FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This is where we answer some of the most common questions from current and prospective clients. Whether you're wondering about how therapy works, what we offer, how insurance works, or what to expect from your first session, you're in the right place.
If you don't see your question here, you can reach out or schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We're happy to answer anything before you commit.
ABOUT OUR PRACTICE
Is your therapy practice virtual or in-person? We are a fully virtual practice providing HIPAA-compliant telehealth therapy to clients across Chicago and throughout Illinois. Our sessions are easy to access, secure, and designed to fit into busy schedules — no commute, no waiting room, no childcare scramble.
Where are you located? While our team is based in the Chicagoland area, we offer therapy virtually to clients across the entire state. You can attend sessions from anywhere in Illinois , your home, your office, your car (parked!), or wherever you feel most comfortable.
What ages do you work with? We work with clients ages 10 and up. Iryna Bugay, LPC and Melissa Chavez, LCPC both work with adolescents & adults, while Ebony Davis, LCSW works with adults.
Who is on the team and what are their specialties? Our team includes: Melissa Chavez, LCPC, CIMHP — Founder & Clinical Director. Specializes in women's mental health, ADHD, integrative mental health for hormonal conditions (PCOS), life transitions, and first-generation Latinx experiences. Bilingual in English and Spanish. Iryna Bugay, LPC — Specializes in couples therapy, teen therapy, anxiety, educator burnout, and immigrant experiences. Bilingual in English and Ukrainian. You can read more about each therapist on our Meet the Team page.
Do you offer therapy in languages other than English? Yes. Melissa offers sessions in Spanish, and Iryna offers sessions in Ukrainian. Many of our clients tell us doing therapy in their native language helps them access feelings and memories that English doesn't quite reach.
SERVICES & SPECIALTIES
What types of therapy do you offer? We offer individual therapy for adults and teens (ages 10+), couples therapy, and specialized care across a range of focus areas including: Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and burnout Trauma and PTSD Maternal mental health and postpartum care Couples and relationship therapy Teen and adolescent therapy Integrative mental health for hormonal and physical health concerns (PCOS, fertility) Life transitions, identity, and first-generation experiences Career stress and professional burnout You can explore our full list of services on our Services page.
Do you offer couples therapy? Yes. Couples therapy is offered by Iryna Bugay, LPC, who specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and integrative approaches for couples navigating communication challenges, recurring conflict, rebuilding trust, and major life transitions. Sessions are available in English and Ukrainian.
Do you offer counseling for hormonal issues like PCOS, endometriosis, or fertility struggles? Yes. Melissa Chavez, LCPC, CIMHP is a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional who specializes in supporting women navigating the mental health impacts of hormonal conditions including PCOS, endometriosis, fertility challenges, and perimenopause. Therapy with Melissa is talk therapy with an integrative lens — she works alongside your medical providers to help you understand how your body and mind are talking to each other.
Do you offer therapy for first-generation, immigrant, or bicultural clients? Yes. Both Melissa (first-generation Mexican-American) and Iryna (first-generation Ukrainian-American) bring lived understanding to first-gen and immigrant experiences. We work with clients navigating identity, family expectations, cultural in-between-ness, refugee adjustment, and the layered weight of building a life across two cultures.
Do you work with teens? Yes. We work with teens ages 10 and up. Iryna and Melissa both see adolescents. Sessions support anxiety, school stress, ADHD and executive functioning, perfectionism, identity, family conflict, and the transitions that come with growing up.
What types of therapy approaches do you use? Our team draws from evidence-based, integrative approaches including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and DBT-informed work Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples Attachment-based and trauma-informed therapy Somatic and mindfulness-based approaches Solution-focused therapy Strengths-based therapy Therapy is always tailored to your needs, your goals, and your therapist's clinical strengths.
INSURANCE & PRICING
Do you accept insurance? Yes. We are in-network with: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (PPO) Aetna Cigna & Evernorth UnitedHealthcare (UHC/UBH) Optum First Health Government Employees Health Association (GEHA) We also work with Telligen (the mental health plan for City of Chicago employees) through preauthorization. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on therapy.
