The Connections Process - Connections Health

Personalized Collaboration

We believe that every client’s journey is unique, which is why we take the time to understand your individual needs and work closely with you to develop a personalized care plan. Our goal is to ensure a smooth and supportive experience, offering tailored guidance and resources every step of the way.

Open Communication

Your input is invaluable to us. We prioritize open communication to keep you fully informed about your progress and treatment journey. We are here to listen, provide updates, and address any questions you may have, ensuring you feel supported and empowered every step of the way.

Client-Therapist Fit

We know from our combined many years of clinical experience that the ‘fit’ between client and therapist is very important for making progress in therapy. “Fit” can be hard to describe, but considers several factors: the client’s presenting concerns and therapist’s expertise in working with these issues, past client experience in therapy and current preferences, and personality factors. We know this is a tricky combination and our admin team is well-trained in helping with this match. While we generally find that clients form a positive relationship and continue working over time with the therapists that we match them with, we also welcome questions and feedback at any time and can collaborate about other possible options.

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Client FAQs

At Connections Health, we know that starting therapy or seeking additional support can come with questions. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we receive to help you feel informed and prepared for your journey with us.

Scheduling a First Appointmentconnecti20242024-11-01T05:41:45+00:00

Scheduling a First Appointment

If you are a new client looking to schedule your first appointment or need additional information about our services, you may call our client support number at 847-565-6400. Or you may fill out the form on our Contact Us page or communicate with us through email at info@connections-health.com. Let us know what you are contacting us about, the best way to reach you, and if we can leave you a message. Someone on our team will be in touch with you as quickly as possible – usually within 24 hours.
Working with our client support team, you will be matched with a therapist who will best meet your needs, goals and schedule. Often, we will be able to arrange your first appointment within a few days or a week.

Our Initial Work Togetherconnecti20242024-11-01T05:43:16+00:00

Our Initial Work Together

During our first one or more sessions together, we want to understand you and how you see yourself. We want to hear about the challenges that led to you to making an appointment as well as your strengths and goals, your current life situation and support networks, and opportunities for change and growth. We talk about our impressions of our work together, share ideas and strategies, and discuss plans and next steps.

Counseling and Scheduling Optionsconnecti20242024-11-01T05:42:15+00:00

Counseling and Scheduling Options

Individual, couples and family therapy sessions typically last 50-55 minutes and appointments are set for one or more times each week. The schedule and duration of sessions can vary based on your situation, goals and needs. For example, we can figure out together ways to tailor your schedule, length of sessions, the location for meeting and how we communicate, as well as the mix of individual, group, and other services that would work best for you.

Attending and Cancelling Our Sessionsconnecti20242024-11-01T05:41:38+00:00

Attending and Cancelling Our Sessions

Attending sessions on a consistent basis is important for effective collaboration, treatment, and progress. We require at least 24-hours notice for any cancellation of an appointment. Without such notice, we reserve the right to charge you for the missed appointment. We also ask that you provide one week or more notice if you need to miss more than one session in a row (e.g., for vacation).

Hours for Appointmentsconnecti20242024-11-01T05:41:33+00:00

Hours for Appointments

Our services are provided by appointment only. Generally, there are times available from about 7:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday thru Thursday, with shorter days on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Each therapist sets their own schedule and tries to provide a mix of day, evening, and/or weekend hours. We can help you in figuring out a schedule that works for you.

Additional Ways of Meeting and Communicatingconnecti20242024-11-05T06:03:40+00:00

Additional Ways of Meeting and Communicating

Connections Health supports client needs where services are best delivered outside our offices in Evanston, including in the home or at school, shopping in a store or online, and in other pre-arranged locations.

We appreciate that clients need flexibility in how they are supported and we do whatever we can to be responsive. There are additional costs that are billed for travel, parking, and other expenses related to providing services outside our Evanston offices.

Virtual and Telehealth Therapy Optionsconnecti20242024-11-05T01:07:36+00:00

Virtual and Telehealth Therapy Options

Connections Health provides telehealth services for individuals based in Illinois using our virtual meeting platform.

Good Faith EstimateRobyn2024-11-01T22:07:48+00:00

Good Faith Estimate

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. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule 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 http://www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059.

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Insurance and Payment Options

At Connections Health, we strive to make mental health care accessible and affordable for everyone. We accept a variety of insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to meet your needs. Whether you’re using insurance or paying out-of-pocket, our team is here to guide you through the process and ensure that you can focus on your care without financial stress.

Accepted Insurances

We accept and are a preferred provider for Northwestern University Student Health Insurance Plan (NU-SHIP). For NU-SHIP, Connections Health collects a co-pay and bills the remainder to insurance.
Support for Out-of-Network Insurance

Connections Health supports clients with understanding and utilizing their out-of-network insurance standard benefits and with requesting individualized arrangements where possible.

While we may not be part of your plan, many insurance providers do offer out-of-network benefits. Connections Health is able to provide a super bill as a receipt of payment – with diagnostic and service codes, dates, and other necessary information for you to submit and be reimbursed directly by your insurance provider.
Private and Self Pay

At Connections Health, we function primarily with an independent, private, self-pay model, without being as subject to insurance or managed care treatment stipulations and information requirements. We believe that this model supports our aims in providing high quality, individualized, flexible, high value, and effective services in collaboration with our clients, their families, and other resources.
Making Payments

Connections Health accepts major debit and credit cards, FSA/HSA cards (Visa, Discover, Mastercard, American Express), and checks. Payments are due at the time of service, unless other arrangements have been made with Connections Health. Your credit card is stored securely in the Connections Health electronic health system and used to cover unpaid services and account balances due.

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