Preparing for Your First Visit | Youth & Family Counseling

In scheduling and preparing for your first appointment, you will probably have many questions. Here you will find the answers to questions people commonly ask. Of course, if you don’t see what you need, feel free to contact our New Client Coordinator, Bri Roberts, at (847) 367-5991 ext. 13.

Fees and Insurance

Will you accept my insurance?

Youth & Family Counseling is an in-network provider with the following insurance companies:

Aetna
Beacon Health Options (Value Options)
Beacon Military Onesource
Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Cigna
Compsych
Kaepro EPA
LifeSynch Humana
Magellan
Medicare
MHN
United Behavioral Health (UBH) Optum

Medicaid Managed Care

lliniCare
Meridian

What if I can't afford counseling?

For clients who are uninsured and experiencing financial need, we offer a sliding fee scale (fee subsidies) based on household income and family size. When you call to inquire about counseling services, please discuss your financial situation with our New Client Coordinator, Bri Roberts, to determine your eligibility.

What forms of payment do you accept?

For your convenience we accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

Payment is expected at the time of service, unless other arrangements are made with your therapist. (Our billing service will submit claims to your insurance carrier on your behalf.)

Your First Visit

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Our New Client Coordinator will respond to your request for counseling within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. Often we can schedule your first appointment within several business days of your call, depending on your availability. The more flexible your schedule, the more readily we will be able to offer you an appointment time. We offer daytime and limited evening and Saturday appointments.

Are there forms to fill out?

We have a New Client Registration Packet in English or Spanish that you can download and print at home. Filling out the forms before you arrive at our office will save time at your first appointment. If you are not able to complete the forms at home, please plan to arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment to complete the paperwork.

What should I bring to my first visit?

If you have completed the New Client Registration Packet at home, be sure to bring it with you. Other than that, all you need to bring is your insurance card and photo ID.

How long will my appointment last?

Each counseling session lasts 45 to 50 minutes. Your first session is really a time to talk about your needs and how counseling can address them. Typically you will schedule your second session with your counselor toward the end of your first appointment.

Ongoing Counseling

What if I miss an appointment?

When you schedule an appointment with your counselor, he or she sets aside a full hour of time for you – the time you spend together in the session, plus time to fill out notes and paperwork on your behalf. Because of this large time commitment, we require that you contact your therapist 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

You will be charged for missed appointments and late cancellations. For insured and full-fee clients, the missed session or late cancellation charge is $80. Clients whose services are on the sliding fee scale will be charged $80 or their sliding scale fee, whichever is less. Your therapist may choose to make an exception to this policy depending on the specific situation.

How long does counseling treatment take?

The length of treatment depends on the nature of the issues to be addressed and individual client needs and preferences. Your therapist will work with you to provide the right number of sessions to address your personal goals.

Do you prescribe medication?

YFC counselors are not licensed to prescribe medication. When medication could be helpful in addressing your symptoms and issues, our therapists will provide referrals to psychiatrists (medical doctors) who can prescribe appropriate medications.