How much do sessions cost if I don't use insurance? Our private pay rates are: Individual Therapy: $130/session | Intake: $175 Couples Therapy: $150/session | Intake: $185 Paying out-of-pocket offers privacy, flexibility, and full control over your care. You don't need a formal diagnosis, and your treatment stays entirely between you and your therapist. If cost is a concern, we're happy to discuss options during your free consultation — including superbills for out-of-network reimbursement and recommendations for affordable mental health resources if our rates aren't the right fit.
Will my insurance cover virtual therapy? In most cases, yes. Most major insurance plans cover telehealth mental health services at the same rate as in-person sessions. We'll verify your specific benefits before your first session so there are no surprises.
What if my insurance isn't on your in-network list? If we're out-of-network with your insurance, you may still have out-of-network benefits that reimburse a portion of your sessions. We provide superbills for clients who want to submit for out-of-network reimbursement.
STARTING THERAPY
How do I get started? You can: Schedule a free 15-minute consultation directly online Email us at info@eunoiaintegrativecounseling.com Call or text us at (708) 320-8829 We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.
What happens during the free consultation? The free 15-minute consultation is a low-pressure conversation where you can share what's bringing you in, ask questions, and decide if our practice feels like a good fit. There's no obligation to book — it's genuinely a chance to get a feel for us before committing.
How do you decide which therapist I'll work with? When you reach out, we'll ask a few questions about what you're navigating, your insurance, and any preferences (like therapist gender, language, or specific specialty). Based on what you share, we'll match you with the therapist whose approach and expertise best fits your needs.
What if I don't click with my therapist? It happens, and it's okay. Therapy works best when you feel safe and understood with your therapist, so if it's not the right fit, just let us know. We'll either match you with another clinician on our team or help you find someone who's a better fit elsewhere. No awkwardness, no hard feelings.
How long does therapy usually last? It depends on what you're working on. Some clients come for a few months focused on a specific challenge; others stay in therapy long-term for ongoing support and growth. We'll talk about goals and pacing during your first few sessions and check in regularly about what's working.
How often will I have sessions? Most clients start with weekly sessions, which is the most common pace for building momentum. Once you're feeling more grounded, sessions sometimes shift to every other week or monthly maintenance, depending on what you need.
Do you offer evening or weekend appointments? Yes, we offer evening appointments on weekdays to accommodate working professionals, students, and parents. Saturday appointments are available with Ebony Davis, LCSW — her availability varies, so reach out to confirm current openings.
WHAT TO EXPECT
What happens during the first session? The first session is mostly about getting to know you — what's bringing you in, what you've tried before, what you're hoping for from therapy, and what feels important for your therapist to know. There's no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with on day one. We move at your pace.
Is therapy confidential? Yes. Everything you share in therapy is confidential and protected by HIPAA. There are a few legal exceptions (such as immediate safety concerns or court-ordered disclosures), which your therapist will explain at your first session.
What if I don't know what to talk about? That's completely normal — and it's okay. Your therapist will guide the conversation, ask questions, and help you find the threads that matter. You don't have to come in with a clear agenda or a specific problem to "fix."
How do I know if I need therapy? Therapy isn't just for crisis moments. It's also for growth, self-understanding, navigating transitions, and untangling patterns that aren't serving you. If you're wondering whether therapy might help — that question itself is often a good reason to schedule a free consultation and explore.
What's the difference between a therapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist? Therapists (LCPC, LPC, LCSW) provide talk therapy and counseling. We hold master's-level licenses and are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions through therapy. This is what we offer. Psychologists (PhD, PsyD) provide therapy and psychological testing. They hold doctoral-level degrees. Psychiatrists (MD) prescribe medication and may or may not provide therapy. They are medical doctors specializing in mental health. We do not prescribe medication, but we can refer you to a psychiatrist or coordinate care with your existing prescriber if needed.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
We're happy to answer anything else over a free consultation, by email, or by text.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
M.W, Client
"“Helpful and makes me feel better. Melissa is helpful and listens. She really cares about you. You should definitely try it out.”