Frequently Asked Questions

I currently offer three options for clients. In-person sessions, online sessions, or phone sessions.  I offer online sessions through a HIPAA compliant platform.  There is no registration or downloads necessary, and you can do the sessions through your phone, Ipad, or computer.  You can switch at anytime and insurances pay for all options equally at this time.

I accept most major insurance plans.   When you call, I can take your insurance information and look into what you can expect to pay each session.  Typically co-pays run around $20-30 per session after a deducible is met. It can be helpful for you to contact your insurance company to learn the details of your plan.   I am in-network with the following insurance plans.  I can bill insurances out of network, please contact me for details.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (PPO)
• Health Alliance
• Caterpillar UHC
• Consociate
• Medicare
• Multiplan 
• OSF Direct Access 
• United Healthcare / Optum Behavioral Health

*Please note I do not take Medicaid and I do not have a sliding scale.  If you have Medicare, I am only in network with some Medicare plans.  Please call your specific Medicare plan to ensure I am in network.

I do not prescribe medication.  You would need to contact your primary care doctor or a psychiatrist for medication purposes.  

I run by appointment only and my office hours vary per day.  I do have early morning appointments (7 or 8 am) I do not offer weekend appointments. Please call for more information and availability.  

Many people are intimidated by the thought of starting counseling. There can be a lot of fears about what to expect.  I hope to make things as comfortable and relaxing for you as possible.  During the first session, we will discuss your hopes for counseling and explore what your goals are.  Sessions are 55 minutes long.  There will be some basic paperwork to complete before the first session.    It can be helpful to write down any questions you have to bring into the first session.  

Most people start by coming to therapy once a week or every other week. That is completely up to you and we will discuss frequency at your first appointment.   The therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist is the heart of the healing process. To help determine if I might be the right therapist for you, I offer free 15 minute consultation by phone and also in-person.  I want your experience with counseling to be a positive one. 

Under the No Surprises Act, you have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” (GFE) explaining how much your care will cost. Under the law, licensed mental health professionals need to give clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for services.  

If you are billed for more than this Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill.

Throughout your treatment, the provider may recommend additional items or services as part of your treatment that are not reflected in this estimate. These would need to be scheduled separately with your consent and the understanding that any additional service costs are in addition to the Good Faith Estimate.

If your needs change during treatment, your provider should supply a new, updated Good Faith Estimate to reflect the changes to treatment, and the accompanying cost change

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your GFE, you can dispute the bill.  To learn more and get a form to start the process, go to www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call HHS at (800) 985-3059.