Telehealth Psychology under Better Access is now permanent

Telehealth psychological therapy has been vital in providing Australians with accessible, affordable and continuous mental health care during the pandemic, so the Australian Government’s decision in December 2021 to make telehealth psychology services permanent has been welcomed by the mental health community.

The Better Access scheme, which gives Medicare rebates to help people access mental health professionals and care, has also doubled the number of individual Medicare subsidised psychological sessions available each year up to 20 sessions.    As with most specialist health services Medicare provides rebates for a portion of each psychological therapy fee and the remainder is paid by the client.

To access Medicare rebates under the Better Access scheme, people with a mental health concern need to make an appointment with their GP and request a GP Mental Health Plan and also request a letter of referral to a Psychologist.  The initial referral is usually for 6 sessions which is followed by a review with your GP, and a referral for a further 4 sessions.  If further treatment is required, people can return to see their GP and request a further 10 sessions.

A referral is not required for telehealth psychology for clients who wish to use their private health insurance or receive treatment privately.

Telehealth psychological therapy is available via telephone or a videocall.  Tracey uses a user friendly confidential videocall service provided by Healthdirect.  The service is very simple.  Ideally phone/video calls should be taken in a quiet room where you will not be interrupted.  A good internet connection and a headset is important for video calls to maximise confidentiality and communication.

Interestingly, many clients with long term mental health difficulties and trauma have shown a preference for telephone counselling.

Telehealth appointments are now available , so please call Tracey on 0410 162 341 to discuss your concerns.