Many factors go into finding the right fit and you are encouraged to take the time necessary to find who you feel most comfortable being vulnerable with. Do you prefer working with someone who shares one or more of your many identities, such as minority status or sexual orientation? Are you seeking a clinician trained in a specific therapeutic technique? Your interpersonal connection with a clinician is ultimately the best barometer for the health of your therapeutic relationship. Discuss your concerns with us during your consultation or intake appointment. We want to make this decision as seamless as possible for you, even if you ultimately decide to engage with a different provider. Here are a couple short reads on this topic: - Your therapist is white. You're not. Is this a problem?(https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/may/28/finding-good-therapist-gender-race-cultural-competency) - Ethnic Minority Counselors as Cultural Brokers(https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/vistas/ethnic-minority-counselors-as-cultural-brokers-using-the-self-as-an-instrument-to-bridge-the-gap.pdf?sfvrsn=23dd7e2c_10)

Many folks start therapy thinking that their therapist will tell them what to do, offer a clean solution to a messy problem. In fact, therapy is to help you find your own solutions -- to support you in making the best decisions for YOU and to help you gain a sense of empowerment and confidence in making those choices. Though this approach may feel frustrating in the short-term, it benefits you in the long run. We implore you to tolerate the short-term discomfort in order to reap the long-term gains of developing greater understanding of, and compassion towards, yourself. This is the only way to truly help you make lasting improvements in your personal and relational health. Here are a couple short reads to help you prepare for the journey ahead: - 21 Tips for Clients in Psychotherapy(https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-therapy/201005/21-tips-clients-in-psychotherapy) - Give a Man a Fish…(https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-therapy/200805/give-man-fish)

Neuropsychological and psychological assessments help ferret out the most likely root of the emotional, social, or cognitive concerns that you are experiencing. This is important in order to understand which treatment options would most likely address your concerns. In other words, our assessments can help take some of the guesswork out of getting the care that is most appropriate for you and your unique circumstances. When considering the impact of chronic conditions on cognitive abilities, re-assessment can help determine whether your chosen treatments are having the desired impact on your long-term cognitive health.

Diagnostic assessments vary in length, depending on the question(s) that you wish for us to help you answer. All assessments involve a clinical interview, paper-pencil and computer activities, and a feedback appointment. Sometimes, additional reports may be requested from your medical team, family members, or academic community. No needles or medications are involved. We strive to complete all clinical reports within two weeks of your last testing appointment and will discuss the results with you during your feedback appointment. For more details about the complete process, please visit our diagnostic assessment (javascript:void(0))page.

At Bodh Center for Wellness, our clinician’s are held to the highest standards of confidentiality and ethical clinical practice. Except for circumstances that are required of us by law, we will never share your information, or even the fact that you are our client, unless we have your written consent to do so. What this means is that if we were to cross paths at a local event, or any other public or private space, for that matter, we will wait for you to acknowledge and greet us first before responding in kind. Additionally, we will follow your lead in speaking about the nature of our relationship when others are present, and will not self-identify as your clinical provider unless you have identified us as such first.

Without a doubt, health insurance increases access to services that would otherwise be financially inaccessible to many. However, it is also a means for moderating the utilization and provision of healthcare services. Insurance companies do so by requiring clinicians to assign a mental health diagnosis code that demonstrates medical necessity to justify their reimbursement of these services. They may come back at any time in the future stating that they no longer consider your care to be medically necessary and rescind the payments they made on your behalf, leaving you financially liable for an unexpected and large bill. Don't forget that your mental health diagnosis becomes a part of your permanent medical record, and can be accessed by life and disability insurance payors when determining coverage eligibility and premium rates. Some clients choose to pay for mental health services out of pocket, even if they have health insurance, because they worry about potential repercussions on employment, legal cases, life insurance, or a slew of other personally unique circumstances. Paying for services privately is a great way to ensure that the work we do stays confidential. It also affords us the greatest flexibility in determining how and when you may receive such services. We understand that balancing confidentiality and flexibility with financial goals can be difficult, and are available to talk through your self-pay options.

We only offer talk therapy through telehealth. This is in line with our value for trying to meet our target clients where they are most comfortable and where there are the fewest barriers to accessing care. Virtual telehealth increases access to care for those who are unable to find culturally responsive clinicians in their immediate vicinity or who have restrictions on their mobility. Through clinical research, we know that telehealth appointments are just as effective as in-person means of providing mental healthcare services. We do offer in-person appointments to clients seeking diagnostic testing, specifically for comprehensive neuropsychological assessments. In-person appointments will be in our office, which is located at the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Lake Cook Road in Buffalo Grove.