Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect at my first session?
The first session is focused on getting to know you. Typically we ask a lot more questions than usual to learn more about you and your current concerns. At the end of session, your clinician will discuss themselves, their style of therapy, and how therapy might be helpful for you.
We also get a chance to discuss fit. If you don’t feel like that therapist is the right fit, we talk about internal or external referrals to make sure you can work with someone you feel comfortable with.
How do I know if a therapist is a good fit?
Fit of therapist is important and may depend on a number of factors such as the therapist’s experience, personality, style of therapy, etc.
How long are appointments?
Most sessions are approximately 55 minutes in length. However some insurance companies will dictate shorter session times, such as 45 minutes. Your clinician will let you know if there are insurance-based limitations.
How do I know I know when I am “done” with therapy?
Amount of time in therapy varies greatly, and often depends heavily on your treatment goals and your reasons for coming to therapy. If you would like, you and your therapist can talk about a treatment timeline at your first session. Ongoing conversations about timeline will also be addressed throughout treatment. Please feel free to bring up this topic with your clinician at any time.
Do you provide therapy online?
Yes, all of our clinicians are currently meeting via telehealth venues- meaning by phone or virtually through video.
Additionally, some of our clinicians offer in-person/in-office appointments.
It is also important to note that insurance companies vary in their coverage of telehealth (as compared to in-person appointments). You can call your insurance company directly to ask about coverage, or we can inquire on your behalf when we verify coverage.
Can you/will you prescribe medication?
We do not prescribe medication. In general, psychologists (PsyD or PhD) use therapeutic interventions, and psychiatrists (MD or DO) prescribe medication.*
However, we frequently work with psychiatrists during treatment to collaborate and coordinate care. Research shows that medication rarely works by itself without a therapy component.
*Illinois has passed laws to allow psychologists who undergo additional intensive training to prescribe specific classes of medications. At this time, our providers are NOT pursuing this avenue.
I am already established with Atlas and need to: reschedule, pay my bill, sign a form, etc.
You can access your account— including your schedule, statements, and documents— all through your secure portal. For a direct link to Atlas Behavioral Health’s SimplePractice portal, you can click the button below: