COVID-19 is a risk to us all. I have been offering therapy via computer and phone for the past few months and this is proving popular with clients. I have several years experience in working via video with clients and in supervision. It will become a comfortable and effective way of doing therapy for you.

The risk of face-to-face contact is too great at the moment. So teletherapy will be the medium for psychotherapy in my practice for the foreseeable future.

If you wish to engage with me for psychotherapy please call me (0408 145 819) or email me (bernie@mccarthypsychology.com.au) to discuss how we will do it . You will need a good internet connection that can handle video calls. If you use skype or something similar and have no problems with those calls, then your connection should be fine for video-therapy.

What you need:

• Computer with camera, microphone, and speakers.
• A quiet private place where you will not be disturbed for 50-60 minutes
• and where you can sit upright and be comfortable.
• zoom software downloaded to your computer or phone. Instructions for zoom

Funding:

During this COVID-19 pandemic Medicare rebates can be used for telehealth for anyone with a Mental Health Treatment Plan. To obtain a MHTP go to your GP (call them first) for an appointment to assess your eligibility for a treatment plan. This will entitle you to six and then a further four rebated sessions per calendar year. You may use these to obtain a rebate for telehealth therapy during the COVID-19 crisis.

There is a gap of $88.50 between the Medicare rebate and my fee which is $215.00. If this is out of reach for you please talk to me about it. Do not let money get in the way of you accessing therapy.