Telehealth Psychology

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Telehealth refers to health services received via video or telephone call. The benefits are obvious - convenience, comfort, and no geographical barriers; but does it work? Peacemaker Psychology uses video as the preferred option because this mode has been demonstrated as equally effective to in person services. A recent meta-analysis (a study which reviews the results of many studies together), reviewed 57 studies including different populations and clinical settings and found that videoconferencing technologies produced treatment outcomes equivalent to in-person interventions (Batastini et al., 2021).  

Research shows your psychologist doesn't have to be physically present with you to create positive outcomes. A major predictor of whether your therapy will be effective is the relationship between you and your psychologist. Many studies have shown it is at least as important, if not more important than the type of therapy used!  

Building a therapeutic relationship over video call relies on some conditions. 

• A device with a camera and microphone. Most smartphones, tablets, laptops, and computers have these in built. The device needs to be connected to reliable Internet. 
• Choose a quiet place and time where you will be uninterrupted and have complete privacy.
• Sit in a position with moderate light behind you. If the light is too bright your psychologist won't be able to see you. 
• Make yourself comfortable and have a drink and tissues nearby.  
• Consider using headphones if there is background noise out of your control.  
• It is not ok to record the session or have others attend without your psychologist's consent.
• When the call commences, reduce the size of your own picture or hide it completely. People can get distracted by their own image and mannerisms.   

 We use the latest telehealth technology, however if there are difficulties we have options.  

• In the event you are having trouble with working the picture or audio, your psychologist will use the text message function in the videoconferencing software to assist.
• If the connection is lost from our end, please allow a few minutes for us to attempt reconnection. If it is lost from your end we will wait for you to attempt to reconnect. 
• If reconnection is not established the psychologist will phone you and invite you to continue the session over the phone, or reschedule a video appointment. 

We use Cliniko, a provider specifically designed to meet the security and privacy concerns of health professionals. All video calls are secured with end-to-end encryption.

When your appointment is booked, you will receive an email with instructions on how to participate in the appointment. The email will have a link for you to click so you can join the session. More detailed help is available in the video call guide. 

1. Click on the book now link below to email the practice and request an appointment. Telehealth appointments are on a Monday and Tuesday. 
2. Once your appointment is made, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to join the appointment. Keep this email! If you don't receive an email, check your junk folder before contacting the practice.
3. For your first consultation, the confirmation email will include an online consent form for you to complete prior to the appointment. 
4. If booking your first consultation, and you have a GP referral and mental health plan, ask your GP to email your referral and mental health plan to peacemakerpsych@bigpond.com.
   If you have a hard copy, please scan as a pdf or take a clear photo of each page and email to peacemakerpsych@bigpond.com.
   You cannot receive a rebate unless the psychologist has this at the time of billing (at the end of your session). 
5. You will receive a reminder SMS message two days before the appointment.
6. The fee is payable at the end of your session. After an invoice is created, you will receive an SMS request for payment from Medipass. This invites you to enter your payment details.  
7. Eligible rebates are processed after payment is confirmed.