Cómo Empezar
Comenzar terapia es un paso significativo. Esta página cubre los aspectos prácticos: cómo elegir un psicólogo, qué implica la consulta inicial y cómo funcionan el seguro y los costos. No dude en comunicarse con nosotros para guiarlo en el proceso.
Cómo Elegir un Terapeuta
La investigación y la experiencia sugieren que la compatibilidad es lo más importante. Dos cosas determinan la compatibilidad:
- Experiencia: Su terapeuta debe tener capacitación relevante, desarrollo profesional continuo y experiencia trabajando con personas en situaciones similares a las suyas. A veces, las propias experiencias de vida de un terapeuta—como navegar múltiples culturas o comprender dinámicas de identidad específicas—contribuyen a su experiencia.
- Comodidad: Necesita sentirse cómodo compartiendo su historia y recibiendo retroalimentación. Esto es subjetivo y personal. Lo sabrá cuando lo sienta.
Le ayudamos a evaluar ambas áreas durante una conversación telefónica inicial y las primeras sesiones. Si en algún momento la compatibilidad no se siente correcta, puede reunirse con un terapeuta diferente en nuestro grupo o podemos ayudarlo a conectarse con un colega de confianza en otro lugar.
Nuestros Antecedentes: Todos nos capacitamos como psicólogos y obtuvimos doctorados en psicología clínica o de consejería. Somos psicólogos clínicos licenciados o estamos completando capacitación postdoctoral. Nos capacitamos en una amplia variedad de entornos y podemos ayudar a personas con una gama de dificultades. Nos especializamos en terapia de conversación y, aunque no recetamos medicamentos, podemos colaborar estrechamente con cualquier médico que recete cuando sea necesario.
Los psiquiatras son médicos y asisten a la escuela de medicina. Se enfocan principalmente en los aspectos biológicos de las enfermedades mentales. Pueden recetar medicamentos y algunos también brindan terapia individual.
Otros psicoterapeutas (p. ej., trabajadores sociales, consejeros profesionales clínicos, terapeutas matrimoniales y familiares, consejeros pastorales) generalmente obtienen maestrías y pueden brindar psicoterapia, ya sea bajo supervisión o de forma independiente.
En nuestra experiencia, hay muchos profesionales excelentes con licencia bajo cada uno de estos diferentes títulos. Lo más importante es encontrar un psicoterapeuta que sea la opción adecuada, como explicamos arriba.
La terapia puede ser beneficiosa para personas que se sienten inseguras, estancadas o desconectadas en sus vidas. De vez en cuando, la mayoría de las personas pueden tener dificultades en sus relaciones, carreras o estudios. Algunas personas buscan mayor autoconciencia y enfoque para vivir vidas más significativas y equilibradas. Participar en terapia proporciona un espacio para retroalimentación, reflexión y apoyo.
Además, se ha demostrado que la terapia es efectiva para ayudar a las personas que se sienten tristes, ansiosas, inquietas o deprimidas. Las personas pueden haber experimentado estas dificultades durante mucho tiempo o solo recientemente, posiblemente debido a eventos específicos como cambios de vida, pérdidas y nuevos desafíos. La terapia puede ayudar a las personas a obtener perspicacia y habilidades para hacer frente a estas dificultades, y posiblemente encontrar formas de mejorarlas o manejarlas mejor.
Nuestros Terapeutas:
La Consulta Gratuita de 15 Minutos
El siguiente paso después de que se comunique con nosotros es una breve conversación telefónica, sin cargo. La idea es discutir lo que está buscando y averiguar si seríamos una buena opción para sus necesidades. En ese momento, también podemos discutir la logística (horario, seguro, tarifas), para que pueda decidir si desea continuar.
Esta conversación nos ayuda a ambos a determinar si podemos trabajar bien juntos. Hay algunas áreas en las que no trabajamos—por ejemplo, tratamiento de adicciones, porque requiere capacitación especializada. Si no somos la opción adecuada, lo ayudaremos a conectarse con los recursos apropiados.
