📅 Book an Appointment

Medicare Funded Online Counselling (Telehealth)

Your Mind Matters on 03/08/2026

Medicare subsidises video sessions with a psychologist anywhere in Australia. Telehealth is now a permanent part of the Medicare Benefits Schedule, which means you can be seen from home under the same Better Access arrangements that apply to face-to-face appointments.

Who Can Access Telehealth Sessions

Any patient eligible for Better Access can have individual sessions by video, no matter where you live in Australia, where it is safe and clinically appropriate to do so. The location rules that once restricted telehealth to regional and remote areas no longer apply to individual therapy. They do still apply to group therapy.

What You Need Before Your First Session

You need a mental health diagnosis and a Mental Health Treatment Plan, together with a valid referral. The plan and the referral must come from a general practitioner or prescribed medical practitioner at the practice where you are registered for MyMedicare, or from your usual doctor. Referrals from a psychiatrist or paediatrician are also accepted.

How Many Sessions Medicare Subsidises

Up to ten individual sessions per calendar year. The limit is the same whether you attend in person or by video. Your first referral covers up to six sessions. After those, you return to your doctor for a review, and they decide whether a further course of treatment is needed. Up to two sessions involving a family member or carer can be included within the same ten.

How the Sessions Work

A telehealth session runs over a video and audio link, on a platform that meets Australian requirements for the privacy and security of health information. You need a device with a camera, a stable internet connection and a quiet, private space where you will not be interrupted.

Book a Telehealth Session

You can book an appointment through our client portal or call us on (03) 9802 4654. There is more detail on our Telehealth page.

Accessing Psychology Services via Telehealth at Your Mind Matters

Your Mind Matters on 18/09/2025

Why Telehealth Matters in Mental Health Care

In today’s busy world, flexibility in accessing mental health support is more important than ever. Telehealth psychology sessions allow you to connect with a qualified psychologist from the comfort of your home, school, or workplace. At Your Mind Matters (YMM), our clinicians offer secure, evidence-based telehealth services to ensure support is available wherever you are in Victoria and across Australia.

What is Telehealth in Psychology?

Telehealth refers to psychological consultations delivered via a secure online platform. You’ll speak with your psychologist in real time, just as you would in a clinic, but without the need to travel. Research shows that telehealth can be just as effective as face-to-face sessions for many mental health concerns, including:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • ADHD and executive functioning challenges
  • Autism assessments and therapy supports
  • Trauma-informed care
  • NDIS-related psychological assessments and reports

Benefits of Choosing Telehealth at YMM

  • Accessibility: Access therapy if you live regionally or face mobility challenges.
  • Flexibility: Schedule sessions around school, work, or family commitments.
  • Continuity of Care: Maintain regular support even if you relocate or cannot attend in person.
  • Evidence-Based Practice: Our psychologists use interventions that are informed by the latest clinical research.

Is Telehealth Right for You?

Telehealth may be suitable if you prefer the comfort of your own space, live outside Melbourne, or find it difficult to attend in person. For children and young people, telehealth can work best when a parent, carer, or support worker is nearby to assist with technology and engagement.

If you’re unsure, our team can help you decide whether telehealth or in-clinic appointments are the best fit for your needs.

How YMM Delivers Safe and Effective Telehealth

At Your Mind Matters, our psychologists follow strict professional and ethical standards to ensure that online sessions are safe, private, and effective. This includes:

  • Using secure, encrypted video platforms
  • Maintaining confidentiality and privacy at all times
  • Providing clear information so you can make informed decisions about your care
  • Following AHPRA and Psychology Board of Australia guidelines for safe practice

Booking a Telehealth Appointment

Accessing telehealth psychology at YMM is simple:

  1. Get in touch with our team to discuss your needs, or view our clinician profiles.
  2. Book an appointment at a time that suits you through our online portal.
  3. Connect online with your psychologist using a secure link sent before your session.

Whether you are seeking an ADHD or autism assessment, or ongoing therapy, our telehealth psychologists are here to support you.

Book a telehealth appointment with a psychologist today. Take a look at our clinicians and, once you know who you’d like to work with, call us or book online.

Applications of AI in Psychology

Your Mind Matters on 09/05/2025

Transforming Treatment Approaches – or Are We?

Illustration of a brain with a glowing neural network pattern, representing AI in psychology

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has entered the field of psychology with great promise, offering to revolutionise the way mental health care is delivered. From faster diagnostic tools to personalised treatment plans and predictive modelling, the applications of AI seem vast — and growing. But while the excitement is justified, it’s also important to approach this technological wave with a critical eye.

Sharper Diagnosis or Data Dependence?

AI has shown significant capability in enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Algorithms can now analyse enormous volumes of patient data — including voice patterns, facial expressions, and even social media activity — to detect early signs of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. These tools can help flag concerns earlier and more efficiently than ever before.

However, while AI can detect patterns, it doesn’t “understand” them in the human sense. We must ask: Are we relying too heavily on data-driven cues at the expense of lived experience? The nuance of a client’s story, the context behind their tone or expression, and cultural factors influencing their behaviour are still best interpreted by a trained human mind.

Personalised Therapy or Algorithmic Assumptions?

Another exciting avenue is AI-assisted personalisation of therapy. By analysing how clients respond to interventions over time, AI can help practitioners fine-tune treatment approaches. It can even suggest strategies that align with a client’s unique emotional and behavioural patterns. Therapeutic chatbots, such as Woebot or Wysa, are being used as supplementary tools for between-session support. These tools are especially useful in increasing accessibility for those who may not seek traditional therapy due to stigma or logistical barriers. Yet there’s a limit to how “personal” an algorithm can truly be.

Can an AI model genuinely understand a client’s shifting emotional world, or their resistance to therapy, in the same way a clinician can? Personalisation must go beyond pattern recognition — it must include deep listening, attunement, and emotional resonance.

Predicting Crises: Progress or Pre-emption?

One of the most intriguing frontiers is AI’s potential to predict mental health crises before they escalate. By analysing trends in behaviour and mood data, AI tools can alert clinicians to early warning signs, enabling timely intervention. While this has undeniable value — especially in high-risk populations — it raises ethical and clinical questions: What happens when AI flags a “risk” that the client doesn’t perceive? Do we risk medicalising normal emotional fluctuations? And how do we avoid reinforcing surveillance-style care under the guise of support?

Revolutionising Research — ResponsiblyAI is already transforming mental health research, making large-scale data analysis faster and more efficient. It also allows for real-time feedback to clinicians based on evolving research findings — a huge asset in a field where evidence-based practice is essential.

However, we must guard against the “solutionism” trap — the idea that every complex mental health issue has a data-driven fix. Psychological healing is not always linear or measurable, and our research tools must reflect the complexity of human experience.

Ethics and Empathy: A Necessary Tandem

Perhaps the biggest challenge in integrating AI into mental health care is preserving the ethical and human foundations of therapy. Data privacy, informed consent, and transparency must remain at the forefront. Clinicians also need to feel confident in questioning AI recommendations — especially when they conflict with clinical judgment or the client’s narrative.

Importantly, AI can’t replicate the therapeutic alliance — the healing power of being seen, heard, and validated by another human being. AI may assist us, but it should never attempt to replace the therapist’s role in providing a safe, relational space.

Final Thoughts

AI is undoubtedly reshaping the landscape of psychological practice. It offers powerful tools that can enhance assessment, personalise treatment, and support prevention efforts. But like any tool, its value depends on how we use it.

At Your Mind Matters, your clinician may use AI to help take notes, create guided imagery scripts, or – my favourite – challenge my diagnostic impressions against the DSM-5 (our diagnostic manual). 

We won’t be replaced by AI, but if there is a way to enhance client care, it is certainly something we will integrate!

PS- any AI we use is compliant with Australian privacy standards of course!

This blog was written by Laura Forlani, Clinical Psychologist and Director at YMM

Fact checked by ChatGPT 🙂

Self-compassion: Why is it important?

Your Mind Matters on 01/05/2024

Photo by Giulia Bertelli on Unsplash

Life can be extremely difficult. The possibility of human experience is endless. Regardless of how privileged or disadvantaged we are; human beings all connect in our capacity for psychological suffering.

We all can move to listening to a harsh internal critic. Do you have an inner critic? If so, what is the purpose of this critic? Is this critic chastising you, searching for your flaws, punishing you, and comparing you? Is it maybe even preventing you from doing things you love, or from living by your values and being your authentic self?

Let’s consider a few examples:

Imagine you have broken your leg and fractured your ribs from a bicycle accident and that you have the choice of getting help with daily tasks from companion A or companion B.

Companion A says to you: “Suck it up, it’s not that bad, you’re pathetic! Plenty of people are worse off than you, quit with the baby tears”

Companion B says to you: “This absolutely sucks. You must be in some really awful pain and feel like you’ve lost some independence that I know is so important to you. I’m here for you, let’s just take it slow together”

Strangely we are often the Companion B to our friends but often not to ourselves!

Imagine a close friend of yours just went through a romantic relationship break-up. They tell you their heartfelt story, and you listen intently from start to finish. Your friend isn’t perfect, but they deserve to be happy. You reassure them that they’ll get through this, they’re a wonderful human being, and that it can be painful, but they will be okay.

You don’t judge your friend. You don’t tell them they are not worthy, they are unlovable, will never find anybody, are ugly, stupid or that they need to change. You show your friend compassion. Strangely we often don’t do the same for ourselves!

