Frequently Asked Questions
The First
Steps
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
If it’s your first time coming to therapy, welcome!
First, we want you to find the provider who’s right for you. You can use the filters on the Counselors page to help narrow down the list of providers based on their areas of focus and what clients they each see. Each of our therapists are trained in a variety of types of therapy and have different backgrounds, so we invite you to read about each of them and see who you might click with.
From there, it’s easy to schedule your first appointment using our online system by clicking the “Schedule Your Appointment” button. If you’d prefer, you’re welcome to email info@radzomcounseling.com or call us at 618.248.2040 during business hours (9am-5pm) and we’ll be happy to help you select an available therapist and book your appointment for you.
WHAT HAPPENS AT MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?
During your initial session, we’ll discuss the reasons you’re seeking therapy and address any questions you have about the process. This first meeting is where we both start to get to know one another, talk about your history, begin to develop a plan to address the struggles you’re experiencing, and set goals for your treatment.
In your first meeting, you’re also interviewing the therapist! Please feel free to ask questions that will help you determine whether you’re comfortable with the provider you’ve chosen.
WHAT HOURS ARE THERAPISTS AVAILABLE?
While our administrative office is open from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday, each provider maintains a unique schedule during which they offer sessions. Feel free to explore each provider’s availability using our online booking system.
SHOULD I BOOK AN IN-PERSON OR TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT?
Many of our providers can see you in person at our Edwardsville office or online, feel free to book whichever type of appointment is most convenient for you. Our providers are only licensed to conduct sessions with clients who are physically located within the state of Illinois.
HOW DOES TELEHEALTH ACTUALLY WORK?
Instead of meeting your therapist in our office, you’ll meet via video conferencing. When you schedule an appointment, select “Video Office” and book a time that works for you. You’ll receive an email with a unique link, click that link a few minutes before your appointment time and it will take you to your session. You can also find the link to your appointment in your Client Portal.
You don’t need any software for a telehealth appointment but you do need a device with a working camera and microphone as well as an internet connection strong enough to sustain video conferencing. While some clients are reluctant to try telehealth, we’ve found that most people end up embracing this convenient option once they’ve become familiar with the process, so don’t let the distance option intimidate you if virtual sessions make the most sense for your schedule.
The
Cost
DO YOU TAKE MY INSURANCE?
Most of our therapists are participating providers for the plans listed below. We do have providers who are not yet enrolled with all of these companies, so please check the individual page for your chosen provider and contact your insurance company to verify that your coverage will be accepted.
If you have an insurance plan not listed here, please let us know what your plan requires for out-of-network reimbursement and we will work with you to provide the appropriate documentation.
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO)
Cigna/Evernorth
HealthLink
TriCare (most plans through Humana Military)
United Healthcare (United Behavioral Health/Optum/UMR)
HOW MUCH DOES THERAPY COST?
If you are using insurance, please consult your plan benefit documentation to find out the cost for care. If you are not using insurance, each session is $165 no matter which provider you choose.
HOW AND WHEN DO I PAY?
We require all clients to have a current, valid credit card on file with us. If you have an insurance co-pay or are using self-pay (no insurance), we’ll charge your card for those fees after your session. If we’re billing your insurance, we’ll charge the card on file for the balance due after your insurance adjusts (this will vary based on your insurance company).
You can pay for additional services and access your statements, payment history, and insurance reimbursement statements in the Client Portal.
The
Process
IS WHAT I SAY CONFIDENTIAL?
Largely, yes. Confidentiality is key to the therapeutic process and we respect that your feelings, emotions, and experiences are only yours to share.
There are a few exceptions to the limits of confidentiality that are important to note but rarely needed. Providers may be obligated to break confidentiality if a client expresses a serious desire to harm themselves or others, or if the provider suspects that child or elder abuse may be occurring.
If you’re using insurance, we may be obligated to provide some clinical information to your insurance company.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT TO GET OUT OF THIS?
While each person has their own goals to identify and work toward, the overall aim of therapy is to help you overcome obstacles to your mental well-being and improve the quality of your life. Expect to explore your experiences, behaviors, and emotions in a non-judgmental setting and to receive guidance and tools to support your growth.
Each provider is versed in a variety of types of therapy, allowing them to integrate different techniques to help you achieve your specific goals. One size doesn’t fit all, but we’ll work together to find what fits your life.
HOW LONG SHOULD I STAY IN THERAPY?
It’s impossible to say. Everyone who comes to us has a unique story and a set of challenges with its own depth and breadth that influence the amount of time needed to get substantial benefits from participating in therapy. Some people come to us with a specific issue that can be addressed on a shorter timeline and some are seeking a deeper ongoing exploration; both are valid but you don’t have to know which camp you fall into to get started, we’ll figure it out with you.
As a practice, our goal is to equip you with the tools you need to thrive after your time with us has ended, no matter how long or short that time is.
WHAT IF MY THERAPIST ISN’T A GOOD FIT?
It’s essential that you feel comfortable with your therapist and we promise not to take it personally if you want to change providers for any reason. Just let your therapist know directly (really, it’s ok!) or contact our admin office at info@radzomcounseling.com or 618.248.2040 and we’ll refer you to another provider.
The Fine
HOW LONG AND HOW OFTEN ARE SESSIONS?
Most clients meet with their therapist weekly with each session lasting a clinical hour.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THERAPY AND COUNSELING?
Nothing. We use the terms interchangeably, as we do therapist and counselor.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY APPOINTMENT?
If you need to cancel, please do so through the Client Portal with at least 24 hours notice. To cancel an appointment with less than 24 hours notice, please email info@radzomcounseling.com or call us at 618.248.2040 between 9am and 5pm.
If you either cancel with less than 24 hours notice or do not attend a scheduled appointment, you will be charged for the full cost of the session ($165.00). This cost is not billable to insurance and will be charged to the card on file after the missed session.