Why your therapist needs to be licensed in Minnesota - even for online therapy sessions
- 17 hours ago
- 4 min read
If you've ever searched for online therapy and wondered why a therapist from another state can't just see you over video — or why location comes up at all when you're doing therapy from home — this post is for you.
Licensure rules around telehealth are among the most misunderstood aspects of finding a therapist online. And we think clearing it up will help you make a better, more confident decision about your care.
Part of the Online Therapy Minnesota series - start with the full overview: Online Therapy in Minnesota: Everything You Need to Know |
The Basics: Therapy is regulated by the state
Therapists in the United States are licensed at the state level. Each state has its own licensing board, its own requirements, and its own rules about who is qualified to provide mental health care.
This means that a therapist's license is only valid in the state — or states — where they've applied for and been granted licensure. It doesn't automatically transfer across state lines.
Why this matters for online therapy
Here's where people sometimes get tripped up: even though online therapy happens over video, what determines whether it's legal isn't where the therapist is sitting. It's where you are located during the session.
If you're in Minnesota and your therapist is only licensed in Texas, that therapist cannot legally provide you therapy — even over a screen. The practice of therapy is considered to occur in the client's state.
This is a real legal and ethical consideration, not a technicality. Practicing across state lines without proper licensure can put a therapist's license at risk, and it means your care may not be covered by the protections your state provides.
What this means when you work with Mindbalance
Our therapists at MindBalance Mental Health Care are licensed in Minnesota. That means we can see you for online therapy as long as you are physically located in Minnesota during your session.
This covers a lot of ground — Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Duluth, Rochester, the Iron Range, small towns, and lake country. If you're in Minnesota, we can meet you where you are.
What we cannot do is see you if you're outside of Minnesota during a session. So if you're traveling — a work trip, a family visit, a week at a cabin just across the Wisconsin border — we'd need to reschedule or connect when you're back in state. We know that can feel inconvenient, and we'd rather be upfront about it than have you find out mid-session.
questions worth asking any online therapist
If you're comparing options, here are a few things worth confirming:
• Are you licensed to practice in Minnesota specifically?
• Can you see me anywhere in the state, or only in certain areas?
• What happens if I'm traveling during a scheduled session?
• Is your platform HIPAA-compliant and secure?
These aren't invasive questions — they're reasonable ones, and any therapist should be glad to answer them.
A note on large telehealth platforms
Some of the major national telehealth platforms employ therapists licensed in multiple states. This can work — but it's worth verifying. Just because a platform operates in Minnesota doesn't mean every therapist on that platform is licensed here. It's worth asking or checking before you get matched.
When you work with us at MindBalance, you know exactly who you're working with and where they're licensed. That's part of what it means to work with a local team.
Also in the Online Therapy Minnesota Series:
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're curious about online therapy in Minnesota — or if you'd just like to talk with someone about whether it's the right fit — we'd love to hear from you. MindBalance Mental Health Care serves clients across Minnesota via telehealth and offers in-person appointments in Minneapolis.
We're a small team, so when you reach out, you're reaching real people who will take the time to address your inquiry.
About the Author
Merrily Young-Hye Sadlovsky (she/her/hers), MSW, LICSW, LCSW, is a therapist, clinical supervisor, and co-owner of MindBalance Mental Health Care, an independent holistic mental health practice serving Minneapolis and individuals across Minnesota. She is an EMDRIA EMDR-Certified Therapist and teaches clinical courses as an adjunct faculty member in an MSW program in Minneapolis. Her work focuses on culturally responsive, trauma-informed therapy supporting adoptees, BIPOC, immigrant, and LGBTQ communities, and college and graduate students navigating anxiety, OCD, trauma, disordered eating, and life transitions.
Educational Disclaimer
The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and reflects our perspectives and understanding at the time of writing. It is not intended as medical, mental health, legal, or insurance advice, and should not be relied on as such. Reading this content does not create a therapeutic or professional relationship. For guidance specific to your situation, we encourage you to consult with a qualified professional.
