Telehealth

Online (Telehealth) sessions

How lucky are we to live in a world where technology is so readily available to us? It allows us to find new and fun ways to stay connected with each other. We know that there are lots of changes happening everyday, however the team at South West Kids Clinic are committed to continue doing what we do best.

Online therapy allows your child to participate in 1:1 therapy, live with their therapist or educator from a computer or tablet. Therapy and learning delivered online is a flexible and convenient way to ensure continuity of therapy, less missed appointments and positive outcomes. As a parent or caregiver, you will have unprecedented access to your child’s therapy and progress.

Online therapy is effective

Online therapy – sometimes called teletherapy or telepractice – has been used by professionals for over two decades and more than 40 published, peer-reviewed research demonstrate that online therapy is as effective (sometimes even better) than in-person therapy. 

Learning skills right in the home can be beneficial for the child and can make it easier for them to generalize those skills for various day-to-day tasks. Therapy online at home also allows parents to work on therapeutic goals with materials available at home. Beyond the therapeutic benefits, online therapy provides parents the convenience of having one less appointment to drive their child to!

Children Online Therapy

Flexible and Convenient

Online therapy and learning is easily accessible

Online therapy and learning is ideal for mobile families with busy schedules, communities with limited access to professional services and long waiting lists.

Here are a few other circumstances where online therapy can be part of the solution:

  • Children’s Support Solutions clinics are not readily accessible in your community
    Attending appointments at one of our clinics is not possible due to mobility issues, child anxiety, work hours and schedules
  • Continuity of therapy when your child is in the care of grandparents, daycare, school or other caregiver
  • Continuity of therapy during your family’s summer travels

Requirements

What you need for online therapy and learning sessions

More good news – online therapy does not require any complicated equipment. All you need is an internet connection and a computer with a webcam and speakers or you can use your tablet or phone. We use an industry-leading video conferencing platform for our therapy; you will need to install the video conferencing software which takes just a few moments. The software is secure with many safeguards, encryptions, and firewalls ensuring login credentials and all communications are kept private and safe.

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What to Expect

What to get an idea of how the process works?

See the guidelines and process information below!

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One

Setting Up
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Two

Session Prior
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Three

Session Ongoing
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Four

After the Session
  • Your therapist will send you an email before your appointment to let you know the things that you will need to prepare for your session. This may include toys or everyday household objects (you will be surprised how we can adapt therapy to use everyday items such as cake tins or tissue boxes).
  • The therapist will also let you know the best place for therapy such as at a table and chair or on the floor in the living room. It will depend on the activities that are planned for your child. Sometimes we don’t need any specific locations as we follow your child’s lead wherever they end up.
  • Your therapist will guide you in choosing the best place for the computer, iPad  or phone. This will depend on the activities that your therapist has suggested. We might ask you to move the device around the room throughout the session to give us a better view.
  • If your therapist needs to call you they will be calling on a private number/ no caller ID, so please ensure you answer these calls
  • Your therapist will send an email with an attached google form for you to complete for invoicing (if you are funded through NDIS Agency Managed funding). This is in place of you signing at the front desk. It is essential that this is completed and submitted before your session.
  • Your therapist will also send an email outlining the materials that will be needed for the session. Please have these ready.
  • At the time of the session, your therapist will send you and SMS or email with a link to the zoom video. Please click on this link to commence the session. If you are concerned about navigating through the technology, rest assured that we will hold your hand throughout the process. It is easier than you think!
  • Each therapy session will vary depending on your child’s goals. No two sessions are ever the same.
  • You will see the therapist on the screen for the entire session as your child completes each activity. You will be able to hear the therapist and they will be able to see and hear you too.
  • Typically, older children who are working on higher level skills may remain seated at the computer or ipad. Younger children or children with greater needs may have more play based activities, just like in a clinic session.
  • Your therapist will coachguide you on  what to say when helping your child and how to best support your child do to complete each task or game.
  • We encourage you to ask lots of questions if you are unsure or unclear on anything. We also want you to give us feedback on your child’s progress between sessions as this will allow us to help you and your child more effectively.
  • Your therapist will provide activities suggestions for you to continue with at home between sessions. Make sure you have a notepad and pen ready to take down notes to help you remember between sessions.
  • To ensure that your child continues to progress, please complete the home activities that your therapist recommends . As the saying goes, practice makes perfect.
  • If you have any questions between your therapy sessions, we welcome you to email  your therapist immediately. This will allow the therapist the opportunity to give you some tips to guide you before the next session.