Getting Ready for Online Therapy

Everything you need to know to feel confident and prepared for online therapy

What is Online Therapy or Telehealth?

Online Therapy, also called Telehealth or e-therapy, refers to psychological counselling conducted through an internet-based videoconferencing tool like Zoom. It allows you to access psychological services from the comfort of your home.

One of the benefits of Online Therapy is that it provides excellent flexibility and convenience to busy individuals or those who live far away from the psychologist’s consulting rooms. It removes barriers to accessing mental health services for those living in remote locations.

Research shows that Online Therapy can be an effective alternative or supplement to traditional in-person therapeutic methods (Barak et al., 2008; Richards and Vigano, 2013). It is, however, important to highlight that online therapy may not be appropriate or a suitable replacement for in-person therapy for certain people. You can discuss your specific needs with a psychologist to determine whether online therapy is a good fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is psychological treatment?

Sometimes referred to as ‘talking therapies’, effective evidence-based psychological methods are available for a range of issues, including work stress and burnout, relationship issues, life transitions, low self-esteem, depression, sleep difficulties, anxiety, grief, and trauma, among others. Psychological treatment can help people make long-lasting changes in their lives to cope better.

What is Online Therapy or Telehealth with a psychologist?

An Online Therapy or Telehealth session with a psychologist refers to a videoconference session between you and your psychologist using both a video and audio connection, allowing you to access therapy sessions from the comfort of your home. This is similar to how you connect with family, friends or business contacts using FaceTime, WhatsApp or Zoom. For clients unable to access video-conferencing technology, telephone sessions can be offered instead.

Are psychologist online therapy services effective?

Empirical studies [1] found that the use of videoconferencing technologies to deliver psychotherapy had similar outcomes to traditional face-to-face psychotherapy. Across these studies, online therapy services with a psychologist were delivered using different therapeutic approaches and for diverse client difficulties (e.g. trauma, mood, anxiety). Clients reported high satisfaction with online therapy services. When dissatisfaction was reported, it was primarily related to technical difficulties. However, these didn’t impact overall levels of satisfaction.

Do I need to be in a specific location for Online Therapy?

You will need access to a private space with no or minimal distractions to receive online therapy services from a psychologist. Choose a room that is quiet, where you can sit comfortably for the entire session, and where the door can be closed. 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 you wish to keep out of sight. Try to choose a location and time where your session cannot be overheard.

What equipment do I need to access online therapy with a psychologist?

You will need a device such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop to access online therapy services. Where possible, try to choose a laptop or desktop over a smartphone to take full advantage of software features such as whiteboards and file sharing. It also gives your psychologist 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 also need a reliable broadband internet connection, a camera, a microphone and speakers. We strongly recommend the use of headphones for privacy purposes and clearer communication throughout the online therapy session.

What about the privacy and security of my information during Telehealth?

During your online therapy sessions, it is important that you are able to ensure privacy and confidentiality at your end and protect against unauthorised access to your information. This includes practical considerations such as using a private electronic device, e.g. your own computer rather than a shared or work computer and keeping your device’s operating system, internet browser and anti-virus up-to-date to protect your data from malware. Information and education on how to protect privacy online can be found in the Australian Government’s Attorney-General’s Department booklet ‘Protecting yourself online: What everyone needs to know’.

Do I need to download any software or create an account to access online therapy?

Psychologists in Australia generally use Zoom or Coviu, an Australian video conferencing platform designed for health practitioners. With Coviu, you don’t need to download or install any software. Your psychologist will send you a link to access your online therapy session via your internet browser. Coviu does not store your details, and you don’t need to sign up. Please see Coviu’s Privacy and Security of Data for more information. With Zoom, you do not need to create a Zoom account for online therapy. You can participate in Zoom sessions without signing in and using your web browser if you prefer not to install the app. See Zoom’s Privacy Statement.

Can I test my device and internet connection before my Telehealth appointment using Coviu?

Yes, you can by simply clicking the button below. The test process includes checking your camera, microphone, browser and speakers as well as testing connectivity. The results will be presented with recommendations for troubleshooting any potential issues.

Run Coviu Precall Test

Tips to Get Ready for Online Therapy

Your guide to feeling prepared, connected, and supported in your online sessions.

Before Online Therapy

Allow plenty of time before your scheduled online psychologist appointment to set up the room where you will be during the session.
Ensure you have thoroughly read, completed and submitted the Online or Telehealth Consent Form in plenty of time before your session.
Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, and have some water handy.
Complete and submit any forms your psychologist may have requested.
Ensure there is good lighting in the room.
Set up your camera so that you are sitting squarely in front of the camera lens. Your psychologist may ask you to adjust your position so you can see each others’ faces clearly.
Ensure your device and internet connection are functioning ahead of the appointment time.
Ensure your device is fully charged and/or plugged in to avoid communication disruption due to devices running out of battery.
Set your mobile phone to silent and keep it nearby as your psychologist will call you if there are video connection issues. Turn off other distractions such as radio or television and ensure you are not interrupted by other people, children, phones ringing or visitors.

During Online Therapy

Try to look at the camera lens, not just the screen of your device.
Try to make hand movements visible so that communication can feel more natural.
Provide clear and accurate information to your psychologist regarding your location, at the commencement of your session so your psychologist can get you help if needed.
Discuss with your psychologist what will happen if there is an interruption to the session, including if technology fails or if someone walks in.
If technical issues arise during the session, remember to take a deep breath and don’t panic. Your psychologist will have your contact numbers so they can reach you on the phone.
Speak naturally and try to relax. You may need to speak more slowly than face-to-face.
Ensure no-one can overhear the session, and no-one else is present in the room without first seeking permission from your psychologist.
Be aware of the volume of your session and who else is in the house or office. Again, ensure no-one can overhear.

After Online Therapy

Consider having some brief quiet time when the online therapy appointment with your psychologist ends before returning to your day.
Protect any personal information contained in digital formats such as emails regarding your appointment, homework, handouts and anything you’ve downloaded from the online therapy session with your psychologist.
Take note of the contact emergency services numbers in case you need urgent assistance in between appointments. Check our Emergencies page for more information.

Online Therapy and Telehealth Resources

Online Therapy vs In-Person Therapy: Which Option is Better?

12/07/2023

Online Therapy: Medicare Funded Sessions Extended

28/04/2021

Getting Ready for Online Therapy with a Psychologist

31/03/2020

Make an Appointment

Send a request for Online Therapy with a Psychologist by completing the form below.

Sources:

[1] Videoconferencing psychotherapy: A systematic review. Psychological Services, 9(2), 111.

Mohr, D. C., Burns, M. N., Schueller, S. M., Clarke, G., & Klinkman, M. (2013). Behavioural intervention technologies: evidence review and recommendations for future research in mental health. General Hospital Psychiatry, 35(4), 332-338.

Norwood, C., Moghaddam, N., Malins, S., & Sabin-Farrell, R. (2018). Working alliance and outcome effectiveness in videoconferencing psychotherapy: a systematic review and non-inferiority meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy.

Simpson, S. G., & Reid, C. L. (2014). Therapeutic alliance in videoconferencing psychotherapy: A review. Australian Journal of Rural Health, 22(6), 280-299.