Updated 18 March 2022
We understand that you may be feeling concerned about COVID-19 and unsure about how new restrictions will impact your health, daily routines and your upcoming appointments at Living Well.
Our practice remains open throughout the pandemic and we are committed to supporting you with the best possible care. We may need to change the way we support you which means we now also offer telephone and secure video telehealth consultations.
Our top priority is to keep our clients, staff and vulnerable loved ones safe. We want to reassure you that we are doing everything we can to make sure you are getting the support you need despite the continuing restrictions in place to help stop the spread.
Our team is receiving regular updates from local and national authorities as the situation evolves. As authorities start relaxing restrictions and physical distancing measures our practice will endeavour to offer a quality service in whatever capacity we can to support our clients and staff while providing a safe environment for everyone.
If you live in an area of concern and required to follow stay at home orders, you are still be able to attend your medical appointments in person provided your psychologist is offering face to face consultations. If you would prefer a phone or video telehealth appointment instead please call us on 0755992201.
Some clients are eligible for telehealth consultations under their existing referral programs. Talk to our reception staff to see if you are eligible. The government has also introduced new temporary Medicare telehealth item numbers for all Australians who are not currently being treated in a hospital setting. This protects our staff, clients and the wider community to stay at home as much as possible. Under individual circumstances you may be offered a face-to-face consultation where it is deemed appropriate.
Here’s how you can get the most out of telehealth:
- Please find a quiet and comfortable space to attend your telehealth appointment without distraction so you can get the most out of your consultation. We understand this may be difficult but it will really help. A bedroom or study with the door closed is ideal. If your home is not private enough for you right now, you could also sit in your car or even go for a walk.
- Most clients are finding connection easier via a PC or laptop with a webcam, however you can also connect via your smartphone or tablet too.
- We will send you an sms or email reminder for your appointment along with a link to join your secure telehealth video consultation. If you are unable to access a video consultation, please let us know and your psychologist will call you for a telephone consultation instead.
- Please click on the link 10min before your scheduled appointment to ensure you are able to connect and resolve any technical issues prior to your consultation. Please let us know if you are experiencing connectivity issues and we try to help resolve these.
- If you do need to attend our practice in person for any reason, please call reception on 0755992201 to let us know you are coming. If you are unwell for any reason please stay at home.
- Please use good hygiene and cough etiquette while in our practice. We encourage you to wash your hands prior to entry. Hand sanitiser is available however hand washing is preferred and we always have an ample supply of tissues should you need them.
- Book your next appointment via our website www.livingwellpsychology.com.au.
- Please remain calm and patient with our team as work to help you during these unprecedented times.
As you are aware, this situation is changing rapidly and we will be working hard to ensure we respond quickly to keep everyone safe and as informed as possible.
Self Care Is So Important Right Now
If you are feeling overwhelmed, we have some tips to help. Some might seem impossible given the current situation but you may need to get a little creative. After all, necessity is the mother of invention. Here’s how to avoid anxiety and panic:
- Learn the facts – Limit the amount of media coverage you are exposed to and seek factual information only from credible sources.
- Keep things in perspective – Avoid getting ahead of the facts while working on being prepared for any possible outcome.
- Take reasonable precautions – Be proactive with good hygiene, avoid unnecessary physical contact with others and seek medical advice if you have a fever, cough or experience breathing difficulties.
- Practice self-care – Keep up a healthy lifestyle, maintain social connections, make time for activities you enjoy or learn a new skill. Boredom is not your friend. Practice relaxation and mindfulness to give your mind and body a chance to settle and calm.
- Seek additional support – We are here for you. If you are struggling we can help with strategies to reduce your stress and anxiety.
On behalf of all the team at Living Well Psychology we wish you good health over the coming months. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call us on 0755992201 or email livingwell@psychologygoldcoast.com.au
Living Well Psychology & Support acknowledges Australia’s First Peoples as the traditional custodians of this land and celebrate their enduring connections to the land, sea, community and stories. We pay our respects to Elders and Ancestors of Yugambeh and Bundjalung Country on which we live and work.