At MyCareSpace, we talk to families, participants and Support Coordinators every single day who are desperate to start therapy but can’t get past the waitlists.
You’ve probably seen the same thing week after week — clinics booked out for months, or the only available appointment being an hour’s drive away. So we’re having more conversations than ever about online therapy and why it’s often the quickest, most practical and effective way to begin.
And here’s the truth many people don’t realise:
Online therapy isn’t a lesser version of therapy — when it’s delivered well, it’s real therapy, using the same evidence-based approaches, just delivered in a way that fits real life.
Let’s walk through exactly how online Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Pathology, and Psychology work in the real world, and why so many families are seeing great outcomes.
Why online therapy works — and works well
Families tell us this all the time:
“We just needed to start — online therapy made that possible.”
There are four big reasons online therapy is becoming a game-changer:
1. You can start sooner
Online availability is usually broader — therapists aren’t limited by room bookings or travel time. This means:
- shorter waitlists
- more flexible session times
- easier access in regional/remote areas
2. It fits real life
No travel, no siblings in the car, no parking stress. Sessions go ahead even if your child is having a wobbly morning or can’t manage an outing.
3. The evidence is strong
Online therapy (telehealth) is recognised by the NDIS as a valid mode of delivering therapeutic supports and providers can claim these sessions when they follow the telehealth rules in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
There is also extensive research showing outcomes are comparable to in-person therapy for OT, speech and psychology, especially when sessions are consistent and families are involved in practice between sessions.
4. Real environment = real progress
Therapists can see your home setup, routines and challenges — which often leads to more practical strategies that stick because they are designed for the environment you actually live in.
How Online Occupational Therapy Actually Looks in Real Life
Online OT works best when it’s connected to what’s happening in your actual home and daily routines — something clinic therapy can struggle to fully see.
A real example we see often: Morning routine battles
A parent jumps onto Zoom feeling defeated: “We can’t get teeth brushed without a meltdown.”
The OT might say: “Can you show me the bathroom? Just tilt the camera a little.”
They watch how the child moves in the space, how they reach, where things are placed. Then the OT helps the parent make real-time adjustments:
- moving the toothbrush station lower so the child can access it more easily
- adding a visual sequence on the wall to break the task into steps
- trialling a timer to reduce the sense of “rush” and overwhelm
The parent tries it while the OT is still on the call, getting coached step by step and adjusting until it feels manageable.
Sensory regulation using what you already have
Your OT might ask you to grab everyday items:
- pillows or a doona for deep-pressure input
- a chair or couch for heavy work activities
- toys, balls or household objects to use in movement breaks
You might hear things like: “Let’s try some body squeezes with the doona and then check in — does your body feel calmer, the same, or more buzzy?”
Parents often tell us they end up with a whole toolkit of sensory strategies they can use any time, not just during therapy.
Fine-motor practice that actually works
With simple household items — pegs, paper, Blu Tack, LEGO — OTs guide activities like:
- strengthening pencil grip
- improving hand control for cutting, writing or feeding
- building bilateral coordination (using both hands together)
The OT watches posture, fatigue and regulation cues through the camera, just like they would in a clinic room, but in the real-life context where your child actually writes, eats and plays.
How Online Speech Pathology Works — More Interactive Than You Think
Speech therapy online isn’t a therapist talking at your child. It’s full of shared screens, mirrors, articulation tools and interactive activities designed to keep them engaged.
Clear articulation practice
A speech pathologist might say: “Can you move your camera a little closer? Great — now let’s look at your /s/ sound together.”
They model mouth movements slowly, use close-up camera angles and visual cues (like diagrams or animations) so your child can copy the sound accurately. Many children love the virtual reward systems and interactive games used online.
Building language through play
Speechies often screen-share:
- storybooks
- sequencing tasks
- vocabulary games
- digital whiteboards for drawing and labelling
They pause to model phrases, expand sentences (“Dog run” becomes “The big dog is running fast”), and check understanding — just as they would in a therapy room, but often with more visual support.
