Counseling & Psychological Services FAQs

We have collected some frequently asked questions here, but if you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to send us a message or give us a call!

1. Do you take my insurance?

We are in-network with the following insurances. This means we will bill insurance directly on your behalf, and your responsibility will depend on your insurance benefits, including deductibles, copays, or co-insurance.

• Employer / Commercial plans
• Aetna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• Molina Health Plans
• Optum/United Healthcare

2. Do you take Medicaid and Medicare?

Yes! In fact, we are contracted with all of the following providers under Medicaid. If you have Medicaid, the cost of therapy is often fully covered.

• Aetna Better Health
• Blue Cross Community
• Humana Medicaid
• IlliniCare
• Meridian Health Plan
• Molina Healthcare of IL
• Youthcare

A few of our clinicians also see Medicare clients.

3. You don’t take my insurance, what should I do?

We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality mental health care, and we’re committed to working with you, regardless of your insurance status or ability to pay.

If we are not considered “in-network” with your insurance, we recommend checking if your plan offers “out-of-network” benefits. Some plans do provide partial reimbursement even when working with providers outside of their network.

If your insurance does not cover our services or if you choose not to use insurance, we offer several affordable options to help you continue care, including a sliding scale supported by scholarship funds. We’ll also provide you with a Good Faith Estimate, so you have a clear understanding of potential costs.

We understand navigating insurance can be confusing—please reach out if you need support in understanding your benefits or options.

4. How do I check for mental health benefits with my insurance?

Find the “Member” phone number often on the back of your insurance card. When you call, ask about your behavioral health coverage, which includes counseling and psychological testing. This is separate from medical health benefits.

Here are some questions you can reference to ask:

• Do I have mental health care benefits?
• Do I need a referral from my primary care physician?
• Do I have a Deductible to meet? This would be the amount you have to pay before your coverage benefits start to kick in.
• Do I have a Copay or a Coinsurance? A copay is a flat fee per visit, while co-insurance is a percentage of the cost for each visit. This is the amount you are responsible for each time you go to a provider for a session.
• What is my out-of-pocket maximum?
• Do I have a session limit? Some insurance plans may limit the number of sessions covered per calendar year.
• Do I have out-of-network benefits, and how do they work?

5. What is the estimated cost of your services?

The services applicable to your specific treatment may vary, and the cost also depends on your insurance benefits. However, we are committed to transparency when it comes to the cost. You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” that provides details of the expected cost. Under the No Surprises Act, healthcare providers are required to give patients a Good Faith Estimate if they do not have insurance or are not using insurance for non-emergency services.

For more information about the Good Faith Estimate and the No Surprise Act, visit: https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises

6. Do you offer reduced fees?

Yes! We believe that cost should never be a barrier to receiving care. We offer substantial sliding-scale fees based on financial need, thanks to scholarship funds supported by private donors, local churches, and grant and foundation funding.

Please don’t let financial challenges stop you from seeking care. We’ll work with you to find a solution that meets your needs.

7. How do I make a payment?

You may pay by cash, check, or credit card. In addition, as a healthcare provider, we also accept payment through a Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

8. What kind of clients do you see?

We work with clients as young as six years old and across the entire lifespan—including children, teens, adults, and older adults. Our therapists have a wide range of specialties, so we encourage you to explore our clinician profiles to learn more.

All of our therapists are professionally trained and committed to culturally responsive care. If you have a specific need or preference, let us know—we’ll do our best to match you with a therapist who is a good fit.

9. What should I expect at the first appointment?

At your first appointment, your therapist will ask questions to understand you better, your background, and what brings you to therapy. This initial assessment is sometimes longer than a typical session, often lasting over an hour. It’s also when we’ll review important details, such as insurance, scheduling, and any necessary paperwork.

After that, most clients are encouraged to attend counseling weekly or every other week, depending on their needs and availability.

10. How often will I attend therapy?

Therapy is typically scheduled once a week or every other week, depending on your needs, goals, and availability. Your therapist will work with you to find a rhythm that feels manageable and supportive. Over time, the frequency may shift as you make progress or your circumstances change.

Still have a question? Please send us a message or give us a call! One of our intake coordinators will be happy to assist you better.