Written with love by Lacey Andrews, Psychologist & Board Approved Supervisor

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So you’ve decided to travel overseas and continue working with your Australian-based clients. How exciting! But what if you’re currently working mostly (or entirely) face-to-face? When will you break the news about your change of circumstances to your clients? And how will you support them in their transition to working with you 100% by telehealth? This blog explores these topics and supports you to start answering these questions. 

In this blog:

• Consideration 1: Identify the clients you need to refer on, and the clients you can take with you
• Consideration 2: Decide on the tools you will use in your telehealth journey, and orient your clients to them
• Consideration 3: Update your privacy and consent policy
• Consideration 4: Tell your clients early, but not too early
• Consideration 5: Establish a rock-solid tech backup plan

STOP! Have you read the Blog Disclaimer yet? If not, please pause and read now.

Consideration 1: Identify the clients you need to refer on, and the clients you can take with you

As you likely know, not every client is a suitable fit for ongoing telehealth. Some clinical presentations really require the physical containment of a consulting room. Consider carefully reviewing your current caseload to assess client presentations generally, as well as risk and tech literacy. Also, think about who might struggle with the lack of in-person connection or the change in time zones. For those clients, start the referral process within a reasonable time frame so they have a warm handover to a local practitioner.

Consideration 2: Decide on the tools you will use in your telehealth journey, and orient your clients to them

Pick a secure, compliant video platform that you feel comfortable using. Consider creating a simple, step-by-step guide on how to log in and use the video platform, and send this to your clients before their first virtual session. Also, while we’re on the subject, encourage your clients to find a quiet, private space in their own home (or the space where they are having sessions – it could be at work, in a parked car, somewhere else…)  where they won’t be interrupted.

Consideration 3: Update your privacy and consent policy

Practising from overseas means your standard consent forms may need a refresh. Consider explicitly stating in your paperwork that you will be operating from outside Australia. Also consider adding a section around what platforms you are using, and how (and if) client data is stored. It is also the perfect time to set boundaries around your new working hours and email response times. Make sure every client reviews and signs this updated agreement before your departure.

Consideration 4: Tell your clients early, but not too early

Finding the right time to break the news is a delicate clinical balance. If you tell them too soon, they might feel unsettled or distracted for months. If you leave it too late, the transition can feel rushed and abandonment triggers may surface. Have a think about what timeline you’re comfortable with/what seems appropriate. However, as a rule of thumb, consider giving 4 – 6 weeks notice. This likely provides enough time for your clients to process the change, ask questions, and plan their transition without unnecessarily disrupting their current therapy.

Consideration 5: Establish a rock-solid tech backup plan

Internet dropouts are simply an inevitable part of remote work. Agree on a clear, protocol with your client for when the screen freezes or the connection fails entirely. However, usually, a quick switch to a regular phone call is the easiest immediate fix (perhaps you can add your process to your updated privacy and consent policy too). Also, make sure you have a reliable way to dial Australian numbers from overseas! You could get a good phone plan with international minutes, or perhaps use a VoIP service – as long as you double check this service for how it handles personal data. 

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Transitioning your caseload to a fully remote model takes careful planning. However, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By preparing your clients and your systems ahead of time, you protect the therapeutic alliance you’ve already built together. And at the same time, it is completely normal to feel a bit nervous about making the switch. Take it one step at a time, trust your clinical judgment, and lean on your preparation. Safe travels, and enjoy this exciting new chapter in your practice!

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Like this blog? Would you like to access more helpful information about practising from overseas with your Australia-based clients? Then join my email list! This is where I share free resources and updates on upcoming projects (including a comprehensive course I’m building on this exact topic!).  You can join the community by clicking the “Stay up to date” button in the bottom left-hand corner of your screen.

Until then, happy travels.

From Lacey  🖤

References

Images sourced from Unsplash and/or Pexels, some with minor edits.