How do I access my appointment?

When you make a booking you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment time and link. You will also receive a reminder text prior to the appointment. At the time of your appointment simply click on the link and you will be connected to your psychologist.

Is telehealth as effective as face to face?

Yes. Research suggests that telehealth is as effective as face to face for a variety of presentations. Here are some research articles, however you will find numerous with a simple internet search.

• Krzyżaniak, N., Greenwood, H., Scott, A. M., Peiris, R., Cardona, M., Clark, J., & Glasziou, P. (2021). The effectiveness of telehealth versus face-to face interventions for anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 1357633X2110537.
• Saul H; Cassidy S; Deeney B; Kwint J; Bisson J. (2023).  Online cognitive behavioural therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder is as effective as face-to-face therapy. BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 380, 266.
• Scott AM, Clark J, Greenwood H, et al. (2022). Telehealth v. face-to-face provision of care to patients with depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine. 52(14), 2852-2860.
• Lalor, I., Costello, C., O'Sullivan, M., Rice, C. and Collins, P. (2023).  Brief psychological interventions in face-to-face and telehealth formats: a comparison of outcomes in a naturalistic setting.  Mental Health Review Journal, 28(1), 82-92.
• Hedman-Lagerlöf E; Carlbring P; Svärdman F; Riper H; Cuijpers P; Andersson G. (2023). Therapist-supported Internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy yields similar effects as face-to-face therapy for psychiatric and somatic disorders: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.  World psychiatry: official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), 22(2), 305-314.

What do I need for my online therapy session?

You will need a secure internet connection and your device of choice (smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer). You can choose to use a webcam or headset, however these are not a requirement.

How do you maintain client confidentiality when working from home?

Our psychologists are bound by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) Code of Ethics. The code requires psychologists to safeguard the confidentiality of details discussed during their sessions.

At Therapy from Home we further safeguard your confidentiality by ensuring all of our psychologists have a private, confidential space in their home or chosen environment to conduct the online sessions.

The Department of Health also provides psychologists with checklists to ensure compliance with privacy obligations when using telehealth.

This is in addition to applicable Australian laws such as the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) of which our therapists abide.

How do I make payments for online therapy?

Medicare, DVA or self-funded appointments:  When you book online you will have the option to pay via credit card prior to your appointment.  You will also have the option of your therapist charging your card following the appointment.  Your Medicare or DVA rebate will be processed as soon as possible after your session.

Private Health Insurance – You will need to pay for the appointment either upon booking or at the time of the appointment.  You can then claim your rebate back from your private health fund.

Government Schemes (TAC, Worksafe, NDIS) - We will directly invoice your funding source.

What is your cancellation policy?

You will be asked for your credit card information when booking your appointment, however payment will not be taken until you have attended your appointment. There will be a 50% cancellation fee charged to your card if you cancel within 48 hours of the appointment time and an 80% cancellation fee if you cancel within 24 hours of the appointment time. If you are more than 20 minutes late you will be charged 80% of the fee and your appointment will be cancelled.

What should I do if my connection to my telehealth appointment drops out during my appointment?

If you experience any IT or internet difficulties during your session that cause you to lose connection, your psychologist will contact you via phone to continue the session. Ensure that you have your phone nearby and wait for their call. If there is an unexpected outage of both your device and your mobile phone Therapy from Home may offer a reschedule of appointment at the psychologist’s discretion.

What is the difference between a General Psychologist and a Clinical Psychologist?

General psychologists typically see people with a broad range of psychological issues, while clinical psychologists specialise in assessing and treating mental health disorders.