Can I print out my intake forms and bring it to my first session?

Yes, print these forms (PDF) from the home page. You will find the link at the bottom of our home page. Please fill it out and bring it to your first session. What if I decide to drop out of therapy? Unfortunately, some people drop out of therapy prematurely and do not receive the full benefit of treatment. If you are considering dropping out of therapy, we recommend you scheduling one more session to discuss your concerns with your therapist. This may be your moment of greatest personal growth, and your therapist can assist in getting you back on track.

What do I do if I feel stuck?

There might be times when you feel stuck or convinced you are not making any progress. It can be extremely helpful to talk about those feelings with your therapist, though it may not be easy for you. Perhaps you are afraid of conflict, or concerned about hurting your therapist's feelings. However, if you do not tell your therapist how you feel, it may sabotage your progress. Therapists know how to listen objectively to your concerns without becoming defensive. A frank discussion of your feelings will often lead to an unexpected therapeutic breakthrough.

What do I do if I have an emergency?

You can call our office during working hours, and someone will return your call as soon as possible. During off hours, or on weekends, please contact the Mental Health Association's Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or go to the nearest hospital.

What if I want copies of my records?

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. You are, of course, entitled to a summary of your sessions, which will be provided in response to your written request. There may be a printing charge for photocopies of your records.

What are my responsibilities in therapy?

To set and keep appointments with your therapist. To provide your therapist with honest, appropriate, and accurate information necessary to deliver quality mental health services. To assume responsibility for yourself in the therapy process, and to work in a cooperative manner to accomplish those goals. To ask questions and be willing to consider new options for behavior. To keep the therapist informed about changes or progress that may have an impact on your therapy. 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.

What do I need to know about office hours and scheduling?

Our office telephone number is 309-693-8200. Each therapist has different availability during the week, so please discuss appointment times with your therapist or our Office Manager. The Office Manager/Receptionist is available Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm, Friday 8am-3pm. Our office is open on some Saturday's based on therapists' availability, but there are no receptionists available to answer phone calls on Saturdays. During these hours, we can assist you with scheduling, billing questions, insurance claims, or other personal issues. Please note: We are closed on Sundays. During other business hours, and when the office is closed, you may be connected to our answering machine. Please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible. If there is no answer to your call, this indicates that all lines are currently in use. Please call back in a few minutes.

What do I need to know about my 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. If you do not cancel your appointment with 24 hours notice, you may be billed for the full cost of the missed session, and insurance will not cover this expense.

What are you doing to 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:

What is the typical length of the session?

Therapy sessions generally last 45 minutes per session. Clients do have the choice of extending their individual therapy sessions to 55 minutes if they desire. The discussion of minutes per session is something that will be discussed individually with each client prior to their appointment. At Joy Miller & Associates, we make every effort to stay on schedule by beginning and ending sessions on time. On rare occasions, emergency situations may cause delays.