Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we accept a variety of insurance plans, including:

• BCBS (Blue Cross Blue Shield)

• Aetna

• Cigna

• United Healthcare

• Medicare

It's recommended to check your insurance benefits and coverage, including co-pays, deductibles, session limits, and any out-of-pocket costs. If your insurance plan is not listed or does not cover therapy, we can provide a superbill for possible reimbursement through out-of-network benefits.

A superbill is a detailed invoice that includes information about the services provided, diagnosis codes, and payment details. You can submit a superbill to your insurance company to seek reimbursement for out-of-network therapy costs. However, reimbursement is not guaranteed and depends on your specific insurance plan and coverage terms. If your insurance denies a claim or fails to cover a session, you are responsible for the full payment.

If your insurance doesn’t cover therapy or you prefer not to use insurance, private pay options are available. We will provide a clear breakdown of fees before starting therapy.

We offer flexible payment options to make therapy accessible. If you are not using insurance, private pay rates are available and are as follows:

• Initial Intake Session: $140 (50–60 minutes)

• Individual Therapy Session: $125 (50–60 minutes); $100: 40 minutes)

Insurance-specific rates vary based on your plan’s coverage, co-pays, and deductibles.

Under the No Surprises Act, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining the expected cost of therapy services if you are uninsured or paying out-of-pocket. The estimate will detail the cost of each session, the frequency of sessions (if applicable), and the total anticipated cost of treatment. This helps you understand and plan for the financial commitment involved in therapy.

Therapy is a confidential process where you work with a trained mental health professional to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The goal is to help you understand yourself better, develop healthier coping strategies, and work toward personal growth and emotional well-being.

We offer individual therapy sessions tailored to meet your unique needs and goals. Sessions are available in-person at our Lake in the Hills office or virtually through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.

Sessions typically last 55 minutes. Longer or shorter sessions may be available depending on the therapist’s structure and the client’s needs.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward therapy, please fill out the contact form to schedule an intake appointment. Once you submit the form, I’ll reach out within 24–48 hours to discuss availability and answer any questions you may have. Completing the contact form helps me understand your initial concerns and determine how I can best support you. Your information is kept confidential, and there’s no obligation to commit after the initial consultation.

Your first therapy session is designed to help you feel comfortable and to establish a strong foundation for the work ahead. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Intake and Paperwork

• Before the session, you may be asked to complete intake forms, including a consent form, privacy policy acknowledgment, and a brief mental health history.

• If using insurance, you may need to provide insurance details and verify coverage.

• The paperwork helps me understand your background and ensures that we’re aligned on confidentiality, scheduling, and payment policies.

2. Building Rapport and Setting the Tone

• The session will begin with a brief introduction and a discussion about what brought you to therapy.

• I’ll create a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and emotions.

• You are encouraged to share at your own pace—there’s no pressure to disclose more than you’re comfortable with.

3. Gathering Background Information

• We’ll go over your completed intake assessment to gather more detailed information about your history and current challenges.

• I’ll ask follow-up questions to clarify or expand on the information in the intake form, such as:

  • Current emotional state and specific concerns

  • Mental health history (past therapy experiences, diagnoses, medications)

  • Family background and relationships

  • Lifestyle factors (sleep, diet, substance use, stress levels)

  • Personal strengths and coping mechanisms

  • Significant life events or trauma that may be affecting you

• This process helps me develop a deeper understanding of your experiences and how they may be contributing to your current concerns.

4. Identifying Goals

• We’ll explore what you hope to achieve in therapy.

• Goals can be broad (e.g., improving overall mental health) or specific (e.g., managing anxiety or building healthier relationships).

• If you’re unsure about your goals, we’ll work together to clarify them over time.

5. Explaining the Therapy Process

• I’ll explain the type of therapy I use and how it can help with your concerns.

• We’ll discuss the structure of future sessions, including frequency and duration.

• I’ll review confidentiality limits and when disclosure may be required by law (e.g., harm to self or others).

6. Establishing Comfort and Questions

• You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions about the therapy process or my approach.

• If you have concerns about therapy or specific preferences, we can discuss them openly.

7. Next Steps

• If you decide to continue, we’ll schedule the next session and begin working toward your goals.

• If you feel therapy may not be the right fit, I can provide referrals to other providers or resources.

The first session is about understanding your story and setting the foundation for a meaningful and productive therapeutic relationship. There’s no pressure to have it all figured out—this is a starting point, and we’ll work together at your pace.

We require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or missed appointments may result in a cancellation fee.

We are able to meet with clients who reside in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ohio.