How To Find An Online Psychologist: Australia Mental Health Care Options

Making the decision to seek mental health support can be a positive step forward on your mental health journey. In Australia, there are many credentialed professionals offering psychological services both in-person and online, giving you various options to find a suitable provider for your needs. Online psychology sessions offer greater accessibility for individuals with busy lives. For many, online therapy is a convenient and effective way to discuss mental health struggles, navigate life’s challenges, improve mental well-being, and build skills for a healthier, happier future.

Below, we’ll discuss what a psychologist does and requirements for providing online psychology services in Australia. Then we’ll talk about what an online psychologist can help with, what happens during therapy sessions, benefits you might notice from therapy, and how to find an online psychologist who can help you meet your goals.

What is a psychologist?

According to the Victorian Department of Health, a psychologist is a type of health care professional who specializes in how people feel, behave, and react. Clinical psychologists can work in various settings and capacities, but many offer therapy, counseling, and other mental health services to diagnose mental health conditions, develop and implement individual treatment plans, and support the well-being of clients on an ongoing basis.

Who qualifies as an online psychologist: Australia requirements

In Australia, a psychologist is required to complete four years of Board-approved education in an accredited psychology program, plus either:

• An accredited higher degree, such as a Masters or Doctorate program
• An additional year of study and one year of supervised practice (plus a passing grade on the national psychology exam)

Although there are no additional requirements to become an online psychologist in Australia, there are several skills and qualities that can be beneficial to psychologists offering online therapy services, including:

• Technical skills, such as using the appropriate computer programs
• Written communication skills (in addition to verbal)
• Ability to find a suitable video conferencing solution

What mental health conditions can a psychologist help with?

Psychologists are trained to diagnose and treat various mental health conditions, symptoms, and challenges. Often, they can offer helpful strategies and evidence-based methods to help a client manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Mental health conditions and symptoms a psychologist can typically help with include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Trauma
• Eating disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Personality disorders
• Substance use disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

It can be important to note, however, that a person doesn’t need to be showing signs of a specific mental health condition to benefit from seeing a psychologist. Therapy can also help you navigate relationships, cope with change, work towards growth goals, and manage various other everyday challenges. For many, therapy is a long-term journey towards improved well-being.

What happens during a therapy session?

Therapy can look different for different people. However, in most cases, therapy can feel like a conversation.

A therapist might ask you about your life, your childhood, challenges you’re experiencing, and how different situations make you feel. You might discuss your goals and what you’re hoping to achieve by working with a psychologist. Then, you and your therapist can develop a personalized mental health care plan to help you address challenges and work toward your objectives. This might include evidence-based practices—such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—along with exercises, strategies, and reflections that can be incorporated both into sessions and throughout everyday life.

In-person vs. online therapy

In-person and online therapy sessions can feel very similar in content and cadence. In many cases, the primary difference will be the setting in which sessions take place. In-person sessions will generally require commuting to and from the psychologist’s office and attending therapy face-to-face. Online or telehealth therapy can typically be attended from anywhere with a phone signal or internet connection.

How does online psychology work in Australia?

Your online counseling sessions may depend on both the psychologist you work with and your own needs and preferences. Many online psychologists will offer video calls, allowing you to see each other’s faces and body language throughout sessions. However, some may find therapy via phone call to be more beneficial, either due to internet capabilities or comfort reasons. Some therapists may also offer messaging through text message or an app. It can be helpful to ask what methods of communication a psychologist offers or prefers before beginning sessions.

Each telehealth session will be personalized to meet the client’s needs. The first sessions may include taking a mental health history, goal setting, and getting to know each other. As your sessions continue, your therapist will continue to share insights and strategies to treat mental health symptoms, as well as coping skills to manage stress, while revisiting goals as needed. Telehealth services allow clients to connect with mental health professionals and receive the same high quality care as in-person sessions. 

Potential benefits of working with a psychologist

As discussed, a psychologist may help with a wide range of struggles and goals, offering evidence-based strategies to help you navigate challenges and overcome obstacles in healthy and effective ways. Below are several benefits you might notice after some time working with a psychologist, either in person or online.

Reduced mental health symptoms

Working with a psychologist can often help you manage and mitigate mental health symptoms that may be causing discomfort and/or are associated with mental illnesses. During sessions, your psychologist may ask how you’re feeling—such as stressed, anxious, sad, angry, or unmotivated—and work with you to develop specific strategies to reduce those symptoms and improve your overall well-being. Over time, you may notice a significant reduction in symptoms.

