FAQ
Are online psychologists any good?
Psychologists in Australia are held to the same high standards of professional practice by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), whether they are practicing online or face to face. This means that you can expect the same level of care with an online psychologist as you would expect seeing a psychologist in person.
Does online therapy work?
There is a research base showing that online therapy is equally as effective as face-to-face therapy for a variety of common psychological disorders. Whether a client prefers online or face-to-face therapy is down to the individual. Some people prefer to interact in person with their therapist, while others enjoy the convenience and ease of accessibility of online services, or find anxiety a barrier to attending face to face.
How does online therapy work?
Online therapy works in the same way as traditional, face-to-face therapy, but over video conferencing software such as Zoom, or over the phone. When video conferencing software is used, the therapist may use a virtual whiteboard to illustrate concepts to the client, much as they would with a physical whiteboard for in-person sessions. One advantage of a virtual whiteboard is the markers never dry out!
Does Medicare cover online therapy?
Medicare does cover online therapy as part of the Better Access Initiative. In late 2021, the Australian government committed to funding Telehealth sessions for psychological therapy for at least four years. Please note that Medicare rebates do not cover the full cost of sessions, and are only available to clients located within Australia who have a Mental Health Care Plan.
How do I get a Mental Health Care Plan?
In order to receive the Medicare rebate, you will require a Mental Health Care Plan (part of the federal government’s Better Access Initiative) from your GP. Your GP will ask some questions about your mental health, and then create a plan and accompanying referral to a psychologist for six sessions. After using these sessions, you are able to return to your GP for an update to your referral of an additional four sessions. 10 is the maximum number of sessions you can be rebated for in a calendar year. Please speak to your GP about Mental Health Care Plans prior to your first session.
Can I get therapy from outside of Australia?
Clients residing outside of Australia are welcome, however, will not be eligible for Medicare rebates. Unfortunately, Medicare requires that clients be located within Australia at the time the service is provided.
Do you take private insurance?
Yes, provided your private insurance covers psychological therapy. Private insurance companies vary (for example, some ask you to obtain a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP), so it’s best to speak to your insurer first to find out what their specific requirements are.
How much does online therapy cost?
At Deep Well Psychology, our rates are $240 for a 50-minute session. An additional 10 minutes will be spent on notes for your client file. A Medicare rebate of $137.05 is available for up to ten sessions per year for those who have a Mental Health Care Plan.
A limited number of places are available for those experiencing severe financial hardship (eg. asylum seekers, individuals with no income and no access to social security payments). Please contact us to discuss your situation and we will do our best to accommodate you.
How do I book with an online therapist?
To book an initial appointment at Deep Well Psychology, please fill out an intake form here.
