Frequently Asked Questions

IntraSpectrum provides individual, couples, group, and family counseling to a wide range of clients in the Chicagoland area. We are highly collaborative and empathic, and we employ a variety of therapeutic strategies tailored to meet clients’ unique needs, which can (depending on our clients’ treatment goals) pull from a variety of philosophies and treatment modalities. All of our therapists work from a trauma-informed, strengths-based, relational perspective and you can expect your therapist to help you explore the past while collaborating with you to create meaningful change in the present.

We are an inclusive practice and strive to create a safe and affirming environment for all gender and sexual identities. We also identify as a sex-positive practice, creating a supportive environment for those in non-traditional relationships, such as kink, poly, and other non-monogamous identities.

We are a generalist practice, well trained and skilled in working with a wide range of presenting concerns. We also offer several areas of specialization, including trauma, depressive and bipolar disorders, anxiety and eating disorders, body image, sexuality, coming out, gender identity, self-harm, and addiction. We work with clients of ages ranging from young adolescence through older adulthood.

While all of our clinicians specialize in supporting and working with the LGBTQ+ population, we see a wide variety of clients who identify within and without the LGBTQ+ spectrum. All are welcome.

Yes, all of our locations are open for in-person counseling by appointment, and we also offer online / tele-health therapy (subject to health insurance provider policies). We are happy to assist if you are not sure about your health insurance provider’s policies regarding in-person vs. online therapy. Feel free to contact us at help@intraspectrum-chicago.com. Please note that clients who are seen in-person must comply with our policies regarding masking, vaccination and pre-session health screening, see the FAQs below for more information.

The ISC Group Therapy Program offers both virtual and in-person therapy groups. Please visit our Groups page for more information on groups currently open for enrollment, as well as upcoming groups. We are happy to assist if you are not sure about your health insurance provider’s policies regarding in-person vs. online therapy. Feel free to contact us at help@intraspectrum-chicago.com.

Clients can cancel or reschedule an individual, family, or relational therapy appointment anytime without incurring a late cancellation fee by giving us 2 calendar days’ notice via email to your therapist. If you cancel an individual, family, or relational therapy appointment with less than 2 calendar days’ notice, fail to show for your appointment, or are 15 or more minutes late for the appointment, you will be charged a $185 cancellation fee for the appointment. In addition, your insurance will not cover any missed sessions. For more information about our cancellation & rescheduling policy for individual, family, and relational therapy, please click here.

Our group therapy cancellation and no-show policy differs from individual, family, and relational therapy policy. If you are unable to attend a group therapy session, whether your absence is planned or unplanned, you are responsible for paying the full fee for that session that you miss: $50 for clients using insurance or paying out of pocket; $25 for sliding scale clients; and $5 for pro bono clients.

When clients are already taking medication when they start working with an IntraSpectrum therapist, that therapist will communicate on a regular basis with the client’s medicating provider to ensure coordinated care and that providers are working as a team. Alternatively, if clients are not currently taking medication and decide with their therapist at any point that they would like to consider pharmacotherapy, IntraSpectrum provides referrals to local psychiatrists with whom we maintain strong working relationships.

IntraSpectrum Counseling accepts major credit cards, and cash.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Currently, no, we do not work with any HMO health insurance plans. All HMO plans are out-of-network insurance plans.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

To get started with therapy services, please complete and submit the online inquiry form on the Get Support page of our website. The inquiry form lets you share important information (regarding the type of therapy you are interested in, issues you’d like to address in therapy, specific preferences or requirements in a therapist, your availability, etc.), that will help us match you with a therapist.

Once you’ve submitted the online form, we will reply to the email address you provided on the form with any questions and with a suggested therapist & session time for your consideration. 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.

We absolutely welcome any kind of request of this sort. When you initially contact us, please don’t hesitate to share your preferences, and we’ll do everything we can to attempt to match you with the therapist who seems like they’d be the best fit for you. To learn more about our team of clinicians, click here.

