Purpose

Ballarat Women's Psychology is committed to providing accessible, flexible, and high-quality psychological care. Telehealth appointments allow eligible clients to access psychological services remotely using secure video conferencing technology.

This policy outlines how telehealth appointments are conducted, the responsibilities of both the client and psychologist, and important information regarding privacy, confidentiality, and safety.

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth appointments are psychological consultations conducted via secure video conferencing rather than in person.

Telehealth provides clients with greater flexibility and access to care, particularly for those who:

• Live in rural or regional areas

• Are unable to attend the clinic due to illness, disability, caring responsibilities, or travel

• Prefer the convenience of receiving support from their own environment

Telehealth appointments are provided only where clinically appropriate.

Suitability for Telehealth

Telehealth is not suitable for every client or every clinical presentation.

Your psychologist will determine whether telehealth is appropriate based on factors including:

• Your presenting concerns

• Clinical risk

• Your ability to participate effectively online

• Privacy and safety considerations

Where telehealth is not considered appropriate, alternative arrangements may be discussed, including in-person appointments or referral to another service.

Technology Requirements

Clients are responsible for ensuring they have:

• A reliable internet connection

• A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone

• A private, quiet location where interruptions are minimised

• Sufficient battery power or access to charging

Ballarat Women's Psychology will make every effort to ensure appointments are conducted using secure and reliable technology.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Telehealth appointments are conducted using secure platforms that are designed to protect your privacy.

To help maintain confidentiality, clients agree to:

• Attend appointments from a private location wherever possible.

• Ensure other people cannot overhear the consultation unless previously discussed with the psychologist.

• Advise the psychologist if another person is present during the appointment.

• Not record the appointment without the psychologist's prior consent.

Your psychologist will also conduct the appointment from a private and confidential location.

Technical Difficulties

If technical issues interrupt the appointment:

• Your psychologist will attempt to reconnect using the original video link.

• If this is unsuccessful, your psychologist may contact you by telephone using the number recorded on your file.

• Where the appointment cannot continue safely or effectively, it may be rescheduled.

Emergency and Crisis Situations

Telehealth is not an emergency or crisis service.

Before commencing your appointment, your psychologist may confirm:

• Your current location

• Your contact phone number

• An emergency contact person

If your psychologist believes there is an immediate risk to your safety or the safety of another person, they may contact emergency services or your nominated emergency contact where clinically or legally appropriate.

If you require immediate assistance outside your appointment, please contact:

• Emergency Services (000)

• Lifeline – 13 11 14

• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

• Your GP

• Your nearest hospital emergency department

Fees and Medicare

Telehealth appointments are charged at the same rate as in-person appointments.

Where eligible, Medicare rebates may apply to telehealth psychology appointments in accordance with current Medicare requirements.

Payment is required on or before the day of your appointment.

Cancellation Policy

Telehealth appointments are subject to the same cancellation policy as in-person appointments.

Cancellations or reschedules with less than 48 business hours' notice (Monday-Friday), or failure to attend a scheduled telehealth appointment, will incur the practice's current cancellation fee.

Interstate Clients

Ballarat Women's Psychology provides telehealth services to clients throughout Australia where appropriate.

Clients must advise the practice if they will be located in a different Australian state or territory at the time of their appointment.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide telehealth services to clients who are located overseas at the time of their appointment due to professional registration, insurance, and legal requirements.

Client Responsibilities

Clients attending telehealth appointments agree to:

• Attend from a safe, private, and appropriate environment.

• Ensure their technology is functioning prior to the appointment.

• Be available at the scheduled appointment time.

• Advise the practice of any changes to their contact details or current location.

• Notify their psychologist if another person is present during the consultation.

Our Commitment

Ballarat Women's Psychology is committed to delivering telehealth services that are:

• Safe

• Confidential

• Ethical

• Evidence-based

• Client-centred

We will continue to review our telehealth practices to ensure they reflect current professional standards, privacy legislation, and best practice guidelines.