What is telehealth?

Telehealth therapy uses videoconferencing technology to bring you and your psychologist together regardless of your physical location. Without the burden of travelling to see your psychologist within their practice.

What are the advantages of telehealth?

If you have mobility issues or can't travel due to work or life commitments, telehealth could be a helpful option. It’s particularly useful if you live in an area without local psychology services.

You might find that telehealth offers a convenient way to maintain your therapy sessions without the need to commute. This approach can simplify your routine, allowing you to access support wherever you are.

How do I access telehealth?

All you need is a reliable internet connection, a basic computer or tablet with a webcam and a microphone, and a little know-how about using the internet.

Depending on your browser settings, you might need to give permission for your browser to access your device’s camera and microphone.

How does telehealth work?

Telehealth is as real as a standard face-to-face consult.  The therapist and you can see and hear each other, talk and you can ask questions.  You might even be asked to look at a presentation or diagram on screen in order to help us explain something.  It is very similar to an in-person consult, the therapist and you are just not in the same room together.

Is telehealth effective?

Our first-hand experience in providing telehealth services over a number of years suggests that telehealth is effective and provides similar benefits to face-to-face psychological treatment. People quickly forget about the technology and find telehealth an acceptable means of getting a service they would otherwise find hard to access. Most clients report a positive patient experience of telehealth, with telehealth consultations considered of equal quality to face-to-face consultations.

Preparing for your telehealth appointment

To receive Medicare rebate for telehealth services, you will need to forward your GP referral, i.e., Mental Health Care Plan - MHCP, to Socra Hub prior to your first appointment. You can send it in by email, or ask your GP to securely message it to Socra Hub.

Prior to the appointment, make sure your equipment is charged, and power cords are available. Socra Hub encourage the use of headsets/earphones (with microphone) for privacy and sound quality.

At the time of the appointment, use the previously sent personalised and secure link.

Remember to allow extra few minutes to get into the telehealth consult room, check you sound and video is working and get yourself settled.

You might want to have a pen, paper and a glass of water ready for the session.

You need a quiet and private space with reliable internet connection where you are not likely to be interrupted.