Frequently Asked Questions

Get Started

I work with individual adults and couples (both traditional and non-traditional configurations). People of all faiths, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender expressions, abilities, and backgrounds are welcome in my practice.
I specialize in working with couples, as well as individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, life transitions, and other issues arising in people’s lives.

My approach combines psychoanalytic theory, Gottman Method, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I tailor my work to each client’s unique needs and circumstances. You can find more information about my approach at the following links:

My practice is located at 25 East Washington Street, Suite 1606, Chicago, IL 60602 in the heart of downtown Chicago’s Loop. The building is exceptionally well-connected to public transportation—just 20 steps from elevated trains and Chicago’s BRT system. We’re also connected to Chicago’s underground pedestrian walkway system, providing weather-protected access to nearby amenities.

Building Access: The building has two entrances—one at 25 East Washington Street and another on North Wabash Avenue between East Washington Street and East Madison Street.

From the East Washington Street entrance: Proceed down the hallway and turn left at the security desk. You’ll find the elevator bank on your right. Take the elevator to the 16th floor. Upon exiting, turn right and walk to the end of the hallway. Turn left, and you’ll find my office door approximately 10 steps ahead on the left side. Please have a seat in the waiting room, and I’ll come to meet you at your scheduled appointment time.

From the North Wabash Avenue entrance: You’ll find the elevator bank on your left. Take the elevator to the 16th floor. Upon exiting, turn right and walk to the end of the hallway. Turn left, and you’ll find my office door approximately 10 steps ahead on the left side. Please have a seat in the waiting room, and I’ll come to meet you at your scheduled appointment time.

Nearby landmark: The building is next door to the Museum of Illusions and directly across the street from Macy’s.

Payment, Insurance, and Policies

A superbill is an itemized receipt that includes all the information your insurance company needs to reimburse you for out-of-network therapy services. It includes diagnosis codes, procedure codes, my license information, and session details. You will receive a superbill for the prior month’s sessions during the first week of each month. You can then submit this directly to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Please note that if you choose to seek reimbursement, you and/or I may be required to share personal information with your insurance company.

You are required to maintain a current credit card on file with CWC Psychotherapy at all times. Your card will be charged for each session. You may also pay using Zelle to payments@cwcpsychotherapy.com, but you must inform me of your intention to pay via Zelle prior to the end of your session, or your credit card will be automatically charged. If your Zelle payment is not received within 24 hours, your credit card on file will be charged. If your card is declined and no payment is received, you will be required to pay any balance due before scheduling or attending your next session.

If you are unable to attend therapy, you must contact me by 9pm on the evening before your session, except in cases of emergency or sudden illness. Late cancellations (after 9pm the evening before) will result in a $150 late cancellation fee, which will be charged to your credit card on the date of your missed session.

If you fail to attend a scheduled session without providing notice, you will be charged the full session fee immediately after your session time.

If you are ill and would like to change an in-person session to a telehealth session, you may do so by emailing me at christine@cwcpsychotherapy.com prior to the start of your session.

If you repeatedly cancel sessions with less than the required notice, I may need to terminate services or recommend a different provider that better fits your schedule.

In the rare event that I have an emergency and must cancel a session, I will email and/or text to notify you and reschedule. You will not be charged for sessions I cancel.

Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy and is protected by law. What you share in sessions is private, and I am committed to protecting your health information under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

However, there are important legal exceptions where I may be required to disclose information without your consent:

  • If there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others
  • Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult
  • When required by court order or subpoena
  • For public health and safety reasons as required by law
  • To your health insurance company if you’re seeking reimbursement (which may require sharing diagnosis and treatment information)

Under HIPAA, you have several important rights:

  • Access your records: You can request to see and receive copies of your medical records (excluding psychotherapy notes)
  • Request corrections: If you believe there’s an error in your records, you can request that it be corrected
  • Request restrictions: You can ask that certain information not be shared, though I’m not required to agree if it would affect your care
  • Choose how I contact you: You can request that I contact you in specific ways (e.g., only via email or only on your cell phone)
  • Receive a list of disclosures: You can request an accounting of when and why your information was shared
  • File a complaint: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with me at admin@cwcpsychotherapy.com or 312-725-8060, or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

I will provide you with a complete HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices at our first session, which explains in detail how your information may be used and your rights. We’ll discuss confidentiality and its limits during our first session, and I’m always happy to answer questions about privacy.

