Frequently Asked Questions

 

What can I expect when I call for counseling?
Our staff will do a brief "telephone intake" with you, including your demographics and contact information. Unless you have been referred to a specific therapist, you will be asked what issues or concerns prompted you to call so that you can be matched with a therapist.
  • If you will be using insurance, it would be helpful to have your insurance card handy since that information will also be taken. Our therapists are "in-network" providers for many insurance networks. You may also choose to use your "out-of-network" benefits.
  • If you need financial assistance, our staff can explain available options.
Once the telephone intake is completed, our staff will schedule an appointment.
 

What is your cancellation policy?
It is the responsibility of the client to notify the office 24 hours in advance when cancelling an appointment. If 24 hours is not given, a $50.00 late cancellation/no show fee will be charged. This fee is not covered by insurance, and will be billed directly to the client. Please make sure to read all of our Office and Fee Policies before making decisions regarding cancellations.
 

Do you provide a "safe place" for pastors and other church leaders to share their personal and ministry struggles?
Yes, by all means.  Several pastors and other Christian leaders have taken the opportunity to pursue sessions with one of our staff.  One staff member is a pastor's wife, one has done research on clergy burnout while working on his doctorate, and other staff have provided a place for pastors to present counseling cases and get input from another professional.
 

MAJOR POINTS TO REMEMBER AS A CLIENT
The following 24 Points are designed to educate you on major issues regarding therapy. If the meaning of an item is not clear to you, please ask your therapist to clarify the answer during your next appointment.
 
NOTE: IN THE ITEMS BELOW, “COUNSELOR” IS OFTEN USED AS THE COMMON TITLE FOR “LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOTHERAPIST” or “THERAPIST.” EACH COUNSELOR WORKING WITH CHICAGO CHRISTIAN COUNSELING CENTER IS A LICENSED CLINCAL PSYCHOTHERAPIST OR A GRADUATE INTERN SUPERVISED BY A LICENSED PSYCHOTHERAPIST.
 

Point 1
HOW DOES CHRISTIAN PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING COMPARE TO SECULAR COUNSELING?
Christian professional counseling blends God’s Word with mainstream psychological research and principles. Chicago Christian Counseling Center believes that therapy is most successful when provided by fully educated, trained and licensed psychotherapists (counselors) who also know, understand and believe in God’s Word.
 

Point 2
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF COUNSELING?
It is very difficult to answer this question because we are all so different and our life circumstances are so different.  However, if you are feeling extreme emotional pain, some initial relief may be found after a few counseling sessions. In fact most people experience significant change in 3 - 6 months. However, deep personal growth is a lifetime experience. Once you no longer need professional counseling, we can coach you as you continue in your growth to a point where you are free to grow without the help of a professional therapist or coach.
 

Point 3
WHY IS A COUNSELOR QUALIFIED TO DIAGNOSE A MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM?
The foundation for your diagnosis and treatment, as a client (patient), is based on the professional judgment of your licensed therapist. Your therapist has a graduate degree, as well as advanced training, in the practice of psychotherapy leading to a state license. In addition to the degree and state license, your therapist receives regular advanced education and training in the practice of psychotherapy.
 

Point 4
HOW IS THE DIAGNOSIS USED?
The diagnosis of a mental health problem is based on standard descriptions (each with a code number). The code numbers are used to identify common mental health issues. Mental health professionals use these common codes so that all professionals involved in the helping professions will understand the meaning of the diagnosis.
 

Point 5
HOW DO INSURANCE COMPANIES USE THE DIAGNOSIS?
If you use insurance your insurance company will use the diagnostic code submitted by your therapist to verify that your diagnosis is covered by your insurance plan. Once verified, the insurance company then uses that code to pay for your treatment according to your insurance plan design. Most therapists use these codes even if you do not use insurance.
 

Point 6
MAY OTHERS ATTEND A COUNSELING MEETING (SESSION) WITH ME?
Even if you are the one with the diagnosis, there may be others that your therapist will ask to attend therapy along with you. The others may include your spouse or other members of your household or family. If this occurs it may mean that the therapist believes that your diagnosis and treatment is related to or can benefit from having others involved to support the process.
 

Point 7
MAY I SEE A COUNSELOR JUST BY MYSELF?
Yes, if your therapist only wants to see YOU during most counseling sessions it means that the therapist understands that the diagnosis and treatment is NOT, at this time, directly related to the interaction between you and other individuals. It may, nevertheless, be related to relationship issues or other experiences from your past.
 

Point 8
DO COUNSELORS (THERAPISTS) TREAT ALL PROBLEMS THE SAME WAY?
No, there are a number of different forms of psychotherapy. The methods used by CCCC therapist are common forms of psychotherapy used by most professional mental health providers. The treatment methods used have shown, through research and experimentation, to help eliminate or lessen the severity of a difficult relationship and/or mental health issues.
 

Point 9
IS WHAT I TELL THE COUNSELOR CONFIDENTIAL?
Yes, the laws that protect your privacy and the confidentiality of treatment are listed primarily in federal and state statutes under Protected Health Information (PHI) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). There may be additional laws listed within the statutes of the state in which you are receiving therapy. The laws are established to protect your privacy and keep all your information confidential. There are limited exceptions regarding confidentiality.
 

Point 10
DO I HAVE CONTROL OVER WHO KNOWS I AM SEEING A COUNSELOR AND WHAT I SAY?
Yes, your counseling is a private meeting (confidential session) protected by laws, both federal and state. Your counselor cannot and will not reveal to anyone the content of your sessions or even acknowledge that you are a client unless you give the therapist, in writing, permission to do so. This is called “privileged Information” and it is under your control as a client. During your first session you will be given a form to sign verifying that you agree to the issues regarding confidentiality. There are limited exceptions regarding confidentiality.
 

