Telehealth sessions: 

How is Telehealth conducted?

We provide telehealth video consultations via Zoom, Skype, Face-Time, Messenger, or WhatsApp. We can also conduct sessions via phone call (voice only, no video) if you prefer. 

Does telehealth work as well as in-person sessions?

Yes. When comparing telehealth to in-person therapy, most studies find telehealth is as effective as in-person therapy, and may be superior in some cases (Krzyzaniak, 2021). Additionally, telehealth is as effective as in-person therapy in terms of client satisfaction and therapy relationship (Haydon et al., 2021).

Other advantages of telehealth:  

- Convenience to clients of not having to travel to consulting rooms for sessions. This avoids travel time and cost, waiting rooms, and allows clients to attend from wherever they want. 

- Greater flexibility in appointment times (e.g. after hours appointments). 

- By providing telehealth-only services, Dr Cathcart is able to charge substantially lower than the standard fee recommended by the Australian Psychological Society. 

Is Dr Cathcart experienced with telehealth?

Yes. Stuart has been consulting via telehealth for nearly 20 years. He was involved in the early development of telehealth practices for delivering mental health services to rural and regional communities.  

Are Medicare rebates available for telehealth?

Yes. Medicare rebates for telehealth consultations are the same as those for face-to-face consultations. Please see our Fees, Rebates, and Payments page for details. 

 

References. 

Haydon, H. M., Smith, A. C., Snoswell, C. L., Thomas, E. E., & Caffery, L. J. (2021). Addressing concerns and adapting psychological techniques for videoconsultations: a practical guide. Clinical Psychologist, 1-8.

Krzyzaniak, N., Greenwood, H., Scott, A. M., Peiris, R., Cardona, M., Clark, J., & Glasziou, P. (2021). The effectiveness of telehealth versus face-to face interventions for anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of telemedicine and telecare, 1357633X211053738.


On-site sessions.

On-site session are where Dr Cathcart comes to you. This could be a home visit, or at a place of your choosing, such as where you train or play sport, work place, etc. 

Some on-site sessions are eligible for Medicare rebates. Please see our Fees, Rebates, and Payments page for details. To be eligible, you must have a Mental Health Care Plan and your referral must indicate that you would benefit from sessions conducted outside of consulting rooms. Examples of reasons you may benefit from sessions conducted outside of consulting rooms could include:

  • You feel anxious of 'trapped' when in confined spaces.
  • You feel anxious in certain locations (e.g. sport or work locations) and exposure to these would be beneficial to your treatment (i.e. exposure therapy).
  • You have previously had negative experiences in office type settings. 
  • You are unable to attend consulting rooms. 
  • Any other reasons your GP considers that sessions outside of consulting rooms would be beneficial to your treatment.  

Please discuss with your GP if you are interested in being referred for sessions outside of consulting rooms and advise us of this when you contact Dr Cathcart.