Facts & Info
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We are members of several insurance plans including Magellan Behavioral Health, PHCS, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Compsych, Medicare, and ZF Industries EAP. In other insurance plans we would be an out-of-network provider and our services would be reimbursed at the out-of-network rate.
Before your first appointment you may want to check with your insurance company about any deductible amounts that exist and what the terms and limits are for your psychotherapy outpatient benefits.
After written consent is obtained, we will submit your insurance claims on a monthly basis to obtain payment or approval of services and are always happy to answer your questions before your first appointment.
- What are our fees?
Our standard fee is $140 for a 45-minute therapy session. Payment is to be made at the time of each session. We will submit claims to your insurance for any reimbursement available under your plan coverage.
The fee is the same regardless if the session is for an individual, couple, or family.
We accept cash, check, or credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover).
- What is your sliding fee and how does it work?
Our sliding fee scale establishes fees based on gross annual income and family size and ranges from $25 to $140.
If you are unable to pay the standard fee, you may be eligible for a sliding fee scale based on your income and size of family. This can be discussed with your therapist directly. YFC has limited funds from private donors, grants and United Way allocations to subsidize your counseling.
If, during the course of treatment at YFC, your financial circumstances change, it is important to discuss this with your therapist who will review your fee periodically with you to make any necessary adjustments.
- What happens if I miss a session?
24 hour notice is expected for sessions that are cancelled. You will be charged $70 (half of the standard fee) if you do not give 24 hour notice. Insurance does not cover missed appointments. If your sliding fee is less than $70, you will be charged that fee. Your therapist may choose to make an exception to this policy depending on the specific situation.
- How quickly can I get an appointment?
We will respond to your initial call requesting an appointment within 24 hours. The length of time to schedule your first session depends on your availability and the availability of our therapists. Some times of day are requested with higher frequency than others.
Often we can offer an appointment time within several business days of your request. If your availability is during high peak hours, it may take a little longer but we will make every effort to place you as quickly as possible.
- What can I expect at my first appointment?
Initially there will be a few papers to discuss with you such as a Fee Agreement and the HIPPA Privacy Policy. Your therapist will explain confidentiality to you and answer any questions you may have. Then you and your therapist will discuss your current concerns and how these concerns have impacted you, evaluate what your needs are and what you would like to get out of your counseling experience.
A counseling session lasts 45 minutes.
- How long does treatment take?
The length of treatment depends on the nature of the issues being discussed and the goals of the treatment.
In these days of managed care, and short term therapy, our counseling services offer a rare exception. Our therapists work with individuals, couples and families at a comfortable pace scheduling as few or as many sessions as needed in order to meet clients’ desired goals.
- Do you prescribe medication?
No. If it becomes if it becomes necessary to consider medication we can recommend a psychiatrist and will coordinate our services with her/him.
- Privacy and Confidentiality
We respect client confidentiality and adhere to current Illinois law regarding privacy and confidentiality. We may ask you for permission to disclose information to provide, coordinate, or manage your care, including sharing information with others that we are consulting with or referring you to.
With your consent, information will be used to obtain payment or approval of services by contacting your health insurance company.
- What are your office hours?
We have office hours by appointment Monday through Friday, including evenings, and Saturday. A receptionist is available Monday through Thursday 9 am to 5 pm, Friday 9 am to 3:30 pm.
1113 S. Milwaukee Ave. #104