AAC support is often better online
For participants using communication devices (AAC), online therapy can be especially powerful.
The therapist might say: “Show me the home screen… great. Let’s model the word ‘go’ before we start the game.”
They watch how the device is set up at home, how the child or adult reaches it, and how the family uses it. Parents learn how to model words in everyday routines, which is where the biggest AAC progress usually happens.
Social communication support
For autistic participants, online sessions can feel safer and less intense. There’s less pressure around eye contact and unfamiliar environments.
Speech pathologists use shared games and activities to practise:
- turn-taking and conversation skills
- interpreting facial expressions and tone of voice
- repairing breakdowns in communication
- safe and appropriate digital communication (texts, chats, social platforms)
How Online Psychology Works — Safe, Comfortable and Surprisingly Personal
We see teenagers, adults and parents all tell us they feel more relaxed in online sessions, especially when they can join from their own room or a familiar space.
Rapport building happens naturally
Psychologists often begin with a simple grounding exercise: “Before we talk, just notice your feet on the floor. Take a slow breath. You’re safe here.”
Then they move into CBT, ACT, or emotional regulation strategies using:
- shared worksheets and mood trackers
- drawing or diagram tools on screen
- goal-setting templates
- thought records and coping plans
Real-life example: Managing anxiety
A teenager logs in from their bedroom desk. The psychologist helps them:
- identify what anxiety feels like in their body
- notice thinking patterns that fuel the anxiety
- practise a grounding or breathing technique using items on their desk
- create a “cope card” that stays pinned above the desk as a visual reminder
Because everything happens in their real environment, strategies are easier to remember and use outside therapy.
Parent involvement when helpful
For children and younger teens, parents might join the first 5–10 minutes of a session to:
- share updates
- set priorities for the session
- learn how to support the strategies at home
This shared approach is one of the reasons online psychology works so well for many families.
Is online therapy covered by the NDIS?
Yes.
OT, speech and psychology are all recognised Therapeutic Supports within the NDIS and can be funded under capacity building budgets when they are reasonable and necessary. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Telehealth sessions can be claimed if:
- therapy is appropriate for your needs
- it’s agreed in your service agreement
- the provider follows the NDIS claiming rules for telehealth and price limits
The NDIS Pricing Arrangements set out how telehealth can be claimed and make it clear that telehealth is a valid way to deliver therapy as long as it’s the same standard of care you’d receive in person. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Why families choose online therapy through MyCareSpace
MyCareSpace is built to make finding therapy easy, fast and personalised. We speak to parents and participants every day who feel stuck — and online therapy is often the key to getting things moving.
With us, you get:
- Verified, trusted therapists who are experienced in online delivery
- Matches based on your needs, not just a generic provider list
- Faster start times — often within days, not months
- Options Australia-wide, including regional and remote areas
- Providers who know how to make online therapy engaging, warm and practical
We’ve seen thousands of families successfully begin therapy online — sometimes transitioning to in-person later once momentum is built. Often, the hardest part is simply getting started.
Thinking about online therapy? Here’s what to do next
- Tell us what therapy you’re looking for
OT, speech, psychology — and anything specific, like experience with autism, behaviour support, or early childhood.
- We secure a place with the best online therapists for you
We look at your goals, location, preferences and availability to send you options that make sense.
- Book your first appointment
Most families know within a session or two whether online therapy feels right for them.
- Start making progress sooner
No long drives, no waiting rooms, no months on a list — just real therapy that fits your life.
You can feel confident choosing online therapy
Online therapy isn’t a second-best option. For many families, it’s the most flexible, most accessible and most sustainable way to begin therapy.
And at MyCareSpace, we’re here to connect you with therapists who know how to make online sessions practical, warm, engaging and evidence-based.
If you’re ready to get started, we’re ready to help you find the right online OT, speech or psychology support for your situation.
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