Frequently asked questions
Are our services covered by health insurance?
Our counseling services are covered by most types of insurance under outpatient mental health counseling. To be certain, please check your mental health benefits or contact your insurer regarding deductibles, co-payments, pre-certification requirements and to verify if they cover the type of counseling you are seeking. Please email us if you require further details about which insurance plans we cover or if you require any background on our therapists.
The current insurance companies we cover are:
Note: We are also in the process of adding some other health funds. Cash payments are also accepted.
Our billing service will pre-certify and go over which benefits you have, the number of sessions you are allowed and the types of services that are covered by your insurance (eg individual and/or family therapy services).
What are our fees?
We accept most insurance companies. Cash payments are also accepted. We charge a sliding scale per session depending on need. Please email us or discuss this when you are making your first appointment. This fee is charged even if you do not attend the session if you do not cancel your appointment within 24 hours of the session. Payment is due at the session.
What are the office hours?
We try to accommodate your schedule by offering some evening hours and weekend hours in addition to normal business hours. Sessions are by appointment only and sometimes phone or internet sessions (eg using webcams) can be provided.
How often are sessions scheduled?
You can schedule your sessions to meet your needs and finances. However, often clients find that initially weekly or at times, bi-weekly appointments are useful until they see an improvement in their situation, and then they can decrease the frequency.
The Ardent Center provides counseling in:
Will I prescribe medications if they are needed?
No. We are not medical doctors and as such we do not have prescription privileges. We can, however, refer you to an appropriate medical practitioner who can assess whether you need any medication.
What if other members of my family won’t participate?
It isn't necessary for your spouse or other family members to attend therapy sessions with you. You will still benefit from the sessions. Often later on, after your family see the changes the therapy has brought about in you, they may also feel like attending. But of course we will do everything possible to help all members participate, so that the whole family can change, not just you.
Can you do sessions with people who live outside of Illinois?
We may be able to do phone and Internet video-conferencing consultations depending on the area where you are located. Products such as Skype make this very easy and currently are free to use.
How long do sessions last?
Sessions average a bit less than an hour, but they can sometimes be shorter or longer depending on your needs. We do extended sessions to help move things along or when there is much work that needs to get done. At times sessions can be a few hours long if we set it up that way and if it serves you and your family. Extended sessions are appropriate when we are:
- working with multiple generations or extended families
- working with each member of the family individually and then everyone together
- dealing with crises
- trying to break a destructive cycle or pattern.
Is what I say kept private?
Yes. All sessions, be they face to face or on the phone or via the Internet, are kept completely confidential.
What should I do next?
Contact us to arrange for therapy in Chicago and in the Northern, Southern and Western Suburbs or online therapy in other areas by phoning 1-888-870-1775 or by contacting us.