Telehealth and bulk billing are hot topics when it comes to psychology, and for good reason. Too often, people suffering from mental health issues do not receive the support they need. This can be due to a number of factors, including the cost of treatment and the lack of access to mental health professionals.
In this blog post, we will discuss two initiatives that are making it easier for people to access mental health support: bulk billing and telehealth in psychology.
What is telehealth and how does it work in psychology treatment sessions
Telehealth is the use of technology to deliver healthcare services remotely. This can be done via video conferencing, telephone calls, or even email. Telehealth has been shown to be an effective way to provide mental health services, and it is becoming increasingly popular as a way to deliver psychological care.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you are considering using telehealth for your psychological care. First, you will need to make sure that you have a good internet connection. Second, you will need to find a quiet place where you can talk without distractions. And finally, you should dress comfortably and in a way that makes you feel relaxed.
You can read more about how to best take advantage of telehealth for psychology sessions here.
How does bulk billing for telehealth work?
Bulk billing is a system where healthcare providers agree to provide services at a reduced rate, or even for free. This can be done in a number of ways, but the most common is for the provider to bill the Medicare system directly. In Australia for psychology, this involves accepting the medicare fee as the full cost of the session, leaving the individual with no out-of-pocket expenses.
Bulk billing is a great way to reduce the cost of psychological care, and it can make it more accessible for people who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
To bulk bill for your telehealth services, you will need to have a valid Medicare card. You will also need to have a Medicare Mental Health Care Plan if you want to access psychological services with Medicare subsidies or bulk-billed psychological services. You can read more about bulk-billed services here.
The benefits of using telehealth for psychology treatment.
There are a number of benefits to using telehealth for psychological treatment. First, it can be more convenient than traditional in-person appointments. You can see a psychologist from the comfort of your own home, and you don’t have to take time off work or arrange childcare. Second, it can be more affordable than in-person appointments. And finally, it can be more accessible, especially for people who live in rural or remote areas.
Telehealth can also increase the likelihood that your psychologist may be able to bulk bill the session – mainly as there are typically fewer costs associated with a telehealth appointment. Specifically, room or brick-and-mortar clinic fees.
How to make an appointment for a bulk-billed telehealth session with a psychologist
If you are interested in seeing a psychologist for a telehealth session, there are a few things you need to do. First, you need to find a psychologist who offers this service. You can search the Australian Psychological Society’s database of psychologists here. Alternatively, you can contact us today to arrange a bulk-billed psychology appointment with no wait time. We have team of psychologists who are able to provide telehealth services today!
Contact the team here to get started!