Frequently Asked Questions | POM Therapy Collective

You have questions. That is a good sign — it means you are actually thinking about this, not just scrolling past. Below are the questions I hear most often, answered as plainly as I can.

If something is not covered here, call or text (224) 497-2893 or book a free consultation and we can talk it through.

Getting Started

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

If something in your life feels stuck — your mood, your relationships, your ability to cope with stress — therapy is worth trying. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from it. If you have been managing fine on the outside but feel exhausted, disconnected, or like you are running on fumes inside, that is exactly what therapy is designed for.

What happens in the first therapy session?

The first session is mostly me getting to know you — your background, what brought you in, and what you are hoping to get out of this. It is conversational, not clinical. I am not going to hand you a worksheet or give you homework on day one. We will start building a picture of what is going on and figure out together whether we are a good fit.

How do I book a consultation?

You can book directly through Headway — it takes a few minutes and you will get a confirmation right away. You can also call or text (224) 497-2893 if you prefer to connect that way first. There is no pressure and no commitment attached to a consultation.

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Availability varies, but I typically have openings within one to two weeks. If you reach out and there is a wait, I will let you know upfront so you can decide how you want to proceed. Check current availability here.

What if I have tried therapy before and it did not help?

That happens more than you might think, and it does not mean therapy cannot work for you — it may mean the approach or the fit was not right. Different therapists work differently, and different modalities fit different people. I use approaches like EMDR alongside talk therapy, which can reach things that talk therapy alone sometimes cannot. If you tell me what did not work before, we can be intentional about trying something different.

Telehealth

How does telehealth therapy work?

Telehealth therapy is a video session — same structure as an in-person appointment, just done over a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform from wherever you are. You log in at your appointment time, we connect over video, and we do the session. No commute, no waiting room, no explaining to a front desk why you are there. Learn more about telehealth therapy.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Yes. Research consistently shows that telehealth therapy produces outcomes comparable to in-person sessions for anxiety, depression, trauma, and most other concerns. For many people — especially those balancing work, kids, and packed schedules — telehealth is actually easier to show up to consistently, which matters a lot for getting real results.

What technology do I need for telehealth sessions?

You need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection. That is it. I use a HIPAA-compliant video platform — you will get a link before each session and just click to join. No app download required.

Can I do sessions from my car or workplace?

Yes, as long as you have privacy and a decent connection. A parked car is one of the most common places clients join from — it is quiet, private, and no one is walking in on you. If you are calling from work, find a conference room or somewhere you can close the door and speak freely. The session works best when you are not worried about being overheard.

What if my internet connection is unstable?

We will work with it. If your video cuts out, we can switch to audio-only. If the connection drops completely, I will call you directly and we will continue the session by phone. Technology issues do not cancel a session — they are just something we navigate together.

Insurance & Cost

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL), which includes PPO and HMO plans, as well as several other major carriers. To check whether your specific plan is covered, visit Headway and enter your insurance information — it will verify your benefits in real time.

What if I do not have insurance or my insurance is not accepted?

Private pay options are available. If cost is a barrier, please reach out — I would rather have a conversation than have you go without support because of finances. You can also check whether you qualify for sliding scale options by calling (224) 497-2893.

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

Under the No Surprises Act, you have the right to receive a written estimate of therapy costs before you begin services if you are uninsured or paying out of pocket. I will provide one before we start. It is not a bill — it is an estimate so you can make an informed decision. Learn more about the Good Faith Estimate.

How do I verify my insurance benefits?

The easiest way is to go to Headway and enter your insurance details — they will show you what is covered and what your expected cost per session will be. You can also call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask specifically about outpatient mental health benefits for telehealth.

Do you accept HSA and FSA?

Yes. Therapy qualifies as a medical expense, so you can use Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds to pay for sessions. If you are using insurance, you can also use HSA/FSA to cover your copay or deductible.

About the Therapy

Do you work with South Asian clients and families?

Yes — this is one of the areas I feel most deeply about. I work with South Asian clients navigating everything from family pressure and cultural identity to intergenerational trauma, immigration stress, and the exhaustion of living between two worlds. You will not need to explain your culture, translate your family dynamics, or justify why something that “looks fine from the outside” is actually really hard. Learn more about South Asian therapy.

What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an evidence-based therapy originally developed for trauma, though it is now used effectively for anxiety, grief, and other concerns. It works by helping your brain reprocess stuck memories — ones that still feel raw or that your nervous system keeps reacting to as if they are happening right now. During EMDR, I will guide you through a structured process using bilateral stimulation (like side-to-side eye movements or tapping) while you hold a difficult memory in mind. It is more than it sounds, and most people are surprised by how much can shift. Read more about EMDR therapy.

How long does therapy typically take?

It depends entirely on what you are working on. Some people come in with a specific, contained issue and make meaningful progress in 8–12 sessions. Others are working through longer-term patterns or trauma and find value in ongoing therapy over a year or more. I do not believe in keeping people in therapy longer than they need, and I do not believe in rushing people out before they are ready. We will check in regularly and let that guide us.

How often will we meet?

Most clients start with weekly sessions, especially at the beginning when we are building a foundation and momentum matters. As things stabilize, some people move to every other week. We will talk about what makes sense for you based on your goals, your schedule, and how things are progressing. Consistency matters more than frequency — showing up regularly, even twice a month, gets better results than sporadic sessions.

What is the difference between an LCPC, LCSW, and psychologist?

All three are licensed mental health professionals who provide therapy, but they have different training paths. An LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) — which is my license — has a master’s degree in counseling and specialized clinical training. An LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) has a master’s in social work. A psychologist typically has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and may also do psychological testing and assessment. For therapy purposes, the approach, fit, and therapeutic relationship matter far more than the specific license type. What matters is whether you feel heard, whether the work is moving, and whether you trust the person you are working with.

Still have questions? Book a free consultation or call (224) 497-2893. There is no obligation — just a conversation.