Qué Sucede al Comienzo de la Psicoterapia
Si decidimos reunirnos después de la consulta, las primeras sesiones se tratan de conocerlo y comprender qué lo trae aquí. Exploraremos:
- Qué está sucediendo en su vida ahora y en qué espera trabajar
- Cómo ha dado sentido a las dificultades en el pasado—qué ha funcionado, qué no
- Sus fortalezas y recursos que tal vez no esté reconociendo completamente
Somos terapeutas comprometidos. Mientras discutimos sus dificultades, ofreceremos ideas, retroalimentación y nuevas perspectivas. Usted sigue siendo el experto en sí mismo, pero estamos comprometidos a ayudarlo a progresar. Si después de algunas sesiones no siente progreso, podemos ajustar nuestro enfoque o ayudarlo a conectarse con otra persona.
La terapia dura tanto tiempo como sea útil y valiosa para usted: puede decidir detenerse en cualquier momento. Si está buscando terapia para un problema específico y enfocado, la terapia a menudo es útil en unas pocas sesiones. Si ha estado luchando con problemas de larga data o si tiene curiosidad y está motivado para explorar cómo aborda su vida y sus decisiones, puede encontrar valioso estar en terapia durante varios meses o más.
La frecuencia de nuestras sesiones depende de sus necesidades, objetivos y circunstancias actuales. Para muchas personas, reunirse una vez por semana es un buen punto de partida, especialmente al comienzo de la terapia. Las sesiones semanales brindan consistencia y nos permiten crear impulso en el trabajo que realizamos juntos.
Reunirnos con regularidad facilita seguir el progreso a lo largo del tiempo, notar patrones en pensamientos, emociones y relaciones, y responder con rapidez a los desafíos cuando surgen. También deja espacio para probar nuevas ideas o estrategias entre sesiones y luego reflexionar sobre qué fue útil, qué fue difícil y qué puede necesitar ajustes.
En algunas situaciones, como durante períodos de estrés agudo o malestar emocional significativo, reunirse con mayor frecuencia puede ser beneficioso.
Costo y Seguro
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Individual therapy:
We are in-network with most Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plans, including Blue Choice and Blue Choice Preferred plans on the ACA ("Obamacare") marketplace at HealthCare.gov.
For many plans, your cost per session is in the $15 to $35 range, though the exact amount depends on:
- Deductible: Some plans require you to pay the session fee up to a set yearly amount before coverage begins. Many plans don't apply a deductible to therapy at all; in that case, you just owe your copay/coinsurance.
- Copay or coinsurance: Once any deductible is met, this is your cost. A copay is a flat dollar amount per session; coinsurance is a percentage of the session fee.
Your insurance company will determine whether we are considered in-network and what your exact cost is. We'll know for sure only after we meet and your insurance processes the claim. We encourage you to call your insurance company to confirm your in-network coverage and find out what your cost will be.
When you call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card, you can say: "I'm planning to see a psychologist at Vita Nova PLLC (NPI 1255718094) for psychotherapy in an office setting, billed as CPT code 90837."
Then ask:
- Do I need pre-authorization for psychotherapy? If yes, inform us to help you start this process.
- Do I need a referral from my Primary Care Physician?
- Are there session limits per calendar year?
- Is Vita Nova PLLC in-network with my plan?
- What is the contracted fee for CPT code 90837?
- What is my deductible, and how much have I met this year?
- After the deductible, what is my copay or coinsurance per session?
- Based on the above, what will I pay out-of-pocket per session?
- Is telehealth covered at the same rate as in-person sessions?
Couples therapy:
Our couples therapy is not meant to address psychiatric or medical issues, and so insurance companies consider it an elective service. As a result, we do not file insurance claims for couples therapy. Our fee is $240 per session.
