Online Psychologists Australia

Online Psychologists Australia

• Is online treatment with a psychologist as good as face-to-face treatment?

  Yes, numerous peer-reviewed studies show that online therapy results in similar therapeutic outcomes as those gained from face-to-face therapy for mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.

  It’s best to find an online psychologist from a reputable platform such as Associated Counsellors & Psychologists so you know you’re connecting with a registered and pre-vetted mental health professional.

• Can I move between online and face-to-face sessions with a psychologist?

  Yes, Associated Counsellors & Psychologists can connect you with a suitable therapist who offers both online and in-person services near you.

  This is an excellent option for many people during these difficult times as getting to an in-person appointment may be harder than normal. Please get in touch and we will get back to you with recommendations.

• Can I consult a psychologist online in Australia?

  Yes, many psychologists in Australia offer online therapy, and accessing mental health support online is becoming more popular both here and worldwide.

  There’s a wealth of evidence showing that online therapy is as effective at treating certain mental health issues and conditions as in-person therapy. If you’d like to try online sessions with a psychologist to see if it suits you, please get in touch with us.

• Are online psychologists legitimate?

  Yes, psychologists who work with clients online are providing a legitimate service. Online psychologists are required to maintain the same level of training and practice standards as psychologists working face to face.

  Of course, as with anything online, there is the potential for people to misrepresent their skills or training. It’s always wise to check that the online psychologist you intend to work with is registered with a governing body here in Australia.

  Or access online psychologist services through a trusted network such as Associated Counsellors & Psychologists. All of the psychologists in our network are pre-vetted by us, so you can ensure you’re receiving quality mental health care from a licensed professional.

• Can virtual psychologists prescribe medication?

  No, psychologists are unable to prescribe medication, whether they’re working with a client virtually or in person. In Australia, as with many other places in the world, only medical doctors like General Practitioners and Psychiatrists can prescribe medication to treat or manage mental health conditions and issues

• Can an online psychologist diagnose me?

  Yes, psychologists can make a diagnosis of a mental health condition, whether they’re working with a client online or in face-to-face sessions. General practitioners may also diagnose certain mental health conditions (such as depression or anxiety) or they may refer their patients to a psychologist.

  It’s important to remember, though, that diagnosis is only one aspect of treatment. Some psychologists prefer to not diagnose unless their client wants a concrete opinion. The reason for this is to avoid potentially stigmatising labels, and also to prevent clients from seeing themselves as ‘ill.’

  For those clients who want a diagnosis to gain a concrete idea of the issue, psychologists working online or in-person can offer this.

• How much does an online psychologist cost?

  The cost of an online session with a psychologist starts from $180 with Associated Counsellors & Psychologists. A Medicare or health fund rebate may apply. Please contact us to find out more.

  Online sessions with a psychologist are priced very similarly to in-person sessions because the only difference is the setting, you still receive the same level of care and for the same duration per session.

• Do online psychologists in Australia bulk bill?

  Some psychologists offering online services may bulk bill, but as a general rule, it is increasingly difficult to access bulk billing for therapy with a psychologist in Australia.

  Associated Counsellors & Psychologists does not offer bulk billing at this time, however, we can arrange online therapy with a psychologist who offers Medicare rebates. You can find more information here.

• What’s the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?

  Therapist is an umbrella term that encompasses mental health professionals who work with clients, including counsellors and psychologists. While both are therapists, there are a few differences between the two.

  In Australia, accredited psychologists must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or Psychological Science and a Master’s degree or a PhD in Psychology. Accredited counsellors must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Counselling or an equivalent qualification.

  It’s important to note that the educational division as it relates to a therapist’s title (be it counsellor or psychologist) doesn’t always mean that the latter is more highly trained. There are plenty of counsellors who hold PhDs and just as many psychologists who hold a Master’s.

  Psychologists are also able to diagnose mental health conditions and disorders while counsellors do not. Often though, this isn’t of importance as many psychologists prefer to avoid diagnoses as they can be stigmatising.

  Counsellors can help with a broad variety of mental health challenges and are the first choice for many Australians seeking therapy. If you need a Medicare rebate, though, a psychologist is the best option.

• Do I need a referral for online psychology in Australia?

  No, you don’t need a referral to receive online therapy sessions from a psychologist in Australia. However, if you would like to receive a Medicare rebate for these sessions, you will need a referral from your general practitioner.

• If I see an online psychologist, does it go on my Medicare record?

  Only if you’re accessing a Medicare rebate for the online psychologist’s services. If you do not access a rebate and opt to pay the full cost privately, this will not be recorded on your Medicare record.

• Is seeing an online psychologist worth it?

  Yes, if you’re struggling with a mental health condition an online psychologist is a great way to get support. If you just need someone to talk to about a specific life challenge, or just want to talk through some feelings, a counsellor may be a better option.