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.

Will I prescribe medications if they are needed?

No. I am not a medical doctor and as such I do not have prescription privileges. I can, however, refer you to an appropriate medical practitioner who can assess whether you need any medication.

What if I have marital or family problems and my spouse or 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 and your role in the family.

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. Technology and products such as Skype make this very easy and currently it is 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 often 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. Examples of when extended sessions are appropriate are when:

• we are working with multiple generations or extended families

• we are working with each member of the family individually and then everyone together

• we are dealing with crises

• we are 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 individual, couple or family therapy in the Chicago, Evanston or Schaumburg Illinois areas by phoning 1-888-870-1775 or by emailing info@ardentcenter.com.

FAQ

What are our fees?

We charge a sliding scale per session for individual, couples or family therapy depending on need. Please feel free to discuss this via email info@ardentcenter.com or 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 on the day of the session.

Are the 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 via info@ardentcenter.com 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:

We are also in the process of adding some other health funds.

Our billing service Coracle LLC (Ph 847-965-8552) 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 the office hours?

As far as possible, 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.