The University Psychology Clinic (UPC) has now re-opened and is accepting referrals for newly introduced Telehealth therapy services, to ensure clients have access to the help they need.
While the clinic has maintained phone sessions with clients during COVID-19 restrictions, the video option of Telehealth sessions will add another layer of access to assistance for those who need it.
Clinic manager Dr Tracey Dean said, as was the case with many service providers in the community, COVID-19 had been the impetus for the clinic to look at making positive changes to find different ways to connect with more people.
However, Dr Dean said the service would also be an ongoing asset to the clinic and clients.
“We had to act quickly to get Telehealth up and running to provide assistance to people during the pandemic, as we know this may be a time of increased stress and feelings of isolation,” she said.
“However, Telehealth will also provide an opportunity for people living in rural and remote regions of Tasmania and those with transport difficulties, to access psychology services from our clinic, so this will be a valuable service into the future.”
Telehealth includes secure and private phone or video-conference consultation to clients in their homes and can be accessed via self-referral or through a GP or specialist referral, both through the clinic’s webpage.
The UPC is a training clinic for provisionally registered psychologists in their fifth and sixth year of training at the University of Tasmania.
It currently provides a confidential service for the community, offering evidence-based support and intervention for children through to older adults.
The aim of the clinic is to help people manage emotional difficulties which may be causing problems, using evidence-based intervention and includes assistance for general mental health issues such as: depression, anxiety issues (including worry, panic, fears and phobias), managing stress, strategies for parenting or child behaviour issues, loneliness and isolation, and coping with stressful life events.
You can contact the clinic on:
P: 03 62262805
E: psy.clinic@utas.edu.au
W: www.utas.edu.au/psychology-clinic
