A Comprehensive Guide to What to Know About Therapy in Chicago

While many associate therapy with managing mental health concerns, Chicago therapists can offer support for any number of things, from relationship difficulties to exploring gender identity or sexual orientation to learning how to navigate the ups and downs of daily life.

Getting Started with Therapy in Chicago

Before you schedule your first therapy session, there are some things to know about beginning therapy with a licensed professional counselor or other mental health professional.

Finding a Therapist

Research different therapy approaches and modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, or family therapy. You can search online directories, such as Psychology Today, TherapyDen, or GoodTherapy, to find therapists in your area.

Filter your search by zip code, insurance, gender, ethnicity, and specific areas of therapy, such as addiction and substance abuse.

You may also consider reaching out to friends, family, and healthcare professionals for recommendations. Look for licensed professionals in your area, such as licensed social workers, licensed professional counselors, or psychologists.

Understanding Therapy Sessions

When starting therapy, you may choose to participate in therapy sessions in person or online. However, many of us are unsure of what to expect in a therapy session. Let's take a look at what an in-person or online therapy session may entail.

What to Expect

The first session will focus on information gathering and relationship building. During this first appointment, your therapist will explain the process of therapy and provide information about their background and approach to treatment.

You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your goals for therapy, set up your next appointment, and determine the frequency of your sessions moving forward. Therapy sessions will vary in length depending on the type of appointment.

Typically, individual sessions are 45-53 minutes, couples or family sessions are 50 minutes, and group sessions are 75-90 minutes.

Building a Strong Therapeutic Relationship

A therapeutic relationship is an important factor in the success of therapy, as a client should feel that they have a safe space to share. This is why it's important to screen potential therapists before you start therapy.

Key Factors for Success

The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important aspects of therapy and a key predictor of your success in treatment. Before your first session, consider the therapist’s identities, treatment approach, specialty areas, education, and experience.

Finding the right therapist may take time, and you might have to try several therapists before you find someone you feel comfortable with and trust. A strong personal fit between you and your therapist is key to successful therapy, and having a strong sense of trust, comfort, and openness with the therapist is an important part of implementing a treatment plan.

Addressing Mental Health Concerns

What you want in a therapist can depend on what sort of life challenges you are experiencing. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Specialties and Expertise

Most therapists can help with general anxiety or offer couples therapy for relationship issues, and some therapists have experience working with depression, trauma, addictions, and anxiety.

Certain mental health challenges may require specialized training, and a broadly trained therapist may not be the best choice for complex issues.

Consider therapists who specialize in working with individuals experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges, anxiety, depression, and adjustment to life transitions.

Insurance and Cost

Therapy costs can cover a wide range of prices, and which is right for you can depend on circumstances. For example, if you are interested in longer term therapy, you may be willing to pay a bit more to find an in-person therapist who is closely aligned to your needs and identity.

Affording Therapy

For those who are looking to cut costs, finding a therapist who is in-network with your insurance provider can make therapy more affordable. Before you schedule a therapy session, check your deductible and copay or coinsurance to understand the cost of therapy sessions.

About 80% of Chicago therapists who advertise on national directories are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois; however, some therapists may not accept insurance due to low reimbursement rates.

If therapy is not covered or minimally covered by your insurance and you can't afford to pay out of pocket, you may want to consider therapists who offer sliding-scale fees based on clients’ income and ability to pay.

Teletherapy and Accessibility

In recent years, more people have chosen online therapy sessions due to personal comfort, convenience, or greater accessibility.

Convenient Options

Teletherapy is therapy conducted via phone or online video, allowing you and your therapist to meet in real-time from the convenience of your home, and has been proven to have an equivalent outcome to in-person therapy for a wide range of concerns.

Many insurance plans cover telehealth services, and you can check with your insurance provider directly to find out if teletherapy is covered under your plan.

Remote can also online therapy can be a great option in cold weather or for those with transportation issues.

Group Therapy

In some cases, a therapist may work in a group setting. The principles of therapy remain the same, but for certain challenges, the additional support of working with clients in similar situations can improve outcomes.

A Collaborative Approach

Group therapy is a proven and powerful tool to address a wide range of mental health concerns. Under the facilitation of a therapist or therapists, clients in a group setting are able to discuss and reflect upon their experiences with others who have similar concerns.

This type of therapy is especially helpful for those who may have concerns related to mood, emotions, anxiety, relationship problems, and identity development.

Achieving Personal Growth

Individual needs vary, and some seek therapy not because of any present challenges, but to grow as a person.

Setting Goals and Working with Your Therapist

Therapy can help you manage mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety, or other concerns like eating or adjustment disorders, but that's not all. Therapy can also offer support, deepen your self and relational awareness, and teach you about your emotions and feelings.

Therapy can also increase your problem-solving and coping skills, identify and enhance your strengths and positive qualities, help you work through life transitions, and help you grow as an individual.

You and your therapist will work together to determine what frequency is right for you and set goals for your therapy.

Chicago Therapists Available to Empower People Through Different Challenges

Research different therapy approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, or psychotherapy, to determine which one might be best for your needs. Therapy helps mental health in any number of ways, so when getting ready to find a new therapist, be intentional about finding a good fit.

At Williamsburg Therapy Group our team of doctoral-level Chicago psychotherapists offer a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to talk therapy both in person and online, and offer the tools necessary for learning self-compassion, managing stress, and learning healthy coping techniques and habits that can treat not only mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, but build mental resilience that can support you in daily life.

If you, a family member, or someone you love is showing signs or symptoms of depression that are impacting their mental or physical health, call our service coordinator to be matched with the right therapist that can help you problem solve.