Telehealth services are psychology sessions which are undertaken over videoconferencing platforms like:
(1) Zoom or
(2) Microsoft teams.
Telehealth services are designed to assist children, adolescents and adults with mental health concerns in the following situations;
(1) Remote locations across Victoria or Australia (e.g., rural areas)
(2) Travelling is time consuming
(3) Current concerns make it difficult to see a psychologist face to face (e.g., agoraphobia)
(4) People with busy working schedules (e.g., FIFO) or parents with young children
(5) Constant travelling due to work commitments
(6) Long wait times for preferred therapists in local areas
Telehealth appointments are 55 minutes in length and are covered by Medicare for people with mental health plans. The cost for a telehealth session is $240.00, meaning you will need to pay the gap of $146.65. If you are having financial difficulties please speak with our team for guidance and support. For example, if you are a single parent with one sole income, please let us know and we can see if we can put your mental health first.
It is important to note that not all potential clients will be suitable for telehealth services. These may include but are not limited to the following;
1. Unstable internet connection
2. Degree of concerns and symptoms may warrant face to face sessions
Client suitability is established by the clinic prior to first initial consult.
To get the best out of your planned telehealth sessions ensure the following;
1. Ensure the videoconferencing link sent by Cerebral Psychology (usually 72hrs before session) is accessible by either bookmarking or placing in a folder in your emails.
2. Please make sure you have the videoconferencing application download on computer, tablet or mobile phone and is working prior to the consultation.
3. A stable internet connection is available
4. The room you are undertaking the session/s is private, free from possible distractions or interruptions. Please ensure the conversation with clinician can not be over heard by other people.
5. The room has suitable lighting so the therapist has clear vision of the client
6. Personal privacy is maintained at all times and when interrupted their are ways to regain privacy
7. If client is young child or adolescent please consider with in bounds of consent the potential presence of adult, parent or caretaker.
For more information on telehealth services;
http://psychology.org.au/psychology/medicare-rebates-psychological-services/medicare-faqs-for-the-public/telehealth-services
Cerebral Psychology will email you the following prior to your telehealth session;
(1) Link to the video conferencing session
(2) Telehealth consent form
(3) Brief intake form
(4) Mental health survey's
It is important these forms are completed prior to your first session to ensure the psychologist has an informed background of you, but also written consent to discuss your concerns in more detail.
The more information collected prior to the first session will enable a smoother transition into a better understanding of the concerns, along with the most suitable evidence based treatment plans.
Please consider the following when planning your space for your telehealth session/s;
1. Quiet room that has minimal distractions from other people, pets or distractions
2. A space that protects your privacy and ensures no other person can hear the discussions
3. Please avoid if possible doing these sessions during a lunch break or at work