Once you complete the inquiry form on our website, our client services team will reach out confirming the receipt of your inquiry, and will provide you with information regarding your insurance coverage or will ask for any additional information needed from you before you are able to begin services. You will then be offered an appointment time, which you can either confirm or request a different time or therapist. Once you have confirmed the appointment time, we will send you a link to our client portal where you will be able to verify your information and complete necessary intake paperwork. Once the paperwork is complete, we will send you an email confirming your appointment time and scheduling you with an initial session date. PLEASE NOTE: our current electronic health system requires the legal name and sex marker to file for insurance.

Therapists will review the paperwork you completed prior to the first appointment. During the first two sessions, clients can expect their therapist to talk with them about a number of aspects of their history, current functioning, reasons for seeking help, and to provide initial recommendations for treatment. All individual, family, or relational sessions are 55 minutes long.

Many clients find it helpful to arrive a few minutes early so that they do not feel rushed at the beginning of the session. It is helpful to take a moment to breathe and consider what things you might want to address with the therapist during your time together.

No, we do not maintain a waitlist for a specific therapist or for therapeutic services in general.

No, we do not maintain a waitlist for specific therapists. Therapists marked as “Not Accepting New Clients” on their bio page do not have availability for new clients. For purposes of client care, we instead match potential new clients with therapists who are able to take on new clients, because it could be a year or more before the unavailable therapist’s schedule opens. We’ll recommend therapists who have availability, and who we feel would be a good match for you based upon the issues you want to explore, and what you tell us you are looking for in a therapist. We always do our best to take client preferences and requirements into account when we offer a therapist match, and we will work with new clients to find the best match possible.

Group psychotherapy is an effective form of therapy in which a certain number of people meet together under the guidance of professionally trained therapists to help themselves and one another. There are many different approaches to group therapy, but they all share in common creating a safe, supportive, and cohesive space to address personal, relationship and societal issues.

Research has shown that group therapy is typically just as effective as individual therapy for various reasons. First, most members identify with issues other members share and find they are helping themselves just by being present and processing the issues vicariously. Similarly, by listening and giving feedback to group members sharing their concerns, you may also be practicing new ways of interacting with others. Group therapy offers the opportunity to get multiple perspectives, increased support from peers, and a safe place to try out new behaviors and ways of being.

Group therapy can benefit people of different ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, and race, cultural and ethnic backgrounds who want help with specific concerns, such as depression, anxiety, serious medical illness, loss, trauma, lifestyle issues within a traditional culture, addictive disorders, or behavioral challenges. In addition, groups can benefit those seeking self-development by providing a safe environment in which to learn and grow.

Group therapy may be used as the primary treatment approach, or it can be used along with individual therapy. For some people, being in individual therapy and group therapy at the same time is an effective way to work on life’s challenges. They have the benefit of learning some new things about themselves in their interactions with other group members, and this learning can be expanded upon in their individual work. This is not practical for everyone however, and having an individual therapist is not usually a requirement for being in a group. Talk to one of our therapists during your intake sessions about what will best meet your needs.

Group therapy provides a place where you come together with others to share problems or concerns, to better understand your own situation, and to learn from and with each other. Under the leadership of two therapists, you will learn about yourself, gain self-understanding and skills for dealing with your concerns, and improve your relationships with other people. Members learn not only to understand themselves and their own issues but also become therapeutic helpers for other group members. Groups at ISC are held both in-person and online.

Most groups have between 6-10 members depending on the type of group, and 2 group therapists.

Our Therapy Groups run for 8-12 sessions, depending on the specific Group. Before a Group begins, you will receive the complete meeting schedule (including any holidays on which the Group will not meet). Your availability to attend these Group sessions should be a factor in determining whether the Group is right for you. It’s important that participants are present and engaged, in order to get the most from the Group Therapy experience. In addition, the cost for the Therapy Group is based on all sessions. We divide the fee into weekly payments for your convenience, but there is no cancellation policy for Therapy Groups; participants are responsible for all session fees, even on weeks they do not attend.