Stronger communication skills

Therapists can help you make sense of your feelings, identify sources of interpersonal frustration, and learn how to communicate your needs, emotions, and ideas in a clear, confident manner. Stronger communication skills can make various aspects of your life easier and less stressful.

Healthier relationships

Whether it’s regarding friendships, family dynamics, or intimate relationships, therapy can be a helpful tool in working through interpersonal troubles and building stronger, healthier connections with your loved ones. Although there are options for couples and family therapy too, individual therapy can also be beneficial for those looking to improve their relationships with those around them.

Improved coping mechanisms

Life can be full of challenges, changes, and nuanced situations. A psychologist doesn’t just help you navigate current difficulties, though—they can also prepare you to handle future challenges in a healthy way. By learning and implementing various coping strategies during sessions, you may notice an improvement in your ability to process other difficult situations and handle them with increased confidence.

Ongoing mental health care

In many cases, guidance from a psychologist can be beneficial beyond a present crisis or other stressful situation. In fact, many individuals use therapy as an ongoing strategy to help them achieve goals and maintain balance and happiness throughout their life. Working with a psychologist as a long-term form of mental health care can help you “keep a finger on the pulse” of your well-being, making it easier to notice changes in your mental health and implement strategies to manage them effectively.

When to see a psychologist: Life transitions and challenges

While many people will think of psychology as a treatment for mental health conditions, therapy can help with so much more. It provides ongoing support for managing change and maintaining mental health when navigating life’s challenges. Many seek therapy during times of stress or life transition, to help strengthen relationships, or for emotional overwhelm. Almost anyone can benefit from therapy at some point in their lives. 

How to find an online psychologist: Australia

Individuals in Australia who are looking to begin virtual therapy can explore a wide range of credentialed online psychologists. One method of finding a psychologist who offers online sessions is searching online for directories of credentialed providers. From there, you can research individual psychologists to find providers who specialize in your areas of need. Then, if they don’t specify on their website or online profile, you may need to reach out to determine whether they offer telehealth options.

The providers on BetterHelp may have various specialities, from specific mental health conditions to relationship challenges to substance misuse and more. After signing up and answering a few questions about yourself you can be matched with a therapist suited to your individual needs and then schedule a virtual meeting (via phone, video call, or live chat) at a time that works for you.

Booking your first appointment

To book an online appointment, simply visit the BetterHelp website…you only need a few details to get started. You’ll fill out an online questionnaire that will ask for information about your preferences and needs for a therapist, to offer the best match. Next, you will be set up with your first appointment during which your therapist will complete intake, assessment, and partner with you on setting goals for therapy. Booking your first appointment is the first step toward improving mental well-being. 

Choosing the right psychologist 

One of the key indicators of success in therapy is a strong therapeutic relationship between the therapist and client, so clients feel comfortable in a safe space for sharing their thoughts and feelings. Finding the right match is essential. There are a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches that may be successfully utilized, depending on your individual challenge and preferences, and you may find the right psychologist by asking yourself certain questions, such as:

• Would I feel more comfortable working with a man/woman? 
• What specialisation is best suited to my particular challenge? 
• Am I more comfortable working with someone who understands my life experience (for example, LBGTQ+, POC, indigenous)

Medicare Rebates and Accessing Telehealth Services

With a Medicare number and a GP referral, Australians can access Medicare rebates for psychological services. In addition, many online providers make it easy to access these benefits and receive rebates after each session, making mental health care accessible and affordable for many. 

How can online counselling benefit Australians?

Online counseling can be beneficial to Australians for a number of reasons. For example, Australians living in more rural areas may have difficulties finding a qualified local psychologist who is experienced in their areas of need and is currently accepting new clients. Online counseling can make it easier to find those qualified providers and meet with them more conveniently.

Additionally, online therapy tends to be a more affordable option for many, with pricing often comparable to the copays of typical Australian insurance plans, such as Medicare, non-public health insurance, and the national disability insurance scheme (NDIS). Please note, however, that both public and non-public health insurers can differ in copay pricing, so check your individual plan for specific cost comparisons.

Is online therapy effective for mental health care?

Research suggests that online therapy can often be just as effective for treating various mental health conditions as face-to-face methods. In this 2022 study, individuals engaging in online therapy reported reduced symptoms of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, interpersonal sensitivity, and anxiety.