How does telehealth therapy work?

Telehealth therapy is the same as in-person therapy, the only difference being that it is conducted online. Research indicates there are no significant differences between therapy that is delivered via telehealth or in-person. Research has shown telehealth is effective for treating a wide range of conditions including but not limited to, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. We use Health Direct Video Call, which is a safe and secure videoconferencing service. You do not need special software on your phone or computer.

Telehealth may be right for you if:

You have a private and quiet space with stable internet connection or phone reception
You feel drawn to or comfortable with the Psychologist
If you have a busy schedule and reducing travel time makes therapy more accessible
If you live in rural or remote locations where access to psychological services are limited

Telehealth may not be for you if:

You do not have access to a computer or phone
You have unstable internet or phone reception
You experience significant and acute suicidal ideation
You think you will struggle to connect with the Psychologist online

How should I prepare for my first session?

Once you have scheduled an initial appointment, you will be sent paperwork and questionnaires to complete.

You may want to consider the following in preparation for your first appointment:

Is there a specific issue or problem that I would like to discuss with the Psychologist?
What are my goals for therapy (i.e., what do I want to get out of coming)?
Is there a particular treatment modality I am interested in or reluctant to try?
If I have past therapy experience, what have I found helpful and unhelpful in the past?

If you are unsure how to answer any of these questions, that’s okay! You and Isabella can work collaboratively to establish what you want or need and what is the best way to achieve your goals.

Ready to take the first step towards reclaiming control of your life? Contact Bella Vida Psychology today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment. We offer a free, no obligation, 15 minute phone call. Your journey towards improved mental health starts here. Reach out to us now – we're here to help.

What happens between scheduling an appointment and your first session?

Telehealth FAQs

You can schedule a telehealth appointment via email, phone call, or SMS using the following contact information: isabella@bellavidapsychology.com.au; 0494118141.
Once your appointment is made, you will be asked to complete an online client intake form. This collects demographic and identification information (e.g., name, date of birth, and address), referrer information (e.g., General Practitioner name and practice), and payment details. You will receive information about Bella Vida Psychology's cancellation policy and step by step instructions for using Health Direct Video Call (i.e., telehealth service).
You will be asked to provide contact information (i.e., name, phone number, and email) for one emergency contact.
At the beginning of your first session, Isabella will introduce herself and familiarise you with Health Direct Video Call. She will answer any questions you might have about telehealth. She will also explain what information is confidential in therapy and also the limits of confidentiality. The rest of the session will be spent on getting to know you and what you're looking for out of therapy.
After your appointment, full payment is automatically taken from your nominated credit or debit card. You will be supplied a copy of the paid invoice.
If your session is funded by a Mental Health Care Plan, you will automatically receive rebates into the bank account that is attached to your Medicare account. If your sessions are funded through Private Health Insurance, you can send the paid invoice to your Insurer to receive your benefit.
At the onset and throughout therapy, Isabella will be assessing if telehealth therapy is appropriate for you. If telehealth therapy is not appropriate, she will inform you and assist you to find more appropriate support.
Bella Vida Psychology uses Health Direct Video Call to facilitate telehealth sessions. Health Direct has a military grade level of security and does not store patient or call data, and the technology underpinning the service is developed and maintained in Australia.