For Online Counselling options book here or return to the Counsellor Directory and contact an online counselling option.
Professional Online Counselling From the Comfort of Your Home
Life can feel overwhelming at times. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, relationship difficulties, stress, low mood, work pressures or simply feeling stuck, talking with a qualified counsellor can provide a safe space to understand what you’re going through and work towards positive change.
With counselling Australia, you can connect with a counsellor remotely, without needing to travel to a clinic.
At Counselling Australia, our online counselling service makes professional support more accessible, convenient and flexible, wherever you are in Australia.
Book an counselling session and take the first step towards feeling more supported.
What Is Online Counselling?
Online counselling is a form of professional counselling delivered remotely using technology such as video calls or other digital communication methods.
Instead of travelling to a counselling clinic, you can speak with your counsellor from a private and comfortable location that works for you.
This type of counselling can be particularly convenient for people who:
- Have busy work or family commitments
- Live outside major cities or regional areas
- Find it difficult to travel to appointments
- Prefer speaking with a counsellor from home
- Want greater flexibility when scheduling appointments
- Feel more comfortable starting counselling remotely
- Need ongoing support that fits around their lifestyle
Online counselling is sometimes referred to as online therapy, virtual counselling, telehealth counselling or e-counselling.
How Online Counselling Works
Getting started with counselling online is straightforward.
1. Choose a convenient appointment
Select an appointment time that works for your schedule. Online can make it easier to access support without allowing travel time to become another barrier.
2. Connect with your counsellor online
At your scheduled appointment, you can connect with your counsellor using the agreed online method. You will need a suitable device, an internet connection and a private space where you feel comfortable talking.
3. Talk openly in a supportive environment
Your counsellor will provide a confidential and non-judgemental environment where you can discuss the issues affecting you.
4. Work towards meaningful change
Counselling is not about having someone tell you what to do. It is an opportunity to explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviours and circumstances, develop greater self-understanding and identify practical ways forward.
What Can Online Counselling Help With?
People seek counselling for many different reasons. You don’t necessarily need to be experiencing a diagnosed mental health condition to benefit from talking to a counsellor.
Counselling may provide support with:
- Anxiety and excessive worry
- Stress and burnout
- Low mood
- Relationship difficulties
- Family concerns
- Separation and divorce
- Grief and loss
- Work-related stress
- Life transitions
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Emotional difficulties
- Communication problems
- Personal development
- Parenting challenges
- Coping with difficult circumstances
- Feeling overwhelmed or stuck
Everyone’s circumstances are different. During counselling, your counsellor can work with you to understand your individual concerns and identify appropriate strategies and support.
Benefits of Online Counselling
Convenient access to support
One of the biggest advantages of counselling online is convenience. You can attend your session without travelling to and from an appointment.
Counselling from your own space
Some people feel more comfortable discussing personal matters from a familiar environment. Being in your own space can make it easier to settle into a counselling session.
Flexible appointments, Counselling can make it easier to fit counselling around work, study, family and other commitments.
Accessible from many locations
If you live in a regional or remote area, counselling online may provide another way to access professional support without needing to travel long distances.
Continued support when life gets busy
When attending face-to-face appointments isn’t practical, counselling online can provide a convenient alternative, subject to whether remote counselling is appropriate for your circumstances.
Australian health guidance recognises virtual care as an option for accessing health services, while also noting that virtual care isn’t suitable in every situation. Your practitioner should assess whether online care is appropriate for you.
Is Online Counselling Effective?
Counselling online can be a useful way to access professional mental health and emotional support. Healthdirect describes online therapy as including online counselling and psychological appointments delivered through digital devices, and notes that many people find online therapy an effective way to get help.
However, the right type of support depends on your individual circumstances.
Your counsellor can discuss your needs with you and help determine whether this type of counselling is appropriate. If face-to-face care or another type of professional support would be more suitable, you may be referred or encouraged to access additional services.
Counselling Online vs Face-to-Face Counselling
Both online and face-to-face counselling can provide an opportunity to speak privately with a mental health professional.
