Vulnerable people risk becoming even more cut off because of the border closure and a general lack of mental health services, an Albury psychologist says.
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Jaclyn Smoker said providing or receiving care now being a reason to cross into NSW had helped, but she still couldn't meet with clients from centres like Wangaratta, Rutherglen and Bright.
"There's such a high demand for mental health services and that's only increased with what's been happening with coronavirus," she said.
"They're travelling this distance because they don't have sufficient mental health services in those areas, that's why they come to Albury in the first place.
"I have clients who barely leave the house as it is, so ... to have that further restricted by only being able to offer telehealth just further isolates them."
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Ms Smoker, a registered psychologist since 2004, works with children and adults experiencing a range of issues like anxiety, depressive disorder, eating disorders and borderline personality disorder.
Much of her practice involves treating trauma, and telehealth does not suit all clients.
"I need them in the room, otherwise they could just get really distressed and hang up the phone and be alone," she said.
Even people within the border bubble and able to reach her office could find the checkpoints difficult, for example one recent appointment coming across.
"When he saw how backed up it was and how long the wait was, he turned around, went back home and changed it to a phone appointment," she said.
"So it is creating the barrier because it just becomes another thing that makes it too hard for people.
"They already have mental health issues and life's too hard."
