Getting Started...Your next steps

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Begin by calling 224-208-8708 and leave a voicemail if I cannot answer at the moment. I will return you call within 24-48 hours during the workweek. You can also click on the contact button on the website home page  and send me an email. 

During this phone call, basic information will be gathered and we can then set up an appointment for an initial meeting. If this is a Telehealth appointment a link will be sent to you via email on the day of your scheduled appointment. New client forms can be accessed on my SimplePractice Client portal and I will walk you through how to use this simple process.

During your first appointment, you will have time to share what you would like to work on in therapy. I will ask questions and answer the questions you may have. We will create initial treatment goals and I will explain the various therapies that we may use.

You may be nervous on your first appointment...that is perfectly natural! After all, you do not know me and you are here to talk about vulnerable issues. Please know that I will do my best to ease your nervous system and make you feel at ease.

A Peaceful Mind is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)of Illinois PPO and  Blue Cross/Blue Choice of Illinois PPO. We can bill other insurance companies as an out of network provider. It is advisable to call the Customer Service phone number on the back of your insurance card to check for how much your plan will pay and what your Out of Network deductible is. It is best to do this before your first session.

• What are my outpatient mental health benefits?
• What is my annual deductible and has it been met for this year?
• What is my co-pay or co-insurance amount?
• If you do not have BCBS ask your insurance provider the extent of your out of network mental health benefits

  A Peaceful Mind is a preferred provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO and Blue Cross/Blue Choice PPO. BCBS insurance claims will automatically be submitted electronically for you. A Peaceful Mind will also submit claims for other insurance companies for you at no extra cost. It is recommended that you check with your insurance company before your first session to check for out of network benefits and costs. 

In the event you are using an out of network insurance company, per the Illinois No Surprises Act, A Peaceful Mind will give you a statement identifying your fees and what you will be responsible for. For more information about The Illinois No Surprises Act please read below.

 · Initial Evaluation: $200.00 (55 minutes)

· Individual Session: $150.00 (38-45 minutes)

· Individual Session: $185.00 - $210.00 (55 minutes)

· Couples Session: $200.00 (55 minutes)

· Legal Fees: $400.00 (55 minutes) plus reimbursement of fees paid by the therapist for legal consultation about your case.

Our trauma therapy sessions provide a safe and supportive environment to help you process and heal from traumatic experiences. We use evidence-based practices to help you overcome trauma and improve your mental well-being.

  At A Peaceful Mind I prioritize the time scheduled for your therapy and ask that you do, as well. Missing scheduled appointments without notification  at least 24 hours in advance will result in a charge for the full cost of your session, not just the copay. (Please note that these missed appointments are not covered by insurance plans.) In instances where a 24-hour cancellation notification is not possible, please discuss the specifics of the situation with me.  Also let me know the preferred method of cancellation (telephone, text or email).

  Illinois state law (Illinois Public Act 096-1523) protects you from “balance” or “surprise” bills when you receive care at an in-network facility or ambulatory surgery center from out-of-network providers who provide radiology, anesthesiology, pathology, neonatology, or emergency physician services at that in-network facility.

In these situations, you cannot be charged greater out-of-pocket expenses than you would have been for covered, in-network physician or provider services. The out-of-network provider should not send you a bill.

  You could, however, still be required to pay an out-of-network bill in certain situations. Illinois’ surprise billing protections only apply to insurance plans regulated by the state of Illinois. Therefore, if your insurance plan is not regulated by the state, you may still be billed for these out-of-network charges. Further, these protections only apply to certain out-of-network providers who are based in an in-network facility; if the facility where you receive these services itself is out-of-network, you can also receive an out-of-network bill. Similarly, these protections do not apply if you purposely choose a provider not within your insurance network.

When balance billing isn’t allowed, you also have the following protections:

• You are only responsible for      paying your share of the cost (like the copayments, coinsurance, and      deductibles that you would pay if the provider or facility was      in-network). Your health plan will pay out-of-network providers and      facilities
• Your health plan generally must:
• Cover emergency services without      requiring you to get approval for services in advance (prior      authorization).
• Cover emergency services by      out-of-network
• Base what you owe the provider or      facility (cost-sharing) on what it would pay an in-network provider or      facility and show that amount in your explanation of
• Count any amount you pay for      emergency services or out-of-network services toward your deductible and      out-of-pocket

If you believe you’ve been wrongly billed, you may contact:

The Illinois Department of Insurance 320 West Washington Street Springfield, IL 62767 1-877-527-9431

Visit https://www.cms.gov/files/document/model-disclosure-notice-patient-protections-against-surprise-billing-providers-facilities-health.pdf for more information about your rights under Federal law.