What are the first steps?
Please contact me by phone or email if you think I could be of assistance. I offer a free 15-20 minute phone consultation where we briefly go over your reasons for seeking treatment and answer questions you might have. If intending to use insurance, please be ready to provide your insurance details; that way, I can call your provider beforehand to verify eligibility and benefits. Our first few sessions will focus on learning about the problems that brought you to therapy and what you are hoping to get out of it, and working together to create a provisional therapy plan.
How long is a session, how often do we meet and what’s the timeline for treatment?
A standard therapy session usually lasts between 45 minutes and one hour. The frequency of sessions and length of treatment will depend on a number of things, such as the level of distress that a client is experiencing owing to their symptoms, and how pervasively these symptoms are interfering with the client’s daily life. Some problems are straightforward and amenable to improving within a few months while others are more entrenched and require longer term work. I typically meet with clients at least once a week in the early stages of therapy. There may be a natural transition to meeting less often as symptoms improve. We will check in periodically to assess how you’re feeling about your progress in therapy.
Where is your physical office located?
I have offices downtown and in Lincoln Square on the north side of Chicago.
My downtown office is located at 307 N Michigan Ave, in the “Old Republic” building on the northeast corner of Michigan Ave and South Water St. It is easily accessible by bus or train. There are also parking garages in the vicinity.
In Lincoln Square, the office is located at 2334 W Lawrence Ave, on the northeast corner of Lawrence and Western. The closest train stations (brown line) are Western and Damen. Paid street parking is available along Lawrence Ave and Claremont St and free street parking is available one block north of Lawrence on Ainslie and two blocks north of Lawrence on Argyle.
How much do you charge and do you accept insurance?
My professional fee ranges between $130-$185 per session depending on the type of service and length of the session. I’m in network with the following insurance providers: Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Choice PPO Plans, Aetna, UnitedHealthCare and Cigna. If you have out of network benefits that you would like to use, I can provide you with what’s called a “super bill,” with the necessary information to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. For clients who are out of network, a good faith estimate of charges will be provided in writing at least one business day before the first appointment.
Do you have a late cancellation policy?
Yes. Your appointment is protected time and if you have to cancel, I ask that you let me know at least a day in advance. I assess a $25 fee for late note cancellations.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes, I see clients in person and via telehealth. To conduct virtual sessions, I use a HIPAA-compliant integrated practice platform called SimplePractice. It has a Client Portal that allows clients and me to securely communicate with each other.
Are you able to see me if I don’t reside in Illinois or if I’m traveling out of state?
Yes, I’m also licensed in the state of New York and licensed to practice telepsychology under PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact). So, if you’re in New York or any of these PSYPACT participating states, I would be able to offer virtual services.