Health Psychology

When you’re faced with a health challenge, get specialized behavioral health care that empowers you to better manage your condition and improve your quality of life. Partner with a health psychologist at Essentia Health in Duluth, Minnesota, or Fargo, North Dakota.

What’s Health Psychology?

Health psychology focuses on the connection between our physical health and our emotions and behavior. Health psychologists can help you develop skills, attitudes, and behaviors that improve your ability to live well.

When to See a Health Psychologist

Your doctor may refer you to a health psychologist when you need help:

• Adjusting to a new diagnosis
• Coping with a chronic condition
• Managing pain
• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Making healthy lifestyle choices
• Improving sleep

Conditions Treated

Experienced Specialists

Feel confident you’ll receive effective, high-quality care. Our team of licensed psychologists have years of experience helping patients like you take an active role in improving your health and well-being.

Your First Appointment

At your first visit, your therapist will start by getting to know you. You’ll talk about your background, discuss your current health concerns, and set goals for your care. Then, you’ll work together to create a treatment plan.

Personalized Care

In most cases, your care plan will focus on helping you gain new skills. You might learn muscle relaxation techniques, discover how to identify and change negative thinking patterns, or practice guided image therapy. Work with your psychologist to determine which techniques can help you achieve your goals. How often and for how long you see your health psychologist is up to you and your provider.

Health Psychology Therapies

Depending on your condition and location, your health psychologist may recommend:

• Bariatric (weight loss) surgery evaluation and testing
• Behavioral therapy
• Biofeedback — Measures and reduces stress
• Cancer rehabilitation (coping)
• Cardiac rehabilitation (coping)
• Cognitive behavioral therapy — Recognizes and modifies thinking patterns
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) — Helps you process trauma
• Hypnosis
• Stress reduction, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques