Frequently Asked Questions - Chicago

A disposable coffee cup with a black lid and a paper sleeve, placed on a wooden table next to a closed spiral notebook. In the background, a blurred sofa and a window with curtains are visible.

  • Most of our clinicians are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Blue Choice Plans, Aetna, and United Health Care. We can verify your benefits prior to your first session, however we encourage clients to call the number on the back of their insurance card to receive the most accurate information.

  • Intake sessions are billed at the rate of $225. Subsequent individual sessions are $175, while couples sessions are $200.

    • What are my in-network benefits to see an outpatient mental health provider?

    • How much is my deductible and how much of it has been met?

    • Do I have a co-pay?

  • Call your insurance’s member services phone number on the back of your insurance card and ask your representative if you plan includes out-of-network benefits for mental health care.

    You can also determine whether you owe a deductible and how much you would have to pay before your plan reimburses for out-of-pocket fees.

    Our mental health service codes (90837 for recurring individual sessions, 90847 for recurring couples sessions) can be given to your representative to identify how much your plan could reimburse you.

  • Our clinicians operate under a hybrid model and offer both virtual Telehealth and in-person sessions.

  • Cancellations to appointments can be made with at least 24 hours notice. Failure to cancel, reschedule, or show up with less than 24 hours notice will require a cancellation fee to be charged.

  • We encourage our clients to keep an open mind about therapy and know that the therapeutic relationship is the most important element that determines your progress throughout this journey. It can also be helpful to write down specific topics or goals you want to explore.

Request a session

FAQs about working with a Chicago therapist

  • A licensed clinical psychologist is a mental health professional with a doctorate degree in clinical psychology. Psychologists may provide therapy and/or psychological testing for conditions like ADHD, autism, learning disorders, and more.

    While some psychologists are therapists, not all therapists are psychologists. In your search for a Chicago therapist, you might see different types of therapists like licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, and licensed marriage and family therapists. These clinicians all have a master's degree as well as thousands of hours of supervised practice and training.

    Remember, credentials are only one part of finding the best therapist for you. You'll also want to make sure that a therapist has experience supporting people with the issues you're experiencing, and that you feel a true connection with them.

  • There are many different types of therapy, all of which can be effective. At our practice, we use a variety of techniques including CBT, EMDR, and the Gottman method, as well as strengths-based and trauma-informed lenses.

    Other therapists might use different methods. Some other common types of therapy include psychodynamic psychotherapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and internal family systems (IFS) therapy.

    You don't have to be an expert in each approach, but it can be helpful to do a bit of research and see which methods resonate most with you.

  • Yes, therapy is absolutely worth it. As therapists ourselves, we've seen firsthand the positive changes that can take place from committing yourself to this process.

    Therapy gives you a supportive space to express your emotions, cultivate self-awareness, learn valuable new skills, foster healthy relationships, and pursue personal growth. No matter what you're going through, working with a trusted mental health professional can help.

  • Choosing a therapist is a highly personal process. There are also several factors to consider, including the therapist's training and credentials, logistical factors like online vs. in-person availability, which therapeutic approach you prefer, and your therapist's experience in treating issues similar to yours.

    Above all, we believe that the therapeutic relationship is an essential part of effective counseling. It's important to find a therapist you truly connect with so you feel comfortable navigating this process with them.

    We offer complimentary consultations so you can get a better sense of whether we're the best therapists for you. Schedule yours today.

best therapist in chicago

When SG Therapy Group may not be the best fit for you

Our practice may not be for everyone. Here are some reasons to consider working with a different group for your therapy needs.

  • We're a boutique therapy group, so we don't operate the same way that large agencies do. While we firmly believe this is positive overall, there are specific situations in which you might consider partnering with an agency. If you need wrap-around care or service coordination with multiple different types of providers, a large agency may be a better fit.

  • We understand that finances can be a significant barrier to people getting the mental health care they need. However, as a small therapy group, we're unable to provide no-cost therapy services. If you need financial assistance with therapy, we recommend contacting your local mental health agency or partnering with an organization such as Sista Afya Community Care or Family Institute (if applicable).

  • Therapy can be a significant investment of time, money, and energy. We believe that the most effective therapy happens when you're able to commit to attending regular sessions. While we respect the many barriers people face in order to do this, we're not able to support folks who don't have the availability for consistent attendance.