First, most members identify with issues other members share and find they are helping themselves just by being present and processing the issues vicariously. Similarly, by listening and giving feedback to group members sharing their concerns, you may also be practicing new ways of interacting with others. Group therapy offers the opportunity to get multiple perspectives, increased support from peers, and a safe place to try out new behaviors and ways of being.

The therapists’ role in groups is to evaluate each person prior to forming the group. Usually, there is a mix of people who can learn from each other. While some group members will have similar circumstances to you, it’s not necessary for all to be dealing with exactly the same problem. In fact, people with different strengths and difficulties are often in the best position to help one another.

It is normal to have questions or concerns about joining a group. What am I going to get out of this? Will there be enough time to deal with my own problems in a group setting? What if I don’t like the people in my group? What if I’m uncomfortable discussing my problems in front of others? Some people feel uneasy or embarrassed when first joining a group, but they soon begin to develop feelings of trust and belonging. Most people find that group therapy provides a great deal of relief because it allows them a chance to talk with others in a private, confidential setting.

All group members are expected to respect the confidentiality of the group. Group members are asked to make a commitment to protect each other’s confidentiality by agreeing not to divulge information that would violate the identity of others outside the group. While the group therapists cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality (since we cannot control the behavior of group members), we find that members are usually very respectful of each other’s privacy.

The Group Therapy session is a collaborative effort in which the therapists assume clinical responsibility for the group and its members. In a typical session, (which lasts 90 minutes, once a week), members work to express their own problems, feelings, ideas, and reactions as freely and honestly as possible. Such exploration gives the group the important information needed to understand and help one another.

If you are a new client interested in joining a Therapy Group that’s open for enrollment (or in being added to our Groups email list, so we can share info about new and upcoming Groups), please submit an Inquiry Form. Our Client Services team will schedule an intake appointment for you with one of the Group’s facilitators. This appointment gives you a chance to meet your potential therapist, ask questions, discuss your concerns and goals, and determine whether the Group is a good fit for your needs. If you are already working with an ISC therapist and are interested in joining a Therapy Group, please email groups@intraspectrum-chicago.com to start the process. Our Client Services team will contact you to set up a Groups intake appointment. Current clients may also speak with their ISC therapist about their interest in joining a therapy group.

Yes! Please review the information below carefully, so that you are informed of the attendance requirements for group therapy. And before you enroll in a group, be sure to confirm your availability on the specific dates that the group will meet.

• By signing up for a group, you are committing to attend each session of that group.
• If you elect to leave the group before the 5th group session, you will not be charged for the remaining sessions, provided that you inform the facilitators via email of your decision to drop before the 5th group session. You will be responsible for all missed group session fees accrued before you inform your facilitators via email that you are leaving the group.
• If you elect to leave the group after the 5th session, you will be responsible for the fees for all group sessions, including those sessions you do not attend.
• In order for us to bill insurance for group therapy sessions, we must have a minimum number of clients attend each session. For this reason, and in order to ensure everyone has a fruitful group therapy experience, we require that participants attend every session. If there are not enough participants for us to bill insurance, the group will proceed as scheduled, and you will be responsible for the $50 out of pocket group fee.
• Absences can be disruptive to the group process, and you are expected to attend every group session. However, we do understand that things happen, and that you may need to miss a session. If you are going to miss a session of your therapy group, please email the facilitators ASAP to let us know. And remember that you are responsible for the fees for the missed session.
• If you are unable to attend a session, whether your absence is planned or unplanned, you are responsible for paying the full fee for that session that you miss: $50 for clients using insurance or paying out of pocket; $25 for sliding scale clients; and $5 for pro bono clients.

Yes! Our group therapy cancellation and no-show policy differs from individual, family, and relational therapy policy. If you are unable to attend a group therapy session, whether your absence is planned or unplanned, you are responsible for paying the full fee for that session that you miss: $50 for clients using insurance or paying out of pocket; $25 for sliding scale clients; and $5 for pro bono clients.

