Options for Therapy
Face-to-face support in a welcoming and private setting at any one of our three locations.
Access expert care conveniently through secure online sessions. Consider teletherapy if you do not live close to one of our three locations.
*In order to book a teletherapy appointment, you need to reside in Illinois or be present in the state of Illinois for your sessions.
I found the whole operation, from finding a provider to scheduling to billing to be very seamless and easy to navigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What options do I have to pay for therapy?
Check with Your Insurance
Most of our clinicians are in-network providers with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Blue Choice and some accept Medicare. This information is indicated on each Clinician’s profile.
Out of Network
For Aetna, Cigna and United Healthcare, our billing department can submit a courtesy claim for out-of-network reimbursement. We provide superbills for other out of network reimbursement payers. A superbill is a detailed invoice or receipt that documents diagnosis and procedure codes, needed for insurance payers to reimburse you for the services after you’ve paid. They're different from regular medical bills in that insurers use them to pay patients rather than providers. We recommend that you check with your insurance provider about your coverage for behavioral health services prior to your first appointment.
If using out-of-network benefits, you are responsible for full payment on the date of your session (after the session is complete). You can then submit a claim to your insurance provider for direct reimbursement to you. You may receive no reimbursement or nearly full reimbursement depending on your plan. Please visit our Cost & Billings page for more information.
Pay Out-of-Pocket/Self-Pay
You can pay for services using a credit card, debit card or HSA/FSA card as your preferred method of payment. Patients not using insurance have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services, including mental healthcare.
No Cost Therapy Services
We’re committed to helping, regardless of the ability to pay. Our therapists-in-training — with supervision from our staff therapists — provide services through the Bette D. Harris Family & Child Clinic at no cost to qualifying clients. Please call our Client Care Team at 847-733-4300 Option 2 to get started.
What information should I review before my first appointment?
- After your appointment is scheduled, you will receive an invitation to register for our Patient Portal. Once registered and before your first appointment we ask all new clients to complete and sign the service agreement and fill out the intake form. You can also set your messaging preferences for appointment reminder notifications.
- To help us track your progress and tailor your therapy to your needs, we use personalized measures—short questionnaires that ask about your well-being and progress. Many clients will receive a text 24 hours before your session with a link to complete these measures. This process supports meaningful conversations with your therapist and ensures your treatment remains aligned with your goals.
- Please also review our Costs & Billing page for information about initial diagnostic evaluation fees.
What platform do I need for my first teletherapy session?
If you have a teletherapy appointment, your therapist will send you a secure link before the session. If you don’t already have Zoom downloaded, you can visit zoom.us/support/download to install it on your computer or find it in your mobile or tablet app store. Review this quick guide to learn more about how to access your teletherapy appointment.
What time do I need to arrive for my first in-person therapy session?
If you are seeing your therapist in person, please arrive 15 minutes early to check in with a receptionist. Click here to learn more about our locations including directions and parking options.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
We request the standard 24-hour notice when canceling an appointment. If 24-hours’ notice is not given, or you miss an appointment, you will be charged the full-fee for your session. This fee is not covered by insurance.
To cancel an appointment, you can contact your clinician directly or call our Client Care Team at 847-733-4300.
I am a new client. What forms do I need?
We have included the forms you may need as a new client below.
- Staff Practice Service Agreement (English)
- Staff Practice Service Agreement (Spanish)
- Neuropsychological Assessment Service Agreement
- Privacy Policy (English)
- Privacy Policy (Spanish)
What if I’m interested in psychiatry services or neuropsychological assessments?
If you are interested in psychiatry services or neuropsychological assessments please call our Client Care Team at 847-733-4300 Option 2.
Please note that 5 business days’ notice is required to cancel neuropsychological assessment appointments.
To cancel, please send a message through the Patient Portal, call the Client Care team at 847-733-4300 Option 2, contact us via chat or leave a voicemail after hours.
What if the therapist I am matched with is not a good fit?
We recognize the importance of “right fit” with your therapist. If, at any time, you feel that you would like to work with a different therapist, please either speak directly with your therapist or contact the Client Care Center via the Patient Portal (Ask a Question to “General Q&A”) or call 847-733-4300 Option 2.
What if I have court-ordered or mandated therapy?
The Family Institute does not accept court-ordered cases. If your therapy is court-ordered, please click here to see a list of referrals.
What are your policies to ensure client confidentiality?
We respect clients' confidentiality and follow all state and federal guidance. We have included our Privacy Policy for you to learn more.
*All service agreements and privacy policies will be located in the Patient Portal.