Questions? Good.

Here are the answers.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The first step is a free 15-minute intro call. No paperwork, no commitment, just a real conversation. You can tell us what's going on, ask questions, and figure out if we're a good fit. If we are, we'll get your first session scheduled. If we're not, we'll do our best to point you in the right direction.

    Book a free intro call

  • No. You can reach out directly, no referral needed. If your insurance requires one, we'll let you know during your intro call.

  • Most clients can be seen within one to two weeks of their intro call. Current availability varies by clinician, reach out and we'll give you an honest picture of what's open.

  • That's exactly what the free intro call is for. You don't need a diagnosis, a perfectly-worded reason, or certainty that this is going to work. You just need to be curious enough to have a 15-minute conversation.

Choosing the Right Therapist

  • 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 the therapist's areas of focus. And if it's not the right fit after you've started? We'll help you switch, no awkwardness.

  • Start with what you're working on. If you're navigating life transitions, identity, or cultural questions, look for a clinician with a multicultural counseling background. If ADHD, burnout, or high-achieving adult stress is the core issue, you want someone trained in ADHD-informed therapy and executive functioning. Relationship concerns, intimacy, or non-monogamy call for a clinician who specializes in couples and relationship work. Trauma or nervous system dysregulation is best addressed by someone with trauma-informed and somatic training. And for anxiety, depression, or general mental health, look for evidence-based approaches like CBT or DBT.

    Availability, insurance, and personal fit matter too. The intro call is the fastest way to sort it out. We'll listen to what's going on and help you find the right match.

    Book a free intro call.

  • It happens and it's okay. A good therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of outcomes, so fit matters. If something isn't working, tell us. We'd rather help you find the right match than have you quietly disengage from therapy altogether.

What to Expect

  • Your first step is the free 15-minute intro call, 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.

  • Sessions at CLS are active and structured, not just open-ended talking. Your therapist will ask questions, reflect back what they're hearing, and introduce tools and frameworks that are relevant to what you're working on. You'll typically leave with something concrete, a next step, a new perspective, something to practice or pay attention to. Sessions are 53 minutes.

  • It depends on what you're working on and what your goals are. Some clients come for a focused period, 8 to 12 sessions, to address a specific issue. Others work longer term. Your therapist will be honest with you about what they're seeing and realistic about timelines. You're never locked in, and you can always reassess.

  • You'll notice things shifting outside of sessions, in how you respond to situations, how you talk to yourself, what feels manageable versus overwhelming. Progress in therapy isn't always linear, but your therapist will check in regularly about how things are going and adjust the approach if something isn't working.

Insurance & Fees

  • Yes, some of our clinicians are in-network with major insurance plans. Cassandra accepts Aetna, UHC, and BCBS IL. Carolina accepts Anthem, UHC, and Aetna, with BCBS IL and Cigna coming soon. Jordyn is currently self-pay only, with insurance being added soon. All clinicians also accept self-pay and can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.

  • Session rates vary by clinician. We're transparent about fees, you'll get the full picture during your intro call, including what your insurance will cover and what your out-of-pocket cost will be. No surprise bills.

    See our full rates page

  • A superbill is a detailed receipt you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement if your plan has out-of-network benefits. Many clients with PPO plans receive partial reimbursement this way. We can provide superbills upon request; ask during your intro call.

  • We understand that cost is a real barrier. Reach out and talk honestly with us about your situation. We'll do our best to find a workable option or connect you with resources that can help. Availability is limited, so don't hesitate to ask.

  • We accept all major credit cards, HSA and FSA cards. All payments are processed securely through our client portal.

Telehealth & Logistics

  • Yes. Research consistently shows that virtual therapy is as effective as in-person care for most concerns including anxiety, burnout, trauma, ADHD, and relationship issues. The real difference isn't the format. It's the relationship, the process, and whether your therapist actually understands what you're going through. All of our sessions are held via a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.

  • A private space, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone, laptop, tablet, or phone all work. Your therapist will send a secure link before your first session. No downloads required.

  • Therapy services are available to residents of Missouri and Illinois. Coaching and consulting services are available nationwide, no state licensing restrictions apply.

  • 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.

How Does Therapy Work?

How do I know if I need therapy?

You don't have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Most people come in not because everything has fallen apart, but because something isn't working and they can't figure out how to change it on their own.

Some signs it might be time to reach out: you've been feeling off for longer than a few weeks and it's not improving on its own; the same patterns keep showing up in your relationships, work, or how you feel about yourself; you're functioning but exhausted by the effort it takes; or you have a persistent sense that something needs to change and you don't know where to start.

You don't need a diagnosis, a dramatic reason, or certainty that therapy will help. Curiosity is enough.

What's the difference between therapy and coaching?

Therapy is a licensed mental health service focused on emotional wellness, trauma recovery, mental health diagnoses, and psychological goals. It's only available to residents of Missouri or Illinois, where our clinicians are licensed. Coaching is a collaborative, goal-oriented service that doesn't require a mental health diagnosis or state residency. It focuses on strategy, behavior change, skill-building, and performance. Not sure which one fits? Start with a free intro call and we'll help you figure it out.

What's the difference between a therapist, a counselor, and a psychologist?

These terms get used interchangeably all the time, and it's genuinely confusing. Here's what they actually mean.

"Therapist" is an umbrella term. It covers anyone providing talk therapy, including licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed psychologists. If someone calls themselves a therapist, that tells you what they do, not what their specific training is.

A counselor typically holds a master's degree in counseling and is licensed at the state level. You'll see credentials like LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) or LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) after their name.

A psychologist holds a doctoral degree and is trained in both therapy and psychological testing. At CLS, we don't currently offer psychological testing. If that's something you need, we're happy to point you toward the right resource.

A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) holds a master's degree in social work. Social workers are trained to look at the full picture: your mental health, your environment, your relationships, and the systems around you. You'll see LCSW or LMSW after their name.

Here's the part that matters most for you:

For the vast majority of therapy needs, the specific credential matters less than finding someone whose training, approach, and personality are a good fit for what you're dealing with. A good therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of whether therapy actually helps.

At CLS, our clinicians hold different credentials and bring different specialties. If you're not sure who's the right fit, just reach out. We'll help you figure it out.

Does therapy actually work for ADHD, burnout, and anxiety?

Yes, with the right approach. Generic talk therapy applied to these concerns often produces limited results, which is why a lot of people have tried therapy before and found it frustrating. ADHD, burnout, and anxiety each respond best to specific evidence-based approaches: CBT, DBT, nervous system regulation work, and ADHD-informed strategies, delivered by someone who understands the neurology and psychology behind them, not just the symptoms. Our clinicians have specialized training in ADHD and trauma-informed care. Therapy works when it's the right kind of therapy delivered by someone who knows what they're doing. That's what we're here for.

Do you work with neurodivergent clients?

Yes. Our clinicians specialize in supporting neurodivergent clients, including those with ADHD, executive functioning challenges, sensory sensitivities, and social or identity challenges related to neurodivergence. We don't treat neurodivergence as a problem to be fixed. We meet you with curiosity, flexibility, and genuine respect for how your brain works.

Is this just for women or LGBTQ+ clients?

Not at all — though many of our therapists do specialize in supporting women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and clients who haven't always felt at home in more traditional therapy settings. We're here for anyone looking for therapy that's thoughtful, inclusive, and focused on real change.

Do you offer clinical supervision?

Yes. We offer both LPC and LCSW supervision for pre-licensure clinicians. Reach out directly and we'll connect you with the right supervisor based on your license track and needs.se track and needs.