Clinically reviewed by Bülent Ada, BSc.(Psychol.)(Hons.), MAPS · Updated July 2025

Not long ago, the idea of seeing a psychologist over a video call felt unusual. Now it is simply another way to access psychological support — and for many people, it has opened the door to help they might never have sought in person.

Whether you live far from a major city, have limited mobility, have caring responsibilities, or simply prefer the convenience and comfort of your own space, telehealth psychology may be a practical and effective option.

This article explains how telehealth psychology works in Australia, who qualifies for Medicare rebates, and how to get the most from your online sessions.

What Is Telehealth Psychology?

Telehealth psychology refers to psychological services delivered remotely — most commonly via video call, and in some circumstances by phone. It uses the same evidence-based approaches as in-person therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, Schema Therapy, and others.

Research consistently shows that telehealth-delivered psychological therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for most presentations, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress-related conditions.

How Does a Telehealth Psychology Session Work?

Before your session

Your psychologist will send you a secure link to a video platform — most commonly a health-specific platform such as Coviu, Healthdirect Video, or Zoom (configured for healthcare). Some practices also offer secure client portals.

You’ll need:

• A device with a camera and microphone (smartphone, tablet, or laptop)
• A stable internet connection
• A private, quiet space where you won’t be interrupted

During your session

Sessions typically run for 50–60 minutes, exactly as they would in-person. Your psychologist will ask questions, listen, share observations, and work with you through whatever therapeutic approach is being used.

Many people are surprised by how present and connected telehealth sessions feel. The initial few minutes of a first session often involve a quick technical check (audio, video, the ability to see each other clearly), and then the session proceeds as it would in person.

What to have ready

• A quiet, private location (a parked car works well if home isn’t private)
• Headphones (improve audio quality and privacy significantly)
• Water nearby
• A notepad and pen if you like to take notes
• Any worksheets or materials your psychologist has shared previously

Medicare Rebates for Telehealth Psychology

Under Australia’s Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative, eligible psychology sessions delivered via telehealth can attract Medicare rebates — the same rebates as in-person sessions.

Current Medicare rebates

Provider Type	Session Length	Medicare Rebate
Clinical Psychologist	50+ minutes	$145.25
Registered Psychologist	50+ minutes	$98.95

Note: Rebate amounts are indexed periodically. Verify current rates at servicesaustralia.gov.au.

Who is eligible?

To claim Medicare rebates for telehealth psychology sessions, you need:

1. A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP. This is a document your GP prepares at a dedicated appointment, assessing your mental health needs and providing a referral to a psychologist. You are entitled to up to 10 individually-rebated sessions per calendar year under the Better Access initiative (an initial 6, then a further 4 after review).

1. The referral must specifically include telehealth as an eligible service type. Most GPs do this as a matter of course, but it is worth confirming.

1. Video sessions are the standard for Medicare rebates. Phone-only sessions may attract rebates in some circumstances (particularly for people in rural/remote areas or where video is not accessible) — your GP or psychologist can advise.

Getting a Mental Health Care Plan

If you don’t already have one, see your GP and ask for a “Mental Health Care Plan” appointment. You may need to book a longer appointment (30 minutes). Your GP will ask about your symptoms, their impact on your daily life, and your goals for treatment. They will then write the plan and referral.

For more on this process, see our detailed guide: How to Get a Mental Health Care Plan in Australia.

When Is Telehealth Preferable — and When Isn’t It?

Telehealth tends to work particularly well for:

• People with anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, and relationship difficulties
• People in rural, regional, or remote areas with limited local access
• People with caring responsibilities or transport limitations
• People who find the reduced travel and transition time helpful
• People who prefer the comfort and familiarity of their own space

In-person sessions may be preferable when:

• You are experiencing a mental health crisis or acute risk
• You are working through severe trauma where the physical presence of a clinician is therapeutically important
• The presentation involves significant psychosis or cognitive difficulty that makes technology challenging
• You are working with a child or young person (though telehealth is increasingly used with adolescents)
• You simply find in-person connection more meaningful and productive

These are general observations, not rules. Your psychologist will discuss with you what format is likely to be most beneficial for your situation.

Practical Tips for Getting the Most From Telehealth

Treat it like an appointment. It can be tempting to squeeze a telehealth session in during your lunch break or between tasks. If possible, create a clear before-and-after boundary — a short walk, a cup of tea, a few minutes to transition in and out of the session.

Privacy matters. Knowing you can speak freely without being overheard is important for therapy. Headphones, a private room, and even white noise outside the door can help.

Minimise distractions. Put your phone on silent, close browser tabs, and if possible, let others in your household know you are in a session.

It’s okay if technology has a moment. Internet connections drop, screens freeze, audio cuts out. A good psychologist will be unfazed. Simply reconnect or call the practice mobile number.

Talk about how the format is working. If telehealth doesn’t feel as effective for you as you’d hoped, tell your psychologist. It’s a legitimate topic for discussion and adjustment.

Privacy and Confidentiality in Telehealth

The same confidentiality obligations that apply to in-person psychology sessions apply to telehealth. Your psychologist is required by law and professional ethics to keep your information confidential, with the same limited exceptions that apply in any setting (imminent risk to you or others, mandatory reporting obligations).

Health-specific video platforms (Coviu, Healthdirect) are encrypted and compliant with Australian health privacy standards. Standard video conferencing platforms like Zoom have healthcare-specific settings that must be correctly configured — ask your psychologist about the platform they use and how it meets privacy requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telehealth psychology as effective as in-person therapy?

Research consistently shows that telehealth-delivered psychological therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for most presentations, including anxiety, depression, PTSD and stress-related conditions. It uses the same evidence-based approaches, such as CBT, ACT and EMDR. Many people are surprised by how present and connected sessions feel once a brief technical check is done at the start.

Can I get a Medicare rebate for online psychology sessions?

Yes. Under the Better Access initiative, eligible telehealth psychology sessions attract the same Medicare rebates as in-person sessions. You need a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, and the referral should specifically include telehealth, which most GPs do as a matter of course. Video sessions are the standard; phone sessions may be rebatable in some circumstances.

What do I need for a telehealth psychology session?

You need a device with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a private, quiet space where you will not be interrupted. Headphones improve audio quality and privacy. Your psychologist will send a secure link to a health-specific video platform. Having water, a notepad, and any shared worksheets ready can also help.

When is in-person therapy better than telehealth?

In-person sessions may be preferable during a mental health crisis or acute risk, when working through severe trauma where physical presence matters, where significant psychosis or cognitive difficulty makes technology challenging, or when working with younger children. Some people simply find in-person connection more meaningful. Your psychologist will discuss which format is likely to suit your situation best.

Is telehealth psychology private and confidential?

Yes. The same confidentiality obligations that apply in person apply to telehealth, with the same limited exceptions, such as imminent risk or mandatory reporting. Health-specific platforms like Coviu and Healthdirect are encrypted and meet Australian health privacy standards. If a standard platform is used, it must be configured for healthcare, so you can ask your psychologist how privacy is protected.

Related reading

• Telehealth psychology services
• How to get a Mental Health Care Plan
• Book an appointment

About the author: Bülent Ada is the Principal Psychologist and Founding Director of Mind Health Associates in Parramatta, Sydney. Mind Health Associates offers telehealth psychology sessions across Australia. Learn more about Bülent.

This article is for informational purposes only. Medicare rebate information is current at the time of publication; verify current rates at servicesaustralia.gov.au or see our fees & rebates page.

Ready to book an online session? Mind Health Associates offers telehealth psychology for individuals across Australia. Book an appointment or contact us to discuss your needs.