Service Description

Rural Health Connect is an online telehealth platform and social enterprise that links people to psychology sessions over video calls and phone calls. This service is for anyone experiencing mild to moderate mental ill health who may benefit from digital therapeutic mental health supports, particularly those in rural and remote areas or where access to support is a barrier. 

This includes children and young people, adults and older adults who may be experiencing a range of mental health concerns including (but not limited to): depression, anxiety, grief, loss, trauma, relationships, eating disorders, physical health, perinatal depression and anxiety, neurodiverse needs, stress and addiction.  

This service is not suitable for you if you are experiencing crisis or serious and/or complex mental health conditions where intensive and collaborative support is needed. If you are currently in crisis, Call Lifeline on 131 114 to access a free 24-hour hotline. If your issue is an emergency, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department. 

If you are not sure if this service is right for you, please contact us or take our client information flyer to your GP or support service for assessment and referral.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my family member or support person work with me to use the service?  

Yes. If you would like a family member or support person to work with you to use this service, please advise the Rural Health Connect team at the time of your registration to provide consent.  

How many appointments will I need? 

How many appointments you have will be up to you and your selected psychologist. With a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare benefit on up to 10 sessions per calendar year. You can discuss this with your GP and provider.  

What can I expect from my sessions and what are the benefits of Rural Health Connect? 

There is significant research which supports the benefits of digital mental health supports, including increasing accessibility, convenience and flexibility, cost-effectiveness, anonymity and reduction of stigma, and scalability to meet growing demand.  

Appointment bookings are for 50 mins -1 hour, with availability both within and outside of business hours. Therapy techniques, regularity and other specific details will be determined by your provider according to your needs and situation. For further information on what to expect from your sessions, please talk to your provider.  

Our Model of Care has been developed in collaboration with experts on the Rural Health Advisory Board and is receiving lived experience input. We recognise people with a lived experience of mental illness and their families, whose experiences and valuable contributions help inform all that we do.   

Rural Health Connect is a trusted service delivering more than 21,000 sessions across rural, regional and remote Australia in 2024.

Where can I find more information about privacy? 

You can access our Privacy Policy here

What do I do if I can questions or concerns? 

If you have questions or feedback regarding the services we deliver, please contact us or submit via our complaints or feedback page. You can also view our Feedback & Complaints Policy.