FAQs

Find quick answers to the most common questions about our services.

  • Summary of the insurance plans we work with:

    • Blue Cross Blue Shield

      • Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO

      • Blue Choice plans 

      • Blue Cross Community Medicaid 

      • Blue Cross Blue Shield ACA, or "Obamacare" pans 

    • Cigna PPO and Open Access Plus 

    • Aetna

      • Aetna PPO plans

      • We have been able to bill some Aetna HMO plans

      • Aetna Better Health Medicaid plans 

    • Anthem plans

    • We accept the following Illinois Medicaid Plans:

      • Meridian Medicaid

      • Blue Cross Community Medicaid

      • Molina Medicaid

      • Aetna Better Health Medicaid

      • County Care

    • We can bill United Health Care as an out-of-network provider. We can confirm your out-of-network benefits ahead of time.

    • We are out-of-network/Opted out of Medicare

    • We are not in-network with any HMO plans.

    • We are not able to accept any EAP plans at this time.   

    All Medicaid plans have a $0 copay for patients. Most commercial insurance plans have a $10-$45 copay, and insurance covers the rest of the cost. Some plans have a deductible, but for many plans the deductible only applies for hospital services, surgeries, etc.  In most cases, whatever your pay when you go see your regular primary care physician is what you also pay when you go to outpatient psychotherapy.

    ​If you are unsure about your specific coverage feel free to reach out; for most policies we can easily check on your coverage and let you know before scheduling a first appointment. We also recommend calling your insurance and asking about your coverage.

  • Yes. We proudly accept Illinois Medicaid for mental health and counseling services. Our practice is committed to making therapy accessible to Medicaid clients across the state of Illinois. If you are an Illinois Medicaid member searching for counseling or therapy, we welcome you to reach out and see how we can support you.

  • We also offer a limited sliding scale program for clients paying out of pocket. Reduced fees depend on therapist availability and other factors — ask when you contact us, and we’ll do our best to find a rate that works.

  • If you have insurance coverage through another insurance company, it may be in your best interest to call them directly to find therapists in-network who can accept your insurance. If you decide you do want to proceed with services with us, we will provide you a superbill on a monthly basis to provide to your insurance company. These services would count towards your Out-of-Network reimbursement. It is a good idea to become familiar with your out-of-network benefits, to understand how your coverage works for out-of-network services. If you have United Health Care, we can easily work with you as an out-of-network client -- we will submit the claims on your behalf instead of providing you a superbill. 

  • Yes. You can use HSA and FSA funds to pay for psychotherapy — including copays, deductibles, or full-fee sessions.

    We do not accept HRA checks or personal checks. Payment is by debit or credit card only, and we require one on file. You’ll pay us directly, then request reimbursement from your plan if needed.

  • Yes, as long as it is Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, or Aetna PPO plans.

  • We are a small practice and do not have a billing department. We submit claims to your insurance company and typically hear back within 1-2 weeks what is covered by your insurance, and what is your portion. We require a credit card on file and will charge your portion after we hear back from the insurance company. This streamlined process eliminates the need to send out invoices however we are happy to provide you one, if requested. There are rare occasions when insurance does not cover what we expected it to.  

    For patients paying for sessions out of pocket, your card on file will be charged end-of-business-day for the amount you owe.

  • Most clients would benefit from committing to meeting weekly, especially in the beginning. The frequency of psychotherapy depends on your needs and your therapist will make recommendations about how often you should come. Some clients are best served by committing to a weekly time, however, clients can also book sessions online with their therapist based on their needs and availability.

  • This is likely an "Explanation of Benefits" document from your insurance company. It explains what they paid us and what it was for, and how much of our fee was not covered by your insurance. Many people mistake this for a bill because it says "You may still owe your provider $15."

  • Your scheduled session is a time we reserve exclusively for you. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, we require a minimum of 24 hours' notice. This allows us to offer that time to another client who may be waiting for support. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged the full session fee. This fee is not billable to insurance and is the client's responsibility. We frame this not as a penalty, but as a way to honor the professional time and dedicated space we hold for you each week. 

    The Importance of Consistent Attendance:
    Healing is a process built on trust and momentum, which is nurtured through regular engagement. We understand that life circumstances, illness, and emergencies occur, and there will be times when either you or your therapist need to cancel.

    As your clinical team, we are deeply committed to our consistency. Barring illness, emergencies, or planned time off, your therapist will be there for your scheduled sessions, prepared and fully present. We ask that you partner with us in prioritizing this time for your well-being. If you have specific needs or anticipate challenges with consistent attendance, please have a proactive conversation with your therapist. We are here to collaborate with you to find a path forward that supports your process. This mutual commitment is the foundation of effective therapeutic work.

  • Confidentiality means that your therapist is not allowed to talk with anyone about your treatment. This is an essential part of psychotherapy, to ensure you have the freedom to explore and speak to any area of your life. Therapists guard your confidentiality very closely, and are very careful to not betray your trust. Therapists are legally obligated to break confidentiality in rare circumstances, and it is very likely that the therapist will discuss the need to do this with you directly.

  • Our psychotherapists are seeing clients via telehealth and in person. Please mention your preference when inquiring about services. Telehealth and in-person therapy both have advantages and disadvantages. Telehealth was essential during the Covid-19 pandemic and we have learned a lot about the benefits and drawbacks of this service.

    Telehealth has the benefit of eliminating travel time for your appointment and you can have your session within the comfort of your own home. Most clients report that they receive the same benefit as attending face-to-face sessions. 

    In-person may feel more connected and personal, especially when forming a relationship with a new therapist. However, many new clients came to therapy during the covid pandemic and started therapy via telehealth, and found it just as beneficial.

  • We use a platform called Simple Practice. You will receive an email 10 minutes prior to your session with a link that is unique to your appointment time. The session is secure and HIPAA compliant.

  • Not at all. Our practice serves clients throughout the entire state of Illinois. We work especially with Illinois Medicaid clients, who often face challenges finding consistent counseling and mental health services in their area. Whether you live in Chicago, Springfield, Rockford, Peoria, or anywhere else in Illinois, we welcome inquiries from Medicaid clients across the state. If you are an Illinois Medicaid member searching for counseling or therapy services, our practice is here to help.

  • Yes, many Illinois Medicaid clients report difficulty finding mental health providers who accept Medicaid. That’s why our practice is dedicated to welcoming Medicaid clients across Illinois. We believe every Illinois Medicaid member deserves access to quality counseling and therapy services, no matter where they live.

  • Yes. We offer telehealth counseling sessions for Illinois Medicaid clients throughout the state. If you live in a smaller town or rural part of Illinois and struggle to find providers who accept Medicaid, online counseling makes it easy to access therapy from the comfort of your home