Telehealth FAQ's
With the series of rolling lockdowns in Victoria, and across other states of Australia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, appointments have been moved to telehealth. People are often apprehensive about this change, with many reluctant to engage, instead opting to postpone treatment until a later time when they can attend an appointment in person.
The importance of continuity of care and the ongoing regular management of mental health challenges cannot be overemphasised. This can be achieved by attending your scheduled appointments, via telehealth. We thought we would take this opportunity to answer some frequently asked questions!
What is telehealth?
Simply put, Telehealth is when you attend your scheduled appointment over the phone or by video.
How does it work?
Phone appointments - if you have booked a phone appointment, we will contact you on the phone number you have provided, at the start of your appointment. If the call is cut off for some reason, we will call you back. Simples!
Video appointments - if you have booked a video appointment, we will email you a link from our practice management software (PowerDiary) prior to your appointment. When it is time for your appointment, you simply click on the link. This will take you to a waiting room where you will remain until your clinician lets you in. No downloads required; you simply click on the link. This can be done on any device with internet. If the video drops out, simply refresh your screen, and click on the link again! If there are major issues, your clinician will contact you to finish the appointment by phone.
I don’t like my camera being on.
That’s ok. We get it! Just point your camera at the wall or slightly away from you. That way we can still hear you, but you can still see us! Alternatively, you might find a phone appointment is a better option.
I don’t have a computer.
That’s ok! Video and phone appointments can both be done from your mobile phone device!
I don’t have a smart phone.
That’s ok too! We can do the appointment by phone.
I don’t have any internet at home.
That’s ok too. Not everyone has internet at home. Sometimes people do have internet but having so many people home at the one-time, means it is running slooooowly. A phone appointment would be the best solution here.
I have family at home and nowhere to talk privately.
We know this can be challenging, especially for those with young children. However, we do offer evening appointments that may suit these circumstances, so you can speak uninterrupted while the kiddies sleep! Alternatively, we have had many people do appointments in their car, in their backyard, in their shed/garage or while going for a walk to get their daily exercise. We have even had people hide in their wardrobe haha True story!) Connecting headphones to your device can also afford you some privacy so the discussion between you and your clinician can only be heard by you.
I’m still not sure it is for me…
We understand. It’s already difficult enough talking to someone about the problems you are facing without adding Telehealth into the mix. Perhaps you might want to try a shorter appointment for the first time to see how you feel. We find that once people have tried it the first time, they find it is actually ok and not as difficult as they thought. Who knows, you may be one of the people who end up preferring Telehealth over face-to-face appointments!
If you have any other questions, or would like to book an appointment, please give our friendly reception team at Progressive Psychology a call on 0477 798 932.
Rebecca Underwood is the Director and Principal Psychologist of Progressive Psychology.