About Services Team Beyond Therapy FAQs Contact Get Started →

FAQs

Questions we
get a lot.

Everything you want to know before reaching out, from how therapy works to what insurance we accept.

Getting Started

The easiest way is to schedule a free 15-minute consultation through our contact page. This is a no-pressure call where we learn a bit about what's going on for you and make sure we're a good fit. From there, we'll get you scheduled with the right therapist.

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, burnt out, or like you're just going through the motions, therapy can help. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from it. Many of our clients come in high-functioning on the outside but exhausted on the inside.

The free consultation is a great way to explore whether it feels like the right time without any commitment.

Our practice is focused on women and women-identifying individuals. This allows us to specialize deeply in the specific pressures, patterns, and experiences that affect women, including high achievement, people-pleasing, motherhood, and more.

Kristen works primarily with adults. Amy Botta works with high school-aged clients (15+) through adulthood. If you're looking for support for a younger child, we're happy to provide referrals.

About Therapy

Sessions are 50 minutes. We start by checking in on where you are and what feels most important to address. Then we dig in, which might mean working through a specific situation, building a new skill, or unpacking a pattern that keeps showing up. You'll typically leave with something concrete to think about or try before the next session.

Most clients start with weekly sessions, especially in the beginning when building momentum matters most. As you make progress, we might shift to every other week. Ultimately, the frequency is something we decide together based on your goals and what's working.

We use evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and trauma-informed practices. We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, your therapy is tailored to you, your history, and your goals.

It depends on what you're working on. Some clients find significant relief in 8-12 sessions. Others work with us for a year or more as they navigate bigger life changes. We'll regularly check in on your progress and be honest with you about what we think makes sense.

Insurance & Fees

We currently accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBS IL) for therapy services. We also offer private pay for clients who prefer not to use insurance or who have other coverage.

Please contact us directly for current private pay rates. We're happy to discuss options and, in some cases, a sliding scale may be available depending on circumstances.

Yes! Therapy is a qualified medical expense, so you can typically use HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) funds for sessions. Check with your plan administrator to confirm.

Yes, we offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can get a feel for whether we're the right fit before committing to anything. No credit card required, no pressure.

Logistics

We are based in the Chicago suburbs in Illinois. All sessions are conducted virtually via secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth, available to anyone across Illinois.

Yes. We offer telehealth sessions for clients anywhere in Illinois. Virtual sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. All you need is a private space and a stable internet connection.

We ask for at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or no-shows may be subject to a fee. We understand life happens, please just communicate with us as soon as you know you need to reschedule.

Consulting

Therapy is a clinical service that involves diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. It's covered by insurance and involves working through deeper emotional and psychological patterns over time.

Consulting is more action-oriented and coaching-like, focused on goals, strategy, and shifting mindset. It's not billed to insurance and is ideal for women who aren't in crisis but want expert support to make specific changes in their life, career, or relationships.

No, consulting is a private pay service and is not covered by insurance. It is distinct from clinical therapy services.

Yes! Kristen is available for keynote speaking, workshops, and corporate wellness consulting. Topics include burnout prevention, mental health in the workplace, boundary-setting, and supporting high-achieving women in organizations. Contact us to inquire about availability and packages.

Still have
questions?

Reach out directly, we're happy to answer anything before you schedule.

Contact Us Book a Free Consult