When Jody Heitritter logged on to her first virtual therapy appointment, she didn’t know what to expect.
“My last couple of years have been pretty rough,” Heitritter told Sanford Health News.
Heitritter lost her father and some emotional support pets. She also ended a difficult relationship and ended up in an escalating situation in March 2025, involving alcohol, that landed her in the emergency room.
To make matters worse, a job loss meant her previous therapist through an employee assistance program was no longer available. So it was that trip to the ER which led to a referral to Sanford Health’s behavioral health program where she was given an option for virtual therapy.
“I said, ‘I need a therapist in my life for the rest of my life, and I know that,’” she said.
Through that program, Heitritter was connected with Emy Carlson, LPC-MH, a licensed professional counselor who has been providing this service virtually since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Breaking down stigma and numbers
“Virtual behavioral health helps reduce many of the barriers that prevent people from seeking support in the first place, especially in rural and underserved communities,” Carlson told Sanford Health News.
“Transportation, distance, work schedules, childcare responsibilities, medical concerns, provider shortages, and even stigma can all impact access to care. Virtual services allow us to meet patients where they are and connect them to support earlier, before symptoms escalate into crisis situations.”
The two were connected even though they were 100 miles apart in South Dakota. Carlson lives in Watertown and Heitritter is in Renner.
Sessions have really helped Heitritter avoid those lowest of low points in her life since that trip to the ER.
“The right therapist means everything,” Heitritter said. “I don’t know if I’d be here if I was not able to talk about things.”
She’s one of thousands of patients participating in therapy virtually across Sanford Health.
From March 2023 through June 2026, Sanford Health has completed more than 123,000 behavioral health or psychiatry video visits.
Meeting patients where they are
“I’ve seen patients in a tractor, a combine and a car or truck parked at their home or business,” Carlson said. “Virtual care bridges that gap for people.”
Carlson is proud to be one of many Sanford Health providers who meet patients with the resources they need.
“Another benefit of virtual behavioral health is the ability to share education, coping tools, worksheets, and support materials with patients in real time during sessions,” Carlson explained.
“We can use screen sharing, online tools, relaxation exercises, and practical resources immediately within the visit, which often increases engagement and gives patients tools they can start using right away.”
Treating behavioral health as holistic health
The world has a lot going on and Carlson said our own mental health is something to which we should all pay attention.
About a year later, Heitritter credits those sessions with Carlson for helping her rebuild her life and giving her the coping tools to navigate any difficult situations or moments that may come her way.
“Jody is a wonderful patient and great to work with because she’s real,” Carlson said. “She does her homework, she’s assertive with her communication, and she was receptive to my style of therapy even though she came in saying she doesn’t trust many people.”
Skeptical of the process at first, Heitritter now calls therapy a “game-changer” and appreciates the accessibility and flexibility which made all the difference.
“I recommend it to anyone and everyone even if everything is going well,” she said. “Even the strongest of people have things going on.”
If you’re struggling, support is closer than you think. Learn more or schedule a virtual appointment with a licensed health provider who is here to help.
Learn more
- Sanford launches virtual behavioral health appointments
- How to find a mental health provider who’s right for you
- Driver provides priceless service to mental health patients
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Posted In Behavioral Health, Thought Leadership, Virtual Care, Watertown
