telehealth FAQs

Telehealth is just a fancy word for online, video-based therapy.

We attend to a range of common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship issues and more.

Starting therapy can be a transformative experience, and our team is dedicated to creating a welcoming and accepting environment for you. Our practitioners are committed to listening and guiding you as you work to overcome any challenges you may be facing.  

Sessions are typically conducted via Zoom, which ensures privacy and compliance with Australian health standards (APA, 2020). This format allows clients to join from home, making it particularly suitable for those living in rural areas, where 7 million Australians reside, or for individuals with mobility constraints. 

The therapy process resembles in-person sessions: a therapist will conduct an initial assessment, discuss goals, and utilise approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness techniques. Sessions last between 45 to 60 minutes, often occurring on a weekly or fortnightly basis. Clients can expect empathetic listening, practical strategies, and even homework assignments, such as journaling.   

Telehealth offers considerable flexibility—it's easier to schedule appointments, and there's no travel time required. However, clients should ensure they have a quiet, private space and a stable internet connection for their sessions.  While non-verbal cues might be more challenging to perceive, skilled therapists adapt by focusing on tone and facial expressions (e.g., Pierce et al., 2021). Clients also have access to resources such as worksheets via email.  Telehealth has proven to be effective for managing issues such as anxiety and depression, with many clients reporting high satisfaction (e.g., Healthdirect, 2024). It represents a practical and modern option for mental health support.

Pivot Point Psychology warmly welcomes everyone to join our online therapy sessions with our experienced counsellors. With the help of Zoom, our online counselling services provide a secure, convenient, and accessible option for people unable to attend in-person appointments or who prefer virtual meetings. Whether it's because of a busy work or family schedule, health issues, or distance, our online counselling services are available to support you

Face-to-face psychology sessions and telehealth sessions differ in several key ways, which affect therapeutic dynamics and accessibility. In-person sessions allow for richer non-verbal communication because therapists can observe body language, facial expressions, and subtle cues more effectively, fostering a deeper emotional connection (e.g., Norcross & Lambert, 2018). The physical presence of both the therapist and the client can enhance trust and rapport, especially for clients who value direct interaction (APA, 2020). However, face-to-face sessions may be less accessible for rural Australians, with 7 million people living outside major cities often facing travel barriers (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023).  

On the other hand, telehealth sessions offer greater convenience and flexibility, allowing access for individuals in remote areas or those with mobility issues, as seen with platforms like Beyond Blue. Telehealth can also help reduce stigma since clients may feel more comfortable discussing personal issues from the comfort of their own homes (e.g., Pierce et al., 2021). Nonetheless, telehealth may limit the detection of non-verbal cues due to the constraints of the screen, and technical issues like poor internet connectivity can disrupt sessions. While both formats are effective, the choice often depends on client preference, therapeutic goals, and logistical considerations, with hybrid models becoming increasingly popular in Australia

For a seamless online therapy session, we recommend taking 5-10 minutes beforehand to prepare. Ensure that your computer or phone’s microphone and video are working correctly and that you are seated comfortably and ready to engage without disturbance.

It’s important to note that there’s no need to feel pressured to prepare anything for your first session. However, if you find it beneficial, you may want to jot down specific points or topics you would like to discuss with your therapist.

If you’re a new customer, you can pay for your booking using a debit or credit card. For returning customers, there are more payment options available. You can authorise a direct debit or use the payment link on your invoice to pay online.

• Accessibility: Telehealth is a valuable way for clients across Australia, particularly those in rural and remote areas, to easily access mental health services without the need for travel. This aligns with our mission of providing accessible care.
• Convenience and Flexibility: Clients can schedule their sessions right from the comfort of their own homes, which saves them time and allows them to fit therapy into their busy lives more seamlessly.
• Reduced Travel Costs: Clients no longer need to travel, resulting in savings on transportation. 
• Comfort of Familiar Environment: Clients often feel more at ease in their own safe spaces, which can enhance their openness during sessions. 
• Reduced Stigma: Telehealth provides the privacy many clients appreciate, allowing them to avoid public visits to a psychology office. This is especially appealing for those, including men with mental health concerns, who may be hesitant about the stigma associated with seeking help.
• Comparable Effectiveness: Research shows that telehealth CBT is just as effective as in-person therapy for managing anxiety, depression, and ADHD. This ensures that clients receive quality care, no matter where they are.
• Digital Tool Integration: With telehealth platforms, sharing your CBT journal or emotion wheel is a breeze! You can easily share via screen-sharing or links, which enhances client engagement.
• Flexible Session Locations: Clients have the freedom to join sessions from various locations, whether that’s at home or work, which is super convenient compared to in-person sessions held at a fixed Orange office.
• Access for Mobility-Limited Clients: Clients with physical disabilities or transportation challenges can easily access therapy, supporting your inclusive mission.
• Environmental Adaptability: Clients can adjust their environments to suit their needs, whether that means finding a quiet room or using headphones to stay focused. This flexibility is a big improvement over the limitations of audio-only telephone sessions.
• Support for Rural Mental Health: Telehealth plays a vital role in addressing the mental health service shortages in Central West NSW, connecting the expertise of Orange to those in underserved areas.
• Continuity During Disruptions: Telehealth ensures that therapy can continue even during travel, illness, or lockdowns, helping clients maintain their CBT progress without being dependent on in-person visits.