UnitedHealthcare / Optum Network
Individual therapy:
We are in-network with UnitedHealthcare and plans that use Optum for behavioral health. The name on your insurance card may be UnitedHealthcare, Optum, UMR, Oxford, Oscar, or Surest.
Your cost depends on your specific plan and includes:
- Deductible: Some plans require you to pay the session fee up to a set yearly amount before coverage begins. Many plans don't apply a deductible to therapy at all; in that case, you just owe your copay/coinsurance.
- Copay or coinsurance: Once any deductible is met, this is your cost. A copay is a flat dollar amount per session; coinsurance is a percentage of the session fee.
Your insurance company will determine your exact cost based on your specific plan. We'll know for sure only after we meet and your insurance processes the claim. We encourage you to call your insurance company and find out what your cost will be.
When you call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card, you can say: "I'm planning to see a psychologist at Vita Nova PLLC (NPI 1255718094) for psychotherapy in an office setting, billed as CPT code 90837."
Then ask:
- Do I need pre-authorization for psychotherapy? If yes, inform us to help you start this process.
- Do I need a referral from my Primary Care Physician?
- Are there session limits per calendar year?
- Is Vita Nova PLLC in-network with my plan?
- What is the contracted fee for CPT code 90837?
- What is my deductible, and how much have I met this year?
- After the deductible, what is my copay or coinsurance per session?
- Based on the above, what will I pay out-of-pocket per session?
- Is telehealth covered at the same rate as in-person sessions?
Couples therapy:
Our couples therapy is not meant to address psychiatric or medical issues, and so insurance companies consider it an elective service. As a result, we do not file insurance claims for couples therapy. Our fee is $240 per session.
UnitedHealthcare / Optum Network
Individual therapy:
We are in-network with UnitedHealthcare and plans that use Optum for behavioral health. The name on your insurance card may be UnitedHealthcare, Optum, UMR, Oxford, Oscar, or Surest.
Your cost depends on your specific plan and includes:
- Deductible: Some plans require you to pay the session fee up to a set yearly amount before coverage begins. Many plans don't apply a deductible to therapy at all; in that case, you just owe your copay/coinsurance.
- Copay or coinsurance: Once any deductible is met, this is your cost. A copay is a flat dollar amount per session; coinsurance is a percentage of the session fee.
Your insurance company will determine your exact cost based on your specific plan. We'll know for sure only after we meet and your insurance processes the claim. We encourage you to call your insurance company and find out what your cost will be.
When you call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card, you can say: "I'm planning to see a psychologist at Vita Nova PLLC (NPI 1255718094) for psychotherapy in an office setting, billed as CPT code 90837."
Then ask:
- Do I need pre-authorization for psychotherapy? If yes, inform us to help you start this process.
- Do I need a referral from my Primary Care Physician?
- Are there session limits per calendar year?
- Is Vita Nova PLLC in-network with my plan?
- What is the contracted fee for CPT code 90837?
- What is my deductible, and how much have I met this year?
- After the deductible, what is my copay or coinsurance per session?
- Based on the above, what will I pay out-of-pocket per session?
- Is telehealth covered at the same rate as in-person sessions?
Couples therapy:
Our couples therapy is not meant to address psychiatric or medical issues, and so insurance companies consider it an elective service. As a result, we do not file insurance claims for couples therapy. Our fee is $240 per session.
UnitedHealthcare / Optum Network
Individual therapy:
We are in-network with UnitedHealthcare and plans that use Optum for behavioral health. The name on your insurance card may be UnitedHealthcare, Optum, UMR, Oxford, Oscar, or Surest.
Your cost depends on your specific plan and includes:
- Deductible: Some plans require you to pay the session fee up to a set yearly amount before coverage begins. Many plans don't apply a deductible to therapy at all; in that case, you just owe your copay/coinsurance.
- Copay or coinsurance: Once any deductible is met, this is your cost. A copay is a flat dollar amount per session; coinsurance is a percentage of the session fee.
