TELEHEALTH SERVICES

In response to the rapid spread of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and Australian Government recommendations for social distancing and, where possible, social isolation to prevent the spread of this virus, we are now offering services online via Telehealth. Services are available either by telephone or videolink over the internet.

The health and safety of our clients, team and greater community is our priority, and it is our recommendation and preference that you engage with Telehealth based services during this health crisis.

Our clinic will remain open for face to face services for as long as we are able, taking into account official recommendations as well as balancing the need to protect health and safety. We will continue to update our clients on any changes to service delivery as these occur.

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth is the use of technology to provide health (including Psychology) services via telephone or videolink. Telehealth is often used across health settings in remote communities or with people that are unable to attend face to face sessions due to difficulties with mobility or access.

Research indicates that telehealth delivery of psychological treatments has comparable effectiveness to face to face interventions. What this means is that the effectiveness of your treatment can be maintained, even if it isn’t taking place in the clinic.

All Telehealth services offered by Involve Psychology adhere to the Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics regarding confidentiality. Any videolink sessions will be hosted by Zoom, which is an end to end encrypted, secure conferencing app that is compliant with to the Australian Psychological Society’s confidentiality and security requirements.

What devices do I need to access Telehealth sessions?

For telephone sessions, you will require a phone with reliable reception for the duration of your session time. For videolink sessions, you will need a device with a camera and microphone (this could be a phone, a tablet, laptop or desktop computer), and a reliable internet connection. If you choose a videolink session, you will be emailed a link to a Zoom meeting for your appointment time. At your appointment time, simply click this link and this will take you to the videolink meeting. You will either need to download the Zoom app prior to your appointment, or you will be prompted to download this when you click the link to begin your session.

What are the benefits of Telehealth sessions?

• Continuity of access to psychology services in the rapidly changing environment of restrictions to face to face treatment

• Reduce your need to travel

• Decreased exposure to infectious disease

• More flexible appointment times

• Access services from the comfort of your own home

What are the risks of Telehealth sessions?

• Possibility of technological failures – we mitigate this by ensuring we have multiple ways of contacting you (e.g. if Zoom fails, we will call your preferred phone number)

• May not feel as personable or connected as face to face sessions

• Increased potential for privacy and digital security risks – we ensure that our environments during Telehealth sessions are confidential, however we cannot control your environment (e.g. household members overhearing sessions)

Payments and rebates

Session fees and eligibility for rebates differs depending on your funding scheme (Medicare, NDIS, private health insurance, Department of Veterans Affairs, WorkCover, Victims of Crime, etc.). Please contact us to discuss specific information regarding payments and rebates.

How to book

You can book a Telehealth session by contacting our reception on (07) 3482 3466, emailing us at reception@involvepsychology.com, or submitting an enquiry via the ‘book an appointment’ link at the top right of the page. 

How can I get the most out of Telehealth sessions?

• It is important for us to try to maintain a setting that is as similar as possible to being in the clinic together.

• Please ensure that you are in a private location, where your sessions are not overheard by others. You may need to adjust the volume on your device to ensure your privacy.

• Try to sit in a well lit area.

• Try to minimise background noise – turn off televisions, music or other sounds, and close the door to the room that you are in.

• Minimise distractions – please try to focus on the session as you would in the clinic. During sessions you should avoid using your device for other tasks at the same time (social media, work etc). As much as possible, try to make sure that pets, children, or household members will not be distractions from your treatment. Obviously, given the current circumstances, we understand if interruptions are unavoidable.

• We ask that during sessions, if possible, you place your device on a steady surface and remain in one position rather than holding your device in your hand or walking around.

• Any worksheets, diagrams or relevant notes that we create together during sessions will be scanned and emailed to you following the session, so that you can refer to these.