Getting Started
Starting therapy is a significant step. This page covers the practical aspects: how to choose a therapist, what the initial consultation involves, and how insurance and costs work. Feel free to reach out, and we can guide you through the process.
How to Choose a Therapist
Research and experience both suggest that fit matters most. Two things determine fit:
- Expertise: Your therapist should have relevant training, ongoing professional development, and experience working with people in situations similar to yours. Sometimes a therapist's own life experiences—like navigating multiple cultures or understanding specific identity dynamics—contribute to their expertise.
- Comfort: You need to feel comfortable sharing your story and receiving feedback. This is subjective and personal. You'll know it when you feel it.
We help you assess both areas during an initial phone conversation and the first few sessions. If at any point the fit doesn't feel right, you can meet with a different therapist in our group or we can help you connect with a trusted colleague elsewhere.
Our Background: We all trained as psychologists and pursued doctorates in either clinical or counseling psychology. We are either licensed clinical psychologists or completing postdoctoral training. We trained in a wide variety of settings and can help people with a range of difficulties. We specialize in talk therapy and while we do not prescribe medications, we can collaborate closely with any prescribing physician when needed.
Psychiatrists are physicians, and they attend medical school. They focus primarily on biological aspects of mental illness. They can prescribe medications and some provide talk therapy as well.
Other psychotherapists (e.g., Social Workers, Clinical Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Pastoral Counselors) typically obtain master's degrees and can provide psychotherapy, either under supervision or independently.
In our experience, there are many excellent professionals licensed under each of these different titles. Most important is to find a psychotherapist who is the right fit, as we explain above.
Therapy can be beneficial for people who feel unsure, stuck, or disengaged in their lives. From time to time, most people may struggle in their relationships, careers, or school. Some people seek further self-awareness and focus towards living more purposeful and balanced lives. Engaging in therapy provides a space for feedback, reflection, and support.
In addition, therapy has been shown to be effective in helping people who feel sad, anxious, restless, or depressed. People may have experienced these difficulties for a long time or only recently, possibly due to specific events such as life changes, losses, and new challenges. Therapy can help people gain insight and skills to cope with these difficulties, and possibly find ways to either ameliorate or better manage them.
Our Therapists:
The Free 15-Minute Consultation
The next step after you reach out is a brief phone conversation—at no charge. The idea is to discuss what you're looking for and find out if we would be a good fit for your needs. At that time, we can also discuss the logistics (schedule, insurance, fees), so you can decide if you want to move forward.
This conversation helps both of us determine if we can work together well. There are some areas we don't work in—for example, addiction treatment, because it requires specialized training. If we're not the right fit, we'll help you connect with appropriate resources.
What Happens at the Beginning of Psychotherapy
If we decide to meet after the consultation, the first sessions are about getting to know you and understanding what brings you here. We'll explore:
- What's happening in your life now and what you're hoping to work on
- How you've made sense of difficulties in the past—what's worked, what hasn't
- Your strengths and resources you might not be fully recognizing
We're engaged therapists. As we discuss your difficulties, we'll offer ideas, feedback, and new perspectives. You remain the expert on yourself, but we're committed to helping you make progress. If after a few sessions you don't sense movement, we can adjust our approach or help you connect with someone else.
Therapy lasts as long as it is helpful and valuable to you - you can decide to stop at any time. If you are seeking therapy for a focused, specific issue, then therapy is often helpful within a few sessions. If you have been struggling with long-standing issues or if you are curious and motivated to explore how you approach your life and decisions, you may find it valuable to be in therapy for several months or longer.
The frequency of our sessions depends on your needs, goals, and current circumstances. For many people, meeting once per week is a helpful starting point, particularly at the beginning of therapy. Weekly sessions provide consistency and allow us to build momentum in the work we are doing together.
Meeting regularly makes it easier to track progress over time, notice patterns in thoughts, emotions, and relationships, and respond promptly to challenges as they arise. It also allows space to try new ideas or strategies between sessions and then reflect on what was helpful, what was difficult, and what may need adjustment.
In some situations, such as during periods of acute stress or significant emotional distress, meeting more frequently may be beneficial.
Cost & Insurance
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.
Where We Meet
Ready to Connect?
We're happy to help you find the right fit. Whether you select a specific therapist or "Not sure yet," we'll reach out within a few days to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to assess your needs and start exploring the possibility of working together. If we're not the right fit, we will help you connect with other resources.