How to Get Started with Therapy
Online Therapy in Chicago & Throughout Illinois
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming — especially if you’ve been holding a lot on your own.
If you’re here, you might already know you need support…but still feel unsure about what happens next.
You don’t need to have the right words.
You don’t need to feel “ready.”
You just need one small step.
Here’s how getting started works at Mindful Healing Counseling.
How It Works.
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Step 1: Request an Appointment
Start by submitting our secure online appointment request form.
You’ll be asked a few simple questions about:
* What you’re looking for support with
* Your availability
* Insurance or self-pay preferences
You can share as much or as little as you want.
Requesting an appointment does not lock you into therapy.
It simply opens the door to support.
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Step 2: We Match You with the Right Therapist
Our team carefully reviews your request and matches you with a therapist who fits your needs, preferences, and goals.
We consider:
* What you’re struggling with
* Identity and cultural considerations
* Therapy style and approach
* Availability
Feeling understood matters — and we take this step seriously.
If we need clarification, we’ll reach out clearly and gently.
And, of course, if you have a therapist in mind we would be glad to get you scheduled with them.
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Step 3: Insurance Verification & Scheduling
If you plan to use insurance, we verify your benefits before your first session so there are no surprises.
We commonly accept PPO plans, including:
* Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
* Aetna
We’ll confirm:
* Session cost
* Copays or deductibles
* Coverage details
Once verified, we’ll email the details to you and confirm your appointment.
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Step 4: Complete Intake Paperwork Online
Before your first session, you’ll receive secure online paperwork to complete at home.
This includes:
* Consent forms
* Brief background questions
* Practice policies
You don’t need to write your whole life story — just enough to help your therapist support you well.
Paperwork is due 48 hours before your appointment so your therapist can prepare to best support you.
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Step 5: Your First Therapy Session
Your first session is a space to:
* Get to know your therapist
* Share what’s been weighing on you
* Ask questions
* Talk about what you want from therapy
There’s no pressure to know where to start or what to say.
Many clients describe the first session as:
“Finally being able to exhale.”
Therapy moves at your pace.
After Your First Session
After your initial appointment:
We check in with you
You and your therapist decide how often to meet
Therapy continues in a way that feels supportive and collaborative
You’re always allowed to ask questions or request adjustments.
Helpful Things to Know
You don’t need to be in crisis to start therapy
You don’t have to choose between your culture and your healing
You don’t have to minimize your pain for it to matter
Therapy can meet you exactly where you are
If therapy hasn’t felt right in the past, that matters — and we approach care differently here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No — a consultation isn’t required to get started. Many clients choose to request an appointment right away, and we’ll guide you through the process step by step.
If talking things through first would help you feel more comfortable, we also offer a consultation. We’ll meet you in whatever way feels best for you.
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We typically review requests and begin the matching process within 1–2 business days, and often even the same day.
We move promptly, but thoughtfully — taking time to consider your needs, preferences, and availability so you feel supported from the very beginning. If we need any clarification, we’ll reach out gently and clearly.
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Yes — we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) PPO, Blue Choice PPO, and Aetna insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan, and we verify benefits before your first session so there are no surprises.
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After you submit the request form, our team reviews your information, verifies insurance if needed, and reaches out by email with next steps. Requesting an appointment does not commit you to therapy — it simply starts the conversation.
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That’s okay — many people aren’t. We help match you with a therapist based on what you’re looking for, your preferences, and availability. If something doesn’t feel right, adjustments can always be made.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If something in you is thinking, “Maybe this could help,” that’s enough.’
You choose what’s next:
Request an Appointment
View Rates & Insurance
Read Frequently Asked Questions
And if you’re not ready yet, that’s okay.
You’re welcome to explore our resources and return when the timing feels right.
We’ll be here.