Does telehealth psychology work if I live in regional or rural SA?
Yes. Telehealth psychology works well for people in regional and rural South Australia. You meet a registered psychologist over a secure video call from home, so there is no long drive into Adelaide and no need to sit on a local waitlist. All you need is a private space and a stable internet connection.
Why access is harder outside Adelaide
Many regional and rural areas of South Australia have few local psychologists, and the ones who are available often have long waitlists. For people in towns across the Riverland, Eyre Peninsula, Limestone Coast, Yorke Peninsula and beyond, the nearest in-person appointment can be hours away by car.
That travel adds up. A single session can cost most of a day once you factor in driving, fuel, time off work and, sometimes, an overnight stay. For ongoing support, that is hard to sustain. These access gaps are a common reason people delay getting help.
How telehealth solves the travel and wait problem
Telehealth removes the distance. Instead of driving to a clinic, you join a video session from wherever you are. MindLens Australia Psychology offers telehealth across South Australia, so someone in a regional town can see the same registered psychologist, Susan Rudnick, as someone in central Adelaide.
The benefits for regional and rural clients include:
- No travel — attend from home, the farm or a private room at work
- Wider choice — you are not limited to whoever practises locally
- Consistency — you can keep seeing the same psychologist over time
- Flexibility — appointments fit around work, family and seasonal demands
What you need for a telehealth session
Getting set up is straightforward. You will need:
- A phone, tablet, laptop or computer with a camera and microphone
- A stable internet connection (a mobile data connection often works)
- A private, quiet space where you will not be interrupted
- A pair of headphones, which can help with privacy and sound
Before your first session you receive a secure link. At the appointment time you click it and join the video call. If your connection drops, you can usually reconnect, or switch to a phone call as a backup.
Getting started and Medicare
You can book a telehealth session directly. If you would like a Medicare rebate, ask your GP about a Mental Health Treatment Plan. A standard session is $260, with a $101.55 rebate under a plan, leaving a gap of about $158.45. Up to 10 rebated sessions are available per calendar year. Sessions are not bulk billed.
If you are ever in crisis or at immediate risk, contact your GP, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or dial 000 in an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Is telehealth as effective as seeing someone in person? General research suggests telehealth psychology can be a suitable option for many people and concerns. Your psychologist can help you decide if it is a good fit for your situation.
What if my internet is slow? A basic connection is often enough for video. If quality drops, sessions can usually continue by phone, so a patchy connection does not have to stop you getting support.
Do I need to live in Adelaide? No. Telehealth is available across South Australia, including regional and rural areas. Your location within SA does not limit access.
Can I claim Medicare from a rural area? Yes. Medicare rebates for telehealth apply regardless of where in Australia you live, provided you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP.
*Internal links: link to the Adelaide telehealth hub at /telehealth-psychologist-adelaide/, and to the fees/Medicare page and how-telehealth-works page.*
Related: Telehealth psychologist in Adelaide — how online sessions, Medicare rebates and availability work.
