How Online OT, Speech and Psychology Actually Work — Real Sessions, Real Outcomes, Real Life
We speak to parents and participants every day who feel unsure about online therapy. You might wonder, “How can an OT help my child’s regulation through a screen?” Or, “How does a speech pathologist work on articulation if they’re not in the room?” Or even, “Can a psychologist really connect with my teenager online?”
What we see — week after week — is that online therapy doesn’t replace traditional therapy. It simply changes how the therapist connects with you. And for many families, that change is what finally makes therapy possible. Below is what actually happens in real online OT, speech and psychology sessions.
Online Occupational Therapy (OT)
Online OT works extremely well because therapy is delivered inside the environment where daily challenges actually happen — your home.
A typical session might begin with the OT asking to see part of your routine.
One parent recently explained how chaotic mornings had become. During the session, the OT asked to quickly view the bathroom layout. They noticed where the child was getting overwhelmed and suggested simple changes: moving the toothbrush holder, adding a visual step chart and using a sand timer.
The family trialled it on the spot, with the OT guiding and adjusting in real time. This kind of in-context coaching is often more effective than a clinic-based session.
OTs also help with emotional regulation using items already around you: pillows, blankets, chairs, swings or even a rolled-up towel.
You might hear, “Let’s try a body squeeze with the doona. Tell me how that feels. Good — now let’s check your breathing.”
Parents often tell us they learn as much as their child.
For fine-motor practice, the OT may ask you to grab household items such as pegs, Blu Tack, scissors or LEGO. They then guide the child through tasks while watching posture, grip and fatigue just as they would in person.
Because the therapy happens in the real environment, children often stay more engaged and parents gain practical strategies they can use between sessions.
Online Speech Pathology (Speech Therapy)
Speech therapy online is highly interactive and often feels like a structured game session rather than a clinical appointment.
For articulation therapy, a speech pathologist might ask you to angle the camera closer so they can see lip or tongue placement. They’ll model the sound slowly, use digital cue cards and ask the child to watch their face before practising.
Many children love the online tools — buttons, animations and rewards that keep them motivated.
For language development, speech pathologists use interactive stories, digital play tasks and simple on-screen games. You might hear, “Let’s build a sentence together. I’ll start: ‘The puppy is…’ Now you choose the verb.”
They pause often to model grammar, expand sentences and check comprehension.
Because these tools are visual and engaging, children tend to stay focused longer than in a physical room.
AAC (communication device) therapy is often even more effective online. The speech pathologist may ask, “Show me the device screen. Let’s model the word ‘go’ before we start the game.” Parents get to observe, practise and join in, which strengthens communication throughout the week.
For autistic participants or teenagers, online therapy reduces pressure—especially around eye contact. The therapist can use shared activities to practise turn-taking, tone, conversation skills and even digital communication such as texting.
Online Psychology / Counselling
Psychology sessions online can feel calmer and safer, especially for teenagers. Sitting in their own room with headphones on often makes it easier for them to open up.
A psychologist may begin with grounding: “Before we talk, take a moment to notice your feet and your breath.” They then use digital worksheets, mood trackers or drawing tools to help with CBT, ACT or emotion-regulation strategies.
Because screen-sharing allows them to visually map out thoughts or coping strategies, many young people find it easier to follow.
A common scenario we see: a teen experiencing anxiety begins sessions from their desk. The psychologist teaches them to identify early signs of anxiety and practise grounding using items already in the room. Together they create a “cope card” pinned above the computer — something the teen can use every day.
This ability to teach skills directly in the environment where difficulties occur is a major advantage of online therapy.
Parents may join for the first few minutes to share updates or learn strategies. This ensures the family feels supported and knows how to reinforce progress between sessions.
Why Online Therapy Often Improves Outcomes
Therapy happens where life actually happens: your home. This increases the chances of strategies being used consistently.
- Sessions face fewer cancellations because there’s no travel, no traffic and fewer meltdowns from rushing.
- Therapists have more availability, so you can start sooner.
- Many autistic children and adults feel safer and more regulated in their own space.
- Pnline therapy naturally supports parent coaching — one of the strongest predictors of long-term progress.
How the NDIS Views Online Therapy
The NDIS recognises telehealth as a valid way to deliver therapeutic supports, as long as it is appropriate, included in your service agreement, good value for money and directly linked to an NDIS support category (usually Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living).
Speech therapy, OT and psychology all fall under the NDIS definition of therapeutic supports.
How can Plan Hero Help You?
As your Plan Manager, we make sure telehealth invoices follow NDIS rules, price limits and item numbers. You never need to check if something is claimable — we do that for you.
