Come Iniziare
Iniziare la terapia è un passo importante. In questa pagina trovi informazioni pratiche su come scegliere uno psicoterapeuta, cosa aspettarti dalla consultazione iniziale e come funzionano costi e assicurazione sanitaria. Se hai dubbi o domande, puoi contattarci: siamo a disposizione per aiutarti a orientarti.
Come Scegliere uno Psicoterapeuta
La ricerca e l’esperienza clinica suggeriscono entrambe che la compatibilità è ciò che conta di più nel percorso terapeutico. In particolare, due elementi determinano la compatibilità:
- Competenza: il tuo terapeuta dovrebbe avere una formazione pertinente, un aggiornamento professionale continuo ed esperienza nel lavorare con persone che si trovano in situazioni simili alla tua. In alcuni casi, anche le esperienze di vita personali del terapeuta — come muoversi tra più culture o comprendere specifiche dinamiche identitarie — possono contribuire alla sua competenza.
- Agio: è importante che tu ti senta a tuo agio nel condividere la tua storia e nel ricevere feedback. Questo aspetto è soggettivo e personale. Spesso lo riconosci semplicemente nel tempo.
Ti aiutiamo a valutare entrambi questi aspetti durante una prima conversazione telefonica e nelle prime sedute. Se in qualsiasi momento la compatibilità non dovesse sembrarti adeguata, puoi incontrare un altro terapeuta del nostro gruppo oppure possiamo aiutarti a metterti in contatto con un professionista di fiducia esterno.
A Vita Nova, abbiamo tutti una formazione come Psychologists e abbiamo conseguito dottorati in psicologia clinica o counseling. Esercitiamo negli Stati Uniti come psicologi clinici abilitati, una qualifica che, nel contesto italiano, è equivalente a quella di psicologo e psicoterapeuta. Ci siamo formati in una varietà di contesti e lavoriamo con persone che affrontano difficoltà diverse. Ci occupiamo principalmente di psicoterapia e, pur non prescrivendo farmaci, collaboriamo quando necessario con medici.
Gli psichiatri sono medici e hanno completato la facoltà di medicina. Si concentrano prevalentemente sugli aspetti biologici della salute mentale, possono prescrivere farmaci e alcuni offrono anche psicoterapia.
Altri psicoterapeuti (ad esempio Social Workers, Clinical Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Pastoral Counselors) conseguono generalmente un titolo di master e possono offrire psicoterapia, sotto supervisione o in modo indipendente.
Nella nostra esperienza, esistono molti professionisti eccellenti con abilitazioni diverse. L’aspetto più importante è trovare uno psicoterapeuta che sia la scelta giusta per te, come spiegato sopra.
La psicoterapia può essere utile per chi si sente incerto, bloccato o poco coinvolto nella propria vita. In diversi momenti, molte persone incontrano difficoltà nelle relazioni, nel lavoro o nello studio. Altre cercano una maggiore consapevolezza di sé e una migliore capacità di concentrazione, con il desiderio di vivere in modo più significativo ed equilibrato. La terapia offre uno spazio di ascolto, riflessione e confronto.
È inoltre dimostrato che la terapia è efficace per chi si sente triste, ansioso, irrequieto o depresso. Queste difficoltà possono essere presenti da molto tempo o essere emerse più recentemente, talvolta in seguito a eventi specifici come cambiamenti di vita, perdite o nuove sfide. La terapia può aiutare a sviluppare una maggiore comprensione di sé e ad acquisire strumenti per affrontare queste esperienze e trovare modi più efficaci per gestirle.
I Nostri Terapeuti:
La Consulenza Gratuita di 15 Minuti
Dopo il primo contatto, il passo successivo è una breve conversazione telefonica, senza alcun costo, per capire cosa stai cercando e valutare se possiamo essere adatti alle tue esigenze. In questa occasione possiamo anche chiarire gli aspetti pratici, come disponibilità, assicurazione sanitaria e tariffe, così da permetterti di decidere con maggiore consapevolezza se proseguire.
Questa conversazione aiuta entrambe le parti a capire se lavorare insieme può essere una buona scelta. Ci sono alcuni ambiti in cui non operiamo — ad esempio il trattamento delle dipendenze, che richiede una formazione specifica. Se dovessimo ritenere di non essere la soluzione più adatta, faremo il possibile per indirizzarti verso risorse o professionisti appropriati.
Cosa Succede all’Inizio della Psicoterapia
Se dopo la consultazione decidiamo di incontrarci, le prime sedute sono dedicate a conoscerti e a comprendere cosa ti porta qui. Insieme esploreremo:
- cosa sta accadendo nella tua vita in questo momento e su cosa desideri lavorare
- come hai affrontato le difficoltà in passato — cosa ti è stato utile e cosa no
- i tuoi punti di forza e le risorse che potresti non riconoscere pienamente
Siamo terapeuti attivamente coinvolti nel lavoro terapeutico. Nel parlare delle tue difficoltà, offriremo idee, feedback e nuove prospettive. Tu resti l’esperto di te stesso, e allo stesso tempo siamo impegnati ad accompagnarti nel fare progressi. Se dopo alcune sedute non dovessi percepire un cambiamento, possiamo rivedere insieme il nostro approccio oppure aiutarti a entrare in contatto con un altro professionista.
La terapia dura finché è utile e preziosa per te, e puoi decidere di interromperla in qualsiasi momento. Se cerchi un supporto per una difficoltà specifica e ben definita, spesso la terapia è efficace già in poche sedute. Se invece stai affrontando questioni di lunga durata, oppure se sei curioso e motivato a esplorare il modo in cui vivi la tua vita e prendi decisioni, potresti trovare utile rimanere in terapia per diversi mesi o anche più a lungo.
La frequenza delle sedute dipende dalle tue esigenze, dai tuoi obiettivi e dalle circostanze attuali. Per molte persone, incontrarsi una volta alla settimana rappresenta un buon punto di partenza, soprattutto all’inizio del percorso terapeutico. Le sedute settimanali offrono continuità e permettono di costruire un ritmo costante nel lavoro che svolgiamo insieme.
Incontrarsi con regolarità rende più facile monitorare i progressi nel tempo, riconoscere schemi ricorrenti nei pensieri, nelle emozioni e nelle relazioni, e affrontare le difficoltà man mano che emergono. Inoltre, crea lo spazio per sperimentare nuove idee o strategie tra una seduta e l’altra e per riflettere su ciò che è stato utile, ciò che è stato più complesso e ciò che può richiedere degli aggiustamenti.
In alcune situazioni, ad esempio durante periodi di stress intenso o di particolare sofferenza emotiva, può essere indicato incontrarsi con maggiore frequenza.
Costi e Assicurazione Sanitaria
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.
Dove ci incontriamo
Pronto a metterti in contatto?
Siamo felici di aiutarti a trovare la soluzione più adatta. Che tu scelga un terapeuta specifico o selezioni "Non sono ancora sicuro", ti ricontatteremo per fissare una consulenza telefonica gratuita di 15 minuti, utile per comprendere le tue esigenze e iniziare a valutare la possibilità di lavorare insieme. Se non fossimo la scelta giusta, ti aiuteremo a orientarti verso altre risorse.