Insurance Questions:
Do you take insurance?
- Yes –I am an in-network provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, including Blue Choice (you pay a co-pay or a co-insurance after you have met your deductible). If you have a different PPO, I will provide you with a receipt, and insurance will usually reimburse you for 50-80% of the session fee (depending on your plan), after you have met your deductible. Please contact your insurance company for detailed information on your mental health benefits.
- Some people choose to use their health care flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts/cards to pay for sessions.
- Other people choose to pay out of pocket for sessions. I accept cash, check, or credit cards.
Does insurance pay for couples counseling?
- Yes, it often does, but occasionally it does not. (It depends on your insurance plan and the situation). I recommend that you contact your insurance company to determine your exact benefits.
Partners and Expectations:
I want to come in for couples counseling, but my partner is reluctant.
Couples counseling works best if a couple comes in early – before patterns become engrained or divorce is seriously discussed. If your partner will not attend counseling with you, I highly encourage you to come on your own for individual counseling.
We’ve been to a couples’ counselor before. Why should we try again?
My focus on getting clear about what you would like to see in your relationship, developing everyday habits of connection, and utilizing concrete communication strategies often helps couples who feel “stuck” or “hopeless” create positive change. I also utilize tailored assessment tools, homework assignments, and other techniques from empirically supported methods.
What should I expect from the first session?
In the first session, you will bring in forms from the website, which we will review together. I will ask you about your primary concerns and goals for our time together. I will also ask about your family, relationships, work situation, and health. I will help you begin to identify strengths and positive things that you are doing well. I will give you feedback and discuss recommendations for proceeding and reaching your goals.
What happens in counseling?
If we determine that my services are a good fit for your needs, we will meet regularly for 45 to 50 minutes at the same time every week or every other week for a set amount of time. Counseling may include: exploring thoughts and feelings, identifying goals and potential solutions, strengthening communication skills, improving self esteem and confidence, noticing patterns, and developing tools for improved relationships and well-being. In counseling, you might examine behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that seem to hold you back or cause difficulty in your life. You may gain awareness of personal strengths and how to build on them. You may visualize what you would like your life to be like and pinpoint/take steps to reach your goals.
What if I am hesitant to come to counseling?
It’s very common to feel nervous or unsure about counseling, but these concerns usually dissipate after the first session or phone consultation.
What approaches do you use?
Developing a positive, trusting relationship is most important to me. I am a holistic, integrative therapist. I draw significantly from solution focused therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gottman & Gottman, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, a life cycle perspective, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness techniques.
How do I set up an appointment?
You are welcome to e mail me at erinleyba@gmail.com or call me at 773-758-4321 to set up an appointment. I return calls within 24 hours. I offer a free, confidential 10-minute phone consultation to discuss the type of counseling you are seeking and to determine if I can meet your needs. If you have BCBS PPO, I will also collect and verify your insurance information to determine your benefits. We will then schedule an initial appointment. I look forward to talking with you.