Imagine you are at work and your boss calls you in for a meeting to have your annual review. She discusses your strengths and lets you know she is so happy to have you on the team. She then gives you some constructive advice related to organisation/planning skills. Coming from a place of critical judgement, you only hear the negative, and tell yourself, “I’m an incompetent idiot. I’m a shambolic mess and I can’t do anything right”. You head home and feel stressed out, go over all your flaws from memory and can’t sleep.

Coming from a place of fairness and acceptance, you see and hear the whole message, and tell yourself, “I’m doing a really solid job & working well with the team. I’m going to take on her helpful advice and learn from this”. This is a more compassionate response.

What is self-compassion?

There are many different definitions of self-compassion in the literature. I kind of like Neff (2003) that suggests there are 3 components that collaboratively interact to develop a self-compassionate frame of mind:

Diagram of the three components of self-compassion: self-kindness, common humanity and mindfulness
  • Self-kindness versus self-judgement – Self-kindness is simply that! Responding with and developing a tendency to be caring and understanding with oneself, and letting go of the harsh judgemental critic. It is about being honest with ourselves about our pain, our flaws, our mistakes and not ignoring, and also not wallowing in self-pity; but acknowledging and responding with genuine kindness, soothing and comfort to the self.
  • A sense of common humanity versus isolation – The common humanity aspect involves recognising that all human beings have cracks, and make mistakes. We aren’t alone here! Nobody is perfect! These flaws and cracks make us who we are and connecting one’s own flawed condition to the shared human condition helps with greater perspective and understanding. Individuals who are self-compassionate accept themselves as they are and for who they are, rather than what or who they “should” be.
  • Mindfulness versus overidentification – Mindfulness involves simply being aware of one’s present moment experience and accepting things as they are. It is not ignoring or ruminating, but observing and accepting the pain, and being self-compassionate. Mindfulness will also help in developing self-compassion habits, like recognising when your body is feeling anxious and your thoughts are being judgemental toward yourself.

What we know from the research is that when you’re critical and judgemental of yourself, you’re more likely to experience feelings of anger, anxiety, sadness, loneliness and insecurity. When you treat yourself fairly you are in a position to manage these uncomfortable feelings with acceptance.

Self-compassionate individuals often take pride in their human characteristics and believe they are good natured, well-meaning, and competent, and happily understand their unique weaknesses or areas they can work on. They know they are a work in progress and embrace it.

It’s kind of hard to break old habits and practise self-compassion.

I encourage you to treat yourself fairly and with kindness, and see what happens.

References

Barnard, L. K., & Curry, J. F. (2011). Self-compassion: Conceptualizations, correlates, & interventions. Review of General Psychology, 15(4), 289-303.

Neff, K. D. (2003). The development and validation of a scale to measure self-compassion. Self and Identity, 2(3), 223-250.

Coping with the Stress of Year 12’s Final Semester with Strategies for Success

Your Mind Matters on 20/09/2023

Photo by Windows on Unsplash

The final year of high school, Year 12, is a crucial period in a student’s academic journey. It’s a time filled with academic pressures, applications for further study for some, and the looming sense of transition into adulthood. Coping with the stress of the year 12’s final semester is essential for both academic success and overall well-being. As psychologists and counsellors, we often encounter young people who present with high anxiety in relation to their final semester at high school. As a parent / caregiver, witnessing your young person navigate the stress of Year 12’s final semester can also be a challenging experience. Your support and guidance play a crucial role in helping your young person to succeed during this pivotal time in their academic journey. In this blog entry, we’ll explore ways students can cope at this time, and how parents / caregivers can effectively support and encourage their young person while also managing their own stress.

For Students

Time Management and Organisation / Study Techniques

One of the first steps in dealing with Year 12 stress is effective time management. Create a study schedule that allows you to allocate sufficient time for each subject, breaks, and relaxation. Use tools like calendars and task lists to keep yourself organised and on track. Experiment with different study techniques to find what works best for you. This might include creating study guides, flashcards, whilst participating in study groups can also help. Don’t forget to take regular, longer breaks to prevent burnout. The Pomodoro technique can help to focus time and attention, whilst scheduling breaks to maintain your commitment to the task.

Set Realistic Goals

While high expectations can be motivating, setting overly ambitious goals can lead to unnecessary stress. Establish realistic academic and personal goals that are achievable within your capacity. Using SMART goal setting techniques can help to break overall goals down into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Seek Support

Don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers, tutors, or classmates if you’re struggling with coursework. Communication is key, and educators are usually more than willing to offer guidance and support. Additionally, confiding in friends and family about your stress can provide emotional relief.

Practise Self-Care

Your mental and physical well-being should be a top priority. Make time for self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, and spending time with friends and loved ones. Getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet are essential for maintaining your energy and focus.

