Read below for answers to the most frequently asked questions about insurance coverage and billing for IntraSpectrum Counseling services – including forms of payment, session fees, invoices, in-network / out-of-network insurance coverage, HMOs & much more. Click here to browse the entire collection of FAQs.
What forms of payment do you accept?
IntraSpectrum Counseling accepts major credit cards, and cash.
What are your current session fees?
The hourly fee of our therapists is $185. If you and your therapist meet more than the usual time, you will be charged accordingly. In addition to weekly appointments, we charge this same hourly rate for other professional services you may need, though we will prorate the hourly cost for work for periods of less than one hour in quarter of an hour increments. Other professional services include report writing, telephone conversations lasting longer than 15 minutes, attendance at meetings with other professionals you have authorized, preparation of treatment summaries, and the time spent performing any other service you may request of your therapist or ISC.
Why did I get an invoice?
We provide an invoice for every appointment, including canceled or rescheduled appointments that do not have a fee. Typically, these invoices are sent the business day after your session, and one business day before we charge your card on file. If you have questions, concerns, or would like to discuss your invoice, please email Client Services (help@intraspectrum-chicago.com) so that we can help you. We strongly encourage you to copy your therapist on this email.
Which name displays on my invoices: my preferred name or my legal name?
Both your legal name and preferred name are used. Invoices are addressed to / created in your legal name, as it must match what’s on file with your insurance company. In a separate field on the invoice, preferred name displays as “Client:”. Both of these fields are hard-coded and we are not able to change the information that displays. If your concern surrounding this issue is due to needing to submit an out-of-network insurance claim yourself, please contact us at help@intraspectrum-chicago.com for assistance. What you need for this situation is called a “super bill”, not an invoice, and we are happy to provide one to you.
My appointment was canceled or rescheduled. Why did I receive an invoice?
We provide an invoice for every appointment, including canceled or rescheduled appointments that do not have a fee. Typically, these invoices are sent the business day after your session. If you have questions, concerns, or would like to discuss your invoice, please email Client Services (help@intraspectrum-chicago.com) so that we can help you. We strongly encourage you to copy your therapist on this email.
Do you offer sliding scale fees?
Yes, we do. IntraSpectrum Counseling is committed to making therapy accessible and affordable, and our Sliding Scale Program is one way we do that. Sliding Scale helps us offer individual, relationship, family, and group therapy at a reduced fee based on income for qualifying individuals, making affirming mental health services possible for people who might not otherwise be able to access them. Click here for details on the sliding scale program, and information on how to apply.
Do you accept Insurance?
IntraSpectrum Counseling is an In-Network Provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) PPO, Blue Choice Illinois insurance plans, Aetna, Anthem and Cigna. As part of the Intake process, our Client Services will verify your outpatient mental health coverage, whether there may be a deductible, co-pays, or co-insurance, and if there are yearly session limits. This information will be given to you before your first session. We will also submit all In-Network claims to BCBSIL PPO, Blue Choice, Aetna, Anthem and Cigna for you and follow up with BCBSIL, Aetna, Anthem or Cigna regarding any billing issues.
If you are covered by a different insurance carrier, or if you have an HMO with any insurance carrier, you may still be eligible for out-of-network coverage at IntraSpectrum Counseling, but the process and reimbursement rates are different. Clients who have out-of-network insurance are responsible for paying our full fee at the time of your session. As a courtesy to potential and current clients, and before we schedule your appointment, we will let you know if your insurance carrier is out-of-network, and you will be asked to confirm that you would like to move forward with out-of-network insurance.
In an effort to make your therapy experience as stress-free as possible, and unless you specifically request otherwise, our Client Services team will submit an out-of-network claim to your insurance carrier on your behalf. Once your insurance carrier processes the out-of-network claim, your insurance carrier will, depending upon the terms of your insurance plan, reimburse you directly. An out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance carrier will depend upon whether you have out-of-network benefits and coverage.
Please contact us for questions about insurance, reimbursement, or reduced fee options.
I have an HMO. Do you accept any HMO plans?
Currently, no, we do not work with any HMO health insurance plans. All HMO plans are out-of-network insurance plans.
I don't know if my insurance plan is an HMO or PPO. How do I figure out which one I have?
As part of the initial inquiry process, our Client Services team will also verify your outpatient mental health coverage, and whether there may be a deductible, co-pays or co-insurance, and/or yearly session limits. Please remember that we recommend you always call your insurance carrier to verify your coverage and benefits as well.
I have out-of-network insurance. May I still be seen by a therapist at IntraSpectrum Counseling?
