Question 1

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

We have 2 locations: Lincoln Park - 2000 N Racine, Suite 3300 (Racine & Armitage), and Ravenswood - 4621 N Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60640.

Question 2

What are your appointment hours?

Accepted Answer

The hours vary, but generally extend from 8:00 am – 9:00 pm Monday through Friday and 9:00 am – 3:00 pm on Saturdays.

Question 3

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

We are in network with most BCBS PPO & AETNA and submit out of network claims for most other insurance plans.  We cannot guarantee coverage and clients are responsible for anything insurance does not cover.  AMK is in-network with most BCBS and AETNA plans, but not ALL. This is why it is so important that you call your insurance company to confirm if your plan is in network or not and also ask what your benefits are. Prior to your first session, we recommend that you call your insurance provider about coverage for mental health services.  Inquire whether or not you are in network with Abbie Kelley LLC (AMK Counseling), whether or not you have a deductible and what your benefits cover.  This number can be found on the back of your card and should take no more than 10 minutes of your time. In some cases, even if you have a BCBS PPO or Aetna and you are seeing an in-network provider, your plan may use a third-party vendor to cover behavioral health benefits (i.e. United Behavioral Health, Magellan, Compsych).  These are considered out-of-network. Our out-of-network rate is $160. Out-of-network means that we are not contracted with your health insurance. Many health insurance plans cover some or all of our services through out-of-network benefits for behavioral health, but the specifics of coverage vary. Please call your insurance for more information about your coverage.  We can submit courtesy claims for most out of network providers.  In the event we cannot submit the claim, we will provide you with a Superbill to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Insurance Terms:   Copay: A fixed dollar amount that is your responsibility to pay per session. Common co-payment rates are $10 or $20 per visit, though copayment rates vary from plan to plan. Insurance pays for the rest of the session fees. Co-insurance:  Co-insurance is usually a percentage of the total bill, for example, 10%. You are responsible for this percentage of the session fee and insurance pays for the remainder.  Deductible: The amount you must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company starts to pay for care — for example, $1000 per individual or $2,500 per family. Your deductible typically starts over on an annual basis.

Question 4

What are your fees/payment?

Accepted Answer

Our initial phone consultation is complementary. Once an appointment is scheduled our rate is $160-$210 per hour depending on the clinician. We accept Zelle and most major credit cards. Most of our clinicians also accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO & Aetna insurance. Any amount not covered by insurance is the client’s responsibility. AMK Counseling is only in network with BCBS PPO & Aetna (check with your carrier because not all plans are covered). Please confirm your benefits with your insurance; AMK Counseling will be found under AMK Counseling or Abbie Kelley, LLC. We can also submit most out of network claims.

Question 5

Do you offer Teletherapy?

Accepted Answer

AMK offers HIPAA compliant video sessions for residents in Illinois. You will need access to working Wi-Fi. We encourage clients to use a computer or a large tablet, rather than a smartphone, as it makes it easier to see each other's expressions. You will also need access to a safe, private, and quiet space to conduct the session. Ideally, the place you choose will offer you confidentiality and the ability to speak openly and freely without the fear of others overhearing. Please contact intakes@amkcounseling.com for more information.

Question 6

What clinical modalities do AMK therapists use?

Accepted Answer

AMK therapists are trained in a variety of therapy approaches. Depending on the specific needs and goals of clients, therapists may use an integrative approach to therapy. Clinical approaches may include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Relational Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions).

Question 7

What is the No Surprises Act and what is a Good Faith Estimate?

Accepted Answer

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don't have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. Your health care provider should give you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before scheduling an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.

Cary Sabados, MSW, LSW