FAQ

Where is your office located?

My practice location is:

5412 N. Clark Street South Suite #3 Chicago, IL 60640

My comfortable and quiet office is located on the north side of Chicago in the beautiful neighborhood of Andersonville-Edgewater.

Easy street parking is available by paybox on Clark Street, and free parking often is located on Ashland Avenue or adjoining side streets. Public transportation options include the CTA Bus – #22, stop one-half block south of my office entrance. The CTA subway Red line Berwyn and Bryn Mawr stations are both a short walk to my office.

During this shelter-at-home time, I offer a HIPAA-compliant teletherapy option through Zoom. It is easy-to-use – all you need is a computer, IPAD, or smartphone plus WIFI.

How do I gain access to your office?

Secure access to the office building is by way of a touch screen directory located at the street level entrance. My name is at the top of the list. After being buzzed into the building, turn left at the top of the stairs. I will greet you at the South Suite located at the end of the hallway.

Is your office handicap-accessible?

Unfortunately, my office is not handicap-accessible.

My office is in a historic building in the heart of the Andersonville shopping and restaurant district. This historic office building has Landmark status, exempting any elevator installation. It requires a walk-up flight of stairs to the 2nd floor offices.

If you are unable to meet with me at my office, we can arrange online telehealth sessions.

How long are your sessions?

The initial session is 75 minutes with subsequent sessions 60 minutes in length.

Do you accept insurance?

I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) PPO and Blue Choice plans. I recommend you check with your specific plan to ensure I am a listed provider. If I am listed on your plan, I will file the claims directly to BCBS; but you are responsible for any co-payment or deductible as outlined in your plan.

If you have other insurance, you will pay me directly at the time of your session. I will provide you with all the required forms for your reimbursement.

I accept HSA, FSA, credit cards, checks, and cash payment methods.

What is your cancellation policy?

I have a 24-hour cancellation policy, and missed appointments incur the full fee. I send out reminders at the 36-hour mark as a helpful guide to remember your scheduled appointment.

How do I set up an appointment?

You can call (773) 580-2940 or email me at anneredmond2@gmail.com and offer some available times when you are free to talk. I will email you a confirmed date and time for when I will contact you.

What is the purpose of the initial phone conversation?

The initial 20-minute phone consultation is free. The purpose of this call is for you to share why you are seeking therapy at this time and to ask any questions that came up as you read my website. If I am not the best therapist to serve your needs, I will offer some referrals.

With whom do you work?

I work with adult men and women of all ages.

Do you work with diversity? Are you LGBTQIA friendly?

I welcome all diversity, whether it is your sexuality, ethnicity, or religion. I have worked extensively with the gay/lesbian community during the AIDS crisis and will honor any of your identity preferences.

I especially enjoy working with people who are first generation Americans. Growing up in a household of immigrant parents/family creates a heightened pressure to succeed. It is my pleasure to help individuals release some of the burden to overachieve in this new culture and country.

What can I expect in the first session?

After our phone consultation and you have scheduled your initial appointment, you will receive an email to sign on to my confidential and HIPPA-compliant practice management called Simple Practice. There, you will be asked to provide your contact and insurance information as well as to review and sign several consent and practice guideline forms. There also will be a brief list of questions about why you are seeking therapy, which we will review at our first in-person or telehealth session.

The first session is 75 minutes in length and is designed to allow you to share background information about yourself. We will also explore your goals and what you wish to accomplish in your therapy.

What is therapy like with you?

I believe therapy with me is an enjoyable experience. You will feel heard, validated, and understood. You will notice that I ask pointed, yet caring questions; but at the same time, I will support you as you probe within to find the answers. When you develop new insights and increased awareness, I celebrate your growth and congratulate your commitment to yourself. When you feel low and discouraged, I will help you find self-compassion.

We also may laugh together. I trust my clients know how much I care about them, and they marvel at my ability to remember the details of their life better than they sometimes do. Therapy with me is something to which you will look forward, as you will feel important, special, and cared about.

What is your educational background?

I received my Master of Science in Counseling from Illinois State University and am licensed in the State of Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor – LCPC. I also am a Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist (IFS) through the IFS Institute.

What’s your favorite hobby?

I love soaking in geothermal waters. I organize my vacations around them and to date have soaked in hot springs in seven states and the Philippines. I look forward to visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland – the motherlode of thermal waters.

I also collect rocks from around the world and ask my clients to bring them back from their trips. My office is filled with quite the collection!

Do you have a couch?

Yes, and no. I have a love seat – and no, you do not have to lie on it… unless you want!