How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy is helpful for anyone that is motivated or has the desire to improve their life. Therapy is a partnership between client and therapist, where you work together to explore and reflect about your inner & outer worlds. You will gain a new understanding of your mental health, in the same way you would learn something about your nutrition if you had ongoing conversations with a nutritionist. Everyone gains something different out of therapy because it is individualized for them.
If you do not find value in your therapeutic experience, it could be because you are not vibing with your therapist, and it is perfectly acceptable to find one that you have more “therapeutic chemistry” with.
Is Chameleon Counseling online, or in-person?
Chameleon Counseling is 100% teletherapy only at this time. You can converse with the therapist through phone, video, or live instant messaging sessions; however, the ultimate goal is to begin offering in-person sessions as well, and that will depend on the growth rate of this new practice. In-person sessions will be available in the Chicago northwest suburbs (location TBD).
Do I need a diagnosis of ADHD, Autism, or another neurodivergent diagnosis to attend therapy at Chameleon Counseling?
Definitely not! Chameleon Counseling offers individualized therapy for all clients, regardless of any diagnoses or “disorders”. I offer support through skill building and inner exploration, something that anyone can benefit from. You can read more in Why Chameleon?
I suspect that I may have ADHD, Autism, or another ND disorder. Can you diagnose?
Yes and no. Through conversations and rating scales, we can explore together your strengths and weaknesses and how closely you line up with the criteria for any suspected diagnoses. Keep in mind, we believe in neurodiversity at Chameleon Counseling, in that all brains are created equal and no person is “disordered.” We help the symptoms and needs, regardless of any official or unofficial diagnosis.
However I do believe it can be validating and a relief for some individuals to receive an “official” diagnosis. In order to get an “official” diagnosis for a developmental disorder like ADHD or ASD (especially if you are seeking medication), you will have to seek out a psychological evaluation from a psychologist or doctor. We can help with any referrals.
What are the available hours?
I offer mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekend hours. Please reach out if there is a time that you were hoping for, as it never hurts to ask, and I offer flexible hours.
Monday: afternoons and evenings
Tuesday: mornings and evenings
Wednesday: mornings and evenings
Thursday: mornings
Saturday: mornings and afternoons
How much does it cost?
The self-pay rate is $125 for a 55-60 minute individual session, whether that is video, phone, or IM. An initial intake session is 90 minutes long, for $150.
The self-pay rate for a 75 minute Group session is $75.
You can read more about fees here.
Rates are individualized for individuals who are using insurance or OpenPath.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We accept insurance through the platforms of Headway (Illinois) and Sondermind (Colorado).
Illinois insurance: Oscar Health, United Healthcare, Oxford, Aetna
Colorado: pending
You can read more here.
What is the cancellation policy?
Appointments can be cancelled without a fee up to 24 hours in advance. If appointments are cancelled within 24 hours of the appointment, you will be charged $75, regardless of insurance. However, if you are able to reschedule your sesssion for the same week, the late fee will be waived. This is competely dependent on therapist availability. You can read more about the cancellation policy here.
How long will it take?
Therapy is an individualized experience. The amount of sessions depends on many factors, including achievement of therapy goals. The client and the therapist decide together if and when it will be time to wrap up. Keep in mind that therapy is simply another tool in your Coping Skills Toolbox– you pull it out when you need it throughout your lifetime.
Okay, you've convinced me! I want to attend therapy at Chameleon Counseling. What now?
Send me a message and schedule a free 20 minute consult appointment! We will see if we are the right fit. After that, I will send you an invite through the Client Portal where you will schedule an intake session and fill out the necessary paperwork.