What advantages does research show about seeing an online Psychologist in Australia?

Firstly, let's start by defining what is a Telehealth Psychologist?


Telehealth is a service delivered via video conference or phone to allow for a visual and audio link between the client and the Online Psychologist (usually within Australia). If you are seeing a Psychologist that is registered with the ‘Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency’ (AHPRA), this is usually within Australia. 

What does research show about seeing a Telehealth Psychologist that is usually available for Online consultations Australia wide? 

Research has supported that seeing a psychologist online is as effective as face-to-face therapy sessions. Yes, that is correct. Studies have found that therapy via phone or video connection is similar to in-person sessions with a Psychologist. 

In fact, up-to date findings have indicated that the outcomes of telepractice is similar to in-person delivery. The research specifically shows that the working alliance, commonly defined as the ‘therapeutic relationship’ between the client and psychologist, is adequately established in therapy delivered online (Backhaus et al., 2012). 

This is a common concern for a lot of clients as they believe the connection with the Psychologist will be stronger when in person. This is a misconception as research has found both modes of therapy to provide a similar working alliance or therapeutic relationship, we suggest give 1-2 session a go via telehealth to get a better feel if this is right for you. Sometimes individuals will assume that it is not the right mode, but find many benefits after the first 1-2 sessions, and decide to continue with this mode of therapy. 

Another interesting research finding was that seeing an Online Psychologist in Australia to be associated with good user satisfaction and to provide similar clinical outcomes to traditional face-to-face psychotherapy (Cook & Doyle, 2015).

A systematic review has also found that video conferencing technology, defined as audio and video information shared concurrently across geographical distances, was used and found to be effective in a variety of therapeutic formats and with a diverse range of populations. 

 

What benefits have been found around seeing an Online Psychologist in Australia?

Studies have gone further to suggest that some clients feel more comfortable seeing a Psychologist via telehealth due to the reduction of certain feelings such as shame and embarrassment, often triggered when discussing more challenging issues (Simpson & Read, 2014).

Two particular benefits at the moment to seeing a Psychologist via Telehealth include:

  1. Reducing the risk of spread with the COVID-19 virus: Our sessions are conducted via Telehealth, with an objective to help reduce the risk of spread at this uncertain time and to make sure we are putting your health first. Our role as Psychologists is to assess risk of harm to self, and others. With this in mind, we are implementing all measures to reduce risk to clients and psychologists, by reducing risk of being exposed to the virus.
  2. Discreet and Convenient: Our registered Psychologists provide flexibility and convenience to individuals unable to prioritize their own needs due to work long hours, shift work, childcare, busy lifestyles, geographical barriers, or just because they wish to remove the waiting room experience. Positive Wellbeing Psychology provides Telehealth or Online therapy with a Psychology within the comfort and confidential setting of your own home, office, hotel or hired space.

How can Positive Wellbeing Psychology help? 

Telehealth is a psychological therapy service available at Positive Wellbeing Psychology, delivered by a Psychologists in Melbourne Online and Australia wide. This service is delivered via video conference where both a visual and audio link have been established between a client and their psychologist. We consider all measures to ensure clients experience high quality video and audio for the clinical service being provided whilst meeting all privacy obligations.

Positive Wellbeing Psychology has also written a separate blog to explore important factors to consider when preparing a suitable telehealth setting for the clinical service being provided. You can read more via our blog on setting up for your telehealth session by clicking here.

Make an online enquiry with a Psychologist today:

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