Online counselling with registered psychologists and counsellors
Online counselling, also called telehealth, e-counselling or online therapy, is a counselling session held over a secure video call or by phone rather than in the room. Everything you would talk about in person, you can talk about online.
The psychologists and counsellors in attendance at Brisbane Counselling Centre use the same evidence-based approaches online as they do face to face, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and, where your practitioner considers it suitable, EMDR. Many clients move between online and in-person sessions depending on their needs.
Please call (07) 3831 4452 to speak with one of our friendly team members about which practitioner would suit you.
Written and clinically reviewed by Natascha Madden, Registered Psychologist (AHPRA reg. PSY0000953827), Brisbane Counselling Centre. Last reviewed: September 2026.
Who is Online counselling for?
Online sessions suit anyone who finds it hard to get into the city, or who simply prefers to talk from home. Clients commonly include:
- People across greater Brisbane and South-East Queensland, including Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, Redland City, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba, who would rather not spend an hour in traffic for a session
- People in regional and rural Queensland who have limited access to a psychologist or counsellor locally, or who prefer to see someone outside their own small community
- People interstate. Psychologists are registered nationally with the Psychology Board of Australia, so they can see clients anywhere in Australia
- Shift workers, FIFO workers and busy professionals who need a session that fits around a roster or a working day
- Parents of young children, and people managing illness, disability, pain or mobility difficulties
- People who feel anxious about walking into a clinic for the first time. Starting online can make that first step easier
Is online counselling as effective as seeing someone in person?
For most people and most concerns, yes. A growing body of research, including systematic reviews of video-based therapy for depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress, has found outcomes broadly comparable to face-to-face treatment. What matters most is the same in both settings: a skilled practitioner, an approach that suits your concern, and a good working relationship between the two of you.
In-person sessions may suit you better if you do not have a private space at home, if you find it hard to concentrate on a screen, or if you simply feel more settled in the room. Your practitioner will talk this through with you, and you can change format at any time.
What can online counselling help with?
Anything you would bring to an in-person session. The most common reasons people book online sessions at Brisbane Counselling Centre include:
- Anxiety, worry and panic
- Depression and low mood
- Trauma, PTSD and complex PTSD
- Stress and burnout
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and couples counselling
- Porn addiction and other addictions
- Workplace issues, career stress and workplace trauma
- Life transitions, self-esteem and personal growth
How does an online counselling session work?
- Book your appointment. Call (07) 3831 4452 or complete the enquiry form and tell our reception team you would like an online or phone session.
- Receive your link. You will be emailed a secure video link before your appointment. For phone sessions, your practitioner will call you at the appointment time.
- Pay before the session. Our reception team will take payment beforehand and email you a receipt for your Medicare or private health claim if applicable.
- Set up somewhere private. Choose a quiet space where you will not be overheard, charge your device, and use headphones if others are at home. A laptop or tablet is easier than a phone for video, but a phone works if that is the only option you have.
- Join a minute or two early. Your practitioner will confirm where you are at the start of the session. This is standard practice, so they know how to help if anything urgent comes up.
If the connection drops out, your practitioner will call you on your phone and continue the session.
Can I claim Medicare for online counselling?
Yes. Telehealth sessions with a registered psychologist attract the same Medicare rebate as in-person appointments. With a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare rebates $101.55 per session under the Better Access initiative, for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year.
Since 1 November 2025, Mental Health Treatment Plans are generally prepared by your usual GP or the practice where you are registered through MyMedicare. If you do not have a regular GP, our reception team can explain your options.
As the session is not in person, the claim cannot be processed on the spot. You claim through your Medicare app or myGov account using the receipt we email you, which usually takes a few minutes. If you have private health extras cover that includes psychology, you may be able to claim through your fund instead. Some funds also cover sessions with a counsellor, depending on the counsellor’s registration.
Online sessions cost the same as in-person sessions. Full details are on the Fees & Rebates page.
Is online counselling private and safe?
Online and phone sessions are covered by exactly the same confidentiality as in-person sessions, under Australian privacy law and the professional standards that apply to psychologists and counsellors. Sessions are held on a secure platform and are not recorded.
Online counselling is not an emergency service. If you are in crisis or worried about your immediate safety, call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours).
How do I book an online counselling appointment?
Take the following steps to make an appointment:
- Please call (07) 3831 4452 or complete our enquiry form. Our reception team will talk through what you are looking for and suggest a suitable practitioner. You do not need a referral to book.
- See your GP if you want a Medicare rebate. Ask for a Mental Health Treatment Plan. You can book with us before or after that appointment. If you have private health cover, you may be eligible for a rebate through your health insurance. It is best to check with your health insurance provider.
- Join your first session from home. You will receive your link by email. There is nothing else to prepare.
Brisbane Counselling Centre is open Monday to Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday 8:30am to 5:00pm. If you would prefer to come in, the rooms are at Level 7, 87 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill, about five minutes’ walk from Central Station. Meet the psychologists and counsellors or read about what a typical session looks like.
Is online counselling as effective as face-to-face counselling?
Can I get a Medicare rebate for a telehealth psychology session?
How much does online counselling cost?
Do I need a referral for online counselling?
Can I have counselling by phone instead of video?
What do I need for an online session?
Can I see a Brisbane psychologist online if I live outside Brisbane or interstate?
Can couples have relationship counselling online?
Is online counselling confidential?
Can I switch between online and in-person sessions?
What happens if my internet drops out during a session?
Is online counselling suitable if I am in crisis?
We can help
If you think you might like to chat with a counsellor or psychologist online, in the comfort of your own home, about something you are struggling with, please call to speak with one of our friendly team members to discuss your needs further. If you are wanting help for whatever reason, the psychologists and counsellors are available to help.
