Finding the right help is important. That’s why we’ve created some answers to the most common questions (our counseling FAQ) about counseling online in Illinois and in our Evanston, IL office.
How long do counseling sessions typically last?
A full counseling session lasts approximately 50 minutes.
What happens during the first counseling session?
During your first session, you and your therapist will meet to discuss what you want to transform in your life through therapy. We will provide a thorough assessment, not just looking for the pain of the past but what your strengths are to help you heal moving forward. During the first session, we will help you decide what type of therapy is best suited to meeting your goals. We offer relationship therapy, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, animal assisted therapy or hypnotherapy, depending on what is best for you.
How do I know if I really need counseling?
Many people benefit from counseling when they are feeling lonely, isolated, anxious, or unhappy with their lives, families, and relationships. You may have tried other ways of coping first before you start counseling, but counseling can help when you truly feel stuck and want to lessen the burden of the anxiety or loneliness. Your free initial consult will allow you to explore if this is the right fit for you and we will have regular check-ins to make sure you are getting what you need.
How often will I need to come to counseling?
Clients are seen weekly as this allows for consistency and reinforces what you are learning and implementing outside of the therapy sessions.
How long will I need to come to counseling?
This varies among individuals. However, in our practice, many clients come in to work on an issue and end up continuing with therapy because they open up wanting to work on other areas of their life. Many of our clients have been with Evanston Counseling over a year or more.
How much do sessions cost?
Our rate is $180-$300.00, depending on your therapist and type of therapy you are requesting.
Are sessions covered by my insurance?
We are not contracted with any insurance companies directly. Many of our clients choose not to use their insurance because they wish to keep sessions confidential and do not want a diagnosis on file. If you wish to use your insurance, we partner with a company to help you submit your claims quickly and easily. Check with your insurance to learn about your out-of-network benefits. If you need assistance figuring out your benefits you can go here to learn more about how out of network filing works. We are happy to help answer any questions you have about insurance reimbursement.
How do I seek reimbursement from my insurance company?
We will provide you with the paperwork you need to submit to your insurance company so that your insurance can reimburse you directly for your out of network benefits.
Do you have evening and weekend appointments available?
We have some limited evening and weekend appointments. Most of our appointments are during the day, in the morning or early afternoon.
Where do sessions take place?
Our office is located in downtown Evanston, Illinois, across the street from the Evanston Public Library and easy walking distance, 2 blocks, from the Metra train and Purple line.
Do you offer virtual, online or Telehealth appointments?
Yes, we use a HIPAA compliant healthcare platform to offer online therapy. If you have any questions about our online counseling, please feel free to contact us at the bottom of this page.
Who do you work with?
We work primarily with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, loneliness, and low self-esteem as they navigate transitions in school, career, relationships, and families. Each of our therapists have their individual specialties. You can learn more about the populations we each serve by going to our About page, here
What if counseling isn’t working?
Throughout the counseling process we will be checking in with you to make sure you are happy with the therapy. If something isn’t working, we will seek to find a resolution through changing something in the therapy or if needed by referring you to a better fitting solution.
What’s the difference between hypnotherapy and counseling?
Hypnotherapy is typically used for single issues such as birthing, public speaking, social anxiety, or physical pain due to chronic illness or GI distress. In counseling, you will address deeper issues and concerns that impact multiple areas of your life, such as anxiety or loneliness.
I see you offer animal assisted therapy, can I bring my pet?
If your animal is trained as a therapy animal then you are welcome to request this.
What if I’m allergic to dogs?
Bailey, our therapy assistant, is only present in sessions requested by the client. If you are allergic, we will be sure that Bailey will not be in the room.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
Legally, health care providers need to give clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.
Click here to read our Good Faith Estimate Notice