Support For Anxiety, Depression, And Other Challenges Through E-Therapy Australia

Online mental health therapy, sometimes called e-therapy, has been around in various forms for decades. In Australia, digital mental health services have increased in popularity since they became available in the early 2000s. While early online programs for mental health were available at the beginning of this period, the shift towards wider adoption came with more widespread internet use over the years as well as the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, e-therapy can help individuals manage a wide range of mental health concerns, from low mood and anxiety disorders to depression and bipolar affective disorder. E-therapy can provide a connection to care for people who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to receive professional support.

Here, we’ll explore the rise of virtual therapy in Australia and some of the virtual therapy options available to Australians today. We’ll also discuss mental health conditions commonly addressed in online therapy, the potential benefits of online treatment, and tips for finding the right online therapist for you. 

What is e-therapy?

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines e-therapy as “an internet-based form of distance therapy” used to expand the availability of clinical services typically offered face-to-face. It encompasses a range of services, including online counseling, virtual therapy sessions, and digital mental health programs. 

The APA and other organizations provide guidelines for the practice of virtual therapy, including ethical considerations, client suitability, and the use of technology in delivering therapeutic services. These are typically in addition to the same education requirements and professional standards that in-person therapists must adhere to.

E-therapy platforms can connect users with mental health professionals who have the proper credentials and qualifications. These platforms often use algorithms to pair users with therapists who suit their needs and preferences, which can provide the foundation for an effective therapeutic connection. A professional team often works to ensure the platform provides quality care.

Types of online therapy

There are several formats available for users who want to attend therapy sessions online. The right option for you will depend on several factors, such as your needs, preferences, and therapist availability. 

With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, session format options include:

• Video: involves real-time video sessions for visual and audio interaction
• Phone: scheduled phone calls for voice-only communication
• Chat: instant back-and-forth text chat for the duration of a session 
• Messaging: asynchronous text-based messaging with your therapist between sessions

Who can benefit from e-therapy?

E-therapy can be a convenient option for teenagers, their parents, and adults living with mental health challenges like the effects of trauma, low mood, bipolar affective disorder, anxiety disorders, and more. Flexible online sessions can support busy individuals and parents of teens at times that work for their schedules.

Why online-delivered mental health support is growing in popularity 

Digital mental health services have seen a rapid increase in popularity in Australia, driven by a combination of factors. The rising rates of mental health challenges worldwide—including in Australia—is a primary one. Between 2020 and 2022, the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing found that 42.9% of people aged 16–85 years had experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life, and 38.8% of people aged 16–24 years had a 12+ month mental disorder. 

Additionally, an overall rise in use of digital technology as well as growing public awareness of mental health challenges in general may be contributing to the growth of this treatment format. 

Anxiety, depression, and more: common conditions that may be treated via e-therapy in Australia

Online therapy can be a helpful tool for managing a wide range of mental health challenges and symptoms, including but not limited to:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other effects of trauma
• Panic disorder 
• Eating disorders
• Phobias
• Bipolar affective disorder

That said, keep in mind that while talk therapy—including online therapy—is typically the first-line approach for treating conditions like the above, a person doesn’t need to be showing signs of a mental illness in order to potentially benefit from it. A therapist can also help guide a person through concerns like relationship challenges, low self-esteem, major life changes, high stress levels, and more. Therapy can give individuals a sense of being heard and understood while also providing concrete guidance to move forward with emotional regulation skills and coping strategies.

When e-therapy in Australia may not be appropriate

More severe conditions like schizophrenia spectrum disorders, psychosis, and severe depression may require more structured and intensive support than online therapy can provide. In addition, if a person is in crisis, experiencing a mental health emergency, or thinking of harming themselves or others, online therapy will not be sufficient and in-person intervention will usually be needed. 

Additionally, not all virtual therapy platforms offer diagnostic and medication prescription services. In some cases, individuals may be able to receive a diagnosis and prescription, if necessary, from a mental health professional in person, then attend regular therapy sessions with an online counselor. 

Common internet-delivered therapeutic methods used by mental health professionals 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based therapies, psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and exposure therapy are a few examples of the treatments mental health professionals may deliver using online platforms. While some therapies, such as art and somatic therapies, might rely more on face-to-face interaction, many other approaches like those listed above can be easily adapted for virtual delivery.

Doing so may help individuals learn healthier coping strategies, emotional regulation, and other important skills. Mental health professionals using CBT might also assign “homework” for individuals to complete between sessions, such as reflective journaling, mindfulness techniques, self-help strategies, and goal tracking. 

