Question 1

Do you take my health insurance?

Accepted Answer

I am an in-network provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS) of Illinois PPO plans. If you do not have a BCBS PPO plan but would like to use your insurance, I can provide the necessary documentation for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement. I recommend all potential patients check with their insurance provider to determine coverage before beginning therapy.

Question 2

How much is your fee?

Accepted Answer

For individual and relationship psychotherapy, the session fee is typically between $180-$250. Fees for services are negotiated at the outset of treatment based on financial means. Reduced fees are available for those with financial need.

Question 3

Do you offer sliding scale and/or pro bono therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I may be able to offer a reduced fee if you are paying out of pocket (i.e., not using BCBS PPO insurance). Reduced fees are negotiated based on your financial circumstances and my availability. Please inquire during your initial consultation and we will work to find a fee that is acceptable to both of us.

Question 4

What should I expect during our initial session?

Accepted Answer

Our initial session will focus primarily on what is bringing you to begin therapy. I will encourage you to tell me whatever you think is important for me to know about you. I'll be interested in understanding what is bringing you to treatment, why now, and what you want to get out of therapy. There will be time for you to ask questions and discuss the therapeutic process.

Question 5

What should I expect during a regular therapy session?

Accepted Answer

In general, sessions begin with you sharing whatever is on your mind at that moment. Your role is to freely express your thoughts, feelings, and emotions without censoring yourself to the best of your ability. My role is to listen and help you develop a fuller understanding of your self and your relationships.

Question 6

How often do you meet with patients?

Accepted Answer

It depends. I meet with all new psychotherapy patients at a frequency of at least one session per week. This helps us get to know one another more efficiently and develops momentum for the therapeutic work ahead. For some patients, more frequent contact (e.g., 2-3 sessions per week) is helpful and sometimes necessary. More frequent sessions helps deepen our relationship and makes the challenging work of self-understanding and inner change more tolerable. I typically only meet with patients less than once per week due to special circumstances. If you're unsure of what session frequency would be best for you, please let me know so we can discuss.

Question 7

Do you give homework in between sessions?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what is meant by "homework." Some therapists regularly assign highly structured homework, typically in the forms of worksheets to complete. I rarely, if ever, give patients worksheets to complete or specific tasks to do. However, patients are encouraged to continue to explore important feelings, thoughts, questions, or themes raised in therapy in between sessions. My experience, supported by empirical research, suggests patients who think about therapy outside of sessions tend to experience greater benefits at a quicker rate. Therapeutic activities done outside of session tend to be most useful when they are near to your experience and arise from your own interests and motivation.

Frequently Asked Questions