In order to bill the session to insurance, it needs to be 55-minutes in duration. You absolutely have the agency to leave a session early. Please note that if you do choose to leave early, you will be responsible for the full cost of the session. For information about our current fees, please see our Billing FAQs.

IntraSpectrum Counseling is committed to the professional growth and development of our clinicians, and our team includes therapists who work under clinical supervision. To become licensed to practice independently, all mental health providers must complete a minimum number of therapy hours under clinical supervision. This means that they meet on a regular basis with another clinician who is licensed, and more experienced in both therapy and supervision. The process ensures the efficacy of the therapist / client relationship, helps therapists develop diagnostic skills & intervention strategies and work through ethical questions, and it satisfies the requirement for state licensure. If your therapist is working under supervision, your case may be discussed during these clinical supervisory meetings, as needed. More information will be shared during your initial session, and we welcome you to ask any questions you may have.

Clients can cancel or reschedule an individual, family, or relational therapy appointment without incurring late cancellation fee by giving us 2 full calendar days’ notice. For example, if your session is on January 5th, notice to cancel or reschedule needs to be given on or before January 3rd.

Please contact your therapist via email to cancel or reschedule an individual, family, or relational therapy session, as they will be most able to quickly respond to your needs and take the appropriate action. Due to our therapists’ work schedules or time away from the office, there could be a delay in their reply to you. To account for this possibility, we use the date and time stamp on the email you send to your therapist for the cancellation policy and not when your therapist responds.

If you are going to miss a session of your therapy group, whether planned or unplanned, please email the facilitators ASAP to let us know. And remember that you are responsible for the fees for the missed session. For more information about attendance and cancellation / no-show policies for group therapy, please refer to the Group Therapy section above.

Clients can cancel an appointment without incurring a late cancellation fee by emailing their therapist at least two full calendar days’ in advance. Due to their work schedules or time away from the office however, there could be a delay in your therapist’s reply to emails from you. To account for this possibility, we use the date and time stamp on the email you send to your therapist for the cancellation policy — not the date and time stamp from when your therapist responds.

Clients can reschedule an appointment without incurring a late cancellation fee by emailing their therapist at least two full calendar days’ in advance. Due to their work schedules or time away from the office, there could be a delay in their reply to emails from you. To account for this possibility, we use the date and time stamp on the email you send to your therapist — not the date and time stamp from when your therapist responds. If you give less than 2 calendar days’ notice, your therapist may try to reschedule your session, if possible. If they are able to do so, we will waive the late cancellation fee. However, this waiver is not guaranteed. Your therapist has a busy schedule and other clients, so you should not assume that your therapist will be able to reschedule your appointment on short notice. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you should provide at least 2 calendar days’ notice.

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.

We understand your desire to thank your therapist, and we love that you are feeling good about your services at IntraSpectrum Counseling! The therapeutic relationship is unique in that trust and closeness are built between therapist and client, however the ethics of therapy prohibit therapists from accepting most gifts. If you feel grateful or warmly towards your therapist, we encourage you to express that to your therapist so that you can discuss this in therapy. Our therapists value your feelings and feedback.

Instructions regarding how to access the building are shared via email during our intake process, in the same message that confirms your first appointment. If you have been scheduled for your first appointment and are unsure how to enter the building, please review the email that provided the date / time of your first appointment. Your therapist is copied on this email and can also answer any specific questions you may have about our locations.

The Client Portal is a HIPAA-compliant, secure & private gateway that we use to share forms with you, allow you to update your demographic information, view and make payments, and view your kept and upcoming sessions. You are also able to see the insurance information we have for you.

As a part of our intake process, clients are required to create a Client Portal account to complete our initial client paperwork.

During the intake process, a welcome email will be sent to the email address you shared on your initial inquiry form, inviting you to create your Client Portal account. Click the link in the welcome email to access the Client Portal login screen to get started. You should see your name and email address already populated. If you do not, please contact Client Services (via email to help@intraspectrum-chicago.com). You will be asked to create a password for your new account. Then click “Sign Up”.

