Frequently Asked Questions
* For current information on our practice’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please see our COVID-19 information page. *
I. Cost & Insurance
1. Which insurance plans do you accept? Is there a co-pay?
We are all in-network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO, Aetna, and United Healthcare. Some individual therapists in our practice may accept other insurance plans as well; please see our individual profiles for a complete listing.
Your co-pay and/or deductible will depend on your specific plan. To find out more about your specific plan’s coverage, try asking the following questions of your insurance company:
Do I have outpatient behavioral health coverage?
What is my annual deductible amount and how much is remaining?
When does my deductible reset?
What is my co-pay and/or co-insurance amount(s)?
Is pre-authorization needed prior to beginning services?
Is there a per year session limit?
2. What if I do not have BCBS PPO, Aetna, or United Healthcare?
We also accept out of network insurance plans, and as a courtesy we will submit all the paperwork for you to be partially reimbursed at a later date by your insurance, based on their out of network reimbursement rates. You will be responsible to pay the full session fee on the date of the session.
To find out about reimbursement options from your insurance company, inform a representative that you want to check your mental health benefits, and ask the following questions:
Do I have out-of-network outpatient behavioral health coverage?
What is my annual deductible amount and how much is remaining?
When does my deductible reset?
Is there a percentage of all out-of-network costs incurred that my plan will reimburse me?
Do I have a limit to the allowable amount per session that my plan will reimburse me for out-of-network services I receive? For instance, will my plan reimburse me up to a certain percentage for costs at or above a certain dollar amount? (Knowing this information will allow you to determine what to expect to be reimbursed by your plan).
3. What if I do not have insurance at all? Can I pay out of pocket?
Our out of pocket fees vary by therapist, but generally range from $150-$200 per session.
4. Do you offer reduced fee sessions?
Some of our CCRC staff therapists (post-graduate and licensed clinicians) are able to offer reduced fee sessions, which generally range from $50-$150 per session. Our sliding scale offerings are dependent on each client’s financial sustainability and limited current appointment openings among our staff therapists.
Another option for even further reduced fee sessions is to go through the Phoenix Clinic, which is a separate entity from CCRC. The Phoenix Clinic is staffed by student interns, who are in the midst of their graduate studies towards becoming licensed clinicians. Phoenix Clinic session fees range from $0-$50. Fees and availability in the clinic are dependent on each client’s financial sustainability and current appointment openings among the student interns. (Click here to check out the Phoenix Clinic website for more information.)
5. How do I pay for my sessions?
We accept all major credit cards, cash, or checks. Payment is due at the time of each session. You can place a credit card on-file with us so that your account is automatically charged each time you come in.
6. What if I have to miss a session?
There is no charge for a cancellation with 24 hours notice or in the case of an emergency. If you simply do not show up for your scheduled session, however, there will generally be a charge, which your therapist will discuss with you at the outset.
II. choosing a therapist
1. How do I find the right therapist for my needs? Can I specify what I’m looking for in a therapist? And how do I get started?
Our intake department (you can reach them through this form, call (773) 830-4199, or email info@chicagocenterforrelationshipcounseling.com,) will work with you to determine the best fit for your needs, based on your availability during the week, location, therapist identities preferences (gender, race, sexual orientation, etc.), and even focus or specialty. While we each have unique clinical interests, (please see our individual bios for more information,) all of our therapists are qualified to work with any of the common issues that come up in therapy, and it is often a matter of personality "fit" that determines whether you will feel comfortable with a specific individual. This is something only you can determine either during an initial phone call or initial session with your therapist.
2. What if it doesn't feel like a good fit with my therapist?
We are all very open to feedback and transparency; if you are feeling that something is off, please let your therapist know. They will be happy to either try and adjust to your needs if possible, or can help you find someone who might be a better fit.
3. How do I get in touch with my therapist? When can I expect to hear back?
All of our individual contact information is available here. You can call or email us, anytime. We will generally get back to you within one business day. If you reach out in the evening or on a weekend, expect a response either the next day or after the weekend. For any kind of emergency, please call 911.
III. Expectations for Therapy
1. How long are therapy sessions?
Sessions are generally 50 minutes long.
2. Who can I bring with me to therapy?
Anyone you like! We encourage partners, family members, and friends to join in the therapy process as needed or desired.
3. What if I want my partner to join me for couples therapy but they refuse?
Your therapist can help you determine the specific factors preventing your partner from wanting to come to therapy, and can work with you to speak with them about your needs in a constructive way.
4. What can I expect in terms of confidentiality and privacy?
In accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), you have certain rights to privacy regarding your protected health information. All information shared with your therapist both in session and on paperwork will be kept entirely confidential. The only exceptions to this are: suspected child or elder abuse and/or suspected imminent harm to yourself or specific others. Your therapist will discuss this with you in your initial session and can answer any questions you have pertaining to privacy.
5. Is my therapist working under supervision?
CCRC is dedicated to promoting the learning and growth of mental health clinicians. To that end, our associate therapists do work under clinical supervision, and will discuss your case with their supervisor as needed. This will be discussed in your initial session as well.
6. What therapy models or approaches do you use?
Our therapists come from a diverse set of backgrounds and interests, so you will find many different approaches within CCRC. This is definitely something you can discuss with your therapist in an initial session to find out more about their specific approach. We do share some common characteristics, however: we all believe in integrative approaches that draw from multiple therapeutic models and techniques; we are all trained in both individual and relational (couple & family) therapy; and we all rely on and believe in the importance of client feedback throughout the therapy process.
7. What will my therapy room look like?
Each of our locations has a slightly different feel and experience. Please see individual location pages for images and more information.
8. Can I attend therapy via phone or video-conferencing?
Yes! All of our therapists provide teletherapy, depending on your individual circumstances and needs. Check out our teletherapy page for more information.
