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Advanced Behavioral Solutions, LLC
Call us: (847) 496-4693
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is psychotherapy?
A: Psychotherapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life and uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, etc. However, psychotherapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reductions in feelings of stress. Psychotherapy also requires an active effort on your part in order to be successful. You will be expected to reflect on things that you and your therapist have discussed during session or complete homework given to you to assist in your treatment.
Q: What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
A: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who is trained in prescribing psychotropic medications. Psychiatrist’s training in psychotherapy is limited, and managed care guidelines often restrict their treatment to medication dispensing and monitoring. A psychologist has a doctorate degree in psychology and is trained to provide psychotherapy and psychological assessments, but cannot prescribe medication.
Q: Which is better: individual or group therapy?
A: Both services are likely beneficial for you, your child, or your adolescent. However, individual therapy is highly personalized and tailored to meet your unique needs by creating an individual treatment plan to address specific symptoms, behaviors, and goals. Group therapy is an optimal setting to practice the skills acquired in individual therapy, gain support from others via the opportunity to identify with other group members who share similar difficulties, and receive education and feedback regarding appropriate socialization. At ABS, we consider both individual and group to be complementary, effective forms of psychotherapeutic intervention. (For further information on our therapy groups please refer to our Group Therapy page)
Q: Is therapy confidential?
A: Yes, therapy is confidential due to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and state law with the exception of anyone becoming a danger to him/herself or others, as well as suspicion of child or elder abuse. Any information that is shared outside of treatment, payment, or healthcare operations requires your written authorization.
Q: What does ABS provide?
A: ABS provides comprehensive psychological therapeutic services to families, children, adolescents, adults, and couples in individual, family, and group formats. Services may also include psychological testing, academic assessment, career evaluations, and ADHD evaluations (For further information, please refer to our Services page).
Q: How long is each appointment?
A: The Initial Assessment is 45-60 minutes in length. Each session thereafter is 45-90 minutes in length depending upon your treatment plan, and group sessions are 60 minutes in length.
Q: What does an "Initial Assessment" involve?
A: An Initial Assessment is an initial meeting that involves completing paperwork that is mandated by law and obtaining information about one's presenting problem(s) as well as history of the problem. Additionally, information is obtained about one's family, work, academic history, lifestyle, etc. After the Initial Assessment is completed, treatment goals and plans are developed to commence the beginning of psychotherapy. At ABS, we conduct Initial Assessments for all clients seeking individual or group therapy to assure your specific goals are addressed and needs are met. **NOTE: An initial assessment is not the same as a "psychological assessment" or "psychological evaluation."
Q: How do I schedule an appointment?
A: If you are interested in beginning therapy, call our main line (847) 496-4693, and a therapist will contact you to set up an initial evaluation and/or answer any questions you may have about our process. Once you are connected to a therapist, you will be provided with their voicemail/pager number and be able to contact them directly as needed.
Q: Who are the professional therapists at ABS?
A: All therapists at ABS are experienced professionals who hold Master's Degrees or Doctorate Degrees in Psychology and have met all professional training requirements to practice psychotherapy and psychological testing in the State of Illinois. (For further information on individual therapists please refer to Our Staff page)
Q: Will my health insurance cover my services?
A. We are a Fee-For-Service, Out-of-Network private practice where payment is rendered at the time of service. We provide you with the necessary forms that you can submit to your insurance carrier, and if you have a PPO, EPO, or other carrier with Out-of-Network benefits, you will receive reimbursement for our services. Prior to attending sessions at ABS, you may want to contact your insurance carrier to find out what percentage of reimbursement you will receive. If you have any further questions regarding insurance or payments, please call our main line at (847) 496-4693.
Q: When should I seek counseling and psychological services?
A: Transitions and adjustments are a natural part of life. However, there may be times when effectively navigating those changes becomes overwhelming. If you find that managing daily life events becomes burdensome, or recognize that you could benefit from additional support, now is the time to seek help.