Client accounts are charged on the same day (within 24 hrs) of the session. We require a credit card on file for all clients. Our office also accepts payments made in cash at the time of service. The amount charged to the client account is determined by their insurance plan benefits (Aetna or BCBS PPO).

All clients without these aforementioned plans will pay the self-pay rates. Continue reading this FAQ section for more information on ‘self-pay’ vs. insurance.

Don’t know if your insurance covers counseling? Your insurance coverage will be verified once you complete the New Client Form, book your first session, and fill out the intake paperwork.

Sweetgrass Therapy is in network with all Aetna and BlueCross BlueShield PPO plans. This means that our office will submit insurance claims directly to your insurance company, and collect any copay amount from you and/or your family.

Your insurance benefits determine how much you are charged for each session. Our office can obtain a quote of benefits from Aetna or BCBS PPO. We are not in network with any HMO plans, or any other insurance companies at this time.

If you do not have a Aetna or BCBS plan, you will be a self-pay client. This means you will pay the self-pay rates for each session.

Clients who do not have an Aetna or BCBS PPO plan become “self-pay” clients. They pay our practice directly for all services rendered.

Our office can provide a “superbill” at the end of each month that summarizes the services and related charges. This document demonstrates that a client has paid out of pocket for therapy services. It can be submitted to your insurance plan to receive partial reimbursement for session costs.

However, not all insurance plans allow clients to submit superbills for reimbursement. Clients should call their insurance provider to verify if this option is available to them.

Our office does not accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have any type of Medicare or Medicaid plan, we cannot see you as a client. Please contact your insurance provider to find a provider who accepts your insurance.

For all ALMFT therapists, the first two intake sessions are $200. (Sessions range from 53-60 minutes long). Each visit after the initial sessions is $160 (for individual or couples/family session).

Here are the rates for Natasha Knoff, LMFT ~

Two intake sessions (60 minutes) = $210

All other sessions (53 mins) = $185

Therapy intensives = cost varies

You can submit a receipt (called a "superbill") to your insurance provider for reimbursement for the cost of these self pay services. We do not guarantee any specific reimbursement, and encourage you to reach out to insurance provider for the specific details of your plan.

We do not offer reduced rate or sliding scale options at this time. If you are in need of help in finding counseling services at a reduced rate, we highly recommend Open Path (www.openpathcollective.org).

Yes, you can schedule a Telehealth session with your therapist.

In fact, you can meet exclusively via Telehealth if you prefer that method or cannot make it to the office for an in-person session. Many of our clients do not come to the office for therapy, and instead use video calls for their sessions.

Yes, all of our therapists are currently seeing clients in the office on a regular basis.

During the height of the pandemic, our therapists only worked via remote methods such as video call and telephone.

You may also choose to see your therapist in person, and switch to video sessions as needed (i.e. bad weather, work schedule changes, sickness).

You can schedule an appointment in several ways.

• The easiest way to get started with counseling is to fill out the New Client Form (click HERE!) Once you submit this form, the client care coordinator will reach out to schedule your first appointment.

• You can also schedule your 1st appointment online 24/7 by using our Online Scheduling option. Click HERE to access the secure portal. (Please note: Established clients will NOT be able to manage their appointments through this portal. It’s only for brand new clients to set up their

  1st sessions. Thank you for understanding.)

• You can call the main office line at (630) 480-6444 x 0 and leave a voicemail in a general inbox about setting up your first session.

• You can also email our office at clientcare@sweetgrass-therapy.com to request more information, and schedule your first session.

Most people feel nervous before the first session. This is entirely normal and does not mean that therapy isn’t right for you.

During the first meeting, your therapist will ask you what has brought you to the office that day, and some goals that you might have in mind.

They will also give a bit of feedback about what they've heard and encourage you to be proud of yourself for starting counseling!

Also, they will be happy to answer any questions you have about therapy in general and what you might expect throughout the process.

All of our therapists have been trained through a masters level mental health program. They are not trained in the specific field of “Christian Counseling” or “Biblical Counseling”.

Many of our therapists have educations from faith-based higher learning institutions, and have backgrounds in the Christian church or specific ministries.

Biblical Counseling vs. Mental Health Counseling:

The key difference is that Christian Counselors/Biblical Counselors primarily use Scripture and Biblical principles to discuss issues of identity, relationships, life, growth, change, etc.
Mental health clinicians are trained to use interventions derived from the research and practice of clinical psychotherapy.

If you identify as a follower of any religion or spiritual tradition, your therapist will be open to discussing this at any time you would like. However, they are not trained to offer any type of spiritual direction.

Take a look at the therapist bios on our website to learn more about each person (click HERE).

If you have any questions about a specific therapist and their areas of expertise, feel free to contact us by email or phone. Our client care coordinator will be able to pair you with a good fit, or narrow down your options to the top choices.

You can rest assured that all our therapists are empathetic and professional, no matter what specialties they practice.

There are many factors that can influence how long you might be in therapy. You can discuss this with your therapist during any part of the process.

Some clients experience the level of improvement they want in 6 months. Some clients attend therapy for a few years. Some are in therapy for longer than a few years. There is no “average” time for the therapy process.

You can discuss your progress and improvement over time to determine when you’re ready to end your sessions. At times, your counselor will likely check-in about your progress and need to stop or continue regular sessions.

Yes! Many people of all walks of life have achieved significant improvements in their daily lives by adding counseling to their weekly schedule.

You may have a friend or family member who has greatly benefited from psychotherapy or counseling of some kind. It can be helpful to ask them about their experience when thinking about starting it yourself.

However, you may only be able to know if therapy is right for you by scheduling a first appointment. Direct experience is often the best way to "confirm" that you should go to counseling.

Yes! Some of our therapists work with children and/or teenagers.

You can select a child or teen counselor by reviewing the counselor profiles via our “Therapists” page. Or, you can contact the practice directly and ask about which counselor may be a good fit for your child.

No, we don’t have a medical provider who helps clients manage their medications.

However, our counselors sometimes provide recommendations for their clients to seek consultation with doctors (psychiatrists) for medication management.