How telehealth can support you

For several reasons, attending an in-person appointment with a health professional may not always be accessible. Telehealth is a service that allows you to attend an appointment via video conferencing no matter your circumstances.  

Whether you are located away from a Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre, unable to attend the appointment due to your health or you have limited time or resources, telehealth can make receiving support from a Mates4Mates clinician more convenient. 

Appointments with a Mates4Mates mental health therapist are available via telehealth, while services with a Mates4Mates physiotherapist or exercise physiologist are available via telehealth where eligible. 

The benefits of telehealth 

On top of removing the physical barriers of traveling to a centre to access services, telehealth can also contribute to making the therapeutic process more comfortable and easier. 

Some veterans may feel anxious attending a mental health service in person. Telehealth services can help reduce this concern by providing you with additional privacy as the appointment can be completed from the safety of your home. 

Feeling safe in your own space during the appointment can assist you to feel more relaxed and increase the likelihood of effective engagement with your therapist. This positive experience may better support the therapeutic relationship and therefore your overall health and wellbeing. 

In addition to this, if you find yourself away from home regularly, telehealth services can be useful to continue your treatment with your therapist while travelling. 

Telehealth myths vs. facts 

Myth: Telehealth is only suitable for minor issues and is not as effective as traditional therapy.  

Fact: Research indicates that telehealth can be as effective as in-person treatments for a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. There is also growing evidence for the success of telehealth treatment for PTSD and substance use.  

Myth: It is difficult to develop rapport with a therapist when using a telehealth platform.  

Fact: Most therapists are well-versed in providing therapy via telehealth and are skilled at developing a positive relationship with their client whether in-person or through telehealth. All clinicians at Mates4Mates are experienced at using telehealth through the Doxy.me platform and will be able to address any questions or concerns that you have about how the session will work ahead of time.  

Myth: There are different rules for privacy and confidentiality when using telehealth. 

Fact: The same privacy and confidentiality requirements apply for face-to-face and telehealth appointments. Your therapist will take notes in a telehealth appointment the same way they would in an in-person appointment, but your session will not be recorded. Major telehealth platforms, including Doxy.me, are very secure and designed to ensure confidentiality. 

Myth: Telehealth is difficult to access.  

Fact: When booked in for a telehealth appointment with a Mates4Mates clinician via the Doxy.me platform, you will be sent a link via email or text message which will take you directly to the site where you will speak to your clinician. This can be done through your smart phone, a tablet or a laptop. You can find a helpful video on how to use Doxy.me here. 

Myth: I need a special referral in order to book a telehealth appointment with a psychologist. 

Fact: Your referral from your GP or specialist to make an appointment with a psychologist can be used for either an in person or telehealth appointment; a special referral is not required. You can also opt to have some appointments in person and others via telehealth, if that’s more suitable for you. 

How to prepare for a telehealth appointment 

If you’ve booked in with your therapist for your first telehealth appointment, here are some helpful tips to consider before your session: 

• Ensure that you have access to a stable internet connection. 
• Find a comfortable location where you’re free from distractions. Treat the session as if you were attending in person and silence your other devices (e.g., your mobile phone, TV, etc.).  
• Ensure that you are safe, for example not driving, and somewhere where you won’t be disturbed by others (including other household members and children); outside is fine but a public location can present possible sound and privacy difficulties.  
• Make sure that your IT equipment (e.g., laptop, tablet, microphone, headset, camera) are all connected and working. Having a headset can help to maintain confidentiality.  
• Try to make sure your face is well lit before your session commences to help your therapist to better see you when you’re talking. 

Support at Mates4Mates  

Mates4Mates mental health team of clinicians includes psychologists, counsellors and social workers who can all provide support via telehealth. 

To book an appointment with a Mates4Mates psychologist, a referral from your GP will be first required. Referrals are not required for appointments with a Mates4Mates counsellor or social worker*. 

Once we receive your referral, if required, our team can schedule an appointment for you and provide you with instructions on accessing telehealth for your session. 

If you then have any further questions about your telehealth appointment, simply give our friendly admin staff a call and they will be able to assist. 

To find out more about how Mates4Mates can help support you, reach out to us on 1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat. 

 
Written by Clare Mitchell, Mates4Mates Clinical Program Manager and Psychologist 

 
*Mates4Mates can accept DVA referrals for social work services under some conditions (Medicare referrals aren’t accepted).