Did you know that around 26% of Australians aged 15 and over were estimated to have a mental illness? That’s more than one in four of us. So, if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re alone in needing a bit of extra support, you’re definitely not.

In this post, we’ll have a friendly chat about:

What online counselling actually is
Who benefits most from it
Why it often outshines face-to-face sessions
How it’s smashing down barriers to care
How The Indigo Project’s unique matching tools and curated team of therapists make it even easier!

Pull up a comfy chair, grab a cuppa (or a glass of water), and let’s dive in.

What Is Online Counselling?

Imagine catching up with a trusted friend over the phone—except that mate is a fully qualified psychologist or counsellor, and the chat is all about you. That’s online counselling in a nutshell.

Rather than driving into a clinic, sitting in a waiting room and filling in forms, you simply log in at your chosen time, from wherever you are. The tools vary—some platforms use video calls, others offer secure text-based chat or even email-style exchanges—but the core remains the same: a warm, empathetic conversation focused on helping you navigate life’s ups and downs.

Our “Get Matched” tool guides you through a few quick questions about your needs and preferences, then hand‑picks three therapists from our carefully curated network who best align with you.

Who Needs Online Counselling the Most?

While anyone can benefit, online counselling especially helps:

Busy people juggling work, family, study and social lives
Rural and regional Aussies where specialist services might be hours away
Those with anxiety or mobility issues who find in-person visits daunting
Shift workers whose hours fall outside standard clinic times
Anyone wanting more privacy or who prefer chatting from the comfort of home

Whether you’re a student living in the rural parts of Australia, a tradie on the road, or a new parent with little time, online sessions let you slot support into your life, rather than rearrange your world around an appointment.

And because every one of our therapists is vetted through a rigorous selection process, you can trust you’re connecting with someone qualified, experienced and truly a good match for your situation.

The Upsides of Face-to-Face Therapy

It’s not just about wearing pyjama pants under the camera. Here’s why many people now prefer the online route:

Zero travel time – no petrol costs, no traffic jams, and no wrestling with parking
Instant access – same-day or next-day appointments can be a reality, not a pipe dream
Comfort factor – your own couch beats a sterile waiting room every time
Expanded choice – you’re not limited to local therapists; you can find the perfect match across the country
Quality assurance – every Indigo therapist has been hand-selected and vetted, unlike other platforms with open sign-ups.
Medicare rebates – those with a Mental Health Treatment Plan can claim a Medicare rebate with a registered psychologist.

Smashing Barriers: How Online Counselling Boosts Accessibility

Let’s be honest: mental health services haven’t always been easy to access. Long waiting lists, high costs and patchy rural coverage all get in the way. Online counselling addresses these head-on by:

Reducing wait times – Digital platforms often have more available slots, so you’re seen sooner
Reaching remote areas – If you have a decent internet or phone connection, your postcode doesn’t matter
Offering anonymity – For some, the idea of walking into a clinic can feel exposing; logging on from home feels safer
Providing expert curation – while other sites might show you thousands of profiles, Indigo narrows it down to a handful of vetted professionals

In fact, a 2021–22 survey found that 8.2% of people aged 16 to 34 used phone or internet-based mental health services—compared with just 1% of those aged 65 to 85, showing just how powerful digital care can be for younger, tech-savvy generations.

What to Look for in an Online Counselling Service

If you’re thinking, “This sounds great—where do I start?”, here are a few quick tips before choosing your online counselling provider:

Check qualifications – Make sure every counsellor or psychologist is registered with AHPRA.
Read reviews – Look for testimonials, star ratings or case studies.
Assess matching tools – Some platforms help you find the right therapist based on your needs, personality and budget. (For example, The Indigo Project’s Get Matched tool)
Trial session – Many offer a discounted or free introductory chat so you can see if the style clicks. (The Indigo Project’s Perfect Match Promise means that if you don’t click with your therapist in the first two sessions, we will match you with a new therapist, and your next session is free of charge.)
Extra offerings – Workshops, group sessions or digital courses can add extra value.

Throughout your search, remember: quality over quantity. Our curated team means you won’t waste time sifting through endless profiles; you get matched straight away.

Why It Matters

If you’ve ever thought:

“I’d like to try counselling, but I can’t take time off work”

“I live too far from the nearest clinic”

“I’m not comfortable waiting in a crowded clinic”

Then online counselling is the no-brainer alternative you’ve been waiting for.

By making appointments easier to book, easier to attend and more accessible, it doesn’t just scratch the surface of mental health care—it opens the door to genuine, sustained support.

And by using The Indigo Project’s ‘Get Matched’ tool, you’re guaranteed to connect with a therapist who’s been hand-picked to suit your needs with no guesswork.

Meet The Indigo Project

The Indigo Project is an Australian-born psychology and counselling service founded in 2012. We’ve built our entire practice around the idea that therapy should feel like a chat with a trusted friend, not a clinical procedure.

Here’s what we bring to the table:

Online Counselling – Flexible sessions that help fit therapy into your life.
Specialised Therapies – From CBT to EMDR, plus niche support for grief, trauma, eating disorders, postnatal depression and more.
Courses & Events – Our digital courses, workshops and events are designed to transform the way you think, feel and live.
Workplace Wellbeing – Tailored corporate seminars, webinars and group sessions to boost morale and reduce stress in the office.

Across Australia, from Sydney and Melbourne to Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and beyond, The Indigo Project’s network of over 30 qualified therapists has got your back. Our non‑clinical, down‑to‑earth language helps you feel at ease, using an inclusive, empowering approach so you’re always in the driver’s seat.

Take the First Step to Better Mental Health Today

Across Australia—from Sydney and Melbourne to Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and beyond—The Indigo Project’s network of over 30 qualified therapists has got your back. Our non-clinical, down-to-earth language helps you feel at ease, using an inclusive, empowering approach so you’re always in the driver’s seat.

Online counselling isn’t just a pandemic pivot—it’s the future of mental health support. By smashing through geographical, financial, social barriers, and by ensuring every therapist is carefully vetted, it’s putting care within everyone’s reach. If you’re ready to explore a more you-centred, flexible route to wellbeing, The Indigo Project is your perfect match.

Head over to our “Find a Therapist” tool now and let us connect you with your ideal counsellor—no waiting rooms, no traffic jams, just real, relatable support whenever and wherever you need it.