Text messaging puts psychologists within easy reach of people in the bush

https://ab.co/2NkgFP2

Psychologists are texting with patients in the bush to try and take better mental health care to isolated parts of Australia.

The program, which is a joint initiative between Virtual Psychologist and Aussie Helpers, is designed to offer people free, personalised assistance on a device most have in their pocket all day — their mobile phone.

Founder of fundraising organisation Aussie Helpers, Brian Egan, said he hoped it offered people an outlet to seek help without needing to leave their property.

“People can text this number from anywhere in Australia and talk to psychologists right away,” he said.