Only create a Client Portal account via the welcome email sent to you. Do not create a Client Portal account by going to the Client Portal screen on our webpage — this page is for clients to log into existing accounts. Creating a new account on our webpage will result in a duplicate medical record for you and delay your intake process.

If you are having trouble creating your Client Portal account, please contact client services.

After you’ve created your Client Portal account, you can access it using the link in the invitation email or by clicking the “Client Portal” button on the IntraSpectrum Counseling website (link can be found on top nav / upper right corner of every page). We also suggest you bookmark the page on your computer browser for easy future reference.

Yes, these two fields are different. The “Sex” field refers to your legal sex / legal gender, and has the following options: Undefined, Male, and Female. We use this field for the purpose of submitting clients’ insurance claims for payment. Legal sex / legal gender is what must display in the “Sex” field so that the information matches what is on record with your insurance company. The “Gender Identity” field is where you should enter your gender identity, regardless of what your legal sex / legal gender is.

Unlike other states, Illinois state law only recognizes two legal sexes/ legal genders: Male or Female. Displaying anything else in the “Sex” field, or changing the information to be anything besides legal sex / legal gender, may result in delays or denials in insurance company processing of your claims.

We acknowledge that this can be confusing. The Client Portal “Sex” field refers to your legal sex / legal gender, and has the following options: Undefined, Male, and Female.  Legal sex / legal gender is what must display in the “Sex” field so that the information matches what is on record with your insurance company. There is a separate “Gender Identity” field where you should enter your gender identity, regardless of what your legal sex / legal gender is.

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.

If you have not yet registered for or created a Client Portal account, please refer to the “How do I create a Client Portal account?” question above to create a new account first.

You can access your Client Portal account by using the link in the email sent to you from the Client Portal, or by clicking the “Client Portal” button on the IntraSpectrum Counseling website (button is located in the upper right corner of every page).

• Log in to your Client Portal account
• Click the “FORMS” link at the top of the page. You’ll see a listing of each Form that has been shared with you (with the title of the Form, the date it was shared, status, etc.)
• To complete the Forms, click the blue “Complete Forms” button (in the “Actions” column on the right side of the page)
• Scroll down to read and complete the Form. If there are required fields, you will not be able to move to the next Form until you have completed them. A Progress Bar at the top of the page will help you keep track of your status.
• Use the “Save & Back” and “Save & Next” buttons to move back and forth between Forms. This will save your progress in case you need to exit and finish at another time
• On the last page, review all Forms, and make any necessary changes
• Scroll to the bottom and add your signature via mouse or keyboard
• Click the green “Save Signature” button
• Click the blue “Sign & Submit” button

NOTE: each Form has a two-hour time limit to complete before you will be logged out due to inactivity. If you need more time or need to finish the Form at a different time, click the “Next” button to save your information before you log out.

After you’ve created your Client Portal account, you can access it by clicking the “Client Portal” button on the IntraSpectrum Counseling website (button is located in the upper right corner of every page) or by using the link in emails sent to you from the Client Portal.

• Log in to your Client Portal account
• Click “Forms” in the black bar at the top of the page
• From this page you can view all forms sent to you, Pending forms (not yet completed), and completed forms

If you have not yet registered for or created a Client Portal account, please refer to the “How do I create a Client Portal account?” question above to create a new account first.

Our system automatically uploads your forms into your client record. The system notifies your therapist when you complete the form, and your therapist will have immediate access to any forms you complete. However, if it would bring you peace of mind, you are always welcome to email your therapist with an update.

After you’ve created your Client Portal account, you can access it by clicking the “Client Portal” button on the IntraSpectrum Counseling website (button is located in the upper right corner of every page) or by using the link in emails sent to you from the Client Portal.

• Log in to your Client Portal account
• Click the “INSURANCE & BILLING” link at the top of the page
• On the right portion of the screen, you’ll see “Credit Cards”, and links to view your stored cards or enter a new card.
• Click “Enter New Card”, and type in the name, card number, expiration date and billing zip code. You can choose to store the card securely for future payments by checking the “Save Card for Future Payments” box.

