Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

No. All sessions are telehealth only. I currently see clients located in Illinois, Florida, and Virginia.

I am licensed to practice in the state of Illinois and Virginia and registered to provide out-of-state telehealth services for Florida residents. I am not able to serve clients outside of these states presently. Clients must physically in these states during sessions.

A consultation call is an opportunity to speak with the therapist before committing to regular sessions. During the call, I will take the time to understand your unique situation and provide information about services, approaches, and how I can help in your recovery. It is also a chance for you to ask any questions you might have, gain insight to the process, and determine if working with me is the right fit for you. My goal is to ensure you feel comfortable and confident in moving forward with me for your therapy needs.

No, Great Winds Counseling is a therapy practice and does not prescribe medications. My focus is to provide effective counseling and therapeutic services to support my clients in addressing and managing their mental health concerns. I use evidence-based and holistic approaches to personalize your care in a safe and supportive environment. We will work collaboratively to develop an effective treatment plan where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, build upon your coping skills, and work towards your mental health goals.

The payment structure is as follows: 1. If you have an in-network health insurance you can utilize your benefits. Payment would include any co-pays or deductibles insurance requires. In-network plans currently include: BCBS PPO, Blue Choice PPO, Aetna PPO, and Optum/United Healthcare plans.. 2. Self-pay rates are $235.00 for initial intake evaluation and $200.00 for 53 minute sessions. Reduced fee rates may be available depending on availability and can be offered on a time limited basis to those with financial need. Please feel free to reach out if interested in this option. 3. For those with out-of-network insurance, you can check if your plan includes out-of-network benefits. If so, after payment at time of service, you can be provided a superbill to submit to insurance for reimbursement. A superbill is similar to an invoice and will have an itemized list of services. Check out the Rates page for more information on out-of-network benefits. Credit card authorization will be requested as part of the intake process, and payment is due at time of service.

In-Network Great Winds Counseling is in-network with the following national and local insurance plans: - Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO- Blue Choice PPO - Blue Cross Community Plans (IL Medicaid)- Aetna PPO- Optum/United Healthcare PlansDeductibleSome insurance plans will have a deductible. This is an amount that you will need to spend out-of-pocket before the insurance benefits kick in. If you have an active deductible and have not met your deductible by the time of a session, you will likely be expected to pay for the total rate of the sessions until that deductible is met. Most insurance deductibles will restart at the beginning of the calendar year, however, some plans may restart at a different date, especially employer-funded plans. Co-Pay/Co-Insurance FeeMany insurance plans will have a co-pay or co-insurance rate for your therapy session. Please feel empowered to contact your insurance company with questions about your plan's coverage for behavioral health services with specifics to in-network vs. out-of-network coverage, deductibles, and co-pays. Note that every year, insurance plans benefits may also change, so you will need to be sure of your specific plan's benefits.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based approach to trauma treatment. Instead of retelling a difficult memory in detail over and over, EMDR uses guided eye movements (or similar bilateral stimulation) while you bring the memory to mind. Over time, this helps the memory lose its emotional charge, so it becomes something you remember rather than something that hijacks you. Learn more about EMDR.

The Four Blinks Protocol is a gentler, lower-intensity technique grounded in predictive processing that can reduce the emotional charge of a difficult memory - often without needing to describe the memory in detail at all. It's a good option if traditional trauma processing feels too overwhelming, or if you want meaningful relief without re-living painful material session after session. Learn more.

Yes. In addition to standard weekly sessions, I offer intensives in half-day (4-hour) blocks for clients who want concentrated progress on a specific memory or issue without waiting weeks between sessions. A 90 min intake and 60 min follow-up session are included. Intensives are private pay only. They are not covered by insurance, and no superbill is provided for reimbursement. Reach out to discuss availability and pricing.

No. I don't provide formal diagnostic testing for ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent conditions. My work is focused on support, understanding, and affirming care rather than assessment. If you're interested in formal testing, I'm happy to provide referrals to qualified specialists who can help with that process. Learn more about my neurodivergent-affirming approach.