Online, Virtual & Telehealth Therapy & Counseling Services Minnesota
Online Therapy
Telehealth Therapy - Convenient Online Counseling
Online Teletherapist. Does It Work?
Actually, YES! There is more and more research showing that online therapy (AKA Telehealth) works just as effectively as in-person counseling. There will be even more research coming out showing its effectiveness since we all have gone to Telehealth with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Of course, it is up to you and your personality style if you are interested in online therapy. Some people still feel more comfortable or would prefer an in-office therapist and that is just fine. We are all different! However, Better Balance Psychology is an all-online therapy service
Why Online Therapy?
Therapy online offers many benefits to my clients and I have found that those willing to give it a chance end up falling in love with it very quickly.
Benefits of Online Therapy in MN
Convenience - you can schedule an appointment that works for your schedule and not have to worry about adding in commute time or dealing with traffic. This leads to no gas costs and limited time off work needed to accommodate a therapy session
Comfort - from the comfort of your own space, be it home, car, or the office, people tend to enjoy being in a familiar environment while trying to be vulnerable and lean into the discomfort that can come up with therapy
Connection - wherever you are, we can connect online for therapy. Even if you take a vacation to visit another gorgeous part of these great states and you would like a therapy hour, we can do it.
Confidentiality - Some people get discouraged from seeking counseling services due to the possibility of being seen walking into or out of a therapy clinic. Therapy online removes this barrier for people - it’s fully up to you to disclose to others that you are in therapy. Of note, all of the platforms that I use in my practice are HIPAA compliant.
What do I need in order to be able to do online therapy?
A computer with both a camera and microphone are recommended, though a smart-phone likely will work, too. Also needed are a well-lit room, limited distractions, and strong internet connection. It’s recommended that you and others in your location limit the amount of internet bandwidth (e.g., streaming, surfing, etc) you are using at the time of your therapy appointment to get the best results possible.
Will I Be Able to Connect with My MN Teletherapist Over the Computer?
Many people worry that they will not get a strong emotional bond with their online therapist across a screen. However, most clients who try telehealth do not struggle with this at all. In fact, some even report feeling MORE comfortable because they are physically located in their own environment.
The most important aspect of any mental health counseling is that there is a good fit between you and your counselor’s personality and communication style. You must feel comfortable, otherwise you will likely not get much of any benefit. This is the same for online counseling just as it is for in-person therapy.
What can online therapy treat?
Some examples of the types of concerns that can be treated through online therapy include (this list is not exhaustive):
Anxiety
Depression
Low self-esteem
Work-life balance
Difficulties with family members
Self-care issues
Sadness
Lack of interest
Worry
Is online therapy private?
YES! I use all HIPAA-compliant software and storage including extra protections through my video program (Zoom + SecureVideo), my records system, and my email platform. Your confidentiality and privacy are still of utmost importance to me even though we are meeting online!
Are there limitations to online therapy?
Just like with any clinic and provider, there are limitations to online therapy’s effectiveness. Certain mental health concerns are harder to assess and treat through the computer. Some examples include:
Disordered eating patterns
Substance abuse
Seeing or hearing things that are not actually there
Active suicidal thoughts
These are all issues that would be better supported with a specialist housed in a clinic or hospital setting.
How My Telehealth Therapy in MN Can Help.
If you are struggling in keeping up with your tasks or are feeling out of control, but are “too busy” to carve out the time to drive to a therapy office in order to get some additional support, online counseling is for you!
I offer both three different session lengths for your convenience! Day and evening appointments are also available! As long as you can find some time with a reliable internet source in a private and safe place, we can start working toward creating the life you truly want to live TODAY!
Getting Started With Me
Getting set up with your free 20-minute phone consultation is as simple as clicking the button below. Put in some basic demographic information and schedule an appointment time for a phone call at your convenience. I will call you on the scheduled day and time. During this phone call, I will ask some background questions assessing for personality and clinical fit. Feel free to bring your questions for me to answer, too! I look forward to hearing from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Convenience! Meet with Dr. Rachel DuPaul at a time that works for you in the location of your choice from your phone, tablet, or computer. No commute or parking fees!
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Dr. Rachel DuPaul is a Licensed Psychologist. She has her PhD in Counseling Psychology with over a decade of experience treating clients.
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Reach out via email or fill out the contact form here in order to get scheduled for your free phone consultation.
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Yes! You will be meeting with your provider via a HIPAA-compliant web conferencing platform. It is recommended you log on in a location where you have privacy and no distractions.
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Online therapy is becoming increasingly popular and what better way to get the care you need than from the comfort of your own home. Online therapy can treat anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, self-care issues, stress, and a host of other issues.