Monday-Friday 08:00am - 05:00pm
Saturday 08:00am - 03:00pm
Sunday Closed
Saturday 08:00am - 03:00pm
Sunday Closed
Telehealth puts real time psychological support at your fingertips. It is great for those who have limited time and/or can’t travel to one of our four clinics.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Government has made telehealth a permanent option for individuals seeking psychological support through the Medicare Better Access Scheme. You can read more about the Governments initiative here.
The team at Young Minds Network are happy to be able to offer the flexibility of telehealth services to all our clients. Our team of psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers and speech pathologists have a great deal of experience working with people of all ages. They offer evidence-based treatment to help people overcome a number of different problems. Our aim is to work collaboratively with clients and equip them with the tools to approach their challenges with understanding and confidence. It is great to be able to offer these services using advancements in technology so that our services can be more convenient and accessible to those seeking support.
If you live in a remote area in Australia or if you find it difficult to make in to one of our clinics for face-to-face consultations then it might be worth considering our telehealth services.
What is telehealth?
At Young Minds Network telehealth is a videoconference consultation with one of our allied health practitioners. It is similar to face-to-face consultations but uses an internet connection or telephone network to connect you with your therapist.
We use COVIU to facilitate our online therapy. COVIU is an Australian produced and owned telehealth package that stores all data domestically and uses industry grade encryption technology to keep all data secure. It can be used on any internet capable device. Your therapist will send you a weblink and all you need to do is click the link to connect.
Who can access telehealth?
Telehealth can be accessed by all Australians provided they are not receiving inpatient care. It is particularly useful for people living in rural and remote areas of Australia or when other circumstances prevent them from attending face-to-face services.
Is telehealth as good as face-to-face therapy?
A number of research papers examining the effectiveness of telehealth have identified that it can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy for a range of mental health problems including conditions such as stress, anxiety and depression (Carlbring et al., 2018). It might feel a little different for some people but it also reduces some of the barriers to accessing services. These barriers may include living in a remote area or the stigma that prevents some people from seeking assistance when they need it.
Telehealth may not be appropriate for people requiring a high level of care. If you are unsure if telehealth is suitable for you please discuss your concerns with your GP or your therapist.
How much does it cost and is telehealth covered by Medicare?
Medicare rebates are available for all Australians eligible for Medicare. In order to receive a Medicare rebate a relevant Mental Health Care Plan from your GP or referral from a psychiatrist or paediatrician is required.
We are not a bulk billing practice so a gap fee will apply. Our client relationship officers will discuss fees with you prior to your telehealth session.
To avoid delays in processing applicable rebates telehealth session payments will be processed prior to session commencement. Please ensure our team have received your referral paperwork at least 24 hours before your session commences to avoid delays in rebates being deposited into your account. To see a list of our current fees please click here.
Do private health funds rebate telehealth services?
Depending on your level of cover some private health funds will provide a rebate for telehealth services when Medicare is not being claimed. It is always a good idea to check with your private health fund first as each fund has different policies relating to allied health claims.
What do I need to do to get ready for a telehealth consultation?
Your therapist will send you a link so that you can connect at the time of your scheduled appointment.
It is important that you arrange a quiet, private space and make sure your chosen device (smart phone, ipad, tablet or desktop computer) has access to a camera, microphone and speakers. A reliable broadband connection is also something to consider.
It might also be useful to turn off any online notifications or reminders that may be distracting.
How can I arrange a telehealth appointment?
Telehealth is available with most of our Clinicians simply ask our Client Relations team if you’d like to try a telehealth session. You can enquire about an appointment here.
Meet our telehealth specialists