FAQs
(Billing FAQs at bottom of page)
What leads people to get psychological testing done?
Testing is typically sought out when:
there are concerns about the patient’s learning, social functioning, behaviors, problem solving abilities, and/or mental health (ex: anxiety, low mood).
an individual is not making expected progress in therapy or other areas.
people in the patient’s life are unsure how to best support them and/or feel the ways they have been supporting them have not been enough.
presenting concerns are negatively impacting the patient’s daily life.
there are concerns related to a specific diagnosis (ex: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Learning Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Anxiety, Mood, etc.)
These concerns may be expressed by the patient, by a parent, by a school team member, or by another professional.
How does testing help me / my child?
Testing can help answer questions about areas of concern an individual, family, or support person has regarding the patient. Sometimes, this includes a diagnosis that describes the challenges being faced by the individual.
Testing also aims to provide the individual and/or family with a roadmap of what to do next to get best support. This can include referrals as well as recommendations for home, school, work, outpatient providers, and/or the community.
Should I get testing done / get my child tested?
People seek testing for many different reasons, including concern about specific diagnoses, noticeable changes in functioning, daily challenges, and difficulties at home, work, school, or in the community. If you are unsure about whether this is something you are interested in, please reach out to us and we can complete a brief free phone consultation to determine if an initial consultation is warranted. <Click here to contact us>
Do you prescribe medication?
No. Clinical psychologists provide psychological assessment, therapy, and consultation. We can, however, connect you with a psychiatrist as their role involves prescribing medication.
What can I expect in initial/ testing/ therapy/ parent training?
Please see OUR SERVICES page for more details on what to expect for each service (click here).
Do you provide services via telehealth?
Yes. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the majority of initial consultations, therapy sessions, and parent support sessions are conducted via a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. All services to those from out of state (via PSYPACT) are provided via telehealth as well. Your clinician will share more details about this prior to your appointment.
How do I know when to start therapy?
People often start therapy when there are having challenges with stress, mood, anxiety, behavior, and/or other areas of functioning, and these difficulties are regularly impacting them and/or those around them.
Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?
No. You and your clinician will discuss diagnostic impressions during your initial appointment. Together, you will determine if comprehensive psychological assessment is needed in order to best inform treatment planning.
Where are services offered?
At this time, most services are offered via telehealth. Limited in-person testing and therapy services are being provided at our office. Of note, Dr. Palmer is also able to provide services to out-of-state individuals in states that participate in PSYPACT (check your state’s status here).
Our office location is 6160 N. Cicero Avenue, Suite #302, Chicago, IL, 60646. Upon scheduling testing, your clinician will provide you with written, visual directions on how to get to the office.
Where do I park?
Our office has a parking lot under and around the building. Please let your clinician know if you are having challenges accessing this.
Billing FAQs
What insurances are you in network with?
Jennifer Palmer, PsyD & Associates is currently in network with most Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, UHC/Optum, and Aetna plans, and some IL Medicare/Medicaid plans.
We also have limited scholarship spots for therapy and testing that are set up on a case by case basis. We also can provide good faith estimates for individuals those without insurance, out-of-network, or looking to pay out-of-pocket.
Please reach out with any questions.
What types of payment to you accept?
Patient typically pay via their in-network insurance (BCBS, Cigna, UHC/Optum, Aetna) or self-pay.
Out of network patients can check with their insurance company to determine if they have out of network benefits. If so, then sessions will be charged to the patient at time of appointment, and then you can file with your insurance company for reimbursement. As always, please check with your insurance regarding your benefits.
Will you check my insurance benefits for me?
We recommend all patients individually verify their insurance on the patient end to ensure coverage and confirm benefits. However, yes, all patients’ insurance benefits will be checked and verified prior to appointments by our team. We will provide you with details of these benefits, and confirm out-of-pocket payment amounts/copays. Copays and other out-of-pocket fees will be billed at the time of service.
Again, please note that we strongly advise patients to independently verify their benefits and confirm that their clinician is in-network.
How do I pay for my copays and other out-of-pocket expenses?
Upon registering in our patient portal, you will provide a debit or credit card to have on file. At the time of your appointment, you will be billed the confirmed co-pay, co-insurance, or other fee.