What to Expect

We look forward to meeting you!  Your first appointment is an opportunity for your therapist to get to know you and for you to get to know your therapist.  Your therapist will ask you questions to get to know you better and to gain an understanding of your goals for therapy; please feel free to ask your therapist questions if you have them.  This is also an opportunity for you to get to know your rights and any practice policies we may have.  It is important to us that you understand your rights in the therapeutic relationship, so your therapist will go through the intake paperwork with you during the first session.  Please read the paperwork before your first session so that we can answer any questions you may have regarding this paperwork or provide any necessary clarifications.

Step 1 - Contact us to set up an appointment

Please visit our counseling page to read more about what service may be appropriate for you.  When you call, we will ask you a little about why you would like to begin therapy, what you are looking for in a therapist, what your availability is, and what payment method you would like to use.  If you have insurance, please have your insurance card available. 

Step 2 - Verify your insurance (if applicable)

If you plan to use insurance, we recommend that you verify your insurance before your first appointment so that you are best informed regarding payment expectations and coverage of services.  For more information on what questions to ask, please visit our insurance and payments page.

Step 3 - Fill out your intake paperwork

If you have scheduled an appointment, please fill out the intake paperwork packet and bring it to your first session.  This packet includes some questions that will help us to provide the best services possible and information about our practice and your rights as a potential client.

Step 3 - Come to your scheduled appointment

Please arrive for your initial appointment 15 minutes prior to the begining of the appointment time.  Our offices are located on the second floor of 3036 W. Irving Park Ave.  When you enter the office, please take a seat in the waiting room.  Feel free to help yourself to a complimentary drink while you wait.  There is no reception desk.  Your therapist will come to the waiting room to meet you at the time of your appointment.  Please bring the following to your first appointment: 

1.  Completed intake paperwork - intake paperwork can be found in the section above.

2.  Photo ID - your therapist will make a copy of your photo identification to keep on file.

3.  Insurance Card - your therapist will make a copy of your insurance card to keep on file.

4.  Credit Card - your therapist will enter your credit card information into our secure billing system.  This card will be used to bill for missed appointments or outstanding balances.

5.  Payment - as payment is due at the time of service, please bring cash or a credit card to your initial session.