Therapy
Worried about your tween’s mood swings? Wondering if your teen’s attitude is “normal”? Concerned about how sad, angry, or even anxious your child has become? We know this parenting stuff isn’t easy. You’ve got questions and concerns, and we’ve got answers! Reach out today to find out how therapy can help your family.
Scheduling an Appointment
To request an appointment, schedule an initial consultation at your convenience here or call Angie directly at (773) 513-9414.
If necessary, please leave a brief message on our secure voicemail stating the best number to reach you. You may also submit a request via our contact form, and we will get back to you within 1 business day to schedule your appointment. The initial assessment is scheduled for 60 minutes to review your history and begin the consultation and diagnostic process.
Arriving at the Office
Upon arriving for your first appointment, Angie will greet you at the appointment time. Please bring completed patient forms to maximize your time with her.
Assessment and Treatment
The assessment phase usually takes anywhere from one to three sessions and includes a review of treatment history, your concerns, and an analysis of the difficulties you and your child are experiencing. Angie will share her initial treatment recommendations with you and provide expectations for the range and length of treatment. We use a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and behavior modification. Oftentimes, treatment will include collaboration with outside providers such as primary care physicians, psychiatrists, or school personnel as part of an effective treatment plan. We promise your family the most clinically effective, action-oriented therapy that will enable positive, lasting change.
Cost of Therapy
We charge $130 for the initial 60-minute assessment appointment. Subsequent appointments are $110. Sessions not conducted within the standard time-frame are pro-rated correspondingly in 5-minute increments for longer and shorter duration services. Angie will discuss the optimal appointment length with you.
Payment is expected at the time of service, and may be made by check, cash, debit or major credit card. We require a credit card on file for forgotten payments, missed appointments, and recurring monthly payments. This is also an added convenience for tweens and teens who may attend a session without their parents.
Cancellations & Tardiness
Appointment times are reserved especially for you. If you are late, we will have less time together and you will be billed for the entire scheduled session. If you need to cancel – please provide at least 24 hours notice. Except in the case of emergency, cancellations without 24 hours notice are charged at the standard rate.
Insurance/Out-Of-Network-Coverage
Benchmark Parenting does not participate in any insurance networks, including Medicare or Medicaid, however many insurance policies provide out-of-network reimbursement for our services. We are happy to bill your insurance directly, or provide you with a statement including all the required information needed to submit for reimbursement.
If you would like to use your insurance, it is your responsibility to verify out-of-network mental health benefits before meeting with Angie. Our office is also happy to complete any necessary paperwork that your insurance company provides. If an extensive report is needed, we may charge a prorated hourly fee according to the time required. Please refer to your plan about its rules and policies.
Many patients use their Flexible Healthcare Spending Accounts to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for their therapy.
Why don’t we contract with insurance companies?
After much deliberation, we have chosen not to contract with any insurance companies, including Medicare/Medicaid. This allows us to make optimal treatment decisions regarding length and type of therapy without the limitations imposed by third party payers. Extended, more frequent, or intensive treatment team services may be more cost-effective in the long run, though insurance may not reimburse for such services. We are committed to providing you with the best, most effective treatment available without having to fit into generic constraints often imposed by third-party payers. Ultimately we believe that our method of cost-effective, results-oriented therapy will result in shorter treatment cycles and lower out-of-pocket costs for you.
