Australian Telehealth Services Offering Counselling

With a severe shortage of mental health practitioners [1], challenges providing access to care in regional, rural, and remote areas [2], and almost half of Australians going through a mental health crisis at least once during their lives [1], digital mental health services have become an integral part of the solution [4]. If you are looking for quick access to counselling and have a phone or computer, there are now multiple free [5] and low-cost services that bring virtual mental health support to you, wherever you are in Australia [6]. Whether you are worried about the cost, distance, availability, or even the stigma of having counselling, digital mental care may hold the answer. Let’s take a look at your options.

There are quite a few providers that offer free assessments and courses you can sign up for, as well as individual counselling, though not scheduled sessions with the same practitioner. This is a great first option for you if you are nervous about reaching out, need urgent help, or don’t know whether you can commit to scheduled sessions with a counsellor. Here are some of the options:

• MindSpot Clinic is free as it’s funded by the Australian Government and has an online assessment as well as three levels of individual care. Habit change support can be delivered via SMS prompts to your phone over 4 weeks, brief teletherapy sessions over 4 weeks, or online courses over 8 weeks. It’s entirely free and you only need 10, 40, and under 1.5 hours weekly for each of the options.
• You may be familiar with the free 24/7 phone or chat support line Beyond Blue, which can be your go-to in an emergency. It now also offers a free online peer support community.
• If you’re aged between 12 and 25, the government’s Headspace initiative offers free online or phone support as well as group chats. While a lot of the support options are digital, there are also physical centres you can head to. It has a focus on topics like job search and study support, binge eating, anxiety, and depression, and also offers self-guided activities. (There is also a support kit for parents available.)
• Children and Teenagers (aged 8 – 17) with anxiety can get free access to The BRAVE Program, which uses Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy.
• For postnatal depression, MumMoodBooster gives access to six personalised online sessions, an online library, and a partner support website.
• Relationships Australia has several well-established programs, some of which have online options, including supporting families going through divorce, recovery from domestic violence, and many more. Some of these are entirely free, others require referrals by a GP or healthcare professional.

Mental health assessment and mental health care plans (MHCP) are available via multiple telehealth services featured on MediCompare, some of which also offer the first assessment for free or at a lower cost – via Medicare and gap fee, where applicable. If you do not qualify for the plan, you can also pay privately to have a session. For more information on Medicare’s plans and requirements, you can head to Medicare Mental Health [6], a free tool that can also point you in the direction of more providers. Here are a few to choose from:

• Premium telehealth provider PrimeMedic offers free after-hours (bulk-billed) mental health assessments, MHCPs, and bulk-billing telehealth psychologists.
• AbbyHealth is a bulk-billing telehealth provider offering assessments and MHCPs. The site refers to psychiatrists or psychologists.
• Qoctor, a telehealth provider, offers free MHCP assessments by one of their online doctors and can also refer you to providers delivering the counselling sessions.
• Medmate’s digital mental health support is comprehensive, including a free consult and access to online psychologists and bulk-billed MHCPs.
• Telehealth site MiDoc provides fully bulk-billed MHCP assessments and reviews via video calls 7 days a week between 8 am and 8 pm.
• Hola Health also offers bulk-billed assessments for MHCPs, but does hold $63 on your credit card, which is refunded post-consultation.

Whether you choose an entirely free service, one that offers bulk billing, or a private solution, digital mental health services often offer greater flexibility for your schedule, reduce wait times and the need to travel, may make you feel more comfortable, and can also provide greater privacy. Some providers offer a mix of self-led mental health solutions (starting from just 10 minutes weekly) with personalised sessions, meaning you can take it entirely in your own time and don’t have to add more stress by worrying about your availability and carving out time. One of the biggest positives of the free 24/7 helplines and live chat solutions is that they are there as a safety net when you may need it most – often, mental health crises are urgent and after hours. They provide you with expert care at your fingertips and can also point you in the direction of more sustained solutions.

MHCPs can be issued by your GP or a psychiatrist, as well as plenty of telehealth services, some of them specialising in mental health. It follows an assessment by the treating physician and opens up ten sessions with Medicare rebates. Having one of these plans in place can lead to a greater feeling of commitment and means there is greater accountability. You will be committed to a mental health practitioner, and they may also follow up on you. For some patients, this can make treatment more successful, as one-off sessions or self-led courses can lack an element of accountability and commitment.

Your plan makes you eligible for up to ten sessions with a registered psychologist per calendar year. Typically, the plan requires a review by your GP after six sessions to access the remaining four sessions. The Medicare rebate is currently between $87.24 and $145.25, depending on the type of practitioner who delivers the session. Before committing to a counsellor, check their fee if you are concerned about your out-of-pocket expenses. Some may waive them for those experiencing financial hardship or concession card holders. You can also check with your private health fund if it covers any of the costs.

If you’re in a crisis and need urgent help, please contact one of these free 24/7 services:

• Lifeline via 13 11 14 or online chat
• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or online chat
• Kids Helpline via 1800 283 147 or online chat

All information provided is researched independently and up-to-date at the time of posting. It does not constitute medical advice. You should always discuss your specific situation with your GP or a mental health practitioner. Medicare eligibility and bulk-billing depend on your personal circumstances. Please check all costs for services in advance with your chosen provider.

[1] https://psychology.org.au/insights/mental-health-crisis-driving-huge-demand-for-skill
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10552307/
[3] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41347-022-00271-5?fromPaywallRec=false
[4] https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-digital-mental-health-framework
[5] https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/digital-mental-health-services
[6] https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/