FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common Questions
CHOOSING A COUNSELOR
WHAT ARE YOUR SPECIALTIES?
Our clinicians have a variety of expertise to meet different areas of clinical need.
DO I JUST CHOOSE A COUNSELOR THAT I THINK WILL WORK FOR ME OR SHOULD I LET YOU DECIDE?
If you want to see someone you may choose the counselor of your choice. Get to know our counselors here! We will also work with you to make the best choice for you.
IF I DON'T LIKE THE COUNSELOR I STARTED WITH, CAN I MAKE A CHANGE?
Absolutely! You can change counselors if you feel your current counselor is not the best fit for you.
I HAVE BEEN COURT APPOINTED TO SEE A COUNSELOR, WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
We will help you find the right counselor for your and for the expectations of the court.
INSURANCE
Common Questions
DO YOU TAKE MY INSURANCE?
We probably do!
WHICH INSURANCES DO YOU ACCEPT?
We have in-network counselors with:
Aetna
Anthem
BlueCross
BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
TriCare
Meridian
VA Community Care
And many others
WHAT IF I DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE?
We can arrange an affordable payment for out-of-pocket payments known as a sliding scalefee.
RATES AND PAYMENT
Common Questions
WHAT ARE YOUR RATES?
We offer a range of services that have different costs. Feel free to call, text, email or message us to ask about the cost of the service that interests you.
WHEN IS PAYMENT EXPECTED?
Usually we collect copays, coinsurances and payments toward deductibles at each session. You will have the opportunity to coordinate your own payment schedule with your individual
counselor. We submit your insurance claims daily.
HOW DO I PAY MY BILL?
For copays, coinsurances and payments toward deductibles we will charge the debit card, credit card, or flex spending card/healthcare savings card on file. We also accept personal checks and cash payments.
WHAT IF I HAVE A PAST DUE BALANCE?
You have the option through your portal to pay your outstanding bill at anytime.
If for some reason you find you cannot pay your balance, discuss your options with your individual counselor.
WILL MY COUNSELOR STILL SEE ME IF I HAVE A PAST DUE BALANCE?
Your counselor will attempt to work with you to sustain your therapy. We encourage you to discuss your options with your individual counselor.
WHAT TO EXPECT
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I ARRIVE?
Comfortable accommodations and a friendly staff!
IS THE OFFICE EASILY ACCESSIBLE? I HAVE TROUBLE WALKING.
Our suite is technically on the second floor, but we have a chair lift on the first floor for easy access.
Our office also has plenty of parking.
I DON'T HAVE A CAR. DO YOU HAVE A BUS STOP NEARBY?
We have a bus stop on the sidewalk, adjacent to our parking lot.
IS YOUR OFFICE KID FRIENDLY?
We love children of all ages! We have a kids’ section in our waiting area with books, art supplies, toys and games.
IS YOUR OFFICE SUPPORT ANIMAL FRIENDLY?
Yes, we invite all service animals or support animals.
MAKING AN APPOINTMENT
Common Questions
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
Call us at 618-726-2048 or 618-792-8256, or text us at 618-792-8256, or message us on
Facebook @alliancecounselingIL, or email us at info@myalliancecounseling.org.
HOW SOON CAN I GET IN?
-
Depending on which counselor you choose, you may be able to schedule an appointment within 24 hours of entry into our system.
-
Most new clients see a counselor within a few weeks of contacting us.
HOW OFTEN WOULD WE MEET?
We generally keep appointments to once per week. But, depending upon your specific needs, your counselor’s availability and your insurance, you may meet more than once per week or a little as once per month.
I'M NERVOUS ABOUT CALLING, CAN I SCHEDULE ONLINE?
You certainly can schedule appointments with certain counselors online through your client portal once you are in our system after the inital intake process.
I'M NERVOUS ABOUT MEETING IN PERSON, CAN I MAKE A TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT?
We do offer telehealth (video) sessions.
WHAT IF I AM LATE FOR AN APPOINTMENT?
Once you have scheduled a session, that time is your time. You can come as late as you may within your allotted time.
If you must show late, we ask you communicate with your counselor directly at his or her personal number.
WHAT IF I MISS MY APPOINTMENT?
We know life happens and it may not stick to your schedule. If you know you will miss your appointment, we ask you notify your counselor directly as soon as possible.
We have a policy that clients notify their counselors or change their schedule online at least 24 hours before your meeting time.
Please note, missing an appointment without 24-hour notice incurs a charge.
PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY
I'M NERVOUS ABOUT MEETING BECAUSE YOU KNOW ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS OR FRIENDS.
Have no fear, we can still meet even though we may know your family members or friends.
Our counseling will not interfere with your relationships. We excel at nonjudgmental, confidential relationships.
I'M NERVOUS ABOUT MEETING BECAUSE WE MAY BE IN PUBLIC TOGETHER.
No need to worry, we can keep our relationship confidential.
I DON'T WANT ANYONE TO KNOW THAT I'M COMING. CAN YOU ENSURE MY CONFIDENTIALITY?
We take your privacy very seriously. We do not share your name or your information with anyone unless you give us explicit permission in writing.
WILL WE MEET IN A CLOSED ROOM WHERE NO ONE CAN SEE ME?
We do meet in closed offices, but our doors do have clear glass windows in them.
ACCEPTANCE
I AM REALLY MESSED UP; WILL YOU BE ABLE TO HELP ME?
We will use everything at our disposal to assist you. If we cannot help you directly, we will help you find the appropriate assistance.
DO YOU TAKE FOLKS LIKE ME?
We do not turn people away. If we can help, we will help.
COVID POLICIES
Common Questions
WHAT ARE YOUR COVID POLICIES?
We continue to have face-to-face sessions.
Some of our counselors have taken the vaccine, others have not.
We have enough room for social distancing if you decide to distance.
We do not require face masks. You can choose to wear a mask.
Please ask if you need additional personal protective equipment (PPE).