FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT INSURANCE DO YOU ACCEPT?

We are in network with the following plans

Aetna    

Alliance 

Beacon Health

Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and Blue Choice PPO

Cigna

Mutliplan - check for the logo on your insurance card, includes many different plans

We do bill insurance that is out-of-network. Please check with your insurance provider to find out if you have out-of-network benefits. 

HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?

Just call 815-397-4287 and select option 1. Most likely you will speak with Rebecca and together you will find a time that works with your schedule. You can request to have your session in the office or through Telehealth. If you are planning to use your insurance, have your insurance information handy. Also, we ask that you designate someone as an emergency contact. We will need their address and phone number. This person would only be contacted in an emergency situation. 

Once we have set a date and time for your initial appointment, obtained your contact information and emergency contact, we will email you an invitation to our TherapyPortal. You will need to log into the TherapyPortal before your appointment to review and electronically sign the following forms - Client Information Form, Patient Agreement, Patient Rights, Telehealth Informed Consent, Payment Authorization Form, Client History and the Release of Information for your emergency contact.

For the Client History Form, we ask that you answer only the questions you feel comfortable answering. 

HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO BE SEEN AND FOR HOW LONG?

This is different for everyone and depends on your individual needs. Frequently, clients are seen initially on a weekly basis. Then, after a period of time, may have appointments every other week. Again, this isn’t true for everyone. This will be discussed during your initial session.

I WOULD LIKE TO SCHEDULE A TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT BUT I MIGHT WANT TO BE SEEN IN THE OFFICE TOO. IS THAT POSSIBLE?

Absolutely! Just let us know when you schedule your appointment. In fact, if you’re having trouble with your car or are not feeling well that morning, you can change your appointment so that it is through Telehealth. Just give us a ring. If you have an appointment through Telehealth but want to change it an in person session, most often that is possible as well although the time of your season may need to be adjusted. For appointments in the office, frequently touched areas are disinfected between sessions. 

I’M CONCERNED ABOUT CHOOSING A COUNSELOR. WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE WORKING WITH THEM?

It is so important to have a good match between you and your counselor. Maybe you are able to tell after a session or two or maybe you realize that it’s not working out after a few weeks or longer. Then what? I encourage you to talk with your counselor and let them know. Together, you can find a counselor that is a better match and able to meet your needs and help you reach your goals. We never want you to feel stuck.

WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?

Click here for a listing of our fees and additional information on billing in and out of network insurance. 

I THINK MY CHILD NEEDS COUNSELING. THEY’RE AN ADULT. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If your child is 18 years of age or older, they need to consent and agree to go to counseling. Help them find a counselor that will be a good fit for them. What issues are they wanting to address? Does the counselor accept their insurance? When are they able to schedule an appointment? 

We understand that sometimes it’s difficult for a person to take that first step and make the call to schedule the appointment. Contact us at 815-397-4287 option 1 to discuss how we may be able to help. 

DO YOU PRESCRIBE MEDICATION?

No. None of our providers are licensed to prescribe medication. If you require medication, contact your Primary Care Physician (PCP) or Psychiatrist. We can also provide you with a referral to a prescribing provider. We will work in collaboration with your care team.

I’M CONCERNED THAT MY PARENT MIGHT CALL AND WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT MY TREATMENT?

If a family member or employer calls, we will not provide them with any information unless you give us written permission to do so. That means, if they call, we will not confirm or deny that you are being seen at our practice. 

If you are younger than 18 years of age, your parent does have permission to find out more about your treatment but in consultation with your counselor, you may have some control as to what information is disclosed. 

WHAT IS THE NO SURPRISE ACT?

Effective January 1, 2022, a ruling went into effect called the “No Surprises Act,” which requires mental health practitioners to provide a “Good Faith Estimate” (GFE) about out-of-network care to any patient who is uninsured or who is insured but does not plan to use their insurance benefits to pay for health care items and/or services. 

​

The Good Faith Estimate works to show the cost of items and services that are reasonably expected for your mental health care needs for an item or service.  The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created.  The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment.