Have You Heard About Telehealth?

Telehealth has quietly become one of the smartest ways to deliver occupational therapy, especially for people living outside metro areas. And now, with tools like virtual reality entering the picture, it’s not just convenient. It’s genuinely effective.

So, What is Telehealth?

Telehealth means working with your occupational therapist through video rather than in person. Sessions still involve assessment, goal setting, problem solving, and real time support. The difference is that therapy happens in your own space instead of a clinic. Importantly, telehealth is not watered down therapy. Occupational therapy focuses on everyday life, and everyday life does not happen in a clinic room. It happens at home, at work, at school, and in the community.

Your home is the best therapy room!

When therapy takes place in your actual environment, the advice becomes more relevant and more practical. Your occupational therapist can see how your kitchen is set up, how your workspace functions, how your child plays, or how routines unfold in real time. This allows strategies to be tailored specifically to your situation rather than relying on generic suggestions. For many people, telehealth does not feel like a compromise. It feels more personalised and more effective.

Why this matters even more in regional and remote areas

Many occupational therapists are based in metropolitan areas, which can mean long drives, time off work, disrupted routines, or missed opportunities for people living outside the city. Telehealth removes these barriers and makes ongoing support realistic. Instead of therapy being something that happens occasionally when travel allows, it becomes consistent and integrated into daily life. That consistency often leads to better outcomes over time.

And then there is virtual reality!

This is where things get especially interesting. Some occupational therapists now incorporate virtual reality into telehealth sessions to support skill development in a safe and engaging way.

Using a VR headset at home, individuals can practise real life tasks in a controlled environment. This might include improving hand eye coordination through interactive activities, building confidence in social situations, rehearsing work tasks before returning after injury, or strengthening problem solving and planning skills.

Virtual reality often feels less like therapy and more like an experience. This can significantly increase motivation and engagement, especially for people who struggle with traditional therapy approaches. Occupational therapists can monitor progress remotely, adjust tasks, and tailor challenges to keep sessions meaningful and achievable.

What about the tech side?

You do not need to be particularly tech savvy to access telehealth. If you have a smartphone, tablet or computer with internet access, you can participate in standard telehealth sessions.

For virtual reality, your occupational therapist will guide you through what is required. In some cases, equipment can be provided or accessed through local services. Support is usually available to help with setup, so technology does not become a barrier.

Is telehealth right for everyone?

Telehealth is not suitable for every situation, and some individuals will still benefit from face-to-face sessions. That said, for many occupational therapy needs, particularly ongoing support, skill building, reviews, and follow ups, telehealth is highly effective. As technology continues to develop, the scope of what can be achieved through telehealth continues to grow.

Let's Wrap up!

Living in a regional or remote area should not mean missing out on quality healthcare or innovative therapy options. Telehealth helps level the playing field by bringing occupational therapy support directly into people’s homes across Australia.

Whether supporting a child, managing a long-term condition, or rebuilding confidence after injury, telehealth occupational therapy offers practical, personalised support without the need for travel. It is therapy designed to fit real life.