In light of the recent escalation to stage 4 restrictions – which strongly emphasise the requirement to reduce outside mobility and interpersonal contact, and to conduct work from home where it is possible to do so –
Psychology sessions during this lockdown period will shift to telehealth.
The escalation of restrictions, and continued high number of reported Covid positive cases, underscore an increased risk of community transmission, and as such it is becoming increasingly more difficult, impractical, and unsafe for psychologists and clients to meet in person at this time.
Many health professionals are currently utilising telehealth as a mode of engagement, and the feedback from psychologists and clients to date, suggest it to be an extremely effective alternative.
Telehealth sessions are conducted via online video platforms such as Zoom, Skype and Coviu – or via telephone if a preference for this is indicated.
The psychologists and clients who have conducted sessions via telehealth over the past few months feel that it is a highly effective and acceptable alternative to in-person consultation. Data have been collated and summarised by Nexus psychologist Amelia Twiss in this blog article:
Medicare rebates are available for psychology sessions with a valid Mental Healthcare plan
The Government will provide 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychology sessions for Victorians subjected to stage 4 restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This will allow a total of 20 psychology sessions to be Medicare rebated with a valid Mental Health Plan between now and 31 March 2021.
More information about rebates can be found on the link below
This is subject to the following conditions:
The current situation we are all facing is very difficult- there are a lot of things going on that are uncertain and out of our control.
In these times it can be good to focus on some of the things you can control like your breath.
We have link below of a recording of a short breathing exercise by Annette Marlow who is our Nexus Wellness coordinator.
Nexus has been offering remote mindful movement sessions via Zoom, facilitated by Nexus’
Wellness Coordinator and Mindful Meditation Teacher Annette Marlow.