Your insurance company will determine your exact cost based on your specific plan. We'll know for sure only after we meet and your insurance processes the claim. We encourage you to call your insurance company and find out what your cost will be.
When you call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card, you can say: "I'm planning to see a psychologist at Vita Nova PLLC (NPI 1255718094) for psychotherapy in an office setting, billed as CPT code 90837."
Then ask:
- Do I need pre-authorization for psychotherapy? If yes, inform us to help you start this process.
- Do I need a referral from my Primary Care Physician?
- Are there session limits per calendar year?
- Is Vita Nova PLLC in-network with my plan?
- What is the contracted fee for CPT code 90837?
- What is my deductible, and how much have I met this year?
- After the deductible, what is my copay or coinsurance per session?
- Based on the above, what will I pay out-of-pocket per session?
- Is telehealth covered at the same rate as in-person sessions?
Couples therapy:
Our couples therapy is not meant to address psychiatric or medical issues, and so insurance companies consider it an elective service. As a result, we do not file insurance claims for couples therapy. Our fee is $240 per session.
UnitedHealthcare / Optum Network
Individual therapy:
We are in-network with UnitedHealthcare and plans that use Optum for behavioral health. The name on your insurance card may be UnitedHealthcare, Optum, UMR, Oxford, Oscar, or Surest.
Your cost depends on your specific plan and includes:
- Deductible: Some plans require you to pay the session fee up to a set yearly amount before coverage begins. Many plans don't apply a deductible to therapy at all; in that case, you just owe your copay/coinsurance.
- Copay or coinsurance: Once any deductible is met, this is your cost. A copay is a flat dollar amount per session; coinsurance is a percentage of the session fee.
Your insurance company will determine your exact cost based on your specific plan. We'll know for sure only after we meet and your insurance processes the claim. We encourage you to call your insurance company and find out what your cost will be.
When you call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card, you can say: "I'm planning to see a psychologist at Vita Nova PLLC (NPI 1255718094) for psychotherapy in an office setting, billed as CPT code 90837."
Then ask:
- Do I need pre-authorization for psychotherapy? If yes, inform us to help you start this process.
- Do I need a referral from my Primary Care Physician?
- Are there session limits per calendar year?
- Is Vita Nova PLLC in-network with my plan?
- What is the contracted fee for CPT code 90837?
- What is my deductible, and how much have I met this year?
- After the deductible, what is my copay or coinsurance per session?
- Based on the above, what will I pay out-of-pocket per session?
- Is telehealth covered at the same rate as in-person sessions?
Couples therapy:
Our couples therapy is not meant to address psychiatric or medical issues, and so insurance companies consider it an elective service. As a result, we do not file insurance claims for couples therapy. Our fee is $240 per session.
Northwestern University Aetna Student Health Insurance
Individual therapy:
We are in-network with Northwestern University Aetna Student Health Insurance.
Your cost is $20 per session.
Couples therapy:
Our couples therapy is not meant to address psychiatric or medical issues, and so insurance companies consider it an elective service. As a result, we do not file insurance claims for couples therapy. Our fee is $240 per session.
Loyola University Chicago UnitedHealthcare Student plan
Individual therapy:
We are in-network with Loyola University Chicago UnitedHealthcare Student plan.
- Deductible: $250 per year. You pay full session fees until you've met this amount.
- After deductible: $38 per session
Please check with your insurance provider for the most current coverage information, as plan benefits may change.
Couples therapy:
Our couples therapy is not meant to address psychiatric or medical issues, and so insurance companies consider it an elective service. As a result, we do not file insurance claims for couples therapy. Our fee is $240 per session.
HMO Plan
Individual therapy:
If you have an HMO plan, you likely need a referral from your Primary Care Physician (PCP) and special authorization before seeing a therapist. HMO plans typically require pre-approval for mental health services.
Contact your PCP and/or your insurance company to ask about the referral process, if they will cover our services, and what your cost per session will be. If we have expertise essential to your care (such as language or cultural background), you may be able to advocate for an exception to the referral requirement.
