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Further information to assist you regarding novel coronavirus COVID-19

COVID-19 FAQS

The safe management of COVID-19 in our community is an evolving situation. Our priority is the care and wellbeing of our clients, our staff, and the local community. To support this, we will adhere to evidence-based advice and recommendations we receive from the Australian Psychological Society and the Australian and Queensland governments.

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We will aim to update our website if any significant changes occur to our 'business as usual' practice. You can also contact our helpful reception team for further advice regarding our services.

Are you still providing psychology services?

Yes, psychological services are considered an 'essential health service'. This means that the Australian and Queensland Governments recognises the importance of people being able to access professional assistance to manage their mental health and wellbeing during this time.

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To maintain the health and safety of our clients and our team, we have made the transition to offer telehealth services. Currently, the option for face-to-face sessions is at the discretion of individual clinicians. The Happy Minds management team is regularly monitoring community transmission rates and Queensland Government directives. As such, the availability of face-to-face sessions can be changed at any time to meet the needs of the client or clinician (e.g. if someone is feeling unwell).

How can I access a psychologist with social distancing rules?

Health services, including psychology services, are able to provide services through telehealth options. Telehealth sessions can be provided via telephone or videochat (e.g. via FaceTime, Skype or Zoom platforms organised by your psychologist). Telehealth sessions are eligible for Medicare and private health rebates (just like face-to-face sessions).

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More information about Telehealth sessions can be found on this tip sheet from the Australian Psychological Society.

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If a face to face session is scheduled, this requires clients to observe hand hygiene practices when arriving, to sit a minimum 1.5m from others, and to avoid close physical contact. If directed, masks will be required for all attendees (without medical exemptions). We ask that child clients attend with only one adult if possible. Please leave siblings and older caregivers at home to reduce risks. As part of our coronavirus response plan, therapy rooms are regularly cleaned and the entire premises are given a thorough clean every day. 

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We have removed some toys, magazines and books from the waiting room to help maintain hygiene practices. As such, we ask that you please consider bringing something along for any children who will spend time in the waiting room.

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Am I eligible to use telehealth for my session?

Telehealth options are available for any client. There are specific billing and rebate requirements for Medicare rebates, private health insurance rebates, and NDIS.

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Anyone with a valid Medicare rebate plan (e.g. Better Access Mental Health Care Plan, Helping Children with Autism, etc.) can claim for Medicare to rebate a telehealth session. 

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If you will be making a claim using private health insurance, providers have agreed to rebate individual (one on one) psychology telehealth consultations. Please check with your individual health fund to confirm your rebate eligibility.​

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You can also choose to not use either Medicare or private health rebate schemes. For those individuals, the standard session rate will apply.

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Clients with NDIS funding are able to access psychological services as per their plan using telehealth services where suitable. 

I'm not sure telehealth would suit me / my child

For some people, we recognise that it may not be a suitable option due to the person's age / developmental stage, if they have a disability, if they have difficulties accessing a safe and private space to speak, etc. You have the option of face-to-face sessions in person or via telehealth. However, we ask that clients only attend in person if they are feeling well. 

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It is completely understandable to be hesitant to use telehealth for psychology sessions. However, telehealth services have been used successfully for many populations, including children and persons with a disability, and we encourage you to learn along with us in trying this alternative approach.

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For many people, accessing telehealth consultations can provide opportunities to be innovative and adaptive. Telehealth has been used to support rural and remote communities and special populations for many years with similar effectiveness as face to face sessions. There are some practical considerations that need to be planned to help ensure the session goes well. These can include:

  • having access to a laptop, phone or tablet that has a working webcam/camera and audio function

  • having the hardware (e.g. laptop, phone, tablet) charged with software updated

  • using headphones where possible to reduce noise and maintain confidentiality

  • finding activities for siblings to do so they do not distract the child during the session

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More information about Telehealth sessions can be found on this tip sheet from the Australian Psychological Society. Please contact us with any specific questions regarding your situation and how we can help you to prepare for your telehealth session.

Where can I get more information about how to cope during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has developed helpful resources for people to manage their mental health and wellbeing. These resources are available here: https://www.psychology.org.au/COVID-19-Australians

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The mental health professional community has been developing resources to assist the community during this time. A selection has been provided here. There are many other resources being developed and shared throughout the community. We gently remind you to be discerning about the accuracy of information and to use trusted sources.

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For Children:

 

Autism-specific resources (all ages):

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For Adults / Caregivers:

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