Frequently Asked Questions

Making the decision to seek out counseling for the first time can be very stressful. I hope this information helps to relieve some of your concern. During your first session, we will work together to identify what struggles you are having. It is best if you arrive at your appointment about 15 minutes early to complete necessary intake paperwork. I will complete a biopsychosocial assessment with you so I can better understand factors contributing to your mental health and how best to help you. This is your time to ask me questions and get to know me a bit better as well. During our subsequent sessions, we will identify specific goals we want to work on and how we are going to meet those goals. 

In an effort to meet you when you are available, I do have early evening appointments available. These appointments usually fill up quickly, so if you are able to meet me during the day, I will be able to see you sooner.

I have worked with a number of individuals whose primary concern is their relationship with their partner. While I encourage my clients to bring their partner in for a session or two, I do not offer couples therapy. I will refer the couple for therapy with a trained couple's therapist while continuing to see you individually.

This question is wholly dependent on you and your needs. Some people are able to meet their goals within one or two sessions. Some people remain in therapy for years. Most people I see find the most benefit over 6-8 months.

I am in network with most major insurance providers in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois including Anthem, Dean, BCBS Illinois, United Healthcare/Optum, Medicare, Badgercare, and more. I also am in network with many employers’ Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). I am happy to work with you to find out if I am in network for your insurance or not. I will also work with you on using your Out of Network benefits and have self-pay rates available. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can be used for therapy whether I am in network, out of network, or you are choosing self-pay.

Personally, I am a Christian; professionally, I meet you where you are. If faith is something that is important to you and the counseling process, I am comfortable working with you on that. If you do not consider yourself spiritual or religious, this will not be a topic of discussion in our sessions (again, unless you want it to be). I am also not professionally trained in biblical counseling. If you are looking for a counselor who can offer you biblical references or quotations, I would recommend you speak with your pastor for a reference.

I am in network with most major insurance providers in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. I also offer reasonable self-pay rates if I am not in network with your provider, or you don’t want to go through your insurance. You may also want to check with your employer to see if they offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). These programs offer free counseling services to you for 3-6 sessions (dependent on employer).

Therapy requires a not-insignificant time commitment. Our sessions will be approximately one hour. I prefer to meet with new clients weekly initially so we can get to the heart of the issue as quickly as possible. If weekly is not possible, I am willing to work with you on a schedule that meets your needs. Whatever our schedule ends up being, it is important that you make therapy a priority in your schedule. To receive the most benefit you need to make this time commitment to yourself.

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, also known as the "No Surprises Act", health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges. 

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost 

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. 

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. 
• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. 
• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. 
• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises 

In an effort to meet your needs, I have very flexible scheduling available Monday-Wednesday from 9:00am-6:00pm. 

I am part of Bluestem Counseling, PLLC located in the Strathmoor Office Suites.