Mindfulness and Stress Reduction

Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can help manage stress and anxiety. Incorporate these practices into your daily routine to stay grounded and calm, especially during exam periods.

Manage Exam Anxiety

It’s normal to feel anxious before exams, but excessive anxiety can hinder your performance. Practise relaxation techniques, visualise success, and use positive self-talk to boost your confidence. Grounding techniques can be helpful to manage your anxiety.

Stay Informed About Uni / TAFE Applications

If further education applications are part of your Year 12 journey, stay informed about deadlines, requirements, and other financial assistance opportunities. Start the application process early to avoid last-minute stress.

Celebrate Achievements

Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Positive reinforcement can boost your motivation and reduce stress.

Keep Perspective

Remember that Year 12 is just one phase of your life. While it’s important, it doesn’t define your entire future or who you are as a person. Keep perspective on your long-term goals and aspirations and be kind to yourself along the way.

For Parents / Caregivers / Carers

As a parent / caregiver, witnessing your young person navigate the stress of Year 12’s final semester can be a challenging experience. Your support and guidance play a crucial role in helping them to succeed during this pivotal time in their academic journey. Read on for ways you can effectively support and encourage your young person while also managing your own stress.

Open and Non-Judgemental Communication

Create an open and non-judgemental environment where your young person feels comfortable discussing their concerns, fears, and achievements. Listen actively to their thoughts and feelings and avoid imposing undue pressure.

Understand Their Needs

Recognise that each person in your care is unique. Understand your young person’s learning style, strengths, and challenges. This knowledge can help you provide tailored support.

Set Realistic Expectations

While you want the best for your young person, it’s essential to hold realistic expectations. Encourage them to do their best without placing undue pressure to achieve perfection.

Provide a Structured Environment

Help your young person establish a structured daily routine that includes study time, breaks, and relaxation. Ensure they have a quiet and comfortable place to study.

Offer Emotional Support

Year 12’s final semester can be emotionally taxing. Be a source of emotional support, offering encouragement, understanding, and reassurance. Let them know that you believe in their abilities and recognise their efforts.

Encourage Self-Care

Emphasise the importance of self-care. Encourage your young person to maintain a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and engage in physical activities or hobbies they enjoy.

Help with Time Management

Teach your young person time management skills. Assist them in creating a study schedule, setting achievable goals, and prioritising tasks if they are happy to accept your help.

Celebrate Achievements

Celebrate your young person’s achievements, both big and small. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and motivation.

Connect with Educators

Maintain open lines of communication with your young person’s teachers and other school supports. Stay informed about their academic progress and address any concerns promptly.

Manage Your Own Stress

Managing your own stress is essential. Take time to relax, practise self-care, and seek support from friends, family, or professionals if needed. Your own well-being is crucial in providing effective support to your young person.

Be Flexible

Understand that there may be setbacks or challenging moments. Be flexible and adapt your approach as needed. Sometimes, a temporary change in study strategies or routines can make a big difference.

Discuss Future Plans

Have open discussions about your young person’s post-Year 12 plans. This can include university / TAFE applications, career aspirations, and any additional support they may need.

Supporting your young person through the stress of Year 12’s final semester requires patience, empathy, and effective communication. By offering encouragement, creating a supportive environment, and ensuring their well-being, you can help them to navigate this challenging phase with greater ease. Remember that your unwavering support can make a significant difference in their academic success and overall well-being.

If you or your young person need support right now

If this is an emergency, call 000. Kids Helpline is available on 1800 55 1800 for young people up to age 25, and Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14, both 24 hours a day. More options are on our resources page.

Further reading

Here are three popular book references that discuss coping with supporting a young person through high school:

  1. “The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed” by Jessica Lahey. This book explores the importance of allowing young people to experience failure and learn from their mistakes. It provides insights into how parents / caregivers can support their young person’s growth and development by not putting excessive pressure on them, which is especially relevant during the stressful Year 12 period.
  2. “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck. This book delves into the concept of fixed and growth mindsets and how they influence learning and achievement. It offers valuable guidance on how parents / caregivers can foster a growth mindset in their young person, helping them approach challenges, including Year 12 stress, with resilience and a positive attitude.
  3. “Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety: A Workbook for Overcoming Anxiety at Home, at School, and Everywhere Else” by Christopher Willard. This workbook is tailored specifically for adolescents and offers practical mindfulness-based strategies for managing anxiety and stress.

NB: Remember that your young person is so much more than their final ATAR score and support them to understand / believe this too.

Ian Clark smiling on a beach, with the sea behind him

Our Blog Author
This post was written by Ian Clark, Senior Clinical Psychologist at Your Mind Matters. Ian works with adolescents and adults presenting with mood disorders, anxiety, and stress related to school or work. Meet our team.

Copyright © 2026 All Rights Reserved, Web Design by Sites n Stores
📅 Book an Appointment