What is telehealth therapy and how does it work?
How Telehealth Psychology Works: What to Expect from Your First Online Session
Starting therapy can feel like a big step — and starting it online can raise even more questions. Will it feel personal? Will I be comfortable sharing through a screen? Is this really going to help me?
These are all perfectly normal thoughts. At The Mindful Centre, we’ve supported hundreds of adults across Australia through telehealth, and one thing we hear often is: “I wasn’t sure at first, but now I can’t imagine doing it any other way.”
If you’re considering therapy but feeling unsure about how it all works — or if it’s worth the time and emotional investment — this blog is for you. Let’s walk through what to expect from your first online session and why so many Australians are choosing telehealth psychology.
1. What is Telehealth Psychology?
Telehealth psychology is simply therapy delivered through a secure video call, rather than in person. You speak with a registered psychologist in real time, using your phone, tablet, or computer from the comfort of your own space — whether that’s your living room, office, or even parked in your car between errands.
It’s flexible, confidential, and research shows that it’s just as effective as face-to-face therapy for a wide range of mental health concerns — including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, stress, and burnout.
2. Before Your First Session: Getting Set Up
Once you’ve reached out to us, we’ll begin with a warm and supportive intake process designed to make things feel easy from the start.
It begins with a short phone call from our intake team. During this call, we’ll ask a few gentle questions to understand what you’re looking for support with — whether it’s anxiety, burnout, life transitions, relationship concerns, or simply a sense that something isn’t quite right. From there, we’ll carefully match you with a psychologist whose style and experience are the best fit for your needs. If you’re not sure what you need, that’s okay too — we’ll guide you.
Once you’ve booked your first appointment, you’ll receive a welcome email with everything you need. This usually includes:
A secure video link using Zoom (you just click to join — no downloads needed)
A short intake form, to tell your psychologist a little about yourself
You don’t need any special technology — just a device with a camera and a good internet connection. If you’ve used Zoom, FaceTime or Teams before, it’ll feel familiar.
We also recommend finding a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable talking. Some clients light a candle, bring a cup of tea, or use headphones for extra privacy.
3. During the Session: A Safe Space to Begin
Your first session is a gentle introduction. You don’t need to have everything figured out — and you definitely don’t need to “prepare” anything.
Your psychologist will guide the conversation at a pace that feels safe. They’ll ask about what brought you to therapy, and what you’re hoping for. There’s no judgment, pressure, or “right way” to do therapy. It’s your space.
The session might explore:
What’s been difficult lately
How you’ve been coping
What support you already have
Any goals or changes you’re hoping for
By the end of the first session, most clients feel a sense of relief — even if it’s just from finally having said things out loud. Many tell us, “I didn’t realise how much I needed this.”
4. After the Session: What Comes Next
After your first session, your psychologist may offer suggestions for what could be helpful next. This could include:
Continuing with regular sessions (weekly or fortnightly, depending on your needs)
Introducing evidence-based strategies (like mindfulness, CBT, or emotion regulation skills)
Simply taking time to reflect and come back when you’re ready
There’s no pressure to commit long term. Some people attend just a few sessions to work through a specific challenge, while others find ongoing therapy a valuable space for personal growth.
5. Is It Worth the Investment?
It’s completely understandable to wonder if therapy is “worth it” — both in terms of time and cost.
The truth is, investing in your mental wellbeing has a ripple effect. When you feel clearer, calmer and more supported, it impacts your work, relationships, health, and how you show up in your life.
Here are a few reasons clients tell us they’ve found therapy worthwhile:
“I finally understood why I react the way I do.”
“I’m managing my anxiety so much better — it’s not running my life anymore.”
“It’s the only time in my week that’s just for me.”
“I feel more confident setting boundaries and speaking up for myself.”
“I don’t feel so alone with everything I’ve been carrying.”
Therapy is used by people from all walks of life — professionals, parents, students, carers, retirees — because it works. It’s not about being “broken” or needing to be “fixed.” It’s about having a safe space to understand yourself, process what you’ve been through, and grow.
6. Why So Many Australians Are Choosing Telehealth
Since the pandemic, telehealth has become a go-to option for Australians — and not just out of convenience. It offers:
Greater flexibility (no travel or waiting rooms)
More choice (you can access psychologists from anywhere in the country)
Comfort (being in your own space can make it easier to open up)
For rural or remote clients, or those juggling work, parenting or caring responsibilities, telehealth has opened the door to consistent, high-quality support.
If something in you is wondering whether therapy could help — that’s worth listening to. You don’t need to be in crisis. You don’t need to have a diagnosis. You just need to be human, going through something hard, and open to support.
At The Mindful Centre, we’re here to walk alongside you — with warmth, skill and care — wherever you are in Australia.
Ready to take the first step? Reach out with any questions. We're happy to help.