Telehealth Psychology: The Evidence Supports Online Therapy from Anywhere in Australia
Have you ever typed "telehealth psychologist near me" into Google while sitting in your car, during your lunch break, or maybe even from a country town with no local mental health services? You are not alone. Research suggests that more Australians than ever are turning to telehealth therapy for one big reason – because telehealth works.
Is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person Therapy?
This is a common and understandable question to ask before booking your first telehealth session — and the research offers a clear and reassuring answer.
A large body of research has found that online therapy (also known as teletherapy, e-therapy, on-line counseling) works just as well as seeing a psychologist in person. Studies looking at people with PTSD, depression, and anxiety have found that treatment delivered over telehealth gets basically the same results as face-to-face sessions (Krzyżaniak et al., 2024; Shaker et al., 2023). People also report similar improvements in mood and daily functioning either way, and are just as satisfied with, and committed to, their treatment.
Even the part that many people worry won't translate through a screen – the relationship with your therapist – holds up. Studies looking at how connected and supported people feel with their psychologist have found no real difference between video/phone sessions and in-person ones (Fernandez et al., 2021). Trust and empathy together with a genuine sense of connection can come through the screen, not just in the room.
Key Benefits of Telehealth Therapy
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For people in regional, rural, or remote parts of Australia, telehealth removes one of the biggest historical barriers to mental health support: geography. Research highlights telehealth can connect people in under-serviced areas with appropriately qualified psychologists, especially for more complex or specialised presentations that may otherwise require a long wait or a long drive.
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Telehealth allows you to schedule sessions at times that suit your lifestyle, without the added time, cost, or logistical stress of commuting, parking, or arranging carer or work coverage around travel.
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Secure, encrypted platforms mean you receive the same level of confidentiality and professional care as you would in one of our physical consulting rooms.
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Telehealth can be tailored to what feels most comfortable for you, which might be the visual connection of video (via Zoom or Teams) or a simple phone call. This is particularly helpful if you feel anxious about being on camera, or who simply have a poor internet connection on any given day.
Top Tips to Making the Most of Your Telehealth Session
Choose a private and comfortable space with minimal distractions and good lighting.
Select the right device: phones and tablets give you flexibility, while a laptop can allow for additional features like shared whiteboards and chat boxes.
Test your internet connection beforehand and keep your phone nearby as a backup in case of technical issues.
Limit interruptions from other people, pets, or household noise where possible so you can feel settled and present.
Telehealth Psychology, Wherever You Are
No matter where you are, telehealth therapy via telephone, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams allows you to access the same standard of evidence-based psychological care from anywhere across Australia.
If you've been putting off getting support because of distance, timing, or logistics, telehealth may be the flexible, effective option you've been looking for.
Most of Lakeside Rooms psychologists are happy to accept telehealth clients. Contact us today to learn more.
References
Shaker, A. A., Austin, S. F., Storebø, O. J., et al. (2023). Psychiatric Treatment Conducted via Telemedicine Versus In-Person Modality in PTSD, Mood Disorders, and Anxiety Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JMIR Mental Health, 10, e44790.
Krzyżaniak, N., Greenwood, H., Stewart, S., et al. (2024). Telehealth-delivered psychotherapy for anxiety: A meta-analysis. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 30(1), 45–56.
Fernandez, E., et al. (2021). Live psychotherapy by video versus in-person: A meta-analysis of efficacy and its relationship to types and targets of treatment.