Tips for Telehealth
Hack making the most of telehealth psychology appointments.
Living in the modern world Telehealth has become an amazing way for everyone to access health care amongst their busy life and also gives people freedom to chose health professional from all over Australia! Technology is amazing!
Telehealth is a (preferably) a videocall between you and your therapist so you can still see, hear and interact with them like you would in person.
Benefits of using telehealth:
Accessibility: Telehealth removes geographical barriers, allowing individuals in remote or underserved areas to access mental health services.
Convenience: Patients can attend sessions from the comfort of their home, reducing travel time and associated costs.
Flexibility: Telehealth often offers more flexible scheduling options, making it easier to fit therapy into a busy lifestyle.
Reduced Stigma: Receiving therapy at home can help reduce the stigma associated with visiting a mental health clinic.
Safety and Comfort: Telehealth provides a safe alternative to in-person visits if your mental health or health is barrier for leaving the house. It also allows patients to be in a familiar and comfortable environment during sessions.
Continuity of Care: Telehealth ensures continuous access to mental health services even when patients cannot attend in person due to illness, travel, or other reasons.
Tips for using telehealth:
Despite this, I hear people nervous that their service will feel different by not being in the same room as their therapist or health provider. Below I have outlined some tips on make the most of your time in session and ensure you are still feeling the connection that is so important with your therapist.
Allow plenty of time before your scheduled Telehealth appointment, to set up the room where you will be during the session.
You will need a device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Where possible, try to choose a laptop or desktop over a smartphone to take full advantage of Telehealth. It also gives the option to call you on your mobile, while keeping the video and muting the sound on the other device, should there be any issues with the sound.
You will need a reliable broadband internet connection. I strongly recommend the use of headphones for privacy purposes and clearer communication. Check your device is fully charged and/or plugged to avoid communication disruption due to devices running out of battery.
You will need access to a private space with no or minimal distractions. Choose a room that is quiet, where you can sit comfortably for the entire session and the door can be closed. It is best if you are not holding the device that you are using as it keeps the video steady. Ensure there is good lighting in the room. Take notice of the background being shown on the screen to protect your privacy. Ensure the background is suitable and appropriate, such as a bookcase and remove any items that you do not wish to have viewed. Try to choose a location and time where your session cannot be overheard.
Use headphones and have your laptop/smart phone sitting in front of you. I find this helps with breaking down the barrier of the screen and helps you feel connected with the therapist.
Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and have some water handy. Tissues can also be handy
To view Maddison’s telehealth availability click here.
Maddison’s telehealth appointments are facilitated using a secure video call inside your web browser. It's end-to-end encrypted and specifically designed for use in clinical settings. You will receive a personal client link by email before your appointment so you can access the telehealth appointment and not waste any of your allocated appointment time.
A note from Maddison: I find telehealth so beneficial and I have seen this be a great way to overcome the barrier of anxiety about coming to a psychologist office and is a way that I can meet people all across Australia. If you have any more questions about telehealth or therapy you can book a discovery call on the client portal or send me an email. I look forward to talking to you soon.
