I'm a huge advocate for Telehealth - the ability to get mental health support from anywhere in Australia, on phone or video. It's a game changer. Here is why...

THE TELEHEALTH TWENTY - 20 benefits for you to get Psychology support NOW
Telehealth treatment for mental health went from being an exception to a necessity.*
Registered health practitioners are playing a vital role…working hard to keep people safe in a demanding and fast-changing environment** • Research has shown that the quality of the therapeutic alliance using telehealth is comparable to face-to-face. (APS) • Practitioners in Australia have seen roughly equal outcomes and standards around clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness, patient and provider acceptance, and safety in telehealth counselling compared to face-to-face.*
• Telehealth has demonstrated comparable effectiveness to face-to-face care in the treatment of depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, insomnia and reducing alcohol consumption. • There are particular benefits for clients with trauma: they can be partly hidden if they struggle with being “seen”; they are in their safe place; they can be more forthcoming about their trauma and there is evidence-based benefit for EMDR work with clients as they can create bilateral stimulation independently. • More flexibility in session times and clients may be able to access the help they need more quickly and more consistently • Reduced time and cost associated with travel to appointments. • More convenient with reduced waiting times • Depending on their schedules, clients may not have to take leave time from work or arrange for child care • Helpful for stay-at-home parents who have babies to care for and thus needn’t disturb them from their naps or take them out • Easier for time-poor clients • Easier for disorganised clients and/or who may have ADHD brains • Accessible for those living in rural and inaccessible areas • Greater options for a preferred clinician and not restricted to services in their area • An option for those who are frail, house-bound and/or don’t drive • Easier for couples to link in to their mutual session if they are in different locations • Continued therapy is possible even if clients are away on holiday or out of town on business • Gives the therapist the opportunity to observe clients in their habitual spaces and learn more about them • Telehealth allows for greater focus on client faces and voices • Enables clients to shift away from the camera if they need some privacy to compose themselves • Continuity of care regardless of health outbreaks / pandemics during which, ongoing support is especially required There are some people who will be better suited to face-to-face counselling, but others who find the process easier via telehealth. When it comes to issues of helping people, the more options, the better.
Overall, NOT getting the support and treatment you need is worse than getting immediate support, and telehealth whether it's over the phone or video with a psychologist is a faster way to getting the help you need.
*HCF *AHPRA
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