NOTE: You must make a credit card payment in the Client Portal during the same browser session after you update your default payment method with the new credit card. Our system collects the “CVV” (security code) when the card is charged for the first time. If the new card you enter is different from the one you shared on the credit card authorization form AND you do not make a payment when you add the new card to the Client Portal, the CVV will not be retained, and we will not be able to process future payments on your behalf.

If you have not yet registered for or created a Client Portal account, please refer to the “How do I create a Client Portal account?” question above to create a new account first.

After you’ve created your Client Portal account, you can access it by clicking the “Client Portal” button on the IntraSpectrum Counseling website (button is located in the upper right corner of every page) or by using the link in emails sent to you from the Client Portal.

• Log in to your Client Portal account
• In the black bar at the top of the page (right side), click the down-arrow to the right of your name
• Click “Demographic Info” to display the contact & demographic details associated with your account
• Update your address, home telephone and / or mobile telephone number(s) as needed
• Click the green “Save Demographic Info” button in the upper right corner of the page

Note that if the change is to your mobile telephone number, you can also make that update from the “Profile” page (accessible by clicking the down-arrow to the right of your name in the black bar at the top of the page). Changing your mobile phone number on either page (“Profile” or “Demographic Info”) will also update the mobile telephone field on the other page.

If you have not yet registered for or created a Client Portal account, please refer to the “How do I create a Client Portal account?” question above to create a new account first.

After you’ve created your Client Portal account, you can access it by clicking the “Client Portal” button on the IntraSpectrum Counseling website (button is located in the upper right corner of every page) or by using the link in emails sent to you from the Client Portal.

• Log in to your Client Portal account
• In the black bar at the top of the page (right side), click the down-arrow to the right of your name
• Click “Profile” to display the name and contact information associated with your account
• Update your email address as needed on this page
• Click the green “Save Profile” button in the lower left corner of the page

If you have not yet registered for or created a Client Portal account, please refer to the “How do I create a Client Portal account?” question above to create a new account first.

Insurance changes cannot be made through the Client Portal. 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 “Billing & Insurance” FAQs section 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.

After you’ve created your Client Portal account, you can access it by clicking the “Client Portal” button on the IntraSpectrum Counseling website (button is located in the upper right corner of every page) or by using the link in emails sent to you from the Client Portal.

• Log in to your Client Portal account
• In the black bar at the top of the page, to the right of “Make a Payment” is a blue box that displays your current balance due
• For details on the amount, click “Make a Payment” in the black bar at the top of the page

If you have not yet registered for or created a Client Portal account, please refer to the “How do I create a Client Portal account?” question above to create a new account first.

After you’ve created your Client Portal account, you can access it by clicking the “Client Portal” button on the IntraSpectrum Counseling website (button is located in the upper right corner of every page) or by using the link in emails sent to you from the Client Portal.

• Log in to your Client Portal account
• Click “Appointments” in the black bar at the top of the screen
• To view upcoming appointments, click the “Upcoming” tab at the top of the Appointments listing

If you have not yet registered for or created a Client Portal account, please refer to the “How do I create a Client Portal account?” question above to create a new account first.

After you’ve created your Client Portal account, you can access it by clicking the “Client Portal” button on the IntraSpectrum Counseling website (button is located in the upper right corner of every page) or by using the link in emails sent to you from the Client Portal

• Log in to your Client Portal account
• Click “Appointments” in the black bar at the top of the screen
• To view your appointment history, click the “Kept” tab at the top of the Appointments listing

If you have not yet registered for or created a Client Portal account, please refer to the “How do I create a Client Portal account?” question above to create a new account first

No. Appointments cannot be scheduled, rescheduled/changed, or canceled on the client portal. To schedule an additional session or cancel/reschedule an upcoming session, please contact your therapist directly via email.

