FAQs

At GROW, we treat all ages including children, adolescents and adults. Our trained therapists specialize in individual, couples and family counseling. We are a dynamic group of specialized clinicians, focusing on your unique needs.

We are committed to providing the highest standard of patient care, making GROW a safe place to seek guidance. All initial inquiries and consultations are strictly confidential. And, of course, as the treatment process begins all records and sessions are treated with utmost respect and confidentiality. To see our treatment agreement regarding our commitment to your confidentiality and limitations, see this page.

To learn more about confidentiality, specifically regarding the HIPAA Privacy Rule relating to Mental Health, click here.

Most of us feel uneasy about starting something new. “What do I even say?”… ”Do I even need help?”… “What will they ask me?” Starting therapy requires vulnerability… and vulnerability is scary. We’re ready to help you through it. We want to make these first steps as comfortable as possible. Reach out to us however is best for you, wherever you are in your decision to begin treatment.

We have several access points including email, phone, and online form. If there is a particular therapist you know or are interested in speaking to, you may contact them directly. If you don’t know one of us already, we’d be happy to help you find your best fit.

After you make contact with GROW, we typically complete an initial intake via phone. During this first introduction, a therapist will gather some general information and collaborate with you to decide the best course for your particular situation. It’s all free, with no commitment and, of course, totally confidential.

After you make contact with a clinician, the paperwork intake process is simple. Please fill out paperwork here. You can submit it through our portal. Our office manager will contact you if there are any questions or clarifications needed or they can be reached at 630-469-4699 ext 700.

Our therapists schedule their own appointment times, which may include evenings and weekend hours. Sessions typically last 1 hour. Psychological Testing may require different time commitments. 

The cost of sessions depends on insurance coverage, therapist rates, and duration of therapy. Please contact us with any related questions. 

We are in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO, Aetna PPO, and United Healthcare PPO. We are willing to submit to your commercial insurance provider if they are out of network. Your insurance company can explain your outpatient mental health benefits to you in detail.

Seth Allison does not participate as a network provider with any insurer.

We are willing to submit to your insurance provider for your reimbursement or provide superbills after services.

We provide: 

• Psychological Testing for Adolescents and Adults
• Group Therapy
• Workshops 
• Presentations

We also provide the following referrals to trusted mental health specialists for a collaborative approach to treatment. 

• Psychiatrists
• Hospitals
• Life Coaching
• Tutoring
• Executive Function Coaching
• Assessment for Learning Disabilities

Well, of course we trust that counseling can be a very rewarding experience. Heck, why else would we be so dedicated to our profession and practice? Therapy works!  We witness improvements in relationships, confidence, self-worth, problem-solving and overall wellness.

When you come to your therapy appointment, the first thing you’ll do is hang out in a waiting room.  If it’s your first session, you’ll fill out some straightforward paperwork. Your counselor will come greet you and bring you back to an office, which will look very similar to a comfy living room. You’ll both have a seat and have an hour together to focus on whatever you need that given day. Kind of cool to think of a whole hour dedicated to taking care of you, isn’t it?

Therapy works in many different ways. The most important part is that you counselor will be working right with you in the process of understanding what you need and perhaps why you need it. You don’t need to know what to say and there are really no rights or wrongs. The truth is, we all get comfort in different ways and therapy looks different for every single person. For some, it’s an extra ear so we don’t feel so alone in our problems. For others, it’s about learning skills to help manage emotions. Whatever it is for you, we adapt to you to help you find that comfort.

Yes and No. Some of our therapists have had a significant amount of theological training and have delved deeply into the integration of psychotherapy and spirituality. In that sense, we are uniquely suited to help clients who wish to explore their faith in the process of therapy. However, here at GROW, matters of faith are explored at the client’s initiation and without the imposition of our values or beliefs. While mindful of our own experience, we seek at all times to keep our client’s narrative front and center. Some private practices specialize in therapy from a certain religious perspective… that’s not us. But, we welcome the opportunity to integrate our client’s faith or spiritual practice into the process.

We are proud of our practice! It helps us grow to think thoughtfully and considerately about every person or family we get to meet. Our environment is casual but professional, much like each of our friendly counselors. We are people who have committed to our own, life-long process of personal development. We are also professionals with the knowledge, talent and compassion to make a difference in people’s lives. And if we’re not the best fit for you, that’s OK. It happens and we will work to find a referral that matches everything you’re looking for. 

Ooph, the world of counseling and all of the titles can be complicated and confusing. The truth is, we all have different titles but for the most part all do the same thing. Here is a breakdown of our common acronyms and titles:

M.A. – Masters of Arts

This professional has completed a two-year master’s degree usually specializing in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or Marriage and Family Therapy. 

M.S.W. – Masters of Social Work

This professional has completed a two-year master’s degree in social work mixed with the practice of psychotherapy.

M.Div. Masters of Divinity

This professional has completed a two-year master’s degree in the study of theology.

Psy.D – Doctor of Psychology

This professional has completed a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and are commonly referred to as Psychologists. Often, this professional has contributed research to the field within their training programs. Psy.D’s are eligible for licensure within the field after one year of clinical practice. 

L.C.P. – Licensed Clinical Psychologist

This professional has completed a four-year doctoral degree in psychology and the practice of psychotherapy, one year of supervised post-degree experience and has passed a psychologist’s examination.

L.C.S.W. – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

This professional has earned an M.S.W, has completed two years of post-degree experience and has passed a Clinical Social Work examination.

L.C.P.C – Licensed Professional Counselor

This professional has earned a master’s degree, has completed two years of supervised post-degree experience and has passed a counselor’s examination.

L.M.F.T – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

The professional has completed a master’s degree, has completed two years of post-degree experience and has passed a Marriage and Family Therapy examination.

Psychiatrist

The professional must first become a licensed medical doctor. In addition, they must complete a three-year program in psychiatric medicine and the practice of psychotherapy. Psychiatrists are capable of prescribing medication to the client.

C.A.D.C – Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

This professional has completed a quota coursework specifically related addiction treatment as well as completed a minimum of two years counseling experience.

For a full list of academic degrees, certificates and licenses within the mental health profession, check out this resource >