Telepsychology

Telepsychology refers to the provision of behavioural and/or mental healthcare services. At HelloDoc, our therapists, therefore, provide consultations to patients through modern and secure video platforms.

Telepsychology services have already been provided for several years and are becoming more common. Telepsychology can be a very attractive option for patients as well as therapists. Research and studies have reflected the effectiveness of telepsychology as being the same as face to face consultations.

It is recognised that face-to-face psychological services are often not accessible to certain people because of their geographic location, physical, medical or mental health condition/s or for other reasons.

Telepsychology also provides access to services for those who may not be able to travel to the clinic where face to face service are offered.

People who live in remote areas, who do not have access to a vehicle, who are physically challenged, fearful or who are unable to find child care services in order to travel to a clinic are examples of individuals who could also benefit from telepsychology.

Other benefits of telepsychology include:

• • Convenient access to quality mental healthcare
  • Flexible scheduling. Extended hours of service beyond regular office hours
  • Better access for people living in remote areas or areas that have limited mental health resources
  • Increased access for those with PTSD or agoraphobia – or for anyone who has difficulty attending an in-person consultation
  • More time for the patient to collect themselves and to think about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours outside of therapy

• Consultations by experienced Therapists
• Quick response. Appointments booked within 5 business days of receiving referrals
• Medicare rebates for eligible appointments with a small out of pocket cost (gap)
• Offering consultations at a low cost to private patients

To avail our telepsychology services, patients need:

• A referral letter (or mental healthcare plan MHCP) from a GP if eligible to claim Medicare rebate
• You or your GP sends it to us via email, fax or secure messaging. Email (referrals@hellodoc.com.au), FAX 03 9001 0712, or secure messaging (hellodoc).
• Our triage team reviews the referral and “match it” with one of our psychologists.
• We speak to you and discuss about making an appointment.
• You pay the fee before the appointment.
• A day before your appointment, we send you a text reminder and an email with video link for your video appointment.
• You attend your appointment with your psychologist and discuss ongoing therapy and plans

• Eligible patients may be able to claim a partial Medicare rebate.
• For non-Medicare card holders / private patients, telepsychology services can be accessed at a low cost. Please contact us for further information on 1300 959 942or admin@hellodoc.com.au.
• Some private healthcare funds may cover part of the telepsychology consultation costs. We suggest you speak to your private healthcare fund provider for further details.

Please ensure referrals are addressed to “Dear Therapist” and include the mental health care plan (MHCP).

Please note:

All referrals must include patient’s contact information, including phone number and email.

Please fax referrals to our office on 03 9001 0712 or email at referrals@hellodoc.com.au. You can also submit via Health Link (using code ‘hellodoc’) or can submit via Argus (using code ‘hellodoc_coreplus@argus.net.au’).

Our friendly admin team will contact the patient within 5 business days to book the appointment.

Please advise your patients to call us if they have not heard from us within 5 business days of sending the referral.