FAQs
What is virtual therapy and how does it work?
Virtual therapy is professional mental health counseling delivered through secure video conferencing. You meet with a licensed therapist online instead of going to an office. Sessions work just like traditional therapy: you discuss your concerns, develop coping strategies, and work toward your mental health goals. All you need is a device with a camera and microphone plus internet access. We send you a secure link before your appointment. You click it at session time and connect directly with your therapist. Many clients find virtual therapy fits better into their schedules since there's no commute time. You can meet with your therapist from your home, a private office space, or anywhere you feel comfortable talking privately.
What conditions can be treated through virtual therapy?
Our licensed therapists treat anxiety disorders, depression, trauma and PTSD, relationship problems, self-esteem issues, life transitions, grief, work stress, and family conflicts through virtual sessions. We have specialists for specific needs including ADHD, autism, LGBTQIA+ support, women's issues, body image concerns, and major life changes like divorce or breakups. Virtual therapy works well for OCD, chronic illness adjustment, and identity exploration. We use proven therapy methods including, mindfulness techniques, Internal Family Systems, and trauma-informed approaches. Our team includes therapists who specialize in working with adolescents, young adults, and marginalized communities. During your first session, we'll discuss your specific situation to ensure online therapy meets your needs and match you with the right therapist for your concerns.
Do you accept insurance for virtual therapy sessions?
Yes, we're currently in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) PPO and Aetna PPO plans. If you have a different insurance provider, we can provide you with a superbill after each session that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many Illinois residents find that their out-of-network benefits cover a significant portion of the session cost, especially once they've met their deductible. We're happy to walk you through what information your superbill will include and how to submit it to maximize your reimbursement.
Does my insurance cover virtual therapy in Illinois?
The good news is we can check this for you before you ever book your first appointment. Just send us your insurance card information (front and back), and we'll verify your benefits to let you know exactly what your coverage looks like - including your copay, deductible status, and how many sessions are covered. Most major insurance plans in Illinois now cover telehealth therapy at the same rate as in-person sessions, a change that became permanent after the pandemic. We'll break down the details in plain language so there are no surprises when it comes to billing.
What technology do I need for virtual therapy sessions?
You don't need anything fancy - just a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a stable internet connection and a camera. We use a HIPAA-compliant video platform that works right in your web browser, so there's no software to download or accounts to create. You'll receive a secure link before each session that you simply click to join. Most Chicago-area residents find that their home WiFi works perfectly fine, but if you're concerned about your connection, you can test it beforehand. The most important thing is finding a private, quiet space where you can talk openly without interruptions - whether that's your bedroom, home office, or even your parked car if that's the most private spot available.
How long are virtual therapy sessions?
Standard therapy sessions are 50 minutes long, which is the industry norm for ongoing treatment. Your first appointment (the intake session) is typically the same. The 50-minute format for sessions gives you substantial time to dig into what's on your mind while also leaving your therapist a few minutes between appointments to write notes and prepare for their next client. Many people find this rhythm works well once you're in the flow of regular therapy.
How do I schedule my first virtual therapy appointment?
There are two easy ways to get started. You can click the "Schedule a Consultation" button on our website to request an appointment directly, and one of our therapists will confirm your session time within 24 hours. Or, if you'd prefer to ask questions first or aren't sure which therapist might be the best fit, you can reach out through our contact page and we'll get back to you personally. Either way, we'll make the process as smooth as possible. Most Illinois residents are able to get scheduled for an initial consultation within the same week they reach out, and often even sooner.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we offer a free 15-minute phone consultation before you commit to a full intake session. This brief call gives you a chance to talk with a therapist, share a bit about what you're dealing with, ask any questions about our approach or logistics, and get a sense of whether we'd be a good fit to work together. It's completely low-pressure - think of it as a chance to make sure you feel comfortable before investing your time and money in therapy. Many Chicago clients tell us this quick conversation helps them feel more confident about taking that first step. You can request a consultation through the same scheduling button on our website.
Is online therapy private and confidential?
Yes, your privacy is completely protected. We use HIPAA-compliant video platforms with bank-level encryption that meet all federal healthcare privacy requirements. Your sessions are never recorded. Only you and your therapist can access your session link. Everything you discuss is protected by therapist-client confidentiality, just like in-person therapy. We recommend using headphones and finding a quiet, private space for sessions. Your personal information and payment details are secured and stored according to Illinois state regulations. We take confidentiality seriously and follow all professional ethical guidelines.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes, research consistently shows virtual therapy works as well as in-person therapy for treating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and most other mental health concerns. The relationship you build with your therapist matters most for successful therapy, and this connection develops just as strongly through video. Many clients actually prefer virtual sessions because they feel more relaxed in their own space. Our therapists use evidence-based approaches like Narrative Therapy and Internal Family Systems that work perfectly in online formats.
Who can benefit from online therapy sessions?
Online therapy helps anyone seeking mental health support who has internet access and a private space to talk. It's especially helpful for busy professionals, parents managing childcare, people with chronic health conditions, and those living far from quality mental health services. Our therapists work with adolescents, young adults, and adults of all ages. College students love the flexibility of virtual sessions between classes. People exploring their identity or dealing with family dynamics often feel safer opening up from their own space. If you're managing ADHD, working through trauma, or navigating relationship changes, virtual therapy provides consistent support without the barrier of traveling to appointments. Anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to make positive changes can benefit.
What is the cost of online therapy without insurance?
Our self-pay rates are $175 for your initial intake session (which is typically 50 minutes) and $160 for follow-up 50-minute sessions. We know therapy is an investment in your wellbeing, and we offer sliding scale options on a case-by-case basis for clients experiencing financial hardship. If cost is a barrier to getting started, please reach out - we'd rather work with you to find an affordable solution than have you go without support.
Do you offer sliding scale fees for therapy?
Yes, we offer sliding scale rates on a case-by-case basis for clients who are experiencing financial constraints. We believe everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, and we don't want cost to be the only thing standing between you and getting support. If our standard rates aren't feasible for your current situation, just let us know in your initial inquiry. We'll have a confidential conversation about what you can reasonably afford and work together to find a rate that makes therapy sustainable for you.
How do I know if virtual therapy is right for me?
Virtual therapy works well if you have basic internet, a private space to talk, and feel ready to work on your mental health. You don't need to be tech-savvy since we provide support for any technical questions. Consider trying it if you've been putting off therapy because of time, transportation, or privacy concerns. Good signs you're ready include feeling motivated to understand yourself better, being willing to share your thoughts and feelings, and committing to regular sessions. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see how comfortable you feel with the format. Most clients find video sessions feel natural after just a few minutes. If you're dealing with specific concerns like ADHD, trauma, relationship issues, or life transitions, our specialized therapists can help determine if virtual therapy fits your needs.
What happens during the first online therapy session?
Your first session is what we call an intake, and it's really just a getting-to-know-you conversation. We'll review the paperwork you completed beforehand (like your health history and what brings you to therapy), make sure everything looks accurate, and then ask questions to understand your story, your goals, and what support you're looking for. We try to make this feel like a natural conversation rather than a formal interview - think of it as a two-way dialogue where you're also getting a feel for whether your therapist is the right fit. You're welcome to ask questions about their approach, what therapy might look like for you, or anything else that will help you decide if you want to move forward. There's no pressure to commit beyond that first session.