Telehealth

What is a Telehealth session?

A Telehealth session is a consultation with your psychologist held via a video-conferencing app or over the phone and are conducted much the same as a regular face-to-face session. Our Telehealth sessions are conducted on a health-care specific video-conferencing platform called PowerDiary, or if you would prefer, the session can be conducted over the phone.

To participate in a PowerDiary Telehealth session with a psychologist you will need:

• A private and comfortable space

• A reliable internet connection

• A camera and microphone connected to your computer or use your portable device

• Speakers/headphones

• PowerDiary is browser-based, so no software download is necessary

Once you have a Telehealth session scheduled, you will be given instructions on how to link to the session.

Can I get a Medicare rebate for a Telehealth session?

Prior to the COVID-19, Medicare rebates were exclusively available to people located in designated remote areas, however, new rules have been developed to provide access to healthcare during this crisis.

On the 6th of April 2021, Medicare released further details on a Telehealth package that allows those with an eligible referral to claim rebates for psychology sessions. As such, we are now able to process Medicare claims on your behalf. You can also see this page for more information on Medicare rebates.

Can I get a private health rebate for a Telehealth session?

We have been advised that the majority of Australian health Funds have agreed to provide coverage for teleconsultations provided by psychologists, from Monday 30 March, during the COVID-19 outbreak.

This is subject to the following conditions:

• The patient is undergoing an existing course of treatment, and has seen the psychologist providing the teleconsultation over the past six months, or

• For new patients, the telepsychology service has been recommended by their general practitioner, and

• The service is undertaken in accordance with Australian Psychological Society guidelines.

We advise you to contact your individual health fund to ensure you will be covered for psychological treatment, and that you will be covered for Telehealth.

We have compiled the following information to help you get the most out of your Telehealth session and to answer common queries you may have

Getting the most out of your Telehealth session

In a face-to-face therapy session at Axiom Psychology, a lot of consideration goes into optimising the treatment rooms in order to establish trust, stability and comfort. With online therapy, the responsibility for creating an optimal therapy environment is shared between you and your therapist. Below are some tips to ensure you get the most out of your Telehealth session:

Preparing the Therapeutic Space

• Try to commit to the same place each session - you may have a particular room where you feel relaxed and/or a chair or couch you prefer to use

• If possible, use a laptop or desktop computer and ensure it is set up on a stable surface. If you need to use a mobile phone or tablet, turn off notifications and place the device on a stable surface

• Consider what is needed to be comfortable - have tissues, glass of water or cup of tea ready

• Consider internet connectivity. Does the space you have chosen for therapy allow for a strong internet connection? If you are not sure, you can perform a speedtest

• Consider lighting. Make sure there is adequate light for your therapist to see your face and avoid setting up in a location where a window will be behind you as this may cast a strong shadow over your face.

Safety and Privacy

• If there is a chance another person could enter the space or room you are using, it would be beneficial to put a 'do not disturb' sign on the door or find another way to ensure you are not interrupted during the session

• Avoid speaking in the car, or in a public space. This may compromise the confidentiality of the session, and travelling (i.e. walking/driving) during your session may impact your internet connection

Limit Distractions

• Limit all distractions in both your physical environment and your devices to ensure your full focus can remain on the session. This includes turning of the tv, setting your mobile phone to silent or 'do not disturb' and closing down windows/tabs or games on your computer/device that may distract you

• Avoid eating and/or drinking alcohol during the session

• Do not participate in the session if you are under the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol