Frequently Asked Questions

How often do you meet with clients?
We usually meet with clients once a week in the beginning stages of therapy. Sometimes we meet every other week depending on the intensity of the challenge being faced and the progress being made.

Do you accept my insurance?
Clients who want to use insurance should find out what coverage they have for mental health services before treatment begins. Our clinicians are preferred providers for various insurance companies. Out-of-network benefits may pay for a substantial portion of the fee as well.

What can I expect to happen in psychotherapy?
Treatment begins with an initial meeting during which we become acquainted, talk about your problems and concerns and what you would like to be different. After careful assessment, we determine a treatment plan and agree on goals and preferred outcomes. As you work through changes you can expect guidance and support from your therapist. With children and families we typically include working with parents and school and the child’s social world as needed to support the changes the child is making. Formats for therapy are individual, marital, family and group modalities, Adlerian life style assessment, cognitive-behavioral therapy, journaling, role playing, etc.

What are the benefits of testing?
Testing allows us to understand the individual’s strengths and weaknesses in many areas including, cognitive, educational, social and emotional functioning. Standardized test results will help the client as well as the client’s therapist, school and/or family better understand how to intervene and make changes in problem areas and build upon strengths.

How long does therapy take?
This depends on each individual and situation. Typically treatment averages about six months but it really is an individual thing.

How do you protect my confidentiality?
You are protected by the laws of the state of Illinois and the ethics of the practice of psychology. Your therapist cannot discuss anything about you with anyone without written permission unless it is a question of safety.

How much do you tell my insurance company? Is there a negative impact for me if I use insurance? Most insurance companies require the dates of services, a diagnosis and at times a treatment plan. We can guarantee you confidentiality only in what we do. Once information is given to an insurance company, we cannot guarantee what they will do with your information. Insurance companies do share records with other insurance companies when necessary.

Parent Information Regarding Cognitive and Social-Emotional Assessments:

When should I consider a cognitive and/or social-emotional assessment for my child/adolescent?

• To assist in the accurate diagnosis of a learning disability, neurobehavioral disorder, and/or emotional disorder when a child is struggling academically or behaviorally.
• When interventions at home, school or in therapy have not been successful.
• To understand your child’s strengths and weaknesses and the appropriate expectations and interventions given these strengths and weaknesses.
• To understand how an already diagnosed disorder is impacting your child academically and socially. Many disorders affect children in different ways and to different degrees of severity in level of functioning.
• To help the adults in the child’s life understand the individual needs of your child to better build on strengths and foster growth in areas of weakness.

What is involved in a cognitive and social-emotional assessment?

• A thorough review of developmental, social and academic history is completed. Parents and teachers will be interviewed and asked to fill out questionnaires.
• Tests will be used to document the child’s rate of intellectual development (intelligence-IQ) and his/her level of mastery of academic skills (achievement). In addition, tests may be used to understand the following: attention/concentration, memory, visual-motor and fine-motor skills, auditory and visual processing skills, receptive and expressive language, organization skills, problem solving skills and social-emotional functioning.
• Tests will be used to understand the child’s current level of social and emotional functioning.
• Based on the pattern of test scores, a comprehensive written report is provided including diagnostic information and extensive treatment recommendations for school, parents, and physicians/therapists.