Accessing psychological support does not always require travelling to a clinic.
Telehealth psychology allows people to connect with a psychologist through secure video or, where appropriate, telephone appointments. For people living outside major cities or those managing busy schedules, health concerns, work commitments, or travel limitations, telehealth can provide a more flexible way to access psychological services.
At Profiles WA, we provide psychological services from our base in Perth, Western Australia, with telehealth options that allow us to support individuals and communities across Australia.
What Is Telehealth Psychology?
Telehealth psychology involves receiving psychological services remotely using communication technology, most commonly through a video consultation.
Rather than attending a psychologist’s consulting room, the individual connects from a suitable private location.
Depending on the service and clinical circumstances, telehealth may be used for psychological therapy, consultations, assessment-related services, and other forms of psychological support.
Australian Government arrangements allow eligible patients to access certain mental health services through telehealth, including video and telephone consultations, where the service is clinically appropriate and other eligibility requirements are met.
How Does an Online Psychology Appointment Work?
A telehealth appointment is designed to be similar to a face-to-face psychological consultation.
1. Arrange an Appointment
You contact the practice to discuss the service you are seeking and whether telehealth is suitable for your circumstances.
2. Find a Suitable Private Space
Before your appointment, choose a quiet and private location where you can speak comfortably without unnecessary interruptions.
3. Connect Online
You use the provided telehealth link or agreed communication method to connect with your psychologist.
4. Have Your Consultation
The psychologist will discuss your concerns, experiences, goals, and relevant circumstances, just as they would during an in-person consultation.
5. Develop Your Path Forward
Depending on the service, the session may involve therapeutic support, assessment, recommendations, or planning for further care.
What Are the Benefits of Telehealth Psychology?
Telehealth can make psychological support more accessible for people who may find regular travel difficult or who live outside major metropolitan areas.
Potential benefits include:
Convenience
You can attend an appointment without travelling to a clinic.
Greater Accessibility
Telehealth can connect people with psychological services even when suitable practitioners may not be available locally.
Flexibility
Appointments can be easier to incorporate around work, family, study, and other responsibilities.
Continuity of Support
For people who move between locations or live in regional and remote communities, telehealth can provide a practical way to maintain access to psychological services.
Comfort
Some people feel more comfortable beginning psychological support from a familiar environment.
Is Telehealth Psychology Suitable for Everyone?
Telehealth can be helpful for many people, but it is not appropriate for every situation.
A psychologist will consider factors such as the individual’s needs, circumstances, presentation, privacy, technology, and whether remote support can be provided safely and effectively.
Australian Government guidance notes that telehealth may not be appropriate in every circumstance, including situations involving significant safety concerns or where reliable technology is unavailable.
The suitability of telehealth can therefore be discussed as part of the initial process.
What Do You Need for a Telehealth Appointment?
Generally, you will need:
- A suitable smartphone, tablet, or computer
- A reliable internet connection
- A camera and microphone for video consultations
- A private and comfortable space
- Headphones if they help with privacy
You do not need a specialised office or complicated equipment.
The most important consideration is having an environment where you can participate comfortably and privately.
Can Telehealth Psychology Be Used for Mental Health Support?
Yes, telehealth is an established way of delivering certain mental health services in Australia.
Under the Better Access initiative, eligible Australians can receive certain psychological therapy and other mental health treatment services through telehealth, subject to the relevant eligibility and referral requirements.
This can be particularly valuable for people living in regional, rural, and remote communities where access to mental health professionals may be more limited.
Telehealth for Anxiety, Depression and Life Transitions
Online psychological support may be appropriate for people experiencing a range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and low mood
- Grief and loss
- Trauma and PTSD
- Workplace stress
- Life transitions
- Emotional difficulties
- Health-related adjustment
- Chronic pain
- Relationship challenges
The appropriate approach will depend on the individual’s circumstances and therapeutic needs.
Telehealth and NDIS Services
Telehealth may also provide a flexible option for some individuals accessing psychological and assessment services in the disability sector.
For people living in regional or remote areas, connecting with an appropriate professional without extensive travel can make services more accessible.
The suitability of telehealth will depend on the specific assessment or service being requested and the individual’s circumstances.
What About Privacy?
Privacy is an important part of psychological care, whether an appointment takes place in person or online.
When attending a telehealth appointment, it is helpful to:
- Choose a private room
- Use headphones where appropriate
- Avoid public spaces
- Use a private internet connection where possible
- Ensure other people cannot overhear the conversation
Health professionals must also consider privacy, security, and clinical requirements when providing telehealth services.
Telehealth Does Not Mean Impersonal Support
Technology may change how you connect with your psychologist, but it does not have to change the quality of the therapeutic relationship.
At Profiles WA, our approach remains centred on:
- Understanding
- Compassion
- Respect
- Collaboration
- Evidence-based practice
- Individual strengths
- Meaningful goals
Our philosophy is based on understanding the whole person rather than simply focusing on a diagnosis or presenting difficulty.
The Profiles WA Approach
Like a tree, every person’s wellbeing is influenced by different parts of their life.
🌱 Roots — experiences, history, culture, relationships, and environment
🌳 Trunk — strengths, abilities, resilience, and existing supports
🍃 Branches — strategies, recommendations, and pathways forward
🌿 New Growth — wellbeing, confidence, participation, independence, and future goals
Telehealth simply provides another way to access that support.
Telehealth Psychology Across Australia
Based in Perth, Western Australia, Profiles WA supports individuals and communities across Australia through flexible telehealth services.
Our psychological services can provide support for individuals navigating mental health challenges, neurodiversity, trauma, injury, rehabilitation, life transitions, and wellbeing.
For eligible services, Medicare telehealth arrangements may apply depending on the individual’s circumstances and the applicable requirements.
Is Online Psychological Support Right for You?
If travelling to a psychologist is difficult, you live outside Perth or another major centre, or you simply prefer the convenience of receiving support remotely, telehealth may be worth considering.
The first step is to discuss your circumstances and determine whether telehealth is appropriate for your needs.
At Profiles WA, we believe access to psychological support should be flexible while remaining person-centred, professional, and meaningful.
Every story has roots. Every journey has possibilities.