There is more than one route to support when the nearest clinic is hours away. Start with the option that is safe and workable for where you live.
Published 23 September 2026 · Check funding and service suitability before booking
Distance, limited local appointments and travel costs can make care harder to reach. healthdirect notes that telehealth or online services may be more practical for some people in rural and remote Australia. That does not mean every online service is the same or that it replaces local care.
Your usual GP can help assess what support is appropriate, discuss local options and, when eligible, prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral. If you are away from a GP or it is hard to get an appointment, ask the practice about its current telehealth arrangements. Medicare rules differ by service and practitioner, so check your eligibility rather than assuming a rebate applies. Our treatment plan guide explains the usual steps.
Individual telehealth sessions can let you speak with a qualified practitioner without travelling to a regional centre or city. At The Kind Mind Collective, adults across Australia can enquire about secure video therapy for regional and remote communities. Broady Robertson is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, with a focus on trauma, burnout, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ affirming care and the practical pressures around mental health.
Before booking, ask how privacy works, what connection you need, what happens if the video drops out and whether your goals suit telehealth. This guide explains a typical online therapy session.
Do not assume you must struggle through a video call. Check whether you have a stable, private place to connect and discuss the limits honestly during your enquiry. This practice delivers therapy by video and will assess whether that is workable. If it is not, your GP or healthdirect's rural and remote service guide can help you look at local and other remote options. Services Australia also explains Medicare services for rural and remote Australians.
The Australian Government's Better Access initiative allows eligible people to claim Medicare benefits for individual telehealth mental health treatment where the service is safe and clinically appropriate and referral requirements are met. A Medicare rebate does not always cover the full fee. This practice also offers private sessions and can discuss suitable NDIS therapeutic support for self-managed and plan-managed participants.
This practice does not provide crisis support. If someone is in immediate danger, call 000. Lifeline is available on 13 11 14. For non-urgent guidance, healthdirect's rural and remote mental health page lists helplines and service types. Your GP can help you decide which route fits your situation.
Wondering if video therapy could work from where you are?
Tell us about your location, privacy and connection in a secure enquiry. We will discuss the fit before booking.
Start a secure enquiryPublic mental health entry points differ across Australia. These guides explain the local route and where private video therapy may fit.
Also read: therapy when leaving home is difficult and telehealth versus in-person care.
General information only. We check whether telehealth is a suitable and safe fit before ongoing work.