Telehealth vs In-Person Psychology: Which Is Right for You?

Reaching out for mental health support is a significant step towards mental wellbeing. When searching your options, there often comes the question: should you book a telehealth psychology session from your home, or drive to a psychologist's office in Canberra for face-to-face support?

Both telehealth psychology and traditional in-person sessions can be highly effective and therapeutic. Understanding the differences can help you choose the option that fits your life, your preferences, and your mental health needs.

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What Telehealth Psychology Actually Is (And What It Isn't)

Telehealth psychology isn't a watered-down version of "real" therapy. It's the same evidence-based treatment you'd receive in person, just delivered through a confidential, secure video platform instead of face-to-face.

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What telehealth psychology involves:

• Live video sessions with a psychologist

• The same therapeutic approaches (e.g., CBT, ACT, DBT)

• Confidential, secure video platforms that meet Australian privacy standards

• Access to Medicare rebates and private health insurance (same as in-person)

• Full clinical assessments, treatment plans, and ongoing support

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What it's not:

• A chatbot or AI therapy app

• Text-based counselling

• Less professional or less effective than face-to-face sessions

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The Research: Is Online vs In-Person Therapy Really Effective?

There is reassuring research on the effectiveness of telehealth psychology session compared to traditional in-person therapy.

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research concluded that telehealth is as effective as face-to-face psychological care in reducing symptom severity and improving client functioning and satisfaction.

The review included clients presenting with a range of clinical disorders and evaluated multiple treatment modalities, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT; Greenwood et al., 2022). These findings are consistent with other studies demonstrating no significant differences in symptom reduction or improvements in quality of life in clients receiving online versus in-person therapy for depressive disorders (Bulkes et al., 2022) and anxiety disorders (Krzyaniak et al., 2024). ‍

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Benefits of In-Person Psychology: When Face-to-Face Matters

There's something powerful about sharing physical space with another person. For many people, in-person sessions offer unique advantages that shouldn't be overlooked.

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‍In-person psychology works especially well when:

• You're dealing with complex trauma that benefits from the safety of a contained physical space

• Non-verbal communication and body language are important to your therapeutic process

• You find it easier to open up and feel connected in person

• You prefer clear boundaries between your therapy space and your home/work environment

• You're working through issues where physical presence feels grounding

• You value the ritual of traveling to appointments as part of your self-care routine

For those living in the ACT, or anyone in the surrounding rural areas in NSW, attending in-person psychology Canberra can also provide a dedicated space away from daily distractions. ‍

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Benefits of Telehealth: Accessibility, Convenience, and Continuity

Telehealth psychology has opened doors for people who previously struggled to access mental health support. The flexibility it offers can be genuinely life changing.

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Telehealth psychology shines when:

• You live in rural or regional Australia with limited access to specialists

• You have mobility issues, chronic illness, or disabilities that make travel difficult

• You're juggling work, caring responsibilities, or a packed schedule

• You want to maintain continuity of care while traveling or relocating

• Weather, transport, or parking make in-person sessions stressful

• You feel more comfortable and relaxed in your own environment

• You're managing social anxiety and feel safer connecting from your safe space

The ability to log on from anywhere in Australia means you can access telehealth psychology without geographic limitations. ‍

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The Hybrid Option: Mixing Both Approaches

What about having the best of both worlds? You're not locked into one format forever. Many of our clients use a hybrid approach, combining both telehealth psychology and in-person psychology in Canberra based on their changing needs.

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How a hybrid approach might look:

• Starting with in-person sessions to build rapport, then switching to telehealth for convenience

• Attending most sessions via telehealth but coming in-person for more intensive work

• Using telehealth during busy periods and returning to the Canberra office when schedules allow

• Maintaining sessions while traveling through telehealth, then resuming face-to-face care

This flexibility can be especially helpful when life circumstances change or during different phases of your therapeutic journey. ‍

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Decision-Making Checklist: Which Option Suits You?

Still unsure? Ask yourself these questions:

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Consider telehealth if:

✓ You have reliable internet and a private space for sessions

✓ Convenience and flexibility are priorities

✓ You live outside Canberra or have limited mobility

✓ You feel comfortable with video technology

✓ Travel time or parking stress would impact your consistency

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Consider in-person if:

✓ You prefer face-to-face interaction for deeper connection

✓ You live in or near Canberra / the ACT.

✓ You want physical separation between therapy and home/work

✓ You find it easier to focus without home distractions

✓ You value the ritual of attending appointments in person

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The truth is, there's no wrong choice. Both online vs in-person therapy can be transformative when you find the right psychologist and commit to the process.

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Making Your Choice at Zed3 Psychology

At Zed3 Psychology, we offer both telehealth and in-person psychology services because we understand that one size doesn't fit all.

What matters most isn't whether you're sitting in our Canberra office or connecting from your living room - it's that you feel supported, understood, and empowered to work toward your goals.

Our psychologists provide evidence-based treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions and life challenges, from children and youths to adults. Each condition is addressed with personalised care plans drawing on proven therapeutic approaches.

The best therapy is the therapy you'll actually attend. So, whether that means booking a telehealth session from the comfort of home or visiting us in person in Canberra, we're here to meet you where you are. ‍

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

We’re here to support you. Here’s what to do next:

1. Obtain a valid referral from your GP or specialist

2. Submit the referral via email to reception@zed3.com.au  

3. Our admin team will review and contact you to schedule your appointment.  ‍

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is telehealth psychology as effective as in-person therapy?

Yes. Research consistently shows that telehealth psychology delivers comparable outcomes to face-to-face sessions for most mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Can I claim Medicare rebates for telehealth psychology sessions?

Absolutely. Telehealth psychology sessions are eligible for the same Medicare rebates as in-person appointments under a valid Mental Health Care Plan.

What technology do I need for telehealth sessions?

You'll need a device with a camera and microphone (smartphone, tablet, or computer), a stable internet connection, and a private space where you can talk freely.

Can I switch between telehealth and in-person sessions?

Yes. Many clients use a hybrid approach, attending some sessions via telehealth and others in person at our Bruce, Canberra location based on their schedule and needs.

Is telehealth psychology available across all of Australia?

Yes. We provide telehealth services to clients throughout Australia, not just in Canberra, making quality mental health care accessible wherever you are.

How do I know which option is right for me?

Consider your personal preferences, location, schedule, and what environment helps you feel most comfortable opening up. You can also discuss this with your psychologist during your initial consultation.

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To learn more, please visit our Mental Health Services page.