Please remember that in order to avoid a penalty, we require at least 2 calendar days to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Due to therapists’ work schedules or time away from the office, there could be a delay in their reply to you. To account for this possibility, we use the date and time stamp on the email you send to your therapist for our cancellation policy — not when your therapist responds.

No. Our Client Portal is unable to provide messaging with our therapists at this time. If you need to contact your therapist, please email them directly.

IntraSpectrum Counseling accepts major credit cards, and cash.

Yes. We offer both in-person and tele-health online therapy (subject to health insurance provider policies). If you would like, or if your therapist believes you may clinically benefit from, tele-health therapy, you will be able to do so in the future. We are happy to assist if you are not sure about your health insurance provider’s policies regarding in-person vs. online therapy. Feel free to contact us at help@intraspectrum-chicago.com.

Clients can cancel or reschedule an individual, family, or relational therapy appointment anytime without incurring a late cancellation fee by giving us 2 calendar days’ notice via email to your therapist. If you cancel an individual, family, or relational therapy appointment with less than 2 calendar days’ notice, fail to show for your appointment, or are 15 or more minutes late for the appointment, you will be charged a $185 cancellation fee for the appointment. In addition, your insurance will not cover any missed sessions. For more information about our cancellation & rescheduling policy for individual, family, and relational therapy, please click here.

Our group therapy cancellation and no-show policy differs from individual, family, and relational therapy policy. If you are unable to attend a group therapy session, whether your absence is planned or unplanned, you are responsible for paying the full fee for that session that you miss: $50 for clients using insurance or paying out of pocket; $25 for sliding scale clients; and $5 for pro bono clients.

Our therapists offer services seven days a week. Morning, afternoon and evening session times are available. Typically, clients will wait no longer than a few weeks from they time they submit an online inquiry form until their initial appointment.

Our offices observe four practice-wide holidays each year, so that our team members may spend time with their loved ones. IntraSpectrum Counseling is closed for:

New Year’s Day
Independence Day (July 4th)
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day

Please note:

• There will be additional times during the year when your therapist is out of the office due to PTO (planned time off). Your therapist will speak with you in advance regarding rescheduling if their time away will impact your session.
• Because our therapists offer services seven days a week, when we observe a holiday it is only for the day on which the actual holiday falls (e.g. we are open on the Friday following Thanksgiving, on Christmas Eve, on New Year’s Eve, etc.)

If you have any questions, please feel free to speak with your therapist.

Our offices in the Loop (180 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1830) and one of our Andersonville offices (1511 W Berwyn Ave) are accessible for individuals with disabilities. Our other Andersonville office (5340 N Clark, Suite 212) is not accessible for individuals with disabilities.

If you have a disability or other mobility need, please share that information and your accessibility needs during the intake process, to ensure that IntraSpectrum Counseling and your therapist can best support you.

It’s easy to request a copy of your ISC records, and we are happy to assist. Simply download and complete the Authorization to Obtain or Release Information form and send it to us via email (to records@intraspectrum-chicago.com) or via fax to (312) 263-1933. Requests are typically handled within 5-10 business days.

We need your legal name to create a medical record. Additionally, we need a legal name to submit claims to insurance companies. The name on your insurance claim and the name on your insurance policy must match. If you change your legal name, please let us know so that we can update it in our system. Your legal name will be displayed on claims sent to your insurance company, your medical records, superbills, and invoices. Whenever possible, our electronic health record system will display your chosen name.

IntraSpectrum Counseling is committed to the professional growth and development of our clinicians, and our team includes therapists who work under clinical supervision. To become licensed to practice independently, all mental health providers must complete a minimum number of therapy hours under clinical supervision. This means that they meet on a regular basis with another clinician who is licensed, and more experienced in both therapy and supervision. The process ensures the efficacy of the therapist / client relationship, helps therapists develop diagnostic skills & intervention strategies and work through ethical questions, and it satisfies the requirement for state licensure. If your therapist is working under supervision, your case may be discussed during these clinical supervisory meetings, as needed. More information will be shared during your initial session, and we welcome you to ask any questions you may have.

