ACCESSING PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES VIA TELEHEALTH
Since early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Federal Government has allowed psychologists to conduct their Medicare subsidised sessions via telehealth (video or phone). To access telehealth consultations clients will first need to arrange and discuss suitability with their treating psychologist.
Telehealth services may be used where the client is located too far away from the Transform Psychology clinic to access the face-to-face service. They can also be used where the client may have other access issues, such as in cases where the client has issues of illness, injury, disability and/or financial or transportation hardship.
Clients may be able to engage in a hybrid model of treatment, that is, accessing some of their course of treatment face-to-face and some via telehealth. Specific arrangements need to be discussed with and deemed suitable by the treating psychologist.
Clients using telehealth options will need access to a quiet, private space; and the appropriate device, i.e. smartphone, laptop, iPad or a computer, with a camera, microphone and speakers; and a reliable broadband internet connection.
The same fees apply for telehealth as for face-to-face psychology consults. Wherever is possible, initial consultations and psychological assessments should be conducted face-to-face. The psychologist has a right to review the suitability of the provision of psychology services through telehealth at any time, in order to practice according to the Health and Medicare Regulations.
Telehealth privacy and security
Transform Psychology uses a video link through its client management software provider, Powerdiary. Powerdiary has developed a video meeting platform using native WebRTC technology that ensures that the video data does not pass through any third-party servers. This technology uses end-to-end encryption with a peer-to-peer connection. It is secure and compliant with all health standards; for online security and encryption (including HIPAA).
Limitations of telehealth
The privacy of any form of communication via the internet is potentially vulnerable and limited by the security of the technology used. A telehealth consultation may be subject to limitations such as an unstable network connection which may affect the quality of the psychology session. In addition, sometimes there are situations and clients issues for which telehealth is not appropriate or effective. Your psychologist will consider and discuss with you the appropriateness of ongoing telehealth sessions.
Consent to receive psychological services by telehealth
Before your first telehealth consultation, and after your first appointment has been scheduled, you will be provided with more detailed information about linking to the telehealth service, and about your rights and privacy (including about what happens in circumstances where the psychologist is concerned about your welfare and is unable to contact your provided contact).