Accessing Therapy Services
Setting up your first counseling appointment or a session with a new therapist can be a difficult step to take. At FSC we try to make it as easy as possible. Below you will find information that will walk you through the process and provide commonly requested information.
Steps to See a Therapist
- Call Rachel or Nancy, our FSC intake coordinators, at 847-251-7350.
[Spanish intakes call Dani at 847-251-5003 | Mongolian intakes call Zola at 847-920-5835]
They will ask you some basic questions that will help our clinical leaders match you with the best therapist. They will also talk with you about our options for service based upon your specific situation, preferences and availability. They will review insurance plan options or our sliding scale fee options if you do not have insurance. As a community nonprofit, FSC’s mission is to be sure that finances are not an obstacle to getting needed services. - You will be sent some paperwork to complete before your first scheduled appointment.
- You will be scheduled for your first appointment. Timing can vary for this based upon a variety of factors, but we attempt to schedule within 3 to 5 business days.
What is a Therapy Session Like?
Therapy sessions are meetings between a licensed provider and a client (or clients and/or other family members when invited) for the purpose of improving one or more areas in your life. The specifics may vary based on what goals you and your therapist set.
Here are some of the things that you can expect during a session:
- You will be asked to share what you are thinking and feeling, and what goals you have in mind that you would like to achieve.
- You will be welcomed to ask questions you may have about how things will work.
- Your therapist will use their training to help identify new strategies and skills you can learn to achieve your goals.
Cost and Insurance Questions
Insurance: FSC accepts many insurance plans. During your intake have your insurance company and plan name available so we can verify that we accept your plan. We recommend that you verify with your insurance company how coverage will work (for example if there is a deductible or other requirements).
Fees: If you do not have insurance, are on Medicaid, or we do not accept your insurance plan, you may qualify for our sliding fee scale which is subsidized by local grant funding and community donations. The fees are based upon a client’s ability to pay, annual household income, and size.
How Do I Know If It is Helping?
If you see a therapist, it’s important to think about how and if it is helping. It’s important to consider that therapy can be difficult when trying to accomplish difficult things and can take time. Still, not every client-therapist relationship is a good fit. Some signs of a good relationship with your therapist includes feeling trust and in a safe space during sessions, while also feeling clear boundaries. Other important signs include feeling understood and making progress towards the goals you have set together.
If you feel your therapist may not be a good fit, or you are not making the progress you hoped, it might be helpful to talk about this directly with your therapist. If you are not comfortable doing so, it might make sense to make a change. If you are a client at FSC, you can let us know, and our clinical leaders can help you assess the situation. Most importantly, don’t give up on the process or your goals.
Other FAQs
FSC staff members are here to available to answer questions and help you understand the options and services at FSC. Below are some additional common questions asked by current and potential therapy clients.
Is my information kept private?
The FSC staff values our relationship with our clients. We understand that medical information about health is personal, and we are committed to protecting that health information. Federal legislation, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), codifies the way healthcare providers use, disclose, and protect client’s health information. HIPAA is intended to safeguard confidential patient information, standardize electronic transactions, and simplify administrative tasks. Under this law, we are required to inform our clients of our privacy practices, our legal duties, and our clients rights concerning their health information.