Questions? Good.
Here are the answers.
Getting Started
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The first step is a free 15-minute consultation or chat. No paperwork, no commitment, just a real conversation. Tell us what's going on, ask anything, and see if we're a good fit. If we are, we'll get your first session scheduled. If we're not, we'll point you in the right direction.
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No. You can reach out directly, no referral needed. If your insurance requires one, we'll let you know on your free call.
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We reply to every message within one business day. Most clients can start within one to two weeks of their free consult. Availability varies by clinician, so reach out and we'll give you an honest picture of what's open.
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That's exactly what the free consult is for. You don't need a diagnosis, a perfectly worded reason, or certainty that this will work. You just need to be curious enough to have a 15-minute conversation.
Insurance & Fees
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Yes. We're in-network with most major insurance plans. Coverage varies by clinician, so we'll confirm your benefits on your free call. Self-pay and superbills for out-of-network reimbursement are available too.
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Self-pay rates are $200 for your first session (intake), $150 for a standard session, and $175 for a couples session. If you use insurance, you'll usually pay your copay, coinsurance, or deductible instead. We're upfront about fees, and we'll confirm what you'll owe on your free call. No surprise bills.
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A superbill is a detailed receipt you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement if your plan has out-of-network benefits. Many clients with PPO plans get partial reimbursement this way. We can provide superbills on request. Just ask on your free call.
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Yes. We understand that cost is a real barrier. Reduced rates of $70 to $100 per session are available at each therapist's discretion, and spots are limited, so don't hesitate to ask on your free call.
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We accept all major credit cards, plus HSA and FSA cards. All payments are processed securely through our client portal.
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Your first step is the free 15-minute consultation or chat. Low pressure, no commitment. After that, your first full session is about getting to know each other: what's going on, what you're hoping for, and what therapy with this clinician will look like. From there, sessions are typically weekly or every other week, and you'll set goals together that guide the work. You don't need to have it all figured out before you come in.
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Sessions at CLS are active and structured, not just open-ended talking. Your therapist will ask questions, reflect back what they're hearing, and bring in tools and frameworks that fit what you're working on. You'll usually leave with something concrete: a next step, a new perspective, or something to practice or pay attention to. Sessions are 53 minutes.
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It depends on what you're working on and what your goals are. Some clients come for a focused stretch of 8 to 12 sessions to tackle a specific issue. Others work longer term. Your therapist will be honest about what they're seeing and realistic about timelines. You're never locked in, and you can always reassess.
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You'll notice things shifting outside of sessions: in how you respond to situations, how you talk to yourself, and what feels manageable instead of overwhelming. Progress isn't always a straight line, but your therapist will check in regularly and adjust the approach if something isn't working.
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Nope. Just show up as you are. If it helps, jot down what's been bothering you lately and what you'd want to feel different. That's it. You'll need a private space, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera. Curious how it goes from there? Here's what your first session is actually like.
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Usually, yes, but not the school kind. You'll leave most sessions with one small thing to try or notice before next time, like a conversation to practice or a pattern to watch for. It's how the tools actually stick. You decide how much you take on.
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When you've hit the goals you came in with and you're handling things on your own. As you get there, we'll space sessions out, and you and your therapist will decide together when to wrap up. And if life gets heavy again later, you can always come back.
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No. Our therapists don't prescribe medication, but we're happy to coordinate with your doctor or psychiatrist if you're taking medication or thinking about it.
What to Expect
Choosing the Right Therapist
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Yes. You're always welcome to request a specific clinician. If you're not sure who would be the best fit, we'll help match you based on your goals, availability, insurance, and each therapist's areas of focus. And if it's not the right fit after you've started? We'll help you switch. No awkwardness.
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Here's a quick guide. Carolina is often the best fit for teens, college students, young adults, moms and parents, and anyone who wants therapy in Spanish. Cassandra works with high-achieving adults, executives, first and oldest daughters, and people dealing with ADHD or burnout. Nicole works with couples, relationship patterns, trauma, and LGBTQ+ clients in Illinois.
Still not sure? Your free consult will sort it out. Book your free consult →
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It happens, and it's okay. The relationship with your therapist is one of the biggest reasons therapy works, so fit matters. If something isn't working, tell us. We'd rather help you find the right match than have you quietly give up on therapy.
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SĂ. Carolina offers therapy in English and Spanish, and many clients switch between the two. Parents can also get updates in Spanish, so the whole family feels included.
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Yes, for Illinois residents. Nicole works with all kinds of couples, including LGBTQ+, polyamorous, and non-monogamous relationships, on communication, conflict, trust, and intimacy. If you're in Missouri, individual therapy focused on your relationships and patterns is available with Cassandra or Carolina. More about couples therapy →
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Yes. We're affirming of all consensual relationship structures and kink. You won't have to explain the basics or defend how you love, and we won't treat your relationship style as the problem. We can help with communication, agreements, jealousy, trust, and anything else that's getting in the way. Couples and multi-partner therapy is available with Nicole in Illinois.
Learn more about LGBTQ+ & relationship diversity therapy →
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Yes, 16 and up. For clients under 18, a parent or guardian helps get things started, and Carolina offers parent updates in English or Spanish.
Telehealth & Logistics
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Yes. Research consistently shows that online therapy is as effective as in-person care for many common concerns, including anxiety, depression, burnout, and trauma. The real difference isn't the format. It's the relationship, the process, and whether your therapist actually gets what you're going through. All of our sessions are held on a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.
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Sessions use SimplePractice's secure, HIPAA-compliant video, right in your web browser. You'll need a private space, a reliable internet connection, and a laptop, tablet, or phone with a camera and microphone. Your therapist will send a secure link before your session. Click it a few minutes early and you'll be let in. No downloads required.
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Therapy is available to residents of Missouri and Illinois.
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Your therapist will wait a few minutes and then reach out via phone or text. Have your therapist's contact information saved before your first session so you can connect quickly if something goes wrong.
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No. All of our sessions are online, so you can meet from anywhere in Missouri or Illinois: your couch, your car, or your lunch break. Our home base is Edwardsville, Illinois.
Privacy & Confidentiality
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Yes. What you share in therapy is protected by HIPAA and professional ethics codes, and your therapist won't share it without your written consent. There are a few narrow legal exceptions: if there's an imminent risk of harm to yourself or someone else, if there's suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult, or if a court orders records released. These situations are rare, and your therapist will talk them through with you if they ever come up.
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No. Your therapy records are completely separate from your employment records, and your employer can't access them without your written consent.
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If you use insurance, your insurer may receive a diagnosis code and your session dates for billing purposes. If you'd rather keep your records out of the insurance system entirely, you can self-pay and ask for a superbill instead.
Crisis & Urgent Support
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Our therapists aren't available for crisis support between sessions. If you're in crisis, please reach out right away:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, any time, day or night
Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
Emergency services: call 911 if you or someone else is in immediate danger
If crisis support is a concern for you, your therapist will work with you on a safety plan during sessions.
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Reach out and let us know it's urgent. We'll do our best to get you in as quickly as possible and we'll be honest about current availability. If you're in immediate danger, call 911 or call or text 988 first.
Still have questions?
You don't have to figure this out alone. Book a free 15-minute consultation or chat, or send us a message. No pressure, no commitment.
