Remote Areas Benefit from Telehealth Access
Telehealth is increasingly bridging the gap in disability and mental health support for residents in regional and remote parts of Australia, where access to services is often limited. In these areas, long travel distances and limited local services create significant challenges for accessing care.
Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals that around one in four people who accessed mental health care used telehealth at least once during 2024 to 2025. This statistic highlights telehealth’s growing role in expanding access to care, especially for those outside major metropolitan areas.
Emma Thomas, the Area Manager at LiveBig, emphasises, For many people, telehealth is not just a convenient option – it is the only way they can access therapy. The lack of nearby clinicians or services hours away makes remote connectivity essential.
Access and Consistency in Therapy
Telehealth changes how therapy is accessed but not its goals. It facilitates sessions in psychology, behaviour support, and capacity building, which are effectively conducted remotely. These sessions often involve discussions, reviewing strategies, and problem-solving, well-suited to telehealth formats.
During disruptions like illness, fluctuating energy levels, or travel barriers, telehealth ensures continuity of care. Sessions can proceed without physical attendance, maintaining therapeutic progress.
Participating from home offers clinicians insights into a participant’s environment, assisting in crafting practical strategies for daily challenges. This real-time understanding helps tailor strategies that are easier to implement between sessions.
Emma Thomas adds, Access shouldnt depend on your postcode. Telehealth means people can begin working towards their goals sooner, rather than waiting months or missing out entirely.
The podcast episode features insights from clinicians discussing what telehealth sessions look like in practice. It covers which supports work well remotely and how participants may transition between in-person and telehealth appointments based on their needs.
For those unsure if telehealth is the right fit, an initial conversation can help. LiveBig offers a free consultation session with a clinician to discuss whether telehealth is suitable, ensuring that individuals can make informed decisions about their care options.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 12:17 pm
