In-person, video, or phone session? The choice is yours!
As a PeopleSense client you have the option to access many services via video call or telephone as an alternative to an in-person session. We sometimes call video and phone sessions “telehealth” as it’s the same PeopleSense care and support, just offered remotely.
While we have hundreds of appointments available daily, there are usually more options for times and days for video calls or phone appointments because all our staff are available for a video or phone call even when in the office. So, when it’s 7pm in Sydney and our local office has closed for the day, you can have a video or phone session with, say, a psychologist in Perth where they’re still available. We also find that about some of our clients even choose a same-day telehealth appointment, something that would be logistically tricky to do in-person.
About half of our sessions take place by a video or phone call, and half in person. It all comes down to what you need and what you’re most comfortable with.
It's important to know what a telehealth video or phone call is like, as it may feel like an unusual way to have a conversation that covers what are often tricky topics for our clients. But rest assured that the choice of an in-person session, or a video or phone call will always be yours. Our team and our online site let you choose what’s right for you.
How can I find telehealth appointments?
If you’re using PeopleSense Online we provide the choice between in-person and telehealth options on the booking page. Feel free to switch between the options and explore availability using the type of appointment and looking at our availability. You can scroll through the time slots and make a selection that works for you.
If you’re calling our team to book in, they’ll do the same! They can look around for the best option, balancing your diary with the options we have on offer. Once you’re booked in, you’ll get a confirmation email. If the call is a video call, that email contains your video link, so you’ll have that ready to go when the appointment time comes.
I am nervous about navigating the technology. Is there information I can access to help?
Our video telehealth service, called Doxy.Me, couldn’t be easier – you don’t have any apps to download or to sign into – it all just works in your browser.
We send your meeting link out to you in your confirmation email, and then by text message and email the day before your session.
Video calls start by you clicking a link to your clinician's "online room”. When you click the link your browser opens and you’re asked to enter your name so your psychologist knows who you are. You’ll then get a moment to orientate to the service while in the waiting room. At your session start time you’ll automatically join the call with your clinician and you’re ready to go.
We have some helpful content from our video telehealth partner which you can read through. If you'd like to understand more about our telehealth service, the following pages from Doxy.me contain useful guides and videos:
Checking in to your psychologist's online meeting room (link to Doxy.me)
How does the appointment run during a call? (link to Doxy.me)
Are telehealth sessions as effective as in-person sessions?
Research has shown that telehealth sessions can be as effective as in-person sessions for a variety of mental health issues. There may be some circumstances where in-person appointments are recommended. Over their course of care some clients access a combination of in-person and telehealth appointments as it suits their schedule better.
Is there something that I can do to ensure the effectiveness of telehealth sessions?
Yes, there are. The steps below are some advice from our clinical team. Following them will help ensure that you have a more seamless experience:
Make sure you have a suitable, private space where others cannot overhear you speaking.
Attend the appointment with working headphones. This also helps protect privacy and confidentiality as others will not hear the clinician speak to you.
Where possible, use a tablet or a personal computer to attend a video call. Sometimes clinicians will share their screen with you so that you can view forms or questionnaires online during the appointment. A mobile phone makes it harder to read these documents.
Make sure your tablet, personal computer and headphones (if using Bluetooth) are sufficiently charged. Ensure the charger is nearby.
Minimise distractions (e.g., distraction from others, turning TV/music off, postponing your chores). Remember the appointment is about you, and your full concentration and focus will ensure you maximise the time you have with your clinician.
Ensure you have reliable coverage for telephone sessions and reliable internet connection for video sessions.
Have a pen and paper handy in case you want to write any notes or reminders for yourself.
PeopleSense clinicians do not complete sessions if you are driving. If you are phoned and you are still driving but about to finish, the clinician will phone you back and commence the appointment once you are parked safely or at your intended destination. Unfortunately, appointments cannot be extended to accommodate late starts for this reason.
Don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions
We hope this helps reassure you and prepare you for your session, but as with any aspect of our services, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to know more.
