What to Expect & FAQ
A Place to Start
You don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable to seek support.
Taking the time to learn about therapy and the process can help you decide whether it feels like the right next step.
If you’re not sure where to start, I’m happy to answer your questions and help you explore what type of support may be most helpful.
Therapy can be a place to gain clarity, better understand yourself, and learn new ways of navigating life’s challenges.
What to expect
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After you reach out, we can start with a brief 15-minute phone consultation if you’d like. This is an opportunity for us to ask questions, learn a little more about what you’re looking for, and decide whether we might be a good fit to work together.
I’ll typically ask about:
What brings you to therapy at this point in your life?
If you’ve been in therapy before, what aspects were helpful and what wasn’t the right fit?
You’re welcome to bring any questions you have, though you don’t need to come prepared with a list. Some people have many questions, while others prefer to simply share what’s been going on. Either is completely okay.
If we decide to move forward, we’ll schedule your first therapy session.
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After scheduling, you’ll receive an email invitation to create an account through my secure client portal, where you’ll complete the necessary paperwork before your first appointment.
The forms include practice policies, your rights as a client, and other important information about starting therapy. You’ll also have an opportunity to share more about what brings you to therapy and anything you’d like me to know before we meet.
I may also send brief questionnaires or assessments to better understand your experiences and identify areas we can focus on together.
Please complete all paperwork at least 48 hours before your first session. If it has not been completed by then, we’ll need to reschedule your appointment so we can use our time together effectively.
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Your first therapy session is a chance for us to begin getting to know one another and create a comfortable foundation for our work together.
We’ll start by reviewing some of the information from your intake paperwork, then spend time learning more about you—your experiences, what brings you to therapy, and what you hope to gain from our work together.
Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when we’re still getting to know each other. You don’t have to share everything right away or have the perfect words to explain what’s been going on. We’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable and create space for you to share as you’re ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
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I currently offer appointments on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Appointments are available as early as 11:00am and the latest session I offer is typically 6:00pm, depending on availability.
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The frequency of therapy depends on your goals, current needs, level of distress, and practical factors like your schedule and budget. Most clients meet either weekly or every other week.
Weekly sessions can be helpful when you’re feeling overwhelmed, navigating a significant challenge, or wanting consistent support as you build new skills and create change.
Every-other-week sessions can be a good fit when you’re seeking support and growth while feeling more stable between sessions. Some clients begin weekly and transition to every other week as they feel more confident applying what they’ve learned outside of therapy.
In general, I recommend meeting at least every other week as consistency is important for maintaining progress. As therapy comes to an end, less frequent check-ins may be appropriate.
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I will send a link to a secure virtual meeting prior to the session.
For virtual appointments, please plan to:
Be physically located in Illinois at the time of your session
Join from a private, quiet space where you feel comfortable speaking openly
Remain stationary during your appointment (sessions cannot be attended while driving or moving)
These guidelines help protect your privacy, support a focused therapy environment, and ensure we have the space needed to do meaningful work together.
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Yes, I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO plans. I am not currently in network with any other health insurance plans and would be considered “out of network” for those plans.
If you have out-of-network benefits through your insurance plan, I can provide you with a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Coverage and reimbursement rates vary by plan, so I recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to understand your specific out-of-network benefits.
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Payments can be made by credit card, debit card, or HSA card and will be processed using the card on file after your appointment.
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To avoid a cancellation fee, appointments must be cancelled or rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice or missed entirely will be charged a fee equal to 75% of the self-pay session rate.
If you arrive 15 minutes or more after your scheduled appointment time, the session will be considered missed and I may no longer be available to meet. In this case, the 75% missed appointment fee will apply.
Rescheduling missed or cancelled appointments is based on availability and cannot always be guaranteed.
I understand that unexpected circumstances happen. Open communication is always encouraged, and we can work together to navigate scheduling changes while maintaining the consistency that supports meaningful progress in therapy.