Telehealth

Online Therapy

Care without the commute

Getting to an appointment can involve more than finding an hour in your diary. There may be work or study to rearrange, caring responsibilities to manage, or a journey that takes more energy than you have that day.

Telehealth can make accessing support more manageable. Still, meeting a clinician through a screen may feel unfamiliar. You might wonder whether conversation will flow naturally, what an online appointment involves, or how sessions could fit your circumstances.

At Home Psychology and Speech Therapy, we offer online psychology and speech pathology services for adults, teenagers, children, couples and families. Our team can discuss the support you are looking for and which appointment options may be suitable.

What is telehealth?

Telehealth is a therapy session without the trip: you meet your clinician by phone or video from your own space. Video sessions let you see and hear each other, talk things through and work on activities together. Phone sessions can suit conversations that don’t need a screen.

Sessions are with the same psychologists, speech pathologists and behavioural support practitioners you’d see at our Caringbah clinic or on a home visit. For video, there’s nothing to download. Before your appointment you’ll receive a secure link that opens in a web browser on your computer, tablet or phone.

Psychology

An online psychology session is a conversation, much like one in the clinic room. You might talk through what’s been happening, notice patterns in your thoughts and feelings, and practise strategies for situations you’re facing.

That could mean unpacking a hard moment from the week, working through study stress or changing friendships, or exploring relationships and family life. Parents and carers can also use sessions to talk about supporting someone in their care.

Some clients also work with our Psychology Allied Health Assistants, who can meet online between psychology sessions to help put strategies into practice in everyday life. If talking through a screen feels awkward at first, say so. It’s useful for your psychologist to know, and they can adjust how sessions run.

Speech Therapy

Online speech therapy can work on speech sounds, language, fluency and the communication skills people use every day.

For adults, that might mean practising strategies for work or social situations. For children, sessions often use books, games and play, with the speech pathologist guiding activities or coaching a parent or carer to practise alongside them. Working from home also shows how strategies fit into everyday routines.

Sessions are shaped around each person’s goals, communication preferences, sensory needs and who’s available to help. Some assessments may need to happen in person, and our team can let you know.

Is telehealth right for me?

Some people find it easier to open up from their own couch. Others like having a room that’s separate from home. Neither is wrong, and you don’t need to know which you are before getting in touch.

We’ll chat about your goals, any communication or access needs, and who’ll be joining, so we can work out together whether telehealth suits. Some activities and assessments do work better in person, and if a screen isn’t the right fit, you’re welcome to see us at our Caringbah clinic or ask about home visits.

If it’s hard to talk privately at home, or online sessions start to feel tiring or just not right, let us know. What suits you can change, and we’re happy to change with it.

How it works

Step 1: Get in touch

Send us a message or give us a call. Tell us what you’re looking for, and who you’d like to see if you’ve browsed Our Team.

Step 2: Book a time

We’ll match you with a clinician who suits your needs and schedule, and book you in. Returning clients can book through the Client Portal.

Step 3: Check your email

You’ll receive a confirmation with your secure video link, plus any forms to complete before your session.

Step 4: Get set up

Find a quiet, private space and test your camera, microphone and connection. The tips below can help.

Step 5: Join your session

Open your link a few minutes early and you’ll wait in a virtual waiting room. Your clinician will get to know you, chat about what’s brought you in, explain confidentiality and answer any questions.

Step 6: Plan what’s next

Before you finish, you’ll work out your goals and how often to meet. You can keep going online, mix in some time at the clinic, or adjust things as you go.

Preparing for your appointment

A little preparation helps sessions run smoothly. The Australian Psychological Society suggests a reliable connection, a private space and a time with fewer distractions.

Before the day

  • Mention any access needs. Let us know early about communication supports, interpreters or anything tricky with technology.

  • Gather what you’ve been asked to bring. This might be notes, therapy resources, communication aids or materials for an activity.

On the day

  • Check your device. Test your camera, microphone and sound, and charge it beforehand. If your internet is patchy, sit closer to the router and pause other streaming or downloads.

  • Find a private spot. Choose somewhere quiet where you won’t be overheard. Headphones can help with sound and privacy.

  • Set up your camera. Put it at eye level, with everyone taking part in view. Moving the video window to just below the camera makes eye contact feel more natural.

  • Light your face. Sit facing a window or lamp rather than with bright light behind you.

  • Get comfortable. Have a glass of water or a cuppa nearby, and wear whatever feels comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prefer to write?

Tell us what you’re looking for and who you’d like to see, and we’ll get back to you to book in.

Send a message

Prefer to talk?

Call our team to ask questions, find the right clinician and book your first session.

Call 0451 871 706

Already a client? Book your next session through the Client Portal.

Whatever has prompted you to explore therapy, a conversation can help clarify the support you are looking for and how it might fit into your life.

Get in touch with us to discuss your goals, ask questions and find out whether telehealth would be suitable.