“Emergency” is defined as a life-threatening situation. If someone is experiencing a situation like that, the safest place to go is to a hospital emergency room for an evaluation. If it is a situation involving domestic violence, or an active suicidal threat, please call 911 immediately! However, if it is non-life threatening, I will give a free 15 minute phone consultation whenever possible. After that, we can schedule either a phone session or an in-person session at a mutually agreeable time.

Only medical doctors can prescribe medications such as anti-depressants. In many cases, your family physician or gynecologist will be able to prescribe medications, and we will confer together with your permission. In other cases, it may be necessary to refer you to a psychiatrist who is a medical doctor with a specialty in mental illness.

I accept cash, check, and most major credit cards. Please come prepared to pay at the end of each session.

Appointments are made by phone. The voicemail is dedicated and confidential.

At the present time, there is some uncertainty about how health insurance will be affected by the Affordable Care Act. It is most important that you call your insurance and verify your coverage for mental health/counseling if you intend to use your insurance. While I am in-network for most insurance companies, coverage is always subject to change based upon your own job status and insurance decisions made by your employer.

It is important to realize that ultimately it is your responsibility to pay for services in the event your insurance rejects your claim. It is also your responsibility to assist with whatever insurance problems develop.

Here are some questions that you should ask your insurance company:

• Does my insurance provide coverage for out-patient mental health services?
• What are my annual deductible, co-pay and co-insurance responsibilities?
• Is this provider in network?
• Do I need to get a pre-authorization for mental health services?

My office address is at 1580 N Northwest Hwy #121, Park Ridge, IL 60068. It is handicapped accessible. Contact me to schedule an appointment at my office.