Yes, you may. Currently, we are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Choice PPO, Aetna, Anthem and Cigna. If you have a different insurance carrier, we are an out-of-network provider for your health plan.
If you are covered by a different insurance carrier, or if you have an HMO with any insurance carrier, you may still be eligible for out-of-network coverage at IntraSpectrum Counseling, but the process and reimbursement rates are different. Clients who have out-of-network insurance are responsible for paying our full fee at the time of your session. As a courtesy to potential and current clients, and before we schedule your appointment, we will let you know if your insurance carrier is out-of-network, and you will be asked to confirm that you would like to move forward with out-of-network insurance.
In an effort to make your therapy experience as stress-free as possible, and unless you specifically request otherwise, our Client Services team will submit an out-of-network claim to your insurance carrier on your behalf. Once your insurance carrier processes the out-of-network claim, your insurance carrier will, depending upon the terms of your insurance plan, reimburse you directly. An out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance carrier will depend upon whether you have out-of-network benefits and coverage.
I have out-of-network insurance. Will you submit a claim for reimbursement on my behalf?
Yes, we will. If you are covered by a different insurance carrier, or if you have an HMO with any insurance carrier, you may still be eligible for out-of-network coverage at IntraSpectrum Counseling, but the process and reimbursement rates are different. Clients who have out-of-network insurance are responsible for paying our full fee at the time of your session. As a courtesy to potential and current clients, and before we schedule your appointment, we will let you know if your insurance carrier is out-of-network, and you will be asked to confirm that you would like to move forward with out-of-network insurance.
In an effort to make your therapy experience as stress-free as possible, and unless you specifically request otherwise, our Client Services team will submit an out-of-network claim to your insurance carrier on your behalf. Once your insurance carrier processes the out-of-network claim, your insurance carrier will, depending upon the terms of your insurance plan, reimburse you directly. An out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance carrier will depend upon whether you have out-of-network benefits and coverage.
How do I update my insurance information?
If you have new insurance information, please inform Client Services (help@intraspectrum-chicago.com) and your therapist by email. Please attach a picture of the front and back of your insurance card to the email. Once we receive your new insurance information, we will update it in our system and send you information about any changes to eligibility, benefits, and session fees.
It is your responsibility to make sure that we have the most current and accurate insurance information. If your insurance information is inaccurate, you may be financially responsible for the full session fees. This can result in a sudden and very large balance if insurance claims for multiple sessions are denied/rejected or if you are now using an out-of-network insurance (see FAQ above for more information about out-of-network insurance). Consequently, we strongly encourage you to communicate any anticipated changes to your insurance as soon as you are aware of them. Insurance changes cannot be made through the Client Portal.
What happens if I haven't paid my bill?
For unpaid balances older than 30 days, IntraSpectrum Counseling reserves the right to send balances to a collection agency (click here for our Informed Consent). Before sending to collections, we make several attempts to reach you and facilitate payment. If you would like to set up a payment plan for an unpaid balance, please communicate with us by emailing help@intraspectrum-chicago. Clients who communicate and set up a payment plan will not have their balances sent to collections.
How can I get a copy of my invoice or a “superbill” to submit to my insurance carrier?
You can get a copy of your IntraSpectrum Counseling invoice (or a “superbill” to submit to your out-of-network insurance carrier for reimbursement) while you are on the Client Portal to pay the invoice.
You can only access a copy of your invoice or superbill using the client portal if you have not already paid the invoice. Instructions for printing an unpaid invoice or superbill on your Client Portal are below, or click here for more info. If you have already paid the invoice and want or need a copy of an invoice or superbill, please contact Client Services at help@intraspectrum-chicago.com.
Printing an Unpaid Invoice Being Paid on the Portal
Once you’re logged into the Client Portal you will be able to see a balance due and the “Make A Payment” option, in the black bar at the top of the page.
- Click “Make a Payment”
- Navigate to the invoice you wish to print and select “Invoice” from the Print drop-down
- A PDF version of the Invoice will open that you can either save or print
Printing a Superbill for an Unpaid Invoice Being Paid on the Portal
Once you’re logged into the Client Portal, you will be able to see a balance due and the “Make A Payment” option in the black bar at the top of the page.
- Click “Make a Payment”
- Navigate to the invoice you wish to print and select “Superbill” from the Print drop-down
- A PDF version of the Superbill will open that you can either save or print
NOTE: Please remember that if want a copy of your invoice or superbill for a session that you’ve already paid, please contact Client Services at help@intraspectrum-chicago.com.