Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started?
You can reach out to schedule a session. If you'd like to get to know me a bit more before scheduling, I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to allow us a chance to meet and see if we’re a good fit. Please fill out this form and specify whether you’d like to schedule a session or a 15 minute consultation.

Do you see clients in any state?
I am only able to see clients who are physically located in the state of Illinois at the time of session, because I am only licensed in the state of Illinois.

Which insurances do you take?
I am in-network with BCBS PPO, Blue Choice, United Healthcare PPO, and Aetna PPO. However, this is not a guarantee that your specific plan will cover therapy sessions with me. I always recommend clients call their insurance carrier to verify coverage.

Tips for contacting your insurance:

  • I may be listed under my individual name, Rachel Mintz, or the practice name, Connection Psychotherapy PLLC, depending on your insurance carrier. If “Rachel Mintz” is not listed as in-network, try searching for “Connection Psychotherapy PLLC.” If you are unable to locate me in any of the aforementioned insurance companies’ directories please let me know, as that may indicate a glitch in that insurance company’s directory that needs to be rectified.

  • You may need to give them specific "codes,” which indicates the service being provided. Important codes include: 90791 (for intake sessions), 90837 (for individual sessions), 90847 (for family sessions, including relationship therapy).

Here are some questions to ask your insurance:

  • Are mental health benefits covered?

    • For relationship therapy: Do you cover couples therapy?

  • Is there a limit to the number of mental health visits covered per year?

  • What is the co-payment or co-insurance amount?

  • Is there an annual deductible for my plan? If so, what is my current balance towards my deductible?

  • How much do I pay after the deductible is met?

  • Is pre-certification or authorization required?

Please be aware that health insurance companies require a diagnosis in order to cover therapy, and do not cover all diagnoses. If you do not meet criteria for a diagnosis, or your diagnosis is not covered by your insurance carrier, you may not be covered and would have to pay the out-of-pocket fee.

I don’t want to use my insurance. Can I still work with you?
Absolutely. Some people choose not to use their insurance due to not wanting to have a diagnosis on file, particularly if they are in an ongoing court case or work in litigious fields. Those who choose not to use their insurance would pay my out-of-pocket fee, detailed below.

What if you aren’t in-network with my insurance?
If I am not in-network with your health insurance plan, you still may be able to receive reimbursement for part of your therapy expenses through your insurance, particularly if you have a PPO plan. In order to learn about your out-of-network benefits, you can call your insurance carrier and ask how much your plan will cover/reimburse for an out-of-network mental health provider. If you’d like to use your out-of-network insurance benefits, I can provide a superbill for you to submit to insurance for reimbursement.

What is your out-of-pocket fee?
My self-pay fees are as follows:

  • Individuals: $200 for an initial intake session and $180 for follow-up sessions.

  • Relationship therapy: $220 for an initial intake session and $200 for follow-up sessions.

I offer a limited number of sliding scale spots for those experiencing financial hardship.

What is your late cancellation policy?
I require notice of cancellations 24 hours prior to the session start time. For example, if you are scheduled for a session at 3:00pm on Tuesday, you’d have to let me know by 3:00pm that Monday prior in order to avoid the late cancellation fee. If you fail to give 24-hour notice or miss a scheduled appointment ("no show"), you will be responsible for the full fee for that appointment.

What forms of payment are accepted?
At this time, I only accept credit cards for payment, and all clients are required to have a credit card on file. Unfortunately, other forms of payment such as Zelle, Venmo, etc., are not HIPAA compliant, so I cannot accept them.

Do you see anyone in person?
No, I am an entirely virtual practice.

Are there any issues you don’t treat?
Yes. No therapist can be well-trained in everything, and it is unethical to work with issues that we’re not well-trained in. If you experience any of the concerns listed below, or I believe that you need more support that I can offer, I will refer you out to providers who can offer you the care you deserve. Some of the concerns I don’t work with include:

  • Those in active crisis

  • Psychosis

  • Active eating disorders

  • Severe substance use disorders

  • Those engaging in non-consensual sexual behaviors

  • Minor-attracted people

Do you work with minors?
At this time, I do not work with anyone under the age of 18.

What are your therapy client privacy practices?
You can review the Client Notice of Privacy Practices here.

What are my rights under the No Surprises Act?
If you are not using your insurance, you have the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" outlining the anticipated total cost of your medical care, including any non-emergency items or services.

Your health care provider is required to give you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service. You can also ask your health care provider for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a 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.