Mindful Psychology psychologists offer counselling Brisbane. However, during the coronavirus pandemic, we are pleased to offer therapeutic support via Telehealth, video or phone conferencing for clients in Brisbane and around Australia. For video / online counselling we use a secure version of video conferencing called HealthDirect (similar to Skype or Zoom) and we also provide phone counselling.
How phone counselling or video/online counselling sessions are conducted
If your appointment is via video / online conferencing, you will be sent an email invitation in advance to join the meeting. Shortly before the meeting time, simply click on the link in the email and you will be taken to the ‘waiting room’. When your therapist arrives, they will invite you to the meeting. With the HealthDirect platform that we use, you will not need to install any software.
Our reception team will happily assist you, if you have any problems with this.
If a phone consultation is scheduled, your therapist will phone you at the start of the session. Please ensure you have provided the number you prefer to be called on.
What to expect from phone or online counselling
We are pleased to offer therapeutic support via video or phone. As with face-to-face counselling sessions, your appointment will run for approximately 50 minutes.
Your psychology appointment will ensure you receive emotional and psychological support from a professional so that you can remain connected even during this time of isolation and heightened stress. As always, we will do our best to ensure that you feel heard and understood, and that you are equipped with the best tools and strategies to support your current needs.
We offer therapy for
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Personal and/or work-related stress
- Life adjustments and transitions
- Trauma, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and sexual abuse
- Grief counselling
- Pain management
- Grief and loss
- LGBTQIA
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Substance abuse and addictions
- Relationship Counselling or Marriage Counselling
- Sexual health counselling
As with face-to-face therapy, we will work together closely to identify and clarify your goals and priorities, and determine the best ways for you to move forwards. If you wish to participate in ongoing treatment, we will discuss frequency of sessions. All psychology treatment techniques are evidence-based and tailored to your needs, drawing on our expertise in:
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Mindfulness-based therapy
- Exposure and/or Schema Therapy
You can be assured of being treated non-judgmentally and with warmth, respect and acceptance. We will regularly review your progress to make sure we’re heading in the direction you want to be.
Where your therapist will be when they counsel you
Your therapist is a Brisbane psychologist or counsellor and will be located in a private and confidential room, either in their home or in the clinic. This will ensure they can focus solely on your discussion, without any interruption or possible breach of confidentiality.
Tips for choosing a good place for your Telehealth appointment
Please choose a time and place in your home where you will not be interrupted. Check your phone is turned to silent and that others in your household are aware you will be unavailable for the next 50 – 60 minutes. If you have children at home, try to ensure they are not in the same room to over-hear any sensitive discussions or emotional expression that may confuse or distress them.
Allow five to ten minutes at the end of your appointment to reflect on your session, to journal or write down your thoughts. This will help you to integrate the experience before you return to your daily life.
These tips are important to ensure that you gain maximum benefit from your consultation.
Medicare rebates for Telehealth sessions
If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP or psychiatrist, you will be entitled to a rebate, which we will process for you after the session. The Government has now approved Medicare rebates for Telehealth counselling sessions. You can find further information below, and additional details in the Referral and Fees section.
Other payment options for video or phone sessions
If you wish to undertake therapy via video or phone and do not have a Mental Health Care Plan, you can choose to pay privately, or you may have funding through an organisation such as NDIS or DVA, etc. If you have private health insurance, you may wish to check that your provider covers video or phone consultations.
If paying the full fee would prohibit you from attending, please talk to the reception staff or your therapist about how we can help. We prefer to charge a reduced fee if this is necessary, rather than deny you access to psychological support. However, please note that we have extremely limited capacity for bulk billing.
If you have any questions or concerns about Telehealth, video or phone counselling, please don’t hesitate to phone us on 3391 5833 and we will be happy to help.
