Frequently Asked Questions
We aim to make accessing therapy as easy as possible. Below are some things that you may want to know before scheduling your first appointment.
How do I schedule my first appointment?
When you call one of our locations (St. Charles, Sandwich, or Yorkville), our Support Staff will ask you for several pieces of information to assist in getting you connected to the best therapist for your situation.
- In general terms, why are you seeking counseling?
- If you are planning on using your health insurance benefit, please have your insurance information available.
- Are there any needs related to language, culture and/or building accessibility? Spanish-speaking therapists are available and all of our offices are handicap accessible.
When using an insurance benefit, Support Staff will collect information over the phone and find out which therapists are in your network. They will also find out about any deductibles or co-pays you may be responsible for and any restrictions the insurance company may have regarding using your benefit. Support Staff will call you back with this information.
Can I choose my therapist?
Yes, you can request a specific therapist when scheduling your appointment. We’ll do our best to accommodate your preferences based on availability and insurance coverage.
How should I prepare for my first appointment?
We kindly request that you arrive early for your first appointment to complete the necessary forms before we begin. If you prefer, you can download a copy of the forms here.
Click here to download the forms
At your scheduled time, your therapist will greet you in the waiting room and bring you to his/her office. Your therapist will take time to get to know you and learn about your goals for therapy.
How long will I be in counseling/ How many sessions will I need?
Counseling is used for many different situations, therefore it is difficult to predict exactly how long counseling takes. In your first few sessions your therapist will listen to your goals and make an assessment. Once that assessment is complete, your therapist should be able to give you an estimate about time frames and frequency of meetings. As problems unfold those estimates may need to be updated. This should be a topic you freely discuss with your therapist as you go along. On average, therapy lasts 8 to 12 sessions. The length of treatment depends on the problems being addressed, the motivation level of the client, the strength of rapport between client and therapist, and the frequency of meetings which can affect the pace at which we can work on problems. All of these things should be talked over with your therapist if you have concerns about the length of treatment.
What is counseling like?
Our offices are set up much like a living room. Your therapist will first want to learn about you and why you have decided to come for counseling. Most clients find the conversation flowing quite naturally once things get rolling. Where counseling goes from there very much depends on where you want it to go. We think of counseling as a collaborative effort between you and your therapist. Together as a team, you both decide where you want to go with it.
During a session, the therapist will facilitate discussions to help you communicate effectively and work through conflicts.
How long does each session last?
Sessions last between 45 to 55 minutes.
Is counseling covered by insurance?
Many health insurance policies have some coverage for outpatient mental health but most expect you to pay some of the costs for counseling. To find out the details of your coverage, you should call your insurance carrier. They should be able to tell you exactly what they cover. If you are still unsure, you may want to call our office. One of our office staff can look into it further for you. It’s not always easy to get clear answers about coverage but we will do all we can to help you find out what you need to know.
What should I do if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact us at least 24 hours in advance to avoid any cancellation fees. We understand that schedules can change and will work with you to find a new time.
How confidential is counseling?
All of our therapists are licensed and therefore are bound by a code of ethics that limits the disclosure of any information to any outside person or entity without your express written consent. The limits of confidentiality are detailed on a sheet you will receive at your first appointment. If you have questions about this issue, feel free to discuss it with your therapist at any time.
Also, please see our Privacy Notice.