Vital psychology and speech pathology services will now be accessed by regional South Australian students as part of a roll out of telehealth services in the regions.

Following a successful pilot program last year, at eight locations, the service is set to expand in 2023 in a roll out to all country areas.

From the start of Term 1 2023, five new telepractice hubs have been established in regional schools in the Limestone Coast and Fleurieu Peninsula. These hubs can be accessed by neighbouring schools and preschools.

In addition to the hubs, further flexible delivery models, including a portable telekit, are available from March this year across the state.

The program was piloted in 2022 which resulted in 20 schools accessing assessments and interventions via telehealth.

Telehealth uses video conferencing to deliver specialist services at a distance.

Using video conferencing, a clinician can remotely connect to a child or young person, and their parent or carer.

This allows service providers to respond to the education and wellbeing needs of children and young people, particularly those in remote and regional areas who have limited access to face-to-face services.