Telehealth & Online Therapy: How can they help me?

Published at 31-03-2025 12:19:21

Tags: #ForParticipants

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth allows you to access consultations, assessments, and therapy sessions with healthcare professionals from the comfort of your home. It’s especially useful when in-person sessions aren’t feasible or convenient. Telehealth, also referred to as telepractice, online therapy, or remote therapy, ensures continuity of care between you and your healthcare provider, whether you need temporary or ongoing support.

In the NDIS, many therapists and allied health providers offer telehealth services, allowing for most assessments and capacity-building therapies to be delivered online.

How Telehealth Assessments Work

When you first meet with a healthcare professional through telehealth, they will conduct an assessment to understand how your disability affects your daily life. While in-person assessments are traditional, telehealth assessments are highly effective in most cases. The process typically involves detailed discussions with you, and possibly a family member or carer, and observing how you perform activities at home via video call.

Engaging in Telehealth Therapy Sessions

Telehealth therapy sessions can be highly effective with the right setup. Depending on your goals, your therapist may send you resources before the session to help you prepare. You might need assistive technology or help from a carer during the session to ensure smooth participation. Your therapist will guide you on how best to engage in these sessions, considering your goals, available support, and any potential limitations.

Allied Health Providers Offering Telehealth

Several therapists and services offer telehealth, including:

• Occupational Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Speech Pathologists
• Psychologists
• Positive Behaviour Support Specialists
• Exercise Physiologists
• Dietitians
• School Leaver Employment Support
• Employment-Related Assessment and Counselling

Not everyone will offer telehealth services, so make sure to double check with your provider beforehand or keep it in mind when browsing services if you would like this option.

Benefits of Telehealth Over Face-to-Face Therapy

Here’s why telehealth might be a great alternative to face-to-face therapy:

• Access Services Nationwide: You’re not limited by geography! Telehealth allows you to connect with therapists from across the country, giving you access to services that might not be available in your local area.
• Reduced Wait Times: Telehealth providers often have more availability compared to in-person services, allowing you to start therapy sooner without the long waitlist.
• Maximise Your NDIS Funding: Telehealth eliminates the need for travel fees, freeing up more of your funding for therapy sessions.
• Support for Parents and Carers: Telehealth allows carers to observe sessions, helping them learn strategies that they can continue practicing with the participant outside of therapy.
• Lower Risk of Illness: By staying home, you reduce the risk of infection from visiting clinics or having therapists visit your home.
• Greater Flexibility: Schedule therapy sessions at times that suit you, without worrying about travel or time spent in waiting rooms.

How Effective is Telehealth?

Research has shown that telehealth can be just as effective as in-person therapy for achieving your goals. Rather than waiting for local services with limited capacity, telehealth lets you begin working on your NDIS goals immediately.

What You Need to Get Started with Telehealth

To make the most of telehealth, you'll need:

• A computer, laptop, or tablet with a webcam, microphone, and speakers.
• A stable internet connection.
• A quiet, private space.
• Any reports or relevant documents shared with your therapist beforehand.

Setting up your equipment and space ahead of the session will ensure smooth participation.

Limitations of Telehealth for Certain Services

While telehealth is effective for most services, some interventions still require in-person support. For example:

• Complex assistive technology prescriptions (e.g., powered wheelchairs).
• Home modification assessments (complex or structural changes).
• Driving assessments.

In these cases, a combination of telehealth and in-person appointments may be necessary to achieve your goals.

Ready to Connect with a Telehealth Provider?

If you’re interested in trying telehealth or need help finding the right provider, our Expath team is here to help. We work with a wide range of telehealth service providers and can assist you in navigating the NDIS to find the right fit for your needs.