Therapy Frequently Asked Questions

  • A number of benefits can come from participating in therapy. Therapists provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, trauma, grief, and stress management.

    Many people also find that therapy can be helpful for personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the stressors of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution.

    Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

    *Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and your values

    *Developing skills for improving your relationships

    *Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy

    *Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

    *Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures

    *Improving communications and listening skills

    *Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

    *Discovering new ways to solve problems in your relationships

    *Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

  • The cost of therapy is a big worry for many. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, changes in life, the stresses of everyday life, or other mental health concerns, understanding how much therapy costs is really important.

    Read more in our blog.

  • In therapy, you can expect a safe and supportive space to share your thoughts and feelings while your therapist listens and helps you explore your concerns. Over time, you'll gain insights into your emotions, learn new coping skills, and work towards your personal goals, making it a unique journey tailored to your needs.

    Read more in our blog.

  • We are an in-network provider for with Blue Cross and Blue Shield PPO, Blue Choice PPO, and Aetna PPO. We also accept HSA/FSA plans.

    If you have another insurance provider, we accept out-of-network benefits. We want to increase access to affordable therapy.

    We work with Mentaya, a platform that helps clients get money back on out-of-network therapy sessions. To see if you qualify for reimbursement, click below.

    Out-of-Network Benefit Checker

    We are more than happy to assist you with verifying your outpatient therapy benefits including deductibles, co-pays, co-insurances and out-of-pocket maximums before beginning therapy.

    Our rates vary by provider. More on our Rates & Insurance page.

  • Most of our therapists only work with clients who live in Illinois. Due to licensure laws, they would be unable to see you for online therapy if you live in another state.

    However, Dr. Steele is able to see clients in over 35 states for virtual therapy.

  • We are a telehealth only practice at this time. We do not offer in-person sessions. All of our therapists are able to see clients in Illinois. Dr. Steele is licensed in Illinois and authorized as a PSYPACT member, so she can see clients in over 40 states.

  • Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. As mental health professionals, we are legally and ethically bound to maintain confidentially and normally everything we discuss will be held confidential. Unless you provide a signed authorization, I will not speak to, or correspond with, anyone about you. However, state laws and ethics, including standards of practice, either mandate, or permit therapists to break client confidentiality under certain circumstances.

    Some exceptions to confidentiality include situations in which there is reasonable suspicion that any of the following has ever occurred or is occurring now:

    *You present a danger to yourself or others

    *If there is reason to suspect child abuse (anyone under 18 years old)

    *If there is reason to suspect dependent adult abuse

    *If there is reason to suspect elder abuse (anyone 65 years or older)

    *The court of law orders information from treatment to be released as a part of a legal proceeding

    In any of above circumstances, we will make every effort to alert you before releasing confidential information.

  • People have many different motivations for coming to counseling. Some may be going through a major life transition, or are not handling stressful circumstances the way that they would want to. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, addictions, relationship problems, and identity issues. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives in a different way and are ready to make changes.

    Therapy is generally terminated when the agreed upon goals have been reached. We can discuss this at the beginning of therapy and re-evaluate throughout the course of treatment. You always have the right to stop treatment at any time. If you make this choice, referrals to other therapists can be provided if desired. I typically ask clients to attend a final termination session to acknowledge the work accomplished in therapy and discuss any unfinished work.

  • Therapy can be helpful if you’re struggling with emotional, mental, or behavioral issues that interfere with your daily life, relationships, or overall well-being. If you're feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or stuck, or if you're having trouble coping with major life changes, therapy can provide support and tools to help you manage. Even if you're not sure, a therapist can help figure out whether therapy is right for you.

  • The cost of therapy is a big concern for many people. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, changes in life, the stresses of everyday life, or other mental health concerns, understanding how much therapy costs is really important.

    At Mindful Healing, we accept insurance for therapy, because we value access to care. Find out more about our rates and insurance here.

    Read more in our blog for more information about the costs of counseling and therapy.

  • We know that finding the right therapist is important. So, we've written a blog about this topic. Read more here.

  • In the first session, your therapist will ask about your background, current concerns, and goals for therapy while giving you the chance to ask questions about their approach. It’s a time to build rapport and create a safe, comfortable space for future sessions.

    We know this is a common question, so we've written a blog for you to learn more and ease some of the fears and worry.

    Read more here.

  • The length of therapy depends on your needs and goals. Some people start to feel better after a few sessions, while others might need more time to work through deeper concerns. Therapy takes time, so it’s important to be patient with the process. How quickly you see progress depends on your situation, your effort, and how your therapist works with you. You and your therapist will check in regularly and adjust the plan as needed to help you move forward.

  • We do our best to get you scheduled as soon as possible because we know how important it is to start your journey when you’re ready. Typically, we can offer an appointment within the same week. We work with you to find a time that works for you!

  • The decision to start therapy is a courageous step, but we also know it can be a bit scary. We want to make this process as easy as possible, so we have a few options for you to schedule an appointment.

    Find out more about working with us in online therapy? Check it out here.

More questions about starting therapy? Have a question not listed? Reach out.