Therapy Near Me Mental Health Articles

Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or a loved one, our 24/7 Telehealth Psychology Services are here to offer a helping hand.

1. Our experienced psychologists have guaranteed immediate appointments available.
2. We are a Registered NDIS Provider and take on all NDIS participants, including NDIA managed.
3. Our NDIS session rate is 25% less than the recommended NDIS billing rate for psychology.
4. We treat all age groups and presentations.
5. Our 24/7 Telehealth service is available to everyone, anywhere in Australia, no matter how remote or time of day.
6. We also provide a home visit service for all metropolitan areas in capital cities around Australia, for NDIS participants.

How to get in touch

If you or your NDIS participant need immediate mental healthcare assistance, feel free to get in contact with us on 1800 NEAR ME – NDIS@therapynearme.com.au.

The advent of technology has revolutionised many aspects of our lives, including how we access mental health services. For individuals living with disabilities under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), online psychology services have emerged as a vital resource, offering accessibility, convenience, and flexibility. This article delves into the benefits and considerations of online NDIS psychology services, supported by scientific research and policy guidelines.

Telepsychology, or the provision of psychological services via telecommunication technologies, has gained prominence, particularly in the wake of global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Research has highlighted the effectiveness of telepsychology in delivering mental health services, with studies showing comparable outcomes to face-to-face therapy for a range of psychological issues (Andersson, G., & Titov, N., 2014, World Psychiatry). This mode of service delivery aligns with the NDIS’s commitment to providing accessible and participant-centred support.

Accessibility: Online services break down geographical barriers, making it easier for individuals in remote or rural areas to access qualified psychologists (Yellowlees, P., & Shore, J. H., 2018, American Journal of Psychiatry).

Flexibility: Telepsychology offers flexibility in scheduling, allowing participants to receive support at times that best suit their needs and lifestyle.

Comfort and Familiarity: Receiving therapy in the comfort of one’s own home can reduce anxiety and increase the willingness to engage in therapy, particularly for individuals with mobility issues or social anxiety (Baker, K., & Ray, M., 2011, Journal of Rehabilitation).

Reduced Stigma: The discretion afforded by online therapy can help mitigate the stigma associated with seeking mental health services, encouraging more individuals to access the support they need.

While online psychology services offer numerous benefits, there are considerations to bear in mind:

Technology Access and Literacy: Participants need reliable internet access and a basic understanding of technology to engage in online therapy effectively.

Privacy and Confidentiality: Ensuring secure and confidential communication channels is crucial to protect participants’ privacy (Luxton, D. D., et al., 2012, Professional Psychology: Research and Practice).

Therapeutic Relationship: Some argue that the therapeutic relationship might be different online, potentially impacting the therapy’s effectiveness. However, research suggests that strong therapeutic alliances can still be formed virtually (Berger, T., 2017, Current Opinion in Psychology).

Regulatory and Ethical Considerations: Online psychologists must adhere to professional and ethical guidelines, including those specific to telehealth and cross-jurisdictional practice.

The NDIS recognises the value of online psychological services, offering funding for telehealth under certain conditions to ensure participants have access to necessary supports. Participants and providers must work within the NDIS framework to ensure services are not only effective but also align with the scheme’s guidelines and policies.

Online NDIS psychology services represent a significant advancement in making mental health support more accessible and tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities. By leveraging technology, these services promise to overcome traditional barriers to care, ensuring that all NDIS participants can access the psychological support they need to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.

• Andersson, G., & Titov, N. (2014). Advantages and limitations of Internet-based interventions for common mental disorders. World Psychiatry.
• Yellowlees, P., & Shore, J. H. (2018). Telepsychiatry and Health Technologies: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals. American Journal of Psychiatry.
• Baker, K., & Ray, M. (2011). Personalisation and the role of occupational therapy. Journal of Rehabilitation.
• Luxton, D. D., et al. (2012). Best practices for Internet-based therapeutic services. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice.
• Berger, T. (2017). The therapeutic alliance in internet interventions: A narrative review and suggestions for future research. Current Opinion in Psychology.

How to get in touch

If you or your patient/NDIS clients need immediate mental healthcare assistance, feel free to get in contact with us on 1800 NEAR ME – admin@therapynearme.com.au.