Initial inquiries
I would be happy to provide you with additional information so that you can decide whether you would like to work with me. I typically respond within an hour to email (info@southlooptherapy.com), or you can call me at any time at 312-878-7005. If your phone call reaches my voice mail, I will return your call as soon as I possibly can. Most people provide their contact information and share a very brief description of the problems that are leading them to seek therapy. I provide a 20-minute free telephone consultation so that we can determine if I would be helpful for your needs.
Scheduling and preparing for your first appointment
If you chose to proceed when we speak on the phone, I will gather all of the information needed for your first 55-minute appointment. This may include information about your insurance to verify your policy benefits.
Next, I will email you the Registration Packet for you to review. This contains the Client Agreement, the Notification of Privacy Practices, and the Signature Form. Please read the material carefully, print out the entire packet, sign where indicated, and bring it to our first meeting. Completing this paperwork in advance will allow us to focus immediately on how I can provide help when we first meet.
Insurance, costs, and payment
I am an in-network provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois PPO insurance (but not the Blue Choice network). I will submit the charges directly to BCBS-IL on your behalf as long as this is your primary plan and they directly provide your mental health care benefits. You would only be responsible for your deductible and co-payments when we meet.
I am considered an out-of-network provider by other insurance companies. You can contact your plan administrator to determine if you would be partially reimbursed for my services. In these situations, clients pay in full at the time of service, and the insurance company then sends you a check to offset part of your costs consistent with the terms of your policy. I also may be able to submit the claim for you electronically, which eliminates your paperwork. I will provide you with a detailed receipt containing all pertinent information that you may submit as well.
Some clients opt against using insurance to maximally safeguard the confidentiality of treatment. I can provide more detailed information about the costs for self-pay and out-of-network clients during your free telephone consultation.
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. Please see the Good Faith Estimate Notice for related information, and an estimate will be provided to you upon request or when you schedule services if this applies.
Payment is expected at the time of service. Checks, cash, and credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover) are accepted.