Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago “L” train in downtown Chicago, Illinois

Ask us any questions!

Reaching out to a therapist can feel intimidating at first. We hope the information below helps answer common questions and makes it easier to take the next step.

  • Yes! We offer online therapy (telehealth) through secure, HIPAA-compliant video sessions for adults in Chicago and across Illinois.

  • No. At this time, we provide online therapy only for adults in Chicago and across Illinois.

  • For online therapy (telehealth), we recommend using a computer or tablet with a stable Wi-Fi connection for the best video and audio quality. Please also join from a private, quiet space to protect your confidentiality and help you feel comfortable during the session.

    It is a personal preference, but headphones can also improve privacy and sound quality.



  • In the first therapy session (often referred to as an intake session), you can expect the therapist to create a safe and judgment-free space for you to discuss the reasons you're seeking therapy and your goals.In the first therapy session (often referred to as an intake session), you can expect a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space to discuss what brings you to therapy and what you would like to work on. We will review relevant background information, current concerns, and your goals for therapy. You will also have time to ask questions about the therapy process, scheduling, and next steps.

    You are also welcome to ask any questions to the therapist.

  • You can expect a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and challenging experiences with a trained therapist. Sessions are collaborative and tailored to your needs, goals, and comfort level.

    Sessions typically last 55 minutes. Frequency depends on your needs and availability, but many clients begin with weekly sessions—especially when symptoms are more active or support is needed more consistently.

  • EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that helps individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences and reduce trauma-related symptoms. It uses guided bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements or tapping—to support the reprocessing of distressing memories so they feel less intense over time.

  • Research suggests that EMDR delivered through online therapy (telehealth) can be effective for many clients, including those experiencing PTSD, CPTSD (complex trauma), anxiety, dissociation and depression. Online EMDR sessions are structured similarly to in-person sessions and are carefully paced to support safety, stability, and trauma processing.

  • Payment Options:

    We accept both insurance and private pay (self-pay).

    Insurance (In-Network) Option:

    We are currently in-network with select PPO plans, including:

    • BCBSIL PPO (including Blue Choice options)

    • Optum / UnitedHealthcare (commercial PPO plans)

    • Aetna PPO plans

    Insurance coverage varies by plan and employer. Clients are responsible for confirming eligibility, deductible, and copay/coinsurance directly with their insurance provider prior to the first appointment.

    Private Pay (Self-Pay) Option:

    • Intake session: $150

    • Ongoing sessions: $135

    Payment is due at the time of service. A superbill may be available upon request for clients who wish to pursue out-of-network reimbursement. We also offer sliding scale options for a limited number of clients in need.

  • "In-network" and "out-of-network" providers refer to healthcare professionals who either have a contract (in-network) or do not have a contract (out-of-network) with a specific insurance company. These terms are commonly used in the context of health insurance to indicate whether the insurance plan has negotiated rates and coverage arrangements with a particular healthcare provider“In-network” providers have a contract with an insurance company and are approved to accept that plan’s negotiated rates. If you see an in-network provider, your insurance may cover a larger portion of the cost (depending on your deductible, copay, and coinsurance).

    “Out-of-network” providers do not have a contract with your insurance company. Some plans still offer out-of-network benefits, which means you may be able to receive partial reimbursement after paying the session fee. Benefits vary by plan, so it’s important to confirm your coverage directly with your insurance provider.

  • An out-of-network benefit is the coverage your health insurance plan may provide when you receive services from a provider who is not contracted with your insurance company. If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, you may be able to receive partial reimbursement after paying the session fee.

    Out-of-network coverage varies by plan and often involves higher out-of-pocket costs, as well as requirements such as a deductible, coinsurance, or submitting claims. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm your out-of-network mental health benefits.

  • When you feel ready to begin, please contact us to request an appointment. We will ask for your full name, phone number, and date of birth (DOB) so we can create your profile in our secure client portal.

    Through the portal, you will be able to complete the required intake forms before your first session, including consent for services, insurance information (if applicable), payment details, personal history, and brief assessments. This information helps the provider prepare for your first appointment and ensures a smoother start to therapy.

  • At this time, we do not offer free consultations. However, we are happy to answer brief questions by email to help you determine whether our services are a good fit. We will do our best to respond promptly regarding scheduling, getting started, and the therapy approaches we use.

  • To reschedule or cancel an appointment, we require a minimum of 24 hours’ advance notice. Please email the provider directly as soon as possible to discuss rescheduling options.

  • Look for a therapist who understands how culture, identity, race, gender, religion, and life experiences can shape the way trauma is experienced. A culturally sensitive therapist should offer a respectful, non-judgmental space and avoid assumptions. It may also help to ask about trauma-focused training such as EMDR therapy and experience treating PTSD and CPTSD (complex trauma).

  • You can find online trauma therapy in Illinois through therapist directories (such as Psychology Today), your insurance provider directory, or EMDRIA’s directory for EMDR therapists.

    Trauma Therapy Chicago LLC provides online trauma therapy for adults across Illinois, including support for PTSD, CPTSD (complex trauma), and anxiety. Online therapy allows you to access care from home through secure video sessions.escription

  • EMDR therapy is an evidence-based treatment that can help reduce PTSD symptoms by helping the brain process distressing memories. Many clients notice fewer triggers, less emotional reactivity, improved sleep, and reduced avoidance over time. EMDR can also support recovery from CPTSD when treatment is paced carefully and tailored to the client.

  • Look for a licensed therapist who offers evidence-based care and has experience treating anxiety and depression. Consider the therapist’s training (especially trauma-informed therapy), scheduling availability, and payment options (insurance or private pay). Most importantly, choose someone you feel safe with and supported by.

  • Yes. Many therapists in Illinois specialize in treating CPTSD (complex trauma), which is often connected to long-term trauma such as childhood trauma, relational trauma, or ongoing emotional abuse. Trauma Therapy Chicago LLC provides online therapy for adults across Illinois and offers trauma-focused care for PTSD and CPTSD, including EMDR therapy.

  • Even when therapy is covered, your cost depends on your deductible, copay/coinsurance, and whether your therapist is in-network.

  • A deductible is the amount you may need to pay out-of-pocket each year before your insurance pays more toward covered services. Some plans apply the deductible to therapy, and others do not.

  • A copay is a fixed amount per session (ex: $25). Coinsurance is a percentage of the allowed amount (ex: 20% or 30%).

  • Many plans reset deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums at the beginning of the year.

  • Yes. In most cases, seeing an in-network provider results in the lowest out-of-pocket cost.

  • You can check your member portal or call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask about outpatient mental health coverage, deductible, and copay/coinsurance.

Chicago elevated train tracks representing online therapy access across Illinois