Frequently Asked Questions
Are my visits confidential?
Yes, our visits are confidential.
There are some legal and ethical considerations that limit our confidentiality in some instances, but we will be absolutely sure to discuss this with you in more detail during our first session.
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What is your cancellation policy?
our time and your time is valuable!
If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please contact your therapist directly by email with at least 48 hours notice. Please note, if you do not give adequate notice, you will be charged the full fee for that appointment. Insurance companies do not reimburse for missed appointments so you will be personally responsible.
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What exactly is sex therapy?
we’re glad you asked!
There are plenty of misconceptions about sex therapy (check out our blog on this very topic here!), so let’s talk about what it actually is. Sex therapy is just like any other form of therapy, but with a specific focus on sexuality, sexual functioning, and sexual health. In addition to our general therapy training, sex therapists have special training in working through sexual concerns—whether it’s coping with sexual dysfunction or pain, addressing sexual differences between you and your partner, or enhancing your understanding of your sexual self. We can offer sex education, help you understand your unique body and mind, and talk through your sexual history, current worries or shame, or desires for the future.
It’s completely normal for clients to feel anxious when seeing a sex therapist, especially for the first time. Many people have trouble talking about sex at all, so discussing it with a stranger may feel awkward. Sex therapists are highly aware of this dynamic, and work hard to create a safe space for clients to feel comfortable opening up about this incredibly personal and vulnerable topic.
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What is the Loveland Foundation?
black lives matter.
The Spark Chicago Therapy team is a proud supporter of The Loveland Foundation, a fantastic organization that focuses on helping communities of color, specifically Black women and girls, access therapy services. We encourage you to check them out!
Do you accept my insurance?
we are in network with bcbs ppo.
If you are covered by another provider, we will gladly provide a superbill for you to submit for out-of-network reimbursement. Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please check your coverage carefully with your insurance provider prior to our first appointment by asking the following questions:
Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
·What is my deductible, has it been met, and does mental health apply to the deductible? (Deductible is the amount you pay in a calendar year before your insurance company begins reimbursing for services. If mental health services do not apply to the deductible, your health insurance will begin reimbursing right away. If it does, you will need to cover services until your deductible is met.)
Do I have a co-insurance and if so, what is it? (Co-insurance is a percentage you will pay when your insurance pays less than the full allowable amount. Co-insurance will not be utilized until after your deductible is met.)
What is my co-pay? (Co-pay is a set amount you will pay each session until your out-of-pocket is reached.)
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
Are there any required pre-authorizations for mental health treatment?
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How do you become a Certified Sex Therapist?
And what is aasect?
In order to practice as a Certified Sex Therapist (CST), we go through years of rigorous training, education, and supervision in the field of sexuality. Our governing body is called The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), which is a not-for-profit, interdisciplinary professional organization whose members share an interest in promoting understanding of human sexuality and healthy sexual behavior. They decide which clinicians are qualified to practice as a Certified Sex Therapist.
All of the clinicians here at Spark Chicago Therapy are either certified, or well on their way to becoming certified—a unique trait of our practice!
Do you have more questions about sex therapy or AASECT? Please contact us! We’re here to answer any questions you have.