Our Pricing Rates

$
Intake/Assessment Sessions (2)
$
Weekly Individual or Family Therapy Sessions
$
FREE 15-minute consultation

FAQs

Insurance

All of our clinicians are currently in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. Kirsten is additionally in-network for Aetna. If we are not in your network, we can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement based on your plan’s coverage. Paying out-of-pocket is also a great option for those seeking maximum privacy, confidentiality, and flexibility.
How do you bill my insurance?
If you plan to use insurance, we will process your claims directly after each session through our electronic health records platform, TheraNest. To facilitate this, you will need to create a patient portal, which will store your consent forms and keep all your records in one secure, HIPAA-compliant location. Our practice is entirely paperless.
How much can I expect to pay for therapy using out-of-network benefits?
Each insurance plan varies, so we cannot provide the exact cost of services. You can use the out-of-network reimbursement calculator linked here to get an estimate of what your costs will be using out-of-network benefits.

If you are using out-of-network benefits, insurance companies will usually reimburse you for 60-80% of the cost of each session. The aforementioned “super bill” will include all of the information you need for your claims to be processed and reimbursed by your insurance company.
How do I use my out-of-network benefits?
Accessing most out-of-network benefits is straightforward. Typically, you will upload your monthly superbill, and your insurance company will process your claim and mail you a reimbursement check. You will retain 100% of this amount, as you have already paid the full hourly rate. While this process is common, each insurance company has its own policies. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to inquire about your specific benefits You can ask them the following questions:
  • Do I have out-of-network outpatient mental health coverage, and can I use these benefits for telehealth?
  • What is my out-of-network deductible?
  • How much of my deductible has been met this year?
  • Do I need a referral from an in-network provider to see someone out-of-network?
  • What percentage of outpatient psychotherapy sessions is covered per session?
  • How much will I be reimbursed for a 60-minute psychotherapy session (CPT code: 90837)?
  • How do I submit claim forms for reimbursement?
  • How long does it take to receive reimbursement?
What if I can’t afford your rate? Do you offer reduced-cost sessions?
Yes, each clinician in our practice offers a limited number of reduced-cost therapy sessions. If you’re concerned about affording our full fee, please reach out to us. If we cannot provide a reduced-cost session, we will do our best to help you find alternative referral options in Chicago. For in-network providers, a great starting point is psychologytoday.com.
What is your cancellation policy?
Consistency in therapy is essential for progress. However, we recognize that things happen! If you cannot make your scheduled session, we require 24-hour notice. If you fail to reschedule less than 24 hours in advance of your session or you do not show up for your appointment, we will charge you the full rate of your session. This is not billable to your insurance or FSA/HSA accounts.
Do you work with clients anywhere in the country?
No, our therapists can only provide services in the state(s) they are licensed. We are only licensed to work with residents of Illinois. You must be physically present in Illinois at the time of your session in order for us to work together.
How do I know if we’re a good fit?
Before scheduling a therapy session, we offer a free 15-minute introductory phone call with all potential clients. This call allows us to get to know each other and covers the following:
  • Your reasons for seeking therapy
  • An overview of our background and approach
  • Answers to any questions you may have
  • Discussion of cost, insurance, scheduling, and other logistics

Looks like we vibe! What’s next?

If we both agree that we’re a good fit after the phone consultation, we’ll schedule our first therapy appointment. We will send you some forms to complete via TheraNest before our session, and we’ll also provide a link for our video calls before each appointment.

What can I expect in our first session and throughout our work together?
It’s completely normal to feel anxious or nervous before beginning with a new therapist. In your sessions, we create a safe, non-judgmental space to help ease that transition. During your first couple of sessions, we’ll ask questions to better understand you, your world, and your journey. We’ll listen without judgment and may ask follow-up questions. Together, we’ll establish goals for what you hope to achieve in therapy.

Throughout your time with us, you’ll have the opportunity to vent, cry, and celebrate. We’ll develop new insights, challenge unhelpful thoughts, explore your history, and practice new coping skills. Therapy can be both challenging and joyful, and we’re here to support you through every step of the process.
How often will we meet?
We typically see clients weekly or every two weeks. We ask that all new clients commit to weekly therapy sessions for at least the first four weeks. This approach helps us establish a strong foundation and enables you to see progress more quickly. After that, we may adjust the frequency of your sessions to best meet your goals and needs.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
Unlike more “solution-focused” therapies, We are focused on exploring your needs and desires; connecting them to your current experience in the world. We take a holistic approach to treatment, aiming not just to alleviate symptoms but to help you build a fulfilling life.

Many clients find they reach their goals within 6-12 months and feel ready to move on from therapy. However, some choose to continue for a longer period, benefiting from ongoing support and a safe space to process their feelings and experiences each week.
Do I need to worry about confidentiality?
Great question! We take your confidentiality and privacy very seriously. We use a HIPAA-compliant medical records system to store all session notes and appointment information. This system also allows us to send intake forms and paperwork, ensuring your information is protected. There may be times when you want us to share information about our sessions with a teacher, family member, medical professional, or another person. In those cases, we will ask you to complete a release that permits us to disclose your information to that individual. There are a few specific situations where we are required by law to share information from our sessions:
  • If you or your child disclose thoughts or plans to harm yourself
  • If you or your child disclose thoughts or plans to harm someone else
  • If you or your child disclose that your child has been harmed
  • If we receive a subpoena from the courts
For more information about how Nurtured Roots Counseling and Consulting will handle your private information, you can view our privacy policy here!

Schedule an appointment today