Coronavirus COVID-19 Telehealth… Get remote support from home
COVID-19 Counselling
The outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19 has impacted people in varying ways across our community. It is understandable that during times like this, people may be feeling afraid, worried, anxious and overwhelmed by the constantly changing alerts and restrictions; the constant media coverage regarding the spread of the virus; as well as adjusting to the massive changes and restrictions to their normal daily life and a lot of uncertainty about the future.
During times like this, we often need some extra support to help us through. Even though we are having to navigate unprecedented factors such as social distancing, self-isolation, and quarantine, you are still able to seek counselling through the use of Telehealth Services.
Telehealth Services/Video Appointments
Telehealth services (i.e. phone or video appointments) allow you to access psychological services and counselling from your home during this period of social distancing, self-isolation, or enforced quarantine. This is a vital part of the strategy to ensure support is provided to our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Vitalise Psychology, we offer convenient, affordable, and confidential Telehealth therapy. All of our psychologists are set up to provide telehealth counselling services using a confidential video-conferencing program, which means that you will be able to see and hear your psychologist and they will also be able to see and hear you. The appointment is conducted like a face to face counselling session.
We are also able to offer telephone appointments if you would prefer, or do not have appropriate equipment for video-conference.
Click here for helpful tips to consider when preparing for your telehealth appointment.
Medicare for Telehealth Appointments
The Government has announced that all Australians are eligible to receive services under Medicare during the COVID-19 pandemic. This means you will have access to Medicare rebates for psychological services delivered via telehealth (i.e., video-conference or telephone). To access these sessions through Medicare you will need to have a current Mental Health Care Plan, which is provided by your GP.
Click here for more information about a GP Mental Health Care Plan.
Private Health for Telehealth Appointments
The majority of Australian health funds have agreed to provide coverage for teleconsultations provided by psychologists during the COVID-19 outbreak. Please contact your private health fund to find if you would be eligible for a rebate.
What if I’m not eligible for Medicare or a Private Health Rebate?
For clients that do not meet the Medicare eligibility criteria or have Private Health, we are offering a reduced concession rate for Telehealth appointments as we are aware of the difficult financial circumstances many clients are facing amid the current health crisis. Please contact us to discuss this option.
COVID-19: Tips and Strategies
- Maintain routines – While in isolation it is beneficial to plan out your days to maintain a sense of purpose and normality to your daily life. Schedule tasks such as cooking and laundry, as well as activities you enjoy to help you stick to your routine
- Stay connected – Positive social connections are essential for our mental health and can help us cope in times of stress. In the current crisis, we are being asked to distance ourselves from others, but it is important that we maintain our social networks, this might just mean looking for alternative methods of communicating or socialising. This can be as simple as phoning a friend to share your experience, using videoconferencing programs to experience more of , or spending quality time with the people you live with
- Manage your exposure to media coverage – as this can increase feelings of fear and anxiety. Be mindful of sources of information and ensure you are accessing good quality and accurate information
- Show compassion and kindness to one another – these times of fear, isolation (both physical and social) and uncertainty are when it is most important that we strengthen our sense of community by connecting with and supporting each other. Remind ourselves that we can manage this much better together in solidarity, than on our own
- Self-care – Where possible, stay connected with family and friends (even if not in person), stay physically active, eat nutritious foods, get quality sleep and avoid the use of alcohol and other drugs to cope with stress, practise relaxation, meditation and mindfulness
- Follow a “cautious yet calm” approach – ensure you are following directives issued by the government, medical advice and observe good hygiene habits. However, do your best to remain calm and be mindful not to contribute to the widespread panic that can hinder efforts to positively manage the outbreak.
- Seek additional support when needed – If you feel that the stress or anxiety you experience is getting too much, a psychologist may be able to help
Where else to go for support?
Lifeline – 13 11 14, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636, https://beyondblue.org.au
Kids Helpline – for children that may need support 1800 55 1800, https://kidshelpline.com.au