Telehealth

Telehealth counselling sessions are a fantastic way to access the services you need while offering flexibility and convenience.

Here’s how telehealth psychology works and how to ensure you get the most out of your telehealth sessions.

What is telehealth?

Telehealth is any healthcare service delivered by technology (online or by phone).

Telehealth appointments have been available for a long time, but their popularity skyrocketed over the past few years, due to COVID-19.

The benefits

During a telehealth appointment with a therapist, you will get the same service you’d receive in a face-to-face session.

Here are some of the main benefits of online psychology and counselling appointments:

  • You don’t have to worry about organising and finding time to travel to and from your appointment.

  • You can access the help you need, especially if you live in a regional or remote area.

  • You might feel more comfortable talking in the familiar surroundings of your home.

  • If you’re recovering from a cold or illness, you can keep your appointment without worrying about infecting others.

Making the most of your session

  1. Find a quiet space

There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of a conversation with your therapist, and a loud noise interrupts your train of thought. Even knowing someone is nearby and within earshot can be off-putting and prevent you from talking as freely as you need to.

Before your session, try to find a quiet room or a corner of your home where you’re unlikely to be disturbed. This will help you talk openly and honestly with your therapist while allowing them to hear you. Some clients with busy homes like to drive to a secluded spot and use their mobile phone in their cars.

2. Make sure you have the right technology

You’ll need technology to access your telehealth session, but you don’t need to be a tech guru. Even the most basic equipment can be used. To access the service, you’ll need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera, microphone, and speakers.

We use Zoom to host our telehealth sessions. Zoom uses end-to-end encryption and other privacy settings to keep your session confidential.

It is strongly recommended that you download the Zoom app for the most reliable, easiest and best experience. If you can't download the app, you can join the meeting in your web browser (such as Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Microsoft Edge).

We will email you before your appointment, confirming the date and time and providing a link to access the virtual waiting room on Zoom. It’s a good idea to click on the link 10 minutes before your appointment so you can relax and wait for your therapist.

When your therapist starts the session, they will add you to the meeting room, and the session will begin.

3. Check your internet connection

Ensure you have a stable internet connection before starting your telehealth session. If not, try turning your router on and off or troubleshooting the problem with your supplier. Most home internet and mobile services have no problem handling a video call, but sometimes things can go wrong.

We can switch to a phone session if your internet connection is not working.

4. Take notes and time to reflect

Notetaking is a great tool to ensure you’re making the most out of your telehealth therapy session.

Before your appointment, jot down anything that you want to discuss with your therapist so you won’t forget once the appointment starts. You will cover many things during your session, so taking notes while speaking with your psychologist is a good idea.

Taking time after the session to reflect on everything you’ve discussed can help you apply your insights and identify topics to discuss in your next session.