Telehealth provides fast access to mental health services
A message from Mates4Mates
Australian veterans’ charity Mates4Mates is making it easier for veterans and families to connect with mental health clinicians, offering access to telehealth services with no current wait times.
In 2023, an estimated 4.67 million Australians accessed telehealth services, with 4.23 million people based in major cities.
Current and ex-serving military personnel and family members can access telehealth appointments with military-informed psychologists who understand the challenges of Defence without joining the end of long waitlists.
Mates4Mates Clinical Lead of Psychological Services Jonathan Moscrop said telehealth plays a critical role in connecting Australians with the health services they need, and the organisation is making sure veterans and families receive fast access to the clinicians they need.
‘Clients are often waiting 3 months to see a psychologist, but we currently have no wait times for veterans looking to book telehealth appointments with our team of mental health clinicians including psychologists, social workers and counsellors,’ Mr Moscrop said.
‘Our dedicated team are experienced in working with those who have been impacted by service and understand the challenges of transitioning from the Defence Force. Many of our staff are from all areas of the Defence community and are experienced in helping veterans with common mental health concerns associated with military service including anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
‘With telehealth services on the rise, we are making sure veterans and families have every opportunity to access Mates4Mates clinicians.’
Mr Moscrop notes, however, that there are many misconceptions about telehealth that may be holding people back from accessing support available to them.
‘A common concern when it comes to telehealth services is that it isn’t as effective as face-to-face appointments, but this isn’t the case,’ he explains. ‘Telehealth appointments have been found to be as effective as in-person appointments across various medical fields, including mental health, chronic disease management, and postoperative care,' he said.
Mr Moscrop said that another misconception is that you must live rurally to access telehealth services.
‘At Mates4Mates we offer telehealth appointments to all veterans and family members, whether it is because you live rurally or prefer to attend appointments from the comfort of your home,’ he said.
Mates4Mates offers veterans and families access to mental health and physical rehabilitation services in-person and via telehealth appointments. We use a secure telehealth platform called doxy.me which utilises the latest in video-conferencing software and upholds the highest standard of privacy and security.
To find out more about referrals and booking a telehealth appointment with Mates4Mates clinicians, reach out on 1300 4 MATES (62 837) or visit www.mates4mates.org.