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What should I expect?
When you call to schedule with one of our counselors, you will be guided through the intake process by one of our friendly, knowledgeable office staff members. They will ask you some general questions about what you are looking for in terms of services and any preferences you may have. They will take your contact information and insurance information, and set you up with an initial appointment with a counselor selected to best meet your needs. For those who have never experienced counseling before, most people are nervous upon arriving for their first session. It's normal. Our warm and welcoming office staff will make you feel more at home as they greet you and take care of any necessary paperwork. Our staff will let you know when your counselor is ready for you. Your counselor will explain how the counseling process works, and you will be able to ask questions if you have any. Then your counselor will ask questions to get to know you and learn about what brought you in for counseling. Our goal is that you feel comfortable and encouraged by the time you leave your first session.
How does scheduling work?
Our office staff will help you with all of your scheduling needs. They have already selected a counselor for you that meets your needs for availability. Many new clients wonder how frequently they should schedule sessions. We recommend scheduling weekly appointments or at least bi-weekly in the beginning to establish a working relationship and to gain some momentum by establishing consistency. The majority of our clients like to be seen on a weekly or bi-weekly basis throughout the duration of treatment. This is not a rule. We will go at your pace.
Is there a cancellation policy?
Due to high demand, we do have a cancellation policy and follow it consistently. We require that client's allow 24 hours for cancellations. This allows us to provide appointment times to clients who are needing to get in. It is our priority to ensure that clients are able to get our services when they need them most. You can help us by giving us a minimum of a 24 hour notice prior to your appointment so that we can accommodate other clients. Fees apply to no shows and late cancellations.
What about health insurance?
Our licensed counselors are in network with most major health insurance companies including but not limited to BCBS IL, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare. Our office staff works diligently to check your benefits, file your claims, and receive payment. It is ultimately the client's responsibility to be aware of their insurance coverage. Any costs that are not covered by insurance will be the responsibility of the client including but not limited to deductibles, copays, and non-billable services (non-billable services include report writing, consultations with other professionals, court appearances, mediation, court mandated counseling, etc.)
What if I don't have insurance and what forms of payment do you accept?
Our goal is to ensure that everyone who is seeking help has the ability to receive it. We strive to make our counseling services affordable without sacrificing quality care. Further, we provide customizable treatment solutions to fit into your budget. Contact our office staff for more detailed information regarding out-of-pocket costs for counseling and psychiatry.
While we will accept most major credit cards, we prefer that our clients pay in the form of cash or check. With the rising costs of credit card processing fees, we ask that those who are able pay in cash or check in an effort to avoid charging our valued clients service charges on credit card payments.
How long does counseling take to work?
Everyone's experiences in counseling are unique. The duration of counseling is dependent upon several factors. Some of those factors include the client's readiness for change, the nature of the presenting issues, the frequency of sessions, and commitment to the counseling process. We are with you each step of the way on your journey toward changing your life. Many of our clients begin feeling the positive effects of counseling within the first few sessions; however, for some, it takes a little longer. We help you to identify your long term goals and utilize short term, measurable goals to ensure your success and gauge your progress. Empowering you to take control of your life is at the forefront of what we do, and that includes your counseling experience.
What if I don't feel my counselor is the right fit for me?
Our office staff is excellent at matching clients with the right counselors for them. Even with the care they take to make thoughtful selections, occasionally a client may feel that a different counselor may be a better fit. That's okay! Please feel free to communicate your interest in trying something different with your current counselor and/or the office staff. We are happy to match you with a different counselor. This is YOUR counseling journey. It's not about us. We encourage our clients to be open about what is working for them and what it isn't. We pride ourselves on making the right client-counselor matches the first time, but we also understand that certain styles may not work for everyone. We want our clients to get the best care and have the best experience in our office as possible. With that said, never be afraid to speak up and let us know how we can best serve you.
Will my sessions be confidential?
Yes, clients' are entitled to confidentiality when speaking with their counselors with a few exceptions. A counselor is required by law to report cases of child or elderly abuse and any cases in which clients pose a life threatening risk to themselves or others. Aside from the listed exceptions, every client age 12 and over is entitled and required by law to be given confidentiality in regards to any and all interactions with his/her counselor. This right to confidentiality can be waived at the request of the client and by signing a release of information. Parents of minors age 12 and above will have access to billing and scheduling but will not be given information about the client's treatment unless the client CHOOSES to waive the right to confidentiality by signing a release of information. Confidentiality is important for our clients to feel safe and protected in sharing their personal information.
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