Center on Halsted's Behavioral Health Department is now able to schedule initial screening appointments for new clients for all modalities of care (individual, relationship/family, group, and letters of support) via telehealth and some in-person. Please call us today to schedule your initial screening appointment call 773-472-6469 ext. 460, or email
, or complete our contact form: https://forms.gle/QJhux8vsMJXTqecC7
Cost Of Services All therapy services require an initial screening which is free of cost. The following are four possible means to cover cost of therapy with us after the initial screening:
1. We are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Aetna PPO & HMO, Magellan PPO, and Illinois Standard Medicare Insurance:
If you are covered by one of these insurances with behavioral health benefits, we will first verify coverage so that we can bill your insurance. In the process we will provide you with information about your specific deductibles and co-pay/co-insurance. Given the various health plans available, deductibles and copays vary greatly among plans. Authorization from your insurance must be obtained prior to treatment and we will assist you with this. Any co-pay, coinsurance, or other payments (e.g., deductibles, late fees, etc.) is due at the time of service.
2. Out-of-Network Insurance:
If you have another health insurance plan, we highly recommend that you contact your insurance carrier and check the possibility of being reimbursed for behavioral health services. For those with out-of-network insurance, the assigned psychotherapy fee will be paid in full ($120) at the time of service. We will provide you with a monthly invoice, but you will be required to file the claims information necessary to receive reimbursement through your insurance.
3. Sliding Scale (No Insurance & Medicaid Insurance):
If you do not have a health insurance or have Medicaid, the cost of therapy will be based on your current household income, number of dependents, and ability to pay. Fee per session ranges from $20 to $150 depending on your income. For specific details, please refer to “Sliding Scale Fee Structure” below. The assigned therapy fee must be paid in full at the time of service. Download PDF version of Sliding Scale rates.
4. Grant Funding:
Center on Halsted receives grant funding for specific populations. Some individuals may qualify to receive no fee services through these grants. Current grants focus includes individuals who have experienced violence, people living with HIV who are also lower income, and youth (under age 25) with limited resources. Eligibility will be assessed during initial screening.
Behavioral Health Therapy
Our team of skilled psychologists, social workers, counselors, interns, and volunteers offer individual, relationship, family, and group therapies to those who are 10 and older. Our long history in the community informs our services and makes us a unique provider of affirming, safe and supportive care. We are particularly competent in addressing important issues facing today’s LGBTQ community members and caring allies. Our services are offered both virtually and in person and can be accessed in both English and Spanish.
Individual Therapy
Therapy for a single person working through personal issues they are facing. Examples could include, but are not limited to; low mood, anxiety, identity exploration, healing from trauma, substance use concerns, and interpersonal relationship concerns.
Relationship/Couples Therapy
Therapy for a two or more persons looking to work on issues they are facing together. Examples could include, but are not limited to; concerns around communication, financial issues, navigating changing identities, and building/dissolving the relationship.
Family Therapy
Therapy for two or more familial (birth or chosen) members looking to work on issues they are facing together. Examples could include, but are not limited to; navigating changing identities, communication difficulties, and shifting patterns.
Therapy Groups
These services are meant to support, connect, and unite LGBTQ individuals and allies who share similar challenges and are working on making changes in their lives. The fee is $10-$40 per session although some groups are covered by grants and therefore are no cost. Individuals who are interested will need to complete an initial screening prior to the start of the group cycle. Our therapy groups aim to be inclusive to all members of the community and group topics may change throughout the year in an effort to meet the changing needs of the community.
Letters of Support for Gender Affirming Surgeries Single visit appointments are available to those needing letters to support their gender affirming surgeries. This appointment is typically under an hour. We will complete our psychosocial assessment together then we will write an informed decision letter collaboratively. The fee for this service is free, unless you have in-network insurance, such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO & Aetna PPO/HMO, Magellan, or Medicare. If you would like to read more about a philosophy that we ascribe to, please visit: thegalap.org
Volunteer Therapist Program
The Behavioral Health volunteer therapist program is for those who would like to continue their work with the LGBTQ community by volunteering their clinical services. Therapists who are accepted into this program need to enter with a level of cultural competency/humility in working with the LGBTQ community. This program can be for those who can afford to donate their time post licensure or for those with a graduate degree in a mental health field. These clinical hours can be used toward licensure. Clinicians who are not clinically licensed would need to have an outside clinical supervisor that will be in contact with our Director of Behavioral Health. Volunteer therapists are expected to donate three to five clinical hours per week.
Please contact Ing Swenson, Director of Behavioral Health, at iswenson@centeronhalsted.org to discuss becoming a volunteer therapist.
