Yes! I am an in-network provider with BCBS PPO, UHC PPO, Aetna PPO, Oscar Health, Oxford. and Quest Behavioral Health.

If you would like to use an insurance that I am not in network with, many plans offer ‘out of network’ benefits. However, in this case, you would be responsible for paying the full fee up-front, submitting a ‘super bill’ to your insurance (which I would provide to you), and your insurance would reimburse you a percentage of the cost (depending on your plan).

If you are unsure about the mental health benefits of your health insurance plan, you will need to contact your insurance company. It will only take a few minutes to verify benefits. Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card. Verify the following information:

1. Mental health benefits associated with your plan

2. Amount of co-pay for therapy sessions (note: the copay is the amount you pay out of pocket for each session)

3. Limits (if any) on number of sessions that will be covered

4. Do you have to meet a deductible before your insurance will cover the therapy session?

5. If yes, what is the deductible amount? (note: a deductible is a specified amount of money that the insured must pay before an insurance company will pay a claim)

Either!

In-person sessions would take place in my office in Crystal Lake, IL.

Telehealth sessions (just like in-person sessions) are limited to Illinois residents due to current licensing laws. For teletherapy, you would sign in to the video session from your home, office, or other secure location. Telehealth sessions take place via Zoom, which is HIPAA-compliant for healthcare professionals.

My goal is for the scheduling and intial paperwork process to be as easy as possible, but there are a few things I will need prior to your first session.

Once you have reached out and we have agreed upon an appointment time, I will walk you through the process step-by-step. I will first need a copy of your insurance card and photo ID. Then, you'll be directed to complete the new client paperwork via my HIPAA-compliant healthcare portal.

If you would like assistance completing any of the forms, I am happy to help.

Depending on your insurance, I may bill it independently or I may utilize a billing platform called Headway. If I will be submitting your insurance claims through Headway, I will let you know and you will receive a welcome email from Headway; they will collect your insurance and payment information. They will also have a separate privacy policy and financial agreement for you to review and sign.

Once I have received your completed paperwork, I will email you to confirm that I have received it. In that email, I will also provide detailed instructions for finding my office and/or information about how to sign in for telehealth sessions.

Therapy is a highly individualized process, and the first few sessions are often seen as opportunities to discover if we are the right fit for each other.

The first session begins to set the groundwork for therapy. We will first review things you need to be aware of before beginning therapy; this is also provided in written format in the “Informed Consent” document. Then you will be given the opportunity to ask questions before proceeding. Next, we will have a conversation about what brings you to therapy, what you’re hoping to gain from the process, and we will review your current circumstances and life history.

Understandably, many clients want to jump right into talking about the current stressors that bring them to therapy, and I want that too. Still, it’s important for a therapist to have a good general understanding of you and your history, so we will review a bit about your history as well.

You can decline to answer any questions. I will never push you to share any information you do not wish to share, and I will never push you to talk about traumatic events if you do not wish to do so.

At the end of the first session, we will discuss whether I am a good fit as a therapist for you and how I may be able to help you. If you decide I am not the right fit for you, that’s totally okay! I am always happy to provide referrals to other therapists that may better meet your needs.

I am not licensed to prescribe medications. If you are interested in psychiatric medications, I can provide you with referrals to local or online providers.

I see individuals ages 15+.

For self-pay and out-of-network clients, the first session is $160 and each subsequent session is $135. For clients who are using in-network insurance, the rates are negotiated by the insurance company.

Unfortunately, my office is currently located in a building that is not ADA accessible for individuals with mobility difficulties.

I am located on the 2nd floor, and there is no elevator. It is my intention to rectify this as soon as I am able to do so.

Research shows that the quality of the relationship/alliance between client and therapist is one of the most important factors in determining the success of your therapy. Not every therapist will be the right fit for every client, and that’s okay.

You are likely to be able to identify if a therapist is a good fit within 1-3 sessions. See the following articles to help you assess whether we might be the right fit:

• Signs Your Therapist is Good For You

• How to Tell if a Therapist Isn't a Good Fit for You