If we are out-of-network with your HMO plan, our fee is $225 per session. As a courtesy to you, we will submit a claim to your insurance company on your behalf for possible reimbursement. Whether and how much they reimburse is determined by your plan's out-of-network benefits.
When you call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card, you can say: "I'm planning to see a psychologist at Vita Nova PLLC (NPI 1255718094) for psychotherapy in an office setting, billed as CPT code 90837."
Then ask:
- Do I need pre-authorization for psychotherapy? If yes, inform us to help you start this process.
- Do I need a referral from my Primary Care Physician?
- Are there session limits per calendar year?
- Is Vita Nova PLLC in-network with my plan?
- What is the contracted fee for CPT code 90837?
- What is my deductible, and how much have I met this year?
- After the deductible, what is my copay or coinsurance per session?
- Based on the above, what will I pay out-of-pocket per session?
- Is telehealth covered at the same rate as in-person sessions?
Couples therapy:
Our couples therapy is not meant to address psychiatric or medical issues, and so insurance companies consider it an elective service. As a result, we do not file insurance claims for couples therapy. Our fee is $240 per session.
Other insurance
Individual therapy:
If your insurance isn't listed above, we are likely out-of-network with your plan.
Being out-of-network means we haven't signed a contract with your insurance company. Many insurance plans include out-of-network benefits with a separate deductible and coinsurance percentage. Some plans actually have solid out-of-network coverage, making therapy affordable.
Our fee is $225 per session. As a courtesy to you, we will submit a claim to your insurance company on your behalf for possible reimbursement. Whether and how much they reimburse is determined by your plan's out-of-network benefits. If you want to know what your insurance will cover, we encourage you to call them and ask about your out-of-network benefits.
When you call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card, you can say: "I'm planning to see a psychologist at Vita Nova PLLC (NPI 1255718094) for psychotherapy in an office setting at $225 per session, billed as CPT code 90837."
Then ask:
- Do I need pre-authorization for psychotherapy? If yes, inform us to help you start this process.
- Do I need a referral from my Primary Care Physician?
- Are there session limits per calendar year?
- What are my out-of-network benefits for psychotherapy?
- What is my out-of-network deductible and coinsurance percentage?
- How much of my out-of-network deductible have I met this year?
- Based on the above, what will I pay out-of-pocket per session?
- What will my insurance reimburse me for a $225 session?
- Is telehealth covered at the same rate as in-person sessions?
We are committed to making psychotherapy affordable. Depending on insurance coverage, financial circumstances, and current availability, we may be able to adjust our fees to individual situations. You are welcome to reach out to inquire further, and if we are unable to accommodate at this time, we are glad to help identify other affordable community resources.
Couples therapy:
Our couples therapy is not meant to address psychiatric or medical issues, and so insurance companies consider it an elective service. As a result, we do not file insurance claims for couples therapy. Our fee is $240 per session.
Not using insurance
If you don't have insurance, or if you have coverage but prefer not to use it, we offer private pay options. Some people choose not to use insurance to prevent information about their treatment from being disclosed to their insurance company.
Individual therapy:
Our fee is $225 per session.
Couples therapy:
Our fee is $240 per session.
Financial considerations:
We are committed to making psychotherapy affordable. Depending on insurance coverage, financial circumstances, and current availability, we may be able to adjust our fees to individual situations. You are welcome to reach out to inquire further, and if we are unable to accommodate at this time, we are glad to help identify other affordable community resources.
Dónde Nos Reunimos
¿Listo para ponerse en contacto?
Con gusto le ayudamos a encontrar la opción adecuada. Ya sea que seleccione un terapeuta específico o "Aún no estoy seguro", nos pondremos en contacto para programar una consulta telefónica gratuita de 15 minutos para evaluar sus necesidades y comenzar a explorar la posibilidad de trabajar juntos. Si no somos la opción adecuada, lo ayudaremos a conectarse con otros recursos.