Free or low-cost online therapy options in Australia

Online therapy programs in Australia may vary in their focus, features, and availability. For example, some platforms take non-public health insurance while others don’t. Some offer prescription services while others exclusively offer talk therapy. There may also be services designed specifically for children, couples, or families, individuals from diverse populations like those in the LGBTQ+ community or specific Indigenous communities, or other groups. 

A few examples of the many free or low-cost online therapy programs in Australia include: 

• MindSpot: a free service funded by the Australian government offering online and telephone assessment and treatment services for adults
• Beyond Blue: offers 24/7 support, including phone and online chat, for anyone experiencing anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts
• Kids Helpline: provides 24/7 free support for children and young people aged five to 25
• QLife: provides free telephone and online support for LGBTQ+ individuals
• MensLine Australia: offers free support for men via phone and online chat

Costs, Medicare rebates, and health insurance

Australians may be able to use a Medicare rebate to cover the cost of mental health treatment plans, which typically include up to 10 individual sessions with a mental health professional each calendar year. Individuals generally need a referral from their doctor or psychiatrist to start a mental health treatment plan. People with non-public health insurance may be able to claim sessions through their insurance plans as well.

The Australian government’s Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing offers further information about eligibility for Medicare rebates. Both in-person and telehealth sessions may be part of qualifying mental health treatment plans.

Other options for e-therapy platforms in Australia

Several other online platforms offer mental health services in Australia, providing a way to connect with psychologists, therapists, and various mental health resources—often through telehealth (online video or phone sessions) or self-guided programs. Some platforms focus on specific areas like anxiety, depression, or eating disorders, while others offer broader support. 

Platforms like BetterHelp have global reach, with a large therapist network and significant user bases. There may also be Australia-specific platforms and services available.

Potential benefits of online therapy for Australian users

Online therapy offers many potential benefits for people in Australia. For example, it reduces or removes geographical barriers, allowing individuals in remote or rural areas to receive certain types of care more easily. Online platforms also tend to offer greater flexibility in scheduling appointments, allowing users to choose times that fit their schedule. 

Additionally, online therapy enables individuals to participate in evidence-based sessions from the comfort of their own home or another preferred space. Platforms like BetterHelp also offer a broader pool of available therapists with diverse specialties, increasing your likelihood of finding the right fit. For some, online treatment through a platform like BetterHelp can also be more affordable than traditional care without insurance, and BetterHelp may also offer financial assistance to qualifying applicants. 

Mental health stigma and online therapy

Research reveals that mental health stigma is prevalent. An estimated 84% of Australians with mental health challenges report encounters with stigma, such as judgment or criticism. Online therapy may offer a solution to this common barrier to treatment, since it allows individuals to attend sessions from the comfort of their home, which might make it easier to seek help without fear of judgment or social stigma. For those who experience social anxiety or have difficulty in social situations, online therapy may also provide a less intimidating environment, potentially making it easier to engage in treatment and address mental health concerns.

Does online therapy work?

For example, a systematic review of a randomised controlled trial set published in The Journal of Medical Internet Research notes no significant differences in symptom-severity outcomes between telehealth and traditional face-to-face care. 

Some studies have also suggested that patients in online therapy groups may be more likely to adhere to their treatment plan compared to those in conventional therapy, possibly due to the convenience and flexibility often associated with online care. 

Things to consider when choosing an online therapist 

There are a few key factors to consider when choosing an online therapist, beginning with registration and accreditation. In Australia, psychologists must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to practice. (You can verify their credentials on AHPRA's website.) 

In addition, you might look for a therapist specializing in your specific area of concern and consider their experience in providing online therapy for your particular needs. Additionally, your comfort level and the therapist’s personality are important, as research repeatedly suggests that a strong therapeutic alliance tends to be a significant predictor of positive treatment outcomes. Try to choose a therapist you feel comfortable with and trust. Most counselors offer free consultations to develop rapport and assess compatibility before you commit to more sessions.

Matching with mental health professionals on BetterHelp for depression, anxiety, and more 

If you choose to use a platform like BetterHelp, you may find it easier to connect with the right provider for you. Upon signing up, you’ll be asked to fill out a brief questionnaire about your needs and preferences in a therapist, and you’ll then be matched accordingly. If your first therapist isn't a match, you can switch providers at any time for no additional cost.

Inclusive mental health support

Also keep in mind that cultural competence can play a significant role in the therapeutic alliance. Culturally competent practitioners who understand and respect clients of all backgrounds are often more effective because they tend to have training in how to build rapport and trust with diverse clients. Culturally competent care may also boost therapeutic outcomes through more accurate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment interventions.