How to Find a Telehealth Psychologist in Sydney
A telehealth psychologist is a registered psychologist who delivers therapy sessions via secure video call, allowing you to access evidence-based mental health support from anywhere in Sydney without leaving home. With a GP Mental Health Care Plan, you can receive up to 10 Medicare-rebated telehealth psychology sessions per year.
Sydney residents are increasingly choosing telehealth psychology for its convenience, shorter waiting times, and the ability to fit sessions around busy schedules. Whether you’re in the CBD, the Eastern Suburbs, Western Sydney, the Northern Beaches, or anywhere across Greater Sydney, telehealth means geography is no longer a barrier to quality psychological care.
At MindLens Psychology Australia, Susan Rudnick (Registered Psychologist, AHPRA PSY0001893218) provides telehealth sessions via Zoom for individuals and couples across Sydney and all of Australia.
What Is Telehealth Psychology?
Telehealth psychology is the delivery of psychological assessment and therapy via video call technology. Sessions are conducted through secure, encrypted platforms like Zoom and are clinically equivalent to in-person therapy.
Research published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry has consistently shown that telehealth-delivered psychological interventions are as effective as face-to-face therapy for conditions including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and insomnia. The Australian Government permanently expanded Medicare telehealth eligibility in 2022, confirming telehealth psychology as a mainstream service delivery model.
How to Choose a Telehealth Psychologist in Sydney
When selecting a telehealth psychologist, consider these factors:
- Registration: Ensure your psychologist is registered with AHPRA (the Psychology Board of Australia). You can verify registration at the AHPRA website.
- Specialisation: Choose a psychologist whose expertise matches your needs. For example, if you’re experiencing postnatal depression, look for a psychologist with perinatal mental health training.
- Therapeutic approach: Different conditions respond to different therapies. CBT is well-evidenced for anxiety and depression. EMDR is effective for trauma and PTSD. Gottman Method is the gold standard for couples work.
- Medicare eligibility: Check that the psychologist accepts GP Mental Health Care Plan referrals for Medicare rebates.
- Availability: Telehealth practices often have shorter waiting times than in-person clinics — ask about wait times when booking.
Do I Need a Referral for Online Psychology in Sydney?
You do not need a referral to see a psychologist privately. However, to access Medicare rebates, you will need a GP Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). Here’s how it works:
- Book an appointment with your GP and discuss your mental health concerns.
- Your GP creates a Mental Health Care Plan and writes a referral to your chosen psychologist.
- You book a session with the psychologist and claim the Medicare rebate after each session.
You can also access telehealth psychology through self-referral (private rate), specialist referral, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), or NDIS (self-managed or plan-managed).
Can I Use Medicare for Telehealth Psychology?
Yes. Medicare rebates apply to telehealth psychology sessions when you have a valid GP Mental Health Care Plan. Under the plan, you can receive up to 10 individual Medicare-rebated sessions per calendar year.
At MindLens Psychology:
- Individual session (50 minutes): $260
- Medicare rebate: $101.55 per session
- Your out-of-pocket cost: approximately $158.45 per session
A sliding scale is available for those experiencing financial hardship.
What Conditions Can a Telehealth Psychologist Treat?
Telehealth psychology is effective for a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
- Anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder)
- Depression
- PTSD and complex trauma
- Birth trauma and perinatal mental health conditions
- Postnatal depression and postnatal anxiety
- OCD
- Grief and loss
- Relationship stress and communication difficulties
- Insomnia and sleep disorders (CBT-I)
- Adjustment difficulties and burnout
- Parenting challenges
What to Expect in Your First Telehealth Session
Your first session is an assessment and rapport-building session. Your psychologist will ask about your current concerns, relevant background, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. You don’t need to share everything in the first session — therapy moves at your pace.
You’ll need:
- A stable internet connection
- A private, quiet space where you won’t be interrupted
- A device with a camera and microphone (laptop, tablet, or phone)
- Your referral letter, if you have one
Sessions are confidential and conducted through Zoom’s encrypted video platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a telehealth psychologist cost in Sydney?
At MindLens Psychology, individual sessions are $260 for 50 minutes. With a GP Mental Health Care Plan, you receive a Medicare rebate of $101.55, reducing your out-of-pocket cost to approximately $158.45. Private health insurance may provide additional rebates depending on your level of cover.
Can I see a psychologist online without leaving home?
Yes. All sessions at MindLens Psychology are delivered via secure Zoom video call. You can attend from your home, office, or any private location with internet access. No travel is required.
Is telehealth psychology as effective as in-person?
Research consistently shows that telehealth-delivered psychological therapy is as effective as face-to-face therapy for most conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and insomnia. The Australian Government has permanently included telehealth psychology under Medicare.
How do I get a Mental Health Care Plan?
Book an appointment with your GP. Discuss your mental health concerns and ask for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). Your GP will assess you, create the plan, and write a referral to your chosen psychologist. This entitles you to up to 10 Medicare-rebated sessions per calendar year.
Can couples attend telehealth therapy together?
Yes. Couples can attend telehealth therapy from the same location or from separate locations. Susan Rudnick is a Gottman Level 2 Couples Therapist and offers 90-minute couples sessions via Zoom.
What platform is used for telehealth sessions?
MindLens Psychology uses Zoom for all telehealth sessions. Zoom provides end-to-end encryption and is widely used for healthcare delivery in Australia. You’ll receive a secure meeting link before your appointment.
About the Author
Susan Rudnick is a Registered Psychologist (AHPRA PSY0001893218) and the founder of MindLens Psychology Australia. With over 15 years of clinical experience, she specialises in perinatal mental health, trauma-informed care, and Gottman couples therapy. Susan is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and holds specialist training through the Gidget Foundation and Tresillian.
Book a telehealth session: Call 1300 MindLens (1300 646 353) or request an appointment online.
