Can online therapy help reduce drinking?

Yes. For many people, online therapy can be a genuinely effective way to reduce drinking and in the Australian context there are some particular advantages worth highlighting.

Access, especially outside major cities

Australia's population is spread across vast distances and specialist alcohol and other drug (AOD) support or clinical psychology services are often concentrated in metropolitan areas. Telehealth removes the need to travel hours to see a psychologist, which matters enormously for people in regional, rural and remote communities where the nearest specialist might otherwise be unreachable.

Reduced stigma as a barrier to starting

Concerns about drinking are still surrounded by shame for many people, and the thought of being seen walking into a clinic can itself be a barrier to seeking help. Online sessions from home offer a level of privacy that makes that first step easier, which is often the hardest part of addressing drinking concerns.

Evidence-based approaches translate well online

Therapies with strong evidence for reducing alcohol use - such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - have been shown in research to work effectively via video consultation, not just face-to-face. The therapeutic relationship and the skills-based work central to these approaches translate well to a screen.

Flexibility of online therapy supports consistency

Regular attendance matters in this kind of work and online appointments make it easier to fit sessions around work, caring responsibilities, or shift patterns common in Australian workplaces — reducing the missed or cancelled sessions that can stall progress.

Choice of practitioner

Being online widens the pool of psychologists a person can see, rather than limiting them to whoever practices nearby. This means better opportunities to find a clinician whose style, approach or specific experience with alcohol-related concerns is the right fit.

Continuity of care

For people who travel for work (FIFO workers, for example) or move between locations, online therapy allows treatment to continue uninterrupted, which is important given that consistency of support is linked to better outcomes.

At The Bluefield Clinic, we have offered our clinical psychology services exclusively online since Telehealth expanded its range of services in 2020.

If you are considering reducing your drinking, we will support you with positive, evidence-based support, step by step.

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A note on nuances

It's worth acknowledging that the evidence base, while promising, is still developing. Research suggests video-based sessions are better studied than phone-only consultations and some providers themselves report uncertainty about some differing characteristics of these different modes.

Online therapy also may not be the right fit for everyone - for those with more complex needs, higher-risk presentations or who feel they engage better in person.

As with any treatment choice, it's best made in conversation with a qualified clinician who can assess individual circumstances.