Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much does therapy cost
A. Our full fee is $225 per therapy hour, which is typically 45-50 minutes. With insurance, most clients are responsible for either a set co-payment or a percentage amount, which varies greatly depending on individual coverage. Depending on your insurance you could be responsible for no out-of-pocket expenses or a set dollar amount (for example, $15, $20, $30, $50) per session. You should contact your insurance provider directly to inquire about your mental health benefits. All payments are due at the time of service.
Q. What type of insurance do you accept?
A. Psychological Consultations accepts most PPO insurance, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, First Health, and Humana. We also work with Medicare. For those insurance plans where we are “In Network,” we will directly bill your provider. For other PPO policies we will likely be considered out-of-network, and your benefits will vary depending on your policies coverage. We generally do not accept HMO’s. If we do not directly accept your insurance plan, we can provide you with a statement, and you can seek reimbursement from them directly. Please contact us if you have questions about your specific insurance.
Q. What forms of payment do you accept?
A. We accept cash, personal checks, and most major credit cards.
Q. Do you work on a sliding scale or offer a reduced fee?
A. Yes, we are committed to providing services to those in need, including those without insurance or who cannot afford our full fee. If we are not able to meet your specific individual needs we will work to find an appropriate referral for you.
Q. How long does a typical appointment last?
A. Intake appointments at Psychological Consultations are usually one hour. Ongoing appointment are usually 45-50 minutes, allowing ample time for the psychologist to understand the patient’s concerns and develop an effective treatment plan.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. Like most medical providers, we ask for a full 24-hour notice for any cancellations. Because are not permitted to bill insurance providers for cancelled sessions, failure to provide advanced notice of cancellation will result in a cancellation fee up to or equaling the full fee for the session. In most cases, if you are able to find a mutually agreed upon time to reschedule your session with your therapist during the same week, the fee will not be assessed.
Q. How long will I need to be in therapy?
A. Length of treatment is a very personal decision that should be made between each patient and their therapist. The number of sessions necessary varies greatly and could range from only a few (1-5), to ongoing treatment lasting months, or even years. Healing takes as long as it takes.
Q. What qualifications do the therapist at Psychological Consultations have?
A. The Licensed Clinical Psychologists at Psychological Consultations have extensive education and training, including doctoral degrees in psychology, and are all licensed to practice in the state of Illinois. For individual credentials please review our providers bios.
Q. Is my personal information kept confidential?
A. Yes, Psychological Consultations takes the privacy and confidentiality of patient information very seriously. All records and communications are kept strictly confidential in accordance with professional ethical standards.
Q. Is what I talk about in therapy really private?
A. Privacy and confidentiality are essential for therapy, and whatever you discuss with your therapist will be kept private. There are certain limitations or exceptions to privacy, which may include supervision and consultation within the practice, or if you disclose plans to harm yourself or another, including elder abuse or child abuse/neglect. If you are concerned about privacy you should discuss this with your therapist at the onset of treatment.
Q. I have another question that is not addressed here. Where can I find the answer?
A. Ask us! We would love to schedule a consultation with you to answer any questions you might have, and existing clients can consult with their therapists. Or you can always contact the Clinical Director, Dr. Gregory Sarlo, with any questions or concerns at 773-880-2235.