One of the biggest advantages of telehealth is reach. A psychologist in Perth can support a client in a small Queensland town, and a clinician in Melbourne can see a farmer in western New South Wales. Yet many psychologists who offer telehealth still find most of their clients come from their own suburb. Here are practical ways to grow a telehealth practice and reach people right across Australia.
Decide who you want to help. Telehealth works best when clients can quickly see that you are the right fit. Think about the people you most enjoy working with and the areas where you have the most experience. A clear focus, such as anxiety in young adults, perinatal mental health or support for rural workers, makes it easier for people searching online to recognise you as the right psychologist.
Say clearly that you offer telehealth. It sounds obvious, but many practice websites and listings mention telehealth only in passing. Make it visible on your home page, your booking page and every directory profile. Explain how sessions work, which platform you use and whether you see clients by video, by phone or both. People who have never tried telehealth often need reassurance that it is simple.
Check your registration and location details. Psychologists registered with AHPRA can practise across Australia, but it still helps to be clear about the time zone you work in and the hours you offer. Clients in other states will appreciate knowing when appointments are available in their local time.
Make it easy to find you online. Most clients start their search on Google or a psychology directory. Keep your details consistent everywhere, including your name, practice name, areas of practice and contact information. Write a short, warm biography that explains who you help and how you work. Avoid jargon and focus on what a new client might want to know before reaching out.
Build relationships with referrers outside your area. GPs in regional and rural areas often struggle to find psychologists with availability. Introducing yourself to a few practices in areas with limited local services, and explaining that you offer telehealth, can lead to steady referrals. Keep it simple and professional, and follow up with a short written summary of your services.
Share useful information. Writing short, practical articles about common questions, such as what to expect in a first telehealth session, helps potential clients feel comfortable and shows your approach. Useful content also helps search engines understand what you offer.
Look after the client experience. Word of mouth still matters in a telehealth practice. Send clear joining instructions before each first session, start on time, and follow up after sessions where appropriate. Small details make clients feel cared for, and satisfied clients often recommend you to friends and family wherever they live.
Keep within professional advertising rules. Advertising of health services in Australia is regulated. Avoid testimonials, claims that you are better than other practitioners, and any promise of outcomes. Stick to factual information about your qualifications, services, fees and availability.
List where clients are looking. A clear, accurate directory profile helps people outside your local area discover you. My Psychologists is a new Australian directory built to help people connect with registered psychologists, and every listing can show whether you offer telehealth. Clients anywhere in the country can find psychologists who see people by video, not just those down the road.
We are currently welcoming our first practitioners through a founding member campaign. Founding members receive a free first year, which starts when the directory officially launches. After that, founding members pay the founding rate, a discounted price reserved for the first 100 founding members, which continues for as long as we operate. Every founding listing also carries a founding member badge. No payment details are needed to apply. Full terms, including the ongoing rate, are provided in writing before anyone is asked to pay. Places are limited and each application is checked before a place is confirmed. If you would like to reach more clients Australia wide, you are welcome to apply for a founding place on our home page.