Make an Appointment: intake@peoplepsych.com | 312-252-5252

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Choosing to see a therapist can be a difficult decision, but we believe that it is a rewarding one.  Therapy should be a positive experience from the start, let us help you feel more comfortable with your decision  Below are some commonly asked questions by those who are considering therapy or counseling services.  We know this is not an exhaustive list, so please let us know any additional questions you have.

To schedule an appointment, you can contact one of our specific therapists directly or schedule a free consultation with PeoplePsych intake staff:  Make an Appointment

Get Help

PeoplePsych therapists specialize in helping clients manage anxiety and are currently accepting new clients. If you’re ready to take a step toward change, call us today at 312-252-5252, or schedule a free intake consultation to get started.

Make an Appointment

Is PeoplePsych taking new clients?

Yes, we are taking new clients!  Life doesn’t wait for the perfect time—why should therapy?

We offer flexible options to fit your needs, including secure, HIPAA-compliant teletherapy sessions and in-person appointments at our conveniently located Chicago Loop offices. Whether you prefer the comfort of therapy from home or the connection of meeting face-to-face, we’re here to support you.

Teletherapy can feel unfamiliar at first, but we’re committed to ensuring the experience mirrors the warmth and effectiveness of traditional in-person sessions. Many of our clients find it to be just as meaningful and convenient.

For those who prefer in-person therapy, select therapists are available for daytime, evening, and weekend appointments. Our office environment is designed with your safety and comfort in mind.

We invite you to contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your path to healing and growth.

Is Online/Telehealth available?

Yes! Our practice is primarily telehealth-based, offering therapy sessions through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform integrated with JANE, our online practice management system. Telehealth makes it easier than ever to access flexible, effective, and high-quality care from the comfort of your own home.

Teletherapy is clinically appropriate and effective for most clients. However, certain situations may require additional considerations. Thanks to recent legislation, insurance companies are required to cover telehealth sessions just as they would an in-person appointment. Our staff is available to help verify your coverage and benefits.

If you’re ready to start therapy with the convenience of telehealth, we invite you to reach out and learn more about how we can support you.

 

How much does therapy cost?

Your costs can vary.

Our regular ongoing individual session cost varies from $150 – $100 per session. Some opt to use their insurance benefits so the cost of therapy can vary depending on what your insurance expects you to pay. We are in-network for all regular BCBS PPO and Blue Choice PPO plans, Aetna PPO, and United PPO plans. In addition, while clients using other insurances are responsible for the full billed session – PeoplePsych will supply clients with a “superbill” so that they can submit their sessions to their insurance to access their out-of-network benefits.

More information about the cost of services and insurance coverage is available here or contact us for more information.

Our standard session fees range from $135 to $150 per session. Many clients choose to use their insurance benefits, so the actual cost of therapy may depend on your insurance plan and the amount you are responsible for paying.

We are in-network with the following plans:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and Blue Choice PPO
  • Aetna PPO
  • United Healthcare PPO

For clients with other insurance providers, sessions are billed at the full rate. However, we are happy to provide a detailed “superbill” to help you submit claims to your insurance for out-of-network benefits.

For more information about service costs and insurance coverage, please visit our cost and insurance page or contact us directly. We’re here to help you navigate your options.

Do you have to be crazy or not functioning to go to therapy?

The simple answer is no – everyone can benefit from seeing a therapist. Therapy is a means of providing ongoing support and intervention to help the individual, couple, or family deal with or change personal and private issues and problems that they have not been able to satisfactorily handle on their own.

Therapy is MOST effective when a person can actively engage in the process and take steps toward healing. In other words, although it is never too late to go to therapy, therapeutic intervention effectiveness is enhanced for those who chose to address things early versus once things are spiraling out of control.

Is therapy about blaming others or not taking responsibility for myself?

Although we may focus on the origin of issues that can involve others, this only serves to provide a deeper level of insight and understanding which allows you to resolve past issues and move forward. Acknowledging the past, both the good and bad, in therapy can actually help build the desired relationships in your life.

The change that occurs through therapy is truly the result of understanding the issue while taking appropriate personal responsibility and implementing change.

How is a therapist different than talking to a friend?

Although therapists are generally friendly, approachable, and caring people – the relationship you have with your therapist is different than the relationship you have with your friends.

Talking to a therapist is a targeted conversation about your issues and your life. A therapist can be objective in a way that no friend or family member can, as the therapist’s role in your life is simply to assist you in feeling better and functioning at a higher level.

Ideally, your friends want the best for you, however they are connected and personally invested in the decisions you make; therefore, it is impossible for them to be objective. Your therapist’s sole focus in the interaction is you, your goals, your intentions. Other than serving the client effectively, there is no direct impact on the therapist.

What if I can’t talk for a full hour?

It is the therapist’s job to put you at ease so that you can talk. Most clients say that the therapy hour (50-55 minutes) tends to go very quickly. We focus on what you want to talk about, plus there are no visible clocks to watch. It seems to surprise people how easy it is to get lost in the conversation.

Will PeoplePsych therapists complete disability, court, or work-related assessments or treatment?

As a rule, PeoplePsych therapists do not participate in disability or court-related assessments or treatment – including issues related to child custody. These are specialized services, and those looking for such therapeutic intervention are advised to seek an appropriate clinician.

The same is true for employer-related referrals or communication. Direct communication with employers is not conducted by PeoplePsych therapists.  And, under no circumstances do PeoplePsych therapists complete FMLA paperwork or other employer related letters for those that are not long-term established clients.  Additionally, for those established clients in need of FMLA paperwork, there is often an additional charge.

Don’t therapists get bored listening to others’ problems all day?

No, we don’t get bored. And it’s not the client’s job to entertain us.

We truly enjoy our jobs and each of our clients. It is a joy finding out about people, and how they work. Valuing the relationship and person that we are working with is intrinsic in our work.

As your therapist, it as an honor that you chose to share your life with us.

Is it a sign of weakness to go to therapy?

It sounds cliché but admitting that you need help is the opposite of being weak and is the first step to feeling better. We believe that everyone can benefit from therapy.

Who will know I am in therapy?

The therapist-client relationship is strictly confidential and protected by professional ethics and privacy laws. We do not disclose any information about you—even the fact that you are a client—without your explicit written consent. Unless you specifically instruct your therapist or our office otherwise, we will never share that you are in therapy or a client of ours. Your privacy is entirely within your control.

We take every possible measure to protect the confidentiality of our clients. For more details, please refer to our HIPAA/Privacy Statement or speak directly with your therapist or other PeoplePsych staff.