Teletherapy Option
While many of our providers listed at the office locations are now beginning to see clients in person, teletherapy will always continue to be an ongoing option for our clients with all therapists. For a list of providers who ONLY provide Teletherapy, click HERE.
What is teletherapy?
Teleheath, teletherapy, telemedicine, and telepractice are all ways of saying that healthcare services are provided using a HIPAA-Compliant telemedicine platform to meet with clients virtually.
We provide therapy services online through your web browser (Google Chrome works best) or the Google Meet app for your tablet or phone. This allows you to stay in the comfort (and safety) of your own home or office.
Teletherapy also gives access to healthcare to people who may not find the services they need locally, such as those from small towns or rural communities.
We provide therapy services online through your web browser (Google Chrome works best) or the Google Meet app for your tablet or phone. This allows you to stay in the comfort (and safety) of your own home or office.
Teletherapy also gives access to healthcare to people who may not find the services they need locally, such as those from small towns or rural communities.
What technology do I need?
In order to access teletherapy, you will need the following things:
- Internet-connected computer, tablet, or smartphone
- Webcam or built-in camera on the device
- A comfortable place where you can talk in private without interruptions
What program do you use to see clients?
Private HIPAA-complaint teletherapy sessions are provided in Google Meet through G Suite. Google has developed G Suite to include privacy and security protections to keep data secure, and those protections are of a sufficiently high standard to meet the requirements of the HIPAA Security Rule. Rum River Counseling is a HIPAA covered entity and has a signed business associate agreement (BAA) with Google.
Google Meet allows for interconnectivity between iOS and Android devices, making it accessible on every device. Users can set up a video meeting by simply adding a meeting to their Google Calendar and sharing the meeting link with others. Participants don’t need to have Google accounts to join; all they need is the Google Chrome browser, or if you prefer to do it on your phone or tablet, you can download the Google Meet mobile app for free.
Google Meet allows for interconnectivity between iOS and Android devices, making it accessible on every device. Users can set up a video meeting by simply adding a meeting to their Google Calendar and sharing the meeting link with others. Participants don’t need to have Google accounts to join; all they need is the Google Chrome browser, or if you prefer to do it on your phone or tablet, you can download the Google Meet mobile app for free.
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How will we connect online?
Once your appointment is set up, we will send you all the information you need to get set up. It’s easy. There will be some paperwork to fill out online and submit, so we know some basic information about you before we meet. We’ll also send you a link to our virtual waiting room. It’s best to test it a few minutes before your appointment. You just click on the link, and you’ll be in the waiting room.
Does insurance cover teletherapy?
Most insurance will cover teletherapy. Compared to other states, Minnesota telehealth parity laws place Minnesota in the forefront of the telemedicine industry. Private insurances, Medicaid (MA), and Medicare are required by law to cover these services. Our in-network insurances include MA, Medica, UCare, Cigna, Aetna, PreferredOne, HealthPartners, United Behavioral Health (UBH), UnitedHealthcare (UHC), and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota (BCBS MN). For out-of-state BCBS, please check with your carrier.
How do I know if it is right for me?
For most people, it’s simply a preference of whether you want the ability to meet with your therapist in person, or whether you prefer the convenience of online therapy.
There are some situations when we think our online counseling services aren’t the best option. We’ll talk through this with you. Then, if you are located near our physical offices, we are happy to meet with you in person. If you are located farther away, we will help you find a therapist and services locally to meet your needs.
Do you have more questions about online therapy, or interested in scheduling an appointment? Please fill out the Appointment Registration form & and our Scheduling Coordinators, Lindsey or Julie will assist you!
There are some situations when we think our online counseling services aren’t the best option. We’ll talk through this with you. Then, if you are located near our physical offices, we are happy to meet with you in person. If you are located farther away, we will help you find a therapist and services locally to meet your needs.
Do you have more questions about online therapy, or interested in scheduling an appointment? Please fill out the Appointment Registration form & and our Scheduling Coordinators, Lindsey or Julie will assist you!
"When action
meets compassion,
lives change."
Andover Blaine Plymouth St. Paul Becker Teletherapy
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This site is presented for information only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Presentation and Design ©2004-2021 Rum River Counseling, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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