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Q: What happens during the first session?
A: Once you have made a decision to see a therapist, you still might be apprehensive about the process. The initial session is the time for you to start to share your story, to talk about your goals and what you would like to change. The most important aspect of the first few sessions is deciding if we are a good fit.
Q: How does insurance work?
A: I am in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Optum/United and Cigna. If you want to use out of network benefits, I can provide you with a superbill to submit on your own. For those that want to use health insurance, most insurances have "behavioral health benefits" or "mental health benefits" that you can ask about. You can often log in to your provider online (www.bcbsil.com for Blue Cross Blue Shield) or give them a call at the 800 number listed on the back of your insurance card. Sometimes your benefits for therapy are wrapped up with your medical benefits, but other times they are separate. I am also happy to check your benefits for you.
Most people have a deductible. Deductibles vary in amount. The deductible is a monetary number that you have to reach before you have 100% coverage, partial coverage (called co-insurance) or just a copay to make on your visits. Sometimes this deductible is separate for therapy, but many times the deductible is reached by any medical professional visits that you are making (primary doctor, specialists, etc.). Co-insurance and co-pays are often listed on your insurance card.
Q: How often will we meet?
A: To begin, we will meet once a week. It is important to gain some momentum in the beginning by meeting weekly. Some clients come every other week, monthly or as needed to check in periodically. Therapy can be a short or long term support depending on what feels right to you. Some clients attend 2-4 sessions for short-term solution focused work and others find a longer term therapeutic relationship is helpful.
Q: What is the cost?
A: In addition to taking insurance, I also see private pay clients. 50 minute sessions are $150. In an effort to make therapy more affordable, I save a few sliding scale spots. I accept cash, checks, Chase Quickpay, and all major credit cards.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: I require a minimum of 24 hours notice if you need to cancel your appointment. Insurance can't be used for a missed session so you would be responsible for the full fee. An occasional exception may be made in the case of an emergency, illness or weather related issues.
Q: Can I fill out the paperwork before I come to my first appointment?
A: Yes. I will can send you the forms before our first session.
A: Once you have made a decision to see a therapist, you still might be apprehensive about the process. The initial session is the time for you to start to share your story, to talk about your goals and what you would like to change. The most important aspect of the first few sessions is deciding if we are a good fit.
Q: How does insurance work?
A: I am in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Optum/United and Cigna. If you want to use out of network benefits, I can provide you with a superbill to submit on your own. For those that want to use health insurance, most insurances have "behavioral health benefits" or "mental health benefits" that you can ask about. You can often log in to your provider online (www.bcbsil.com for Blue Cross Blue Shield) or give them a call at the 800 number listed on the back of your insurance card. Sometimes your benefits for therapy are wrapped up with your medical benefits, but other times they are separate. I am also happy to check your benefits for you.
Most people have a deductible. Deductibles vary in amount. The deductible is a monetary number that you have to reach before you have 100% coverage, partial coverage (called co-insurance) or just a copay to make on your visits. Sometimes this deductible is separate for therapy, but many times the deductible is reached by any medical professional visits that you are making (primary doctor, specialists, etc.). Co-insurance and co-pays are often listed on your insurance card.
Q: How often will we meet?
A: To begin, we will meet once a week. It is important to gain some momentum in the beginning by meeting weekly. Some clients come every other week, monthly or as needed to check in periodically. Therapy can be a short or long term support depending on what feels right to you. Some clients attend 2-4 sessions for short-term solution focused work and others find a longer term therapeutic relationship is helpful.
Q: What is the cost?
A: In addition to taking insurance, I also see private pay clients. 50 minute sessions are $150. In an effort to make therapy more affordable, I save a few sliding scale spots. I accept cash, checks, Chase Quickpay, and all major credit cards.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: I require a minimum of 24 hours notice if you need to cancel your appointment. Insurance can't be used for a missed session so you would be responsible for the full fee. An occasional exception may be made in the case of an emergency, illness or weather related issues.
Q: Can I fill out the paperwork before I come to my first appointment?
A: Yes. I will can send you the forms before our first session.