Our Loop location is located in the 180 N. Michigan Ave building (Suite 1830), right across the street from Millennium Park, between Lake and Randolph streets. For those taking public transport, we are a couple of blocks from the Lake St. El stop (most of the El train lines run through this station), as well as the Randolph St. Metra Station. For those traveling from the suburbs, we are just a little over a mile from the Ogilvie Metra stop. There are also a variety of bus routes that stop right in front of the building, via Chicago Transit Authority.

If you are driving, there are a number of parking garages in close proximity, and you can also find metered parking on nearby side streets; be sure to leave yourself extra time to search for a parking space if you decide to drive. (Pro-tip-Smartphone apps such as SpotHero and ParkWhiz can sometimes provide discounts for garage parking.)

Our Andersonville locations are located at 5340 N. Clark St., on the corner of Clark St. and Summerdale Ave., and  1511 Berwyn Ave. Clark St. bus routes and the Red Line El train (Berwyn stop) are the best public transport options. If you are driving, there is ample parking (some metered(Berwyn Ave), some not) available on Clark St., Ashland Ave., and several nearby side streets. Additionally, there is free parking in the US Bank parking lot behind the building (entrance on Summerdale Ave.) weekday evenings after 5:00pm, and on Saturdays after 1:00pm.

*Please do not park in the small lot behind the bank. This lot is reserved for bank and IntraSpectrum Employees.

If your session is in person, masking is optional at all locations both in common areas and during therapy sessions. While face masks are not required, for the health and safety of all, we will continue to provide surgical masks in our waiting rooms for those who would like one.

Yes. All clients (adults and children) who are seen in-person are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Clients must submit proof of vaccination online, either via the initial Inquiry Form or the Client Portal. And for the health and safety of all,  IntraSpectrum therapists & staff must also be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza.

We have several measures in place to help mitigate the spread of COVID.

• If your session is in person, masking is optional at all locations both in common areas and during therapy sessions. While face masks are not required, for the health and safety of all, we will continue to provide surgical masks in our waiting rooms for those who would like one.
• Therapists and staff must be fully immunized (with booster) against COVID-19 and influenza
• All clients (adults & children) visiting our offices for in-person therapy must be fully vaccinated against COVID
• An air filter with H13 True HEPA Air Purifier Filter runs at all times at each location
• Therapists sanitize all surfaces after each client (including couch and cushions), and again at the end of their shift
• Hand sanitizer is readily available in the common areas at all locations
• Appointment Reminder emails sent prior to each visit also remind clients that if their session is in-person and they have a fever, cough or other COVID-19 symptoms, that they should contact their therapist to reschedule the session

We continue to review the latest available data from the CDC and regional and local health officials to help maintain a healthy environment for all who visit our offices. Any updates to our policies will be communicated to the general public here on the ISC website, and to clients via their ISC therapist and Appointment Reminder messages (email & text) sent before each scheduled session. If you have any questions, please speak with your ISC therapist or email us at help@intraspectrum-chicago.com.

Yes, in order for us to comply with various state and federal rules and regulations, all clients must re-sign our Informed Consent, Teletherapy Consent, HIPAA Privacy Notice, Credit Card Authorization, Emergency Contact Information, Medicare Opt-Out, and Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy each year. All policies and forms are also available on our website’s “Forms & Policies” page under “About Us,” and you can click here to view the page.

LGBTQ+ is an umbrella term for people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Intersex (also called Differences in Sexual Development, or DSD). The “Q” also stands for those who are questioning or in a state of flux with their gender and/or sexual identity.

IntraSpectrum Counseling is Chicago’s leading psychotherapy practice dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community. We strive to create an inviting, affirming and inclusive space for the vast spectrum of gender and sexual identities, as well as creating a sex/pleasure-positive space for non-heteronormative sexual expressions such as kink, poly, and open relationships. Our therapists have expertise in supporting LGBTQ+ clients, including specialized training in addressing the many intersections between mental health and the LGBTQ+ community.