from home, work or even their car, wherever they can find privacy. Our focus is on making therapy fit into real life, especially for busy parents and professionals.
Frequently asked questions
Is telehealth cheaper?
Not necessarily. Fees and Medicare rebates are generally similar to in-person sessions, but you save on travel time and costs.
Can I do telehealth by phone instead of video?
Video is generally preferred because it allows richer communication. Phone sessions may be possible in some circumstances; ask your psychologist.
What if my internet drops out?
Your psychologist will agree on a backup plan at the start, usually a phone call.
Can I switch between telehealth and in-person?
Yes, if your psychologist offers both. Many clients mix formats depending on their week.
Book an online session
If online therapy sounds like it would suit you, book a telehealth session. You can attend from anywhere in Australia.
This article is general information. Telehealth isn't an emergency service. If you're in crisis, call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.