Faq – Psychotherapy

Frequently asked question

123Psych | Everything you need to know

Starting therapy can bring up questions. Here are answers about 123Psych, online appointments, privacy and psychological support.

What is 123Psych?

123Psych aims to offer an inclusive experience. Contact the team to discuss accessibility needs and confirm which accommodations and features are currently supported.

Who will be helping me?

Your care will be provided by the mental health professional you choose or connect with through 123Psych. They will discuss your concerns, goals and suitable treatment options.

Who are the psychologists?

Psychologists in Australia must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia through Ahpra. Practitioners may have experience in anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationships and other areas.

How are psychologists verified?

Professional credentials and registration should be checked against relevant regulatory registers, including the Ahpra public register. The specific verification process used by 123Psych should be confirmed before publication.

Is 123Psych right for me?

Online psychological support may be appropriate for anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship difficulties, grief, life transitions and personal wellbeing. It may not suit every situation; a clinician can advise if in-person or specialised care is needed.

How do I get started with 123Psych?

Explore the available services, find a psychologist suited to your needs, select an available appointment and follow the booking instructions.

How long does it take to connect with a psychologist?

Appointment availability depends on the individual practitioner and your preferred times. Check current availability when booking.

How much does 123Psych cost?

Fees may depend on the psychologist, appointment duration and service. Review the price before confirming a booking. Eligible clients may qualify for Medicare rebates or private health insurance benefits, subject to applicable rules.

Can online therapy replace face-to-face therapy?

For many people and conditions, video-based psychological therapy can be a useful alternative to in-person care. It is not appropriate for every clinical need; your psychologist can help assess suitability.

How long can I use 123Psych?

Treatment duration depends on your needs and goals. You and your psychologist can review progress and decide whether short-term or ongoing support is appropriate.

How will I communicate with my psychologist?

Available communication methods depend on the services offered by 123Psych and your psychologist. Confirm the appointment format before booking.

How do live video sessions work?

At your scheduled time, use the joining instructions supplied for your consultation. You will generally need a compatible device, microphone, camera, internet connection and private space.

Are phone consultations available?

Phone appointments may be offered by some practitioners. Check the options shown when booking.

Does 123Psych offer live chat sessions?

Live text-based sessions should only be described as available if 123Psych supports them. Confirm this feature and its clinical suitability before publishing.

Can I message my psychologist between appointments?

Between-session messaging, if available, depends on platform features and the practitioner’s arrangements. Confirm response expectations; messaging is not an emergency service.

Can I review previous messages or session information?

Access to past messages and appointment information depends on platform features and record-keeping arrangements. You may have rights to request access to personal information under applicable law.

How do I pay for my appointments?

Accepted payment methods, billing timing and any cancellation terms should be displayed before booking.

Do I need a membership or subscription?

Whether 123Psych uses subscriptions, memberships or pay-per-session pricing must be confirmed. All charges and terms should be clearly disclosed before payment.

Can I claim Medicare rebates?

Eligible Australian clients may receive Medicare rebates for eligible psychological telehealth services, depending on referral requirements, practitioner eligibility and current Medicare rules. Confirm eligibility before booking.

Can I use private health insurance?

Some policies cover psychological services. Ask your insurer whether your particular service and practitioner are eligible.

How effective is online psychological therapy?

Research suggests online psychological therapy can be effective for various mental health concerns. Outcomes depend on the individual, condition, therapeutic approach and suitability of telehealth.

What if my psychologist isn’t the right fit?

A comfortable therapeutic relationship matters. You can raise concerns with your psychologist or explore another practitioner who better suits your needs.

Will my psychologist keep what I say confidential?

Australian psychologists have professional and legal confidentiality obligations. Exceptions can apply, including safety concerns, mandatory reporting and legal requirements. Your psychologist should explain these limits.

How does 123Psych protect my privacy?

Personal and health information should be handled in accordance with applicable Australian privacy obligations. Refer to the published 123Psych Privacy Policy for verified details about collection, storage, use and disclosure.

Can I remain anonymous?

You may be able to browse general information without identifying yourself, but clinical services typically require identity, contact and other details for safety, care and billing.

Is 123Psych accessible to people with disabilities?

You may be able to browse general information without identifying yourself, but clinical services typically require identity, contact and other details for safety, care and billing.

What is the role of 123Psych?

123Psych is intended to help people find and access psychological services. Clinical assessment and treatment decisions remain the responsibility of the treating professional.

Does 123Psych use artificial intelligence?

Any AI functionality should be accurately described once confirmed. AI should not be presented as a replacement for professional assessment, diagnosis or treatment.

I’m a qualified psychologist. How can I join 123Psych?

Qualified and appropriately registered psychologists interested in joining can contact the 123Psych team to ask about opportunities and participation requirements.

What if I need immediate mental health support?

123Psych is not an emergency or crisis response service. In immediate danger, call 000 in Australia or visit the nearest emergency department. Lifeline: 13 11 14; Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467; Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636; Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800.

Ready to Get Started?

Better mental health starts with one simple step. Explore 123Psych and find support that suits your needs.