Questions About Therapy

The free consultation is a brief 20-30 minute phone or video call where we can get to know each other and determine if we’re a good fit. This is your opportunity to ask questions about my approach, experience, and how I might help with your specific concerns. I’ll also ask you some questions to better understand what brings you to therapy. There’s no obligation to continue after the consultation, and it’s completely okay if you decide we’re not the right match.
Therapy is a collaborative process where we work together to help you understand and address the challenges you’re facing. In our sessions, you’ll have a safe, confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I’ll listen carefully, ask questions, and offer insights and techniques tailored to your needs. We’ll identify goals together and work toward them at a pace that feels comfortable for you. The therapeutic relationship itself is an important part of healing and growth.
The length of therapy varies greatly depending on your individual needs and goals. Some people find relief in just a few sessions focusing on a specific issue, while others benefit from longer-term work spanning several months or years. During our initial sessions, we’ll discuss your goals and I’ll give you a better sense of what a realistic timeline might look like. We’ll regularly check in on your progress and adjust as needed. Ultimately, the duration is up to you.

CWC Psychotherapy will respond to patient call, text, or email communications within 2 business days. If you have an emergency or crisis that requires a more immediate response, please call 911, 988, or go to an emergency room. CWC Psychotherapy is not an emergency responder.

Yes, I offer secure telehealth sessions for clients who prefer remote therapy or cannot come to the office in person.

Public Transportation (Recommended)

The office is just 20 steps from elevated trains.

Closest CTA ‘L’ Stations:

  • Washington/Wabash (1 block) – Brown, Orange, Purple, Pink lines
  • State/Lake (2-3 blocks) – Red, Brown, Orange, Purple, Pink lines
  • Clark/Lake (3-4 blocks) – Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Purple, Pink lines

CTA Bus Routes:

  • Routes #20 Madison and #56 Milwaukee stop on Washington Street
  • Routes #29 State and #36 Broadway run on State Street (1 block west)
  • Routes #3 King Drive and #4 Cottage Grove run on Michigan Avenue (2 blocks east)

Metra Commuter Rail:

  • Millennium Station (4-5 blocks, 8-10 minute walk) – Electric District line
  • Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center are also nearby; you can take the ‘L’ from these stations to Washington/Wabash

Payment: Use a Ventra Card (recommended), Ventra App, or cash. Washington/Wabash and State/Lake stations are ADA accessible.

For real-time updates, visit transitchicago.com or call 1-888-YOUR-CTA.

Driving & Parking

Street Parking (Metered): As of 2025, downtown Loop rates are approximately $7.00 per hour during business hours (8am-9pm) and $3.50 per hour during evening hours (9pm-8am). Most metered spaces have a 2-hour maximum limit. Pay using the ParkChicago app or at pay stations (there’s a $0.35 convenience fee for transactions under two hours).

Parking Garages: Several parking garages are within walking distance with daily rates typically ranging from $14-30+ per day. Note that as of January 2025, there is a 23.25% city tax added to parking garage fees over $2.00. Book in advance using ParkWhiz or SpotHero.

Valet Parking: Valet Parking Authority operates valet stands on North Wabash Avenue near the building (look for black stands with black umbrellas). Maximum vehicle height: 6’8″. Cash and credit cards accepted.

Important: All parking rates are approximate and subject to change. Always verify current rates directly with parking providers before your visit.

You can contact me by phone at (312) 725-8060 or email at christine@cwcpsychotherapy.com. I will respond to your call, text, or email within 2 business days. You can also fill out the contact form on this website to request a free consultation.

Let's Get Started

Let's Get Started