Question 1

Do I need therapy?

Accepted Answer

Therapy can be helpful for everyone. It's a space to process and cope with challenges like mental health symptoms, grief, life transitions, family or relationship difficulties, and stress related to work or school. It can also be a place to explore your identity, work toward goals, and make sense of past experiences.

There's no limit to what you can bring into therapy—it's simply a space for whatever feels important to you. If you're looking for a supportive, nonjudgmental place to sort through your thoughts and feelings, therapy may be a meaningful step for you.

Question 2

How long are sessions?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are 50 minutes long.

Question 3

How frequent are sessions?

Accepted Answer

When starting therapy, consistency is important for building trust and establishing a strong working relationship. Sessions are typically scheduled weekly for the first 6–8 weeks. From there, we'll regularly check in and adjust frequency together based on your goals, progress, and what feels most supportive for you.

Question 4

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

The first step is to book a brief 10-15 min consultation on my calendar. During this call, we'll connect and make sure it feels like a good fit. From there, we'll schedule your first session at a time that works best for your availability.

You can also use the contact form on this site if you prefer to start in writing.

Question 5

Can you see clients outside of Illinois?

Accepted Answer

At this time, I'm only able to see clients located in Illinois due to licensure laws. While there has been ongoing discussion about national legislation that could expand access to therapy across state lines, it is not currently in effect.

If you're located outside of Illinois, I recommend checking with your insurance provider or searching for a licensed therapist in your state to ensure you're able to receive care locally.

Question 6

Do you prescribe medication?

Accepted Answer

I do not prescribe medication. However, if you're interested in exploring medication options, I can provide a referral to a psychiatrist or collaborate with your primary care provider by sharing a letter of support for an evaluation.

Question 7

How long does it take to see change?

Accepted Answer

The timeline for change in therapy varies for each person and depends on factors such as your goals, the effort you put into the process, and consistency in attending sessions. Together, we'll break your goals into clear, actionable steps so we can recognize and track progress along the way—even when those changes feel small at first.

Question 8

Are sessions confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, everything shared in session is kept confidential. I will not share any information about you or our work together without your written consent.

There are, however, a few legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality. These include situations where there is a risk of imminent harm to yourself or others, or in cases involving the abuse of a child, elder, or individual with a disability.

We will go over confidentiality in more detail during our first session, and I always welcome any questions or concerns you may have at any time.

Question 9

What are the limits to confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality is an important part of therapy, and its limits are in place to help keep you and others safe. As a mandated reporter, I am required by law to break confidentiality in certain situations. This includes cases where there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or someone else, or if there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, an older adult, or a person with a disability.

In these situations, I may need to contact appropriate authorities such as emergency services, law enforcement, a hospital, or DCFS.

Again, we will review these limits in more detail during our first session, and I'm always open to answering any questions you may have.

Question 10

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (including BCBS IL, Anthem, Highmark, and other affiliated plans), UnitedHealthcare/Optum, and Aetna.

Question 11

What is the cost of each session?

Accepted Answer

If you are using insurance, your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your specific plan. This may include a copay, coinsurance, or deductible. Before our first session, I will complete a benefit check with your insurance provider to estimate your expected cost per session. Please note that this is only an estimate, and final costs are determined once your insurance processes the claim.

If you are not using insurance, the self-pay rate is $150 per session.

Question 12

How do I know if you are in-network with my insurance plan?

Accepted Answer

You can confirm your coverage by calling the member services number on the back of your insurance card or checking your insurance provider's website to verify in-network status.

Question 13

What methods of payment do you take?

Accepted Answer

Payment is due at the time of service and may include your copay, coinsurance, deductible, or full session fee. Payments are processed securely through your client portal, where you can keep a card on file using encrypted payment processing for added security.

Question 14

Where is your office located?

Accepted Answer

My office is located in Wicker Park at 2045 W North Ave, Suite 2B, Chicago, IL 60647.

Question 15

What are the transportation and parking options?

Accepted Answer

The office is conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from the Damen Blue Line station and steps away from the 72 North Ave bus route.

Metered street parking is readily available across the street and along North Avenue.

Question 16

What is telehealth?

Accepted Answer

Telehealth refers to receiving therapy through secure phone or video technology. All telehealth sessions are conducted exclusively online through a HIPAA-compliant video platform, allowing you to attend therapy from a private and convenient location.

Question 17

Is telehealth as effective as in-person sessions?

Accepted Answer

Research shows that telehealth is just as effective as in-person therapy for many individuals, and it often supports greater consistency in attendance.

Telehealth offers several benefits, including the ability to attend sessions from the comfort and privacy of your home, increased accessibility for those with busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, mobility limitations, or those living in remote areas. It can also reduce time spent traveling and eliminate stress related to commuting, parking, or finding the office. Additionally, it helps limit exposure to illness.

That said, telehealth may not be the best fit for everyone. Potential challenges include occasional technology issues, difficulty picking up on certain nonverbal cues, or limited privacy depending on your living situation. If needed, we can discuss whether telehealth is the right fit for you.

Question 18

What technology is necessary to use telehealth?

Accepted Answer

You will need a reliable internet connection and a device such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone. Most modern devices already include these features.

Question 19

What platform do you use for video calls?

Accepted Answer

I use a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform through SimplePractice. After scheduling your first session, you will receive everything you need to access the video sessions and your client portal.

Question 20

What if we get disconnected?

Accepted Answer

If we get disconnected during a session, I will call you to help reconnect as soon as possible. We will also review a backup plan during our first session so you know exactly what to do if this ever occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Therapy

Confidentiality

Insurance and Payment

In-Person Office

Telehealth

Still have questions?