The main difference is how you access your appointment.
| Online Counselling | Face-to-Face Counselling |
|---|---|
| Attend from a suitable private location | Attend a counselling clinic |
| No travel to the clinic | Travel to and from appointments |
| Convenient for people with busy schedules | In-person interaction |
| Can be useful for people outside metropolitan areas | May be preferred by people who value physical presence |
| Access support using a device and internet connection | Attend the counsellor’s physical location |
There isn’t one option that is right for everyone. The most important consideration is finding a form of counselling that is appropriate for your needs and allows you to feel comfortable engaging with the process.
Is Online Counselling Private and Confidential?
Privacy and confidentiality are important parts of professional counselling.
When accessing counselling, it is also important to consider your surroundings. Choose a private location where you can speak without being overheard and use a reliable, appropriate device and internet connection.
Australian guidance for virtual care states that registered health practitioners should protect privacy and confidentiality and obtain informed consent. Digital mental health standards also emphasise appropriate privacy policies, data protection and transparency around how personal information is collected, stored and used.
Before starting counselling, your counsellor should explain confidentiality and any relevant limitations.
How to Prepare for an Online Counselling Session
A few simple steps can help you get the most from your counselling appointment.
Find a private space: Choose somewhere you can speak openly without interruptions.
Check your technology: Make sure your device, microphone, camera and internet connection are working before your appointment.
Allow yourself enough time: Avoid scheduling your session immediately before another demanding commitment where possible.
Think about what you want to discuss: You don’t need to prepare a speech or have everything figured out. Simply consider what has been troubling you and what you’d like help with.
Be honest with your counsellor: Counselling works best when you feel able to communicate openly about your experiences and concerns.
Choosing an Counsellor in Australia
Finding the right counsellor is an important part of your counselling experience.
When choosing an online counsellor, consider:
- Their qualifications and professional experience
- The areas they specialise in
- Their counselling approach
- Their experience with concerns similar to yours
- Whether you feel comfortable communicating with them
- How appointments are delivered
- Fees and cancellation arrangements
- Whether online counselling is appropriate for your circumstances
If you are seeing a registered health practitioner, Australian health authorities recommend checking their registration and qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Counselling
How does online counselling work?
Counselling online allows you to speak with a counsellor remotely using an online communication platform. You attend your appointment from a private location rather than travelling to a counselling clinic.
Can I have counselling from home?
Yes. Online counselling allows you to attend your session from a suitable private location, including your home, provided you have the necessary technology and privacy.
Do I need a referral for online counselling?
Generally, you can contact a counsellor directly to arrange an appointment. Healthdirect states that you don’t need a referral to see a counsellor.
How long is an online counselling session?
Session length can vary depending on the counsellor and service. Check the appointment details when booking your session.
Is online counselling suitable for everyone?
Not necessarily. Virtual care isn’t appropriate in every situation. A counsellor or health professional should consider your individual circumstances and whether online support is suitable.
Can online counselling help with anxiety and stress?
Counselling may help you explore the factors contributing to anxiety and stress, understand your thoughts and emotions, and develop practical coping strategies. The most appropriate approach depends on your individual circumstances.
Is online counselling confidential?
Counselling is generally confidential, although there can be exceptions relating to safety and other circumstances. Your counsellor should explain confidentiality and its limitations at the beginning of counselling.
What do I need for an online counselling appointment?
You’ll generally need a suitable smartphone, tablet or computer, a reliable internet connection and a private space where you can talk comfortably.
What if online counselling isn’t right for me?
If online counselling isn’t appropriate for your circumstances, your counsellor can discuss other options with you, which may include face-to-face support or referral to another health professional or service.
Take the First Step With Online Counselling
You don’t have to work through everything on your own.
If you’re ready to talk, online counselling can provide a convenient way to connect with professional support from a place where you feel comfortable.
Take the first step today and find out how counselling can help you move towards greater clarity, confidence and wellbeing.
Book an Online Counselling Appointment
Important Support Information
Online counselling is not an emergency service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide or self-harm, contact an appropriate crisis support service or seek urgent professional help.