mountain views during golden hour Expanding (Teletherapy) Options for Boise Residents

Expanding Teletherapy Options for Boise Residents with Groundbreaker Therapy

September 22, 2025

Blog, Telepsychology Services, Types of Therapy

Dr. Matthew Mandelbaum

I’m Dr. Matthew G. Mandelbaum, a Licensed Psychologist and the founder of Groundbreaker Therapy. With over 20 years of experience, my mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care that helps highly sensitive and intelligent individuals achieve emotional well-being and balance. Life can be complex, and finding the right support shouldn’t add to the stress.

That’s why I’m excited to expand teletherapy services for residents across Boise and all of Idaho. Online therapy provides a flexible, confidential, and effective way to access mental health services from the comfort of your own home. This guide will explore how teletherapy works, its benefits, and how you can get started on your journey toward clarity and resilience with Groundbreaker Therapy.

What Is Teletherapy and How Does It Work?

Teletherapy, also known as online therapy or telehealth, is a form of mental health treatment delivered through secure online platforms. These services can include video conferences, phone calls, or even text messaging, connecting you with a licensed therapist without needing to visit a physical office. It’s a modern, flexible service delivery model that makes professional mental health care more accessible than ever.

It’s important to distinguish this from other uses of the term “teletherapy.” For example, in oncology, “teletherapy” refers to external beam radiation treatment. In the context of mental health, teletherapy exclusively means receiving psychological support and talk therapy remotely. At Groundbreaker Therapy, we use a secure, HIPAA-compliant connection to ensure every session is safe, confidential, and effective, protecting your client information just as we would during in-person therapy.

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The Benefits of Teletherapy for Your Mental Health

The advantages of online therapy are significant, making it a preferred choice for many. Research, including numerous systematic reviews and meta-analyses, has consistently shown that online counseling is just as effective as traditional face-to-face sessions for a wide range of concerns.

Key benefits of teletherapy include:

Accessibility: Online therapy removes geographical barriers, providing easy access to specialized mental health professionals, especially for those in rural areas or with limited local options. It’s also a vital resource for individuals with mobility issues, chronic illness, or other factors that make leaving home difficult.
Convenience: With teletherapy, you can schedule sessions that fit your life. You can connect with your therapist from your own home, office, or any private space, eliminating travel time and the stress of commuting to a therapist’s office.
Continuity of Care: Life is unpredictable. Whether you’re traveling, dealing with an illness, or facing a busy schedule, teletherapy ensures you can maintain consistent progress with your therapist. This continuity is crucial for effective mental health treatment.
Comfort: For many, discussing personal challenges feels safer and more comfortable in a familiar environment. Receiving therapy from your own home can help you feel more relaxed and open during sessions.

Teletherapy vs. Traditional In-Person Talk Therapy Sessions

Choosing between online therapy and in-person sessions often comes down to personal preference, accessibility, and specific therapeutic needs. Both formats offer effective mental health care, but they have distinct differences.

In-person therapy at a therapist’s office allows for a different kind of connection, where non-verbal cues might be more easily observed. For some clients, especially those dealing with severe trauma or in a crisis, face-to-face sessions may be recommended for a more intensive level of support.

However, online therapy offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience. Many clients find that the focused, one-on-one nature of a video call creates a strong therapeutic alliance. At Groundbreaker Therapy, the goal is always to provide personalized clinical care. We can discuss which format best suits your needs, and sometimes a hybrid approach, combining both in-person and online therapy sessions, can be a great option.

aerial view of green grass field with hot air balloons

How Insurance Covers Online Therapy

Navigating health insurance coverage can be confusing, but the good news is that many insurance companies now cover online therapy. The expansion of telehealth services has led most insurance plans to treat teletherapy sessions the same way they cover in-person therapy. So now might be the time for you to find your online therapist!

To understand your specific coverage, it’s best to contact your insurance company directly and ask about their policies for “telehealth” or “telebehavioral health” services. You’ll want to inquire about co-pays, deductibles, and whether you need a pre-authorization for such services.

Coverage may vary widely by insurance plan. It’s also important to note that while there are a ton of online therapists who provide support, not all of them accept insurance. If you’re looking for a provider for online therapy and not using insurance, Groundbreaker Therapy is taking on more patients.

At Groundbreaker Therapy, I provide premium, private-pay care to ensure the highest level of confidentiality and personalization. While I am not in-network with insurance panels, many health insurance plans offer significant reimbursement (often 50-80%) for out-of-network therapy.

I will provide you with the necessary documentation to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement, making quality care more affordable.

Who Can Benefit Most from Online Therapy?

Teletherapy is an excellent option for a wide range of individuals facing various personal challenges. If you’re a high-achieving, motivated person looking for expert support that fits into your life, online therapy could be the perfect fit.

You may benefit from teletherapy if you are:

A busy professional in fields like business, tech, law, or healthcare who needs to balance a demanding schedule.
An emerging adult or university student managing academic stress, life transitions, and the pressures of newfound independence.
Someone experiencing depression symptoms or anxiety who finds leaving home challenging or prefers the comfort of a familiar setting.
Living in a rural area of Idaho with limited access to specialized mental health professionals.
Seeking a specialist in trauma, complex PTSD, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) who may not be available locally.

Teletherapy makes it possible to connect with the right therapist for you, regardless of location.

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Making Teletherapy Work for You: Personalized Support in Every Session with Groundbreaker Therapy

As a licensed psychologist serving clients across 43 states, including Idaho, my approach to teletherapy is personalized and evidence-based. I specialize in helping sensitive and intelligent individuals who are navigating complex personal challenges.

My practice integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and other trauma-informed techniques to help you build emotional resilience, regulate intense feelings, and create meaningful change. DBT is particularly effective for those who have experienced trauma, as it provides practical tools for managing distress and improving relationships.

In every teletherapy session, I prioritize creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable exploring your thoughts and emotions. We will work together through a secure online platform, ensuring your confidentiality and providing the individualized attention you deserve.

Getting Started with Teletherapy at Groundbreaker Therapy

Beginning your therapy journey is a courageous step, and I’ve made the process as simple and confidential as possible. Here’s how you can get started:

Schedule a Consultation: Visit my website and fill out the secure consultation form. I will personally reach out to schedule a free, no-obligation call to discuss your needs and see if we are a good fit.
Verify Your Options: We can discuss payment options, and I can provide guidance on how to check your out-of-network insurance benefits for reimbursement.
Connect for Your First Session: Once scheduled, you will receive a link to my secure online platform. All you need is a private space and an internet connection to begin your first therapy session.

aerial view of city buildings during daytime

Access Compassionate Mental Health Care from Anywhere

My mission at Groundbreaker Therapy is to make exceptional mental health care accessible, effective, and tailored to your unique needs. For Boise residents and individuals across Idaho, teletherapy offers a powerful opportunity to prioritize your emotional health and work toward a more balanced life without the constraints of location.

If you’re ready to begin your journey toward greater clarity, confidence, and fulfillment, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can build the tools you need to thrive.