Point 11
ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULES ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY?
Yes, there are certain exceptions to the rules regarding confidentiality that have to do with child abuse, elder abuse or the high probability of you hurting yourself or others. If your therapist has reason to believe that any of the above situations are probable he/she is required to report that to the appropriate state agency. These state agencies have personnel trained to help in these difficult situations.
 

Point 12
WHAT HAPPENS IF I MEET MY COUNSELOR IN PUBLIC?
If your therapist sees you in a social situation or any public place he/she will act as if you are not a client and most likely behave toward you as if you are not even an acquaintance. This is standard practice and is seen as acting in accordance with professional boundaries.
 

Point 13
WILL I BE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT MY PROBLEM AS SOON AS I SEE MY COUNSELOR?
The first session will focus on intake paperwork, general information about psychotherapy and will include an assessment and a basic understanding of why you are seeking therapy. The first few sessions are designed to gain a professional perspective on the reason(s) you are requesting therapy. Subsequent sessions begin the process of therapy.
 

Point 14
WILL MY COUNSELOR HAVE A SPECIFIC PLAN OF THERAPY?
After the first few therapy sessions the therapist will develop a general treatment plan. The plan will be based on your discussion and interaction during the early sessions. The plan may be modified as therapy progresses but you, as the client, will be involved in a discussion regarding your treatment.
 

Point 15
WILL I GET IMMEDIATE RELIEF BY SEEING MY COUNSELOR?
It is typical for you to feel somewhat better after a few sessions because, in part, there has been an opportunity to talk about important issues. But some clients cease attending further sessions precisely because they feel better. These clients that cease coming do not realize that feeling better does not constitute a real change. It is important to be aware that it is rarely wise to make conclusions about therapy after just a few sessions.
 

Point 16
HOW LONG DOES IT USUALLY TAKE TO EXPECT SOME BENEFIT FROM COUNSELING?
For therapy to be most beneficial the typical number of sessions required for significant improvement, is most likely, at a minimum, 8 to 12. In some situations there are more sessions needed before significant improvement becomes stable. Each session is approximately 45 to 50 minutes in length.
 

Point 17
DOES COUNSELING EVER MAKE THINGS WORSE?
During therapy you may experience many different feelings and thoughts that can make it seem like the initial reason you came for therapy is actually getting worse. This feeling is especially common if you are receiving therapy regarding a relationship. If this happens it is most likely a brief stage of therapy and will soon pass. Overall, therapy is designed to improve the quality of your life.
 

Point 18
CAN I CALL MY COUNSELOR IF I NEED EMERGENCY HELP?
If, between therapy sessions, you start having thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, it is crucial that you share this information with your therapist during your next scheduled session. If you have these thoughts before you next scheduled sessions and fear that you will act on the thoughts then you must call 911 for immediate emergency help.
 

Point 19
IF I CANNOT AFFORD TO CONTINUE THERAPY CAN I STILL KEEP COMING?
It is important for you to be aware that if you cannot continue to pay your counseling fee (or the established insurance percentage or co-pay) your scheduled appointments may need to be altered to accommodate the change in your circumstances. Your therapist may suggest a different schedule of treatment such as attending once every two weeks or once a month so that you can continue without the expense becoming a burden. The therapist may also talk with you about transferring to a different therapist or a different place to receive therapy.
 

Point 20
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED MEDICATION?
Psychotherapists do not prescribe medication; nevertheless they are professionally aware of behavioral signs that suggest the need for medication in conjunction with therapy. If your therapist believes that medication will aide in your therapy s/he will refer you to a psychiatrist, who is a medical doctor. The psychiatrist will assess the need for medication and prescribe the appropriate medication often in consultation with your therapist. You will then take the medication, as prescribed, while continuing to see your therapist.
 

Point 21
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE WITH MY THERAPIST?
If you feel that the therapist you have been given is not a good fit for you it is appropriate for you to request a different therapist. Nevertheless do keep in mind that this feeling may pass and may be really connected to a particular issue that your counselor is helping you deal with. Regardless, you can always expect your therapist to maintain a good rapport with you and be willing to discuss your uncomfortable feelings.
 

Point 22
WILL I EVER NEED TO COME BACK TO THERAPY?
You may. During your last few sessions your therapist will review the benefits you have gained from therapy. Nevertheless, after your therapy has ended it is possible that significant new stressors may occur in your life. If this does happened it is appropriate for you to return to therapy. This time the process of therapy may be much shorter because of the new understanding and/or skills you developed while previously working with a therapist. It is appropriate to request a new appointment with your previous therapist if that is your desire.
 

Point 23
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT KEEP AN APPOINTMENT?
It is important for you to be aware that if you do not keep a scheduled appointment without calling to cancel or reschedule, the therapist will, most likely, no longer consider you a client. You may, nevertheless, call to reschedule at a later date if you desire but, depending upon the time that has lapsed, you may have to fill out new client paper work.
 

Point 24
WILL MY COUNSELOR TELL ME WHAT DECISIONS ARE THE RIGHT ONES AND PUSH ME TO MAKE THEM?
Generally they will not. A licensed professional therapist (counselor) does not tell a client what to do or what is the right decision to make. They will tell you what thoughts and behaviors usually work given similar circumstances. A therapist helps their client think through their problems and issues using therapeutic methods proven to help individual, couples or families move toward healthy change. The therapist establishes an empathic, warm (respectful), genuine relationship with the client and then assists by helping the client discover and apply needed changes. The therapist will be deliberately attentive during each counseling session but will not tell the client what he or she must do to live their life.