COVID-19 Update
As we progress and adapt to a COVID-normal life in Victoria, we want to let you know that we are open for in person appointments for the fully vaccinated at 412 Mt Alexander Road, Ascot Vale. Proof of vaccination will need to be sighted on arrival.
Telehealth sessions (phone or video) are still available for those that need it. Please contact us about your appointment if this applies to you.
We know people are experiencing a range of emotions in response to this pandemic, and we’re here to help and adjust to your needs whilst keeping everyone safe. We’ve got some excellent resources to help – with more coming in every day.
Below are some frequently asked questions about telehealth video conferencing sessions and phone sessions.
How do I book in for a telehealth session?
You can book in as normal by calling us or through our online booking page and requesting telehealth in the Appointment Notes section of the booking.
We will then contact you with further details to help you setup your session. We can also walk you through the process of video conferencing if you’d like some extra support with the IT side of things.
Do I get my regular Medicare rebate for a telehealth session?
Yes, Medicare will provide your usual rebate if you wish to utilise telehealth.
Will I need to download a program to access telehealth?
We’ll send you a link which you can either download the video conferencing program to use or you can use it directly in your browser. It’s very secure and has easy to follow steps to setup.
What if there is no privacy in my house?
A good tip is to jump in the car and use your phone for the telehealth session, you can even drive down the block to get away from your housemates.
Can I have a regular telephone session?
Yes, you sure can.
What equipment do I need to do video conferencing?
You’ll need a camera, which is built into most laptops (or if not available, an add-on webcam), and a microphone which is also usually built into most computers. You can also use your phone to connect via a browser if you do not have access to a computer.
Is it secure?
We use Microsoft Teams as our video conferencing software and it follows all security best practices and procedures such as service-level security through defense-in-depth, customer controls within the service, security hardening, and operational best practices. More information about Teams security can be found here.
It’s also a good idea to think about if anyone else at your location can hear the conversation and if you want to take steps to prevent that.
Do I need a Mental Health Care Plan from my GP to access the telehealth service?
No, you don’t need a care plan from your GP as we can privately bill your session and when things get a little less chaotic you’ll still be able to utilise a care plan to receive a Medicare rebate for up to 10 face-to-face sessions per year.
However, if you wish to receive a Medicare rebate you will need to provide a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.