Insomnia treatment by telehealth (CBT-I)
Difficulty getting to sleep, waking through the night, or waking too early and not getting back to sleep. When it goes on for weeks or months, poor sleep affects concentration, mood, patience and how you function during the day.
What is CBT-I?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a structured, short-term psychological treatment. Australian and international sleep guidelines recommend it as the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia, ahead of sleeping medication. It targets the habits, thoughts and patterns that keep insomnia going, rather than masking the symptoms.
What it involves
- Assessment: understanding your sleep pattern, routines and what’s contributing.
- Sleep diary: a simple daily log that guides each step of treatment.
- Behavioural strategies: adjusting sleep timing and routines to rebuild a strong, reliable sleep drive.
- Cognitive strategies: working with the worry, racing thoughts and “trying hard to sleep” that often keep people awake.
- Relapse planning: tools for handling the occasional bad night without it becoming a pattern again.
CBT-I is usually delivered over a small number of sessions. It suits telehealth well, because the work centres on your own routines in your own environment.
Your psychologist
Matt Johnston is a registered psychologist and APS CBT-I Practitioner (Level 1). He also works with the anxiety, stress and low mood that often travel alongside sleep problems.
Before starting
Some sleep problems need medical assessment first, such as suspected sleep apnoea, restless legs, or sleep disruption linked to a medical condition or medication. If any of these apply, talk to your GP. CBT-I can still be helpful alongside medical care.
Fees and Medicare
$240 per 50-minute session. Medicare rebates of approximately $101.55 per session are available with a GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan, leaving an estimated gap of $138.45.
Ready to start?
Book online at a time that suits you. Sessions are by secure video call or phone, anywhere in Australia.
Questions first? Call 1300 243 882 or email hello@salverepsychology.com.au
Telehealth suits most adults who are medically and psychiatrically stable. Some presentations need more intensive or in-person care. See conditions we don’t support. If you need urgent help, visit our crisis and emergency support page.
Sources: Australasian Sleep Association · Sleep Health Foundation