QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions

(click on a question below to view answer)

Q. What are my responsibilities in therapy?

  • Setting and keeping appointments with your therapist.
  • Providing your therapist with honest, appropriate, and accurate information.
  • Assume responsibility for yourself in the therapy process, and work in a cooperative manner to accomplish those goals.
  • Keep the therapist informed about changes or progress that may have an impact on your therapy.
  • Ask questions and be willing to consider new options for behavior.

Q. What do I do if I have an emergency?

You can call our office during working hours at 309-828-2988, and someone will return your call as soon as possible. During off hours, or on weekends, please contact the PATH Crisis Line at 309-827-4005, 800-570-7284 or 309-828-1022.

Q. What is the typical length of a therapy session?

Therapy sessions generally last 45-50 minutes per session. At Ascent Counseling & Coaching Services, we make every effort to stay on schedule by beginning and ending sessions on time. On rare occasions, emergency situations may cause delays.

Q. How do you handle payments?

Payment is due at the time of service. If you choose to use your insurance as a means of payment, please discuss these arrangements with our Office Manager at your time of intake. We will assist you with filing insurance forms or we will provide the documentation you need to submit for reimbursement.

Q. What is the policy for cancellations?

You are requested to call our office and cancel your appointment at least 24 hours in advance. Please be advised that you may be charged for a full session if this requirement is not fulfilled. Note: Insurance will not cover this cost.

Q. Can I have copies of my records?

You are entitled to a summary of your sessions, which will be provided in response to your written request. There may be a charge for these summaries. The protection of your files and privacy is maintained under the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act. Information disclosed to the therapist is part of the therapist's personal notes. Such personal notes are the property of the therapist and will not be subject to discovery in any judicial or legislative proceedings.

Q. How do you protect my confidentiality?

The information you disclose in your therapy session is protected by confidentiality laws. This means your therapist is legally prohibited from revealing any information to outside individuals or agencies, including the fact that you are in therapy. To insure your privacy, we maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Illinois Mental Health Code, and Federal HIPPA laws. If you have questions please contact your therapist. If disclosure of information is clinically necessary, you will be asked to sign a disclosure form prior to the release of any information. Exceptions to the confidentiality rule include:

  • If you are dangerous to yourself or others
  • If there is a reason to believe that children, the elderly, or other groups may be abused or neglected
  • When there is a medical emergency
  • When the therapist is acting under court order
  • When your therapist is consulting with another JMA professional
  • When a therapist is preparing a legal defense
  • When a therapist is collecting on delinquent accounts
  • When mandated by HIPPA regulations