Therapy is a little different than how it’s often portrayed in the movies. Breakthroughs don’t necessarily happen as fast or with such dramatic effect. It’s more of an interactive process of working through things rather than just sitting and talking on a couch. But yes, there is a couch. More importantly, however, is that therapy is a place where you can go to get an objective perspective on your situation, and with the assistance of treatment, develop insight into the reasons behind your actions. With that insight, you can then begin to make future decisions comfortably and confidently.

Sessions typically last 45-50 minutes and are scheduled once a week. Depending on the needs of each individual client(s), the session length and frequency may be adjusted. Some clients may need more time initially and then switch to bi-monthly or monthly as it becomes clinically appropriate.

The length of therapy depends on the issues that you’re facing and goals you want to achieve. For clients who are looking to address a behavioral change or have a concrete, time-limited goal, therapy may be resolved in a set amount of sessions. For others who are looking to address past traumas or deeper issues, therapy may be longer or ongoing. But regardless of the scope or severity of the issues, the length of therapy is ultimately decided by you. You will work collaboratively with your therapist to address your goals for therapy, and check in frequently about whether the work you are doing is helping you get closer to those goals. If therapy is not providing a positive change in your life, you can discuss alternative options with your therapist.

Payment can either be through your insurance plan or out-of-pocket. We are currently in-network for BlueCross BlueShield PPO, Aetna, and United Healthcare. (Please note only our fully licensed clinicians can see clients with UHC.) If you are interested in submitting out-of-network claims, we can also offer monthly invoices for services rendered. Sliding scale fees are also available and based on income level.

Yes. Everything you say in therapy stays between you and your therapist. There are only a few limits to confidentiality. Anytime you mention thoughts of wanting to harm yourself, or harm others, or mention that someone else is harming you, we may be obligated by law to make a report or take necessary action to ensure the safety of you and others. In couples therapy, our therapists are also unable to keep secrets with one partner from another. As you and your partner are in therapy together, your relationship also becomes a client in treatment and not being honest inhibits the progress your relationship is able to make.

In your first session, you and your therapist will address your reasons for coming into treatment and develop treatment goals that fit with your pace and ideas for change. There will most likely also be discussions on any past treatment you’ve had and how you’ve tried to reach your goals prior to entering into therapy. Often, but not always, there will also be discussion of your past and history with family, friends, and relationships, so that we can develop a detailed picture of how the presenting problem was created and how it is maintained by patterns and sequences in the current family and environmental structure.

The needs for medication will depend on the issues presented and your interest in medication. Medication is never the sole solution to an issue, but often it can be a helpful tool in conjunction with regular therapy. Often medication can help people who suffer with depression or anxiety to reach a level of functioning that allows them to get through their daily activities and responsibilities. Typically therapy is the first recommended step, and if the situation becomes worse or does not get better after a significant amount of time, medication might be discussed as an option. You will never be forced or pushed to seek out medication treatment, but if it is something you are interested in, you are always encouraged to bring it up for discussion and a potential referral.

Yes, please visit our Spanish speaking therapist page here.

BCBS, United, and Aetna

We have two office locations:

Chicago Loop Office
25 E. Washington Street, Suite 1021
Chicago, IL 60602

Andersonville
5235 N. Clark St 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60640

Yes, for more information, please visit our Sliding Scale resources page.

At Pinnacle Counseling, we have a dedicated intake team that thoughtfully matches each client with a therapist based on several key factors. These include your scheduling preferences, the concerns or goals you share in your intake form, location requests (such as in-person vs. virtual), and insurance or payment type. We aim to connect you with a provider whose clinical expertise and availability align with your needs. And if the first match doesn’t feel like the right fit, no worries—we’re happy to help you connect with another therapist within our practice. Finding the right therapeutic relationship is central to your care.

If your insurance plan doesn’t include mental health coverage or we’re out of network, you still have options. We partner with platforms like Thrizer to help you access and use your out-of-network benefits, which can often significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. For those without coverage or looking for more flexibility, we also offer self-pay options and sliding scale rates based on household income to make therapy more accessible.

For clients paying out of pocket, our therapy sessions range from $140 to $180 per session depending on the provider’s licensure and experience. If you are using insurance, the cost will depend on your specific plan and our contract with your insurance company. We always provide transparent quotes before starting services. We also offer sliding scale rates between $20 and $120 per session for clients with limited financial resources, determined by household income.

Choosing the right therapist is a personal process, and it’s okay to take time to find the best fit. Start by reflecting on how you feel most supported: Do you prefer someone nurturing and affirming, or do you respond better to more direct, “tough love” style feedback? How do you like to receive guidance? How do you know you’ve been truly heard?

During your consultation, don’t hesitate to ask questions—one especially helpful one is: “How do you think change happens?” This can give you insight into the therapist’s theoretical orientation and whether their approach aligns with your needs. Ultimately, the most important factor is how you feel in the room: safe, understood, and supported. If it doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to try someone else. Therapy is most effective when it’s a good match.

Absolutely. Your comfort and connection with your therapist matter deeply. If after a consultation or session you feel it’s not the right fit, we encourage you to let us know—we’ll work with you to schedule a consultation with another provider on our team. We want therapy to be a space that feels safe, supportive, and productive, and that starts with the right therapeutic relationship.