Cara Therapy Chicago
Anne M Grosklaus LCSW
Psychotherapy and Social Work services rooted in Friendship.
© 2024 Cara Therapy Chicago PLLC - 1200 N Ashland Ave Suite 500 Chicago, IL 60622
NPI #1093564247 IDFPR #248004894
HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
Referring a patient/member
(thanks for thinking of us)
We value our partnerships with external providers and care coordinators. Refer to us with confidence, knowing we will do everything possible to ensure your patients/members will receive the treatment they need.
As a boutique practice, we specialize in combining high-quality psychotherapy with individualized attention and service. Rare for a practice of our size, we are proudly INN with most Commercial and Medicare plans.
We primarily work with adults and seniors who need 1:1 psychotherapy.
Family, group, marital, and children's therapy are outside our scope.
Adolescents are welcome, provided they are capable of communicating with the practice and initially consent to their care under 405 ILCS 5/3-550.
Services are available via telehealth, as well as our office in West Town - conveniently steps from the Division CTA Blue Line station. We offer weekend and evening appointments, and can often accommodate requests for urgent intakes as soon as next-day.
To submit a referral, please send a fax to 312-748-4298 or complete the following secure form:
Paying for our services
We're committed to delivering the top value for our clients, and are proud to be an in-network provider with a large selection of insurance plans.
This list is intended to provide a general overview of our contracted plans and networks, but is not comprehensive. A full benefits investigation will be completed before services are rendered, confirming network participation and any out-of-pocket costs.
| Carrier | Known accepted plans | Known excluded plans |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna | PPO, POS, HMO, EPO Medicare Advantage Signature Administrators EAP | Better Health |
| BlueCross/BlueShield of IL | PPO Blue Choice (options/preferred) Medicare Supplement Medicare Advantage Advocate Physician Partners: BlueCare Direct Blue Advantage HMO | MyBlue Plus Community Health Plans HPN Blue Precision HMO HMO Illinois Non-Advocate PCP/IPA: Blue Advantage HMO |
| Out-of-state BC/BS affiliates: | FEP Blue Focus/Basic/Standard BlueCard PPO (suitcase icon + "PPO") Medicare Supplement Medicare Advantage PPO (suitcase icon + "MA") | BlueCard HPN (suitcase icon + "HPN") If your BC/BS ID card lacks a suitcase icon, or if the suitcase icon is empty, please reach out for information. It may be possible to transfer your benefits to BCBSIL. |
| Cigna | Local Plus Open Access Plus PPO, POS, HMO, EPO Cigna Connect EAP Medicare Supplement Medicare Advantage | |
| Christian Brothers Services | Employee Benefit Trust Religious Benefit Trust | |
| Evernorth | Plans from Cigna and other organizations that use Evernorth to administer Mental Healh benefits. EAP | |
| Humana | Medicare Supplement Medicare Advantage | Gold Plus Integrated |
| Magellan | HMO plans from BCBSIL with a PCP in an Advocate Physician Partners medical group The Kroger Company EAP | |
| Medicare | Original (Part B) Medicare Lettered "Medigap" policies A-N Other supplementary coverage Medicare Advantage from: Aetna BCBSIL Out-of-state BC/BS (PPO only) Cigna Humana United Healthcare | |
| MultiPlan | Please enquire for details. | |
| Optum | Plans from United Healthcare, Oscar, and other organizations that use Optum to administer Mental Health benefits. EAP | |
| PHCS | Please enquire for details. | |
| United Healthcare | Select Plus Choice Plus Options PPO Exchange UMR Surest HMO Medicare Supplement Medicare Advantage EAP |
Don't see your plan? Unsure what your benefits are?
Please contact us for a benefits investigation.
Policy on Out-of-Network Plans
Cara Therapy Chicago does not treat clients on an Out-of-Network basis.*
Why?
Our practice is built on ensuring equitable access to quality care and delivering the best value for our clients. Accordingly, we believe it is unethical to provide services in a way that provides anything but the best financial terms to our clients. Using in-network (INN) providers is almost always a better choice than seeing an out-of-network (OON) one.
If you have a PPO/POS plan that claims to include OON coverage:
Billed charges are adjusted to an "allowed amount" that is arbitrarily decided by the plan.
OON services almost always have a higher and separate deductible from INN ones, meaning you will need to pay substantial amounts before the plan covers anything. Only the allowed amount is included in meeting your deductible.
Once the OON deductible is met, claims are subject to higher coinsurance - not your copay, and a higher coinsurance than INN services. Any charges above the allowed amount must be paid in full.
Plans often lack an out-of-pocket maximum for OON services, or if they do it is higher and separate. Charges above the allowed amount neither count towards or protected after your OOPM.
While many practices suggest their OON clients can submit a "superbill" and be reimbursed, the reality is that such reimbursements rarely add up to more than a fraction of client costs.
For those with INN-only coverage and are looking to Self-Pay:
Your plan is required to contract with and help you find mental health providers that can provide the care you require.
Self-Paying for otherwise covered care lets your insurance company "off the hook" for your needs.
Every provider network has "good" and "bad" providers, and there are similarly "good" and "bad" providers who don't participate in the network. Don't assume that self-paying will secure better care.
The cost savings of finding a good INN provider can be astronomical over the course of mental health treatment.
Having large costs associated with receiving care means that you could be forced to prioritize financial responsibility over getting the care you need from your OON provider.
Even if your plan's coverage for INN services is poor, you're still benefiting from their negotiated rates - OON providers regularly charge 80% more than what is allowed if they were INN. Mental health providers almost never offer discounts for self-pay.
We will gladly assist even non-clients with understanding their plan's benefits and finding appropriate INN providers upon request.Additionally, we are always looking to join new networks, and may be able work out an arrangement with your plan to treat you on an INN basis.
*The one exception to this policy is for members of certain Medicare Advantage and Medicare Secondary/Supplement plans that provide comparable benefits for OON services. We agree to bill the plan on a non-contracted basis (or be "deemed to contract with" a PFFS plan) and accept the amount due under Original Medicare as payment in full.
Financial Assistance Policy
Our practice does not offer "sliding-scale" or reduced fee sessions.
Why?
Unlike most private practices, we accept not only certain insurance plans, but any insurance plan willing to do business with us. This was a firm ethical commitment we made to our clients from day one.
However, the amount that insurance companies reimburse us varies dramatically. The plan we currently accept with the lowest rates reimburses us 45% less than the one with the highest rates. This disparity often reflects the premiums of the client's policy, which in turn reflects their economic condition.
When clients pay with insurance, even a plan with a relatively low reimbursement rate provides superior value for all parties. Client co-pays are often lower than reduced sliding-scale fees, and the practice still receives more for the session than if only the client was paying.
We feel strongly that this business model provides more broadly equitable access than only accepting the best insurance reimbursements and charging high cash rates, but offering a sliding-scale.
When permissible under applicable law, CMS policy, and/or payor contracts, the practice may agree to write-off cost-sharing for patients who demonstrate exceptional financial hardship.
Great to see you.
(let's get you in the right place)
At your service...
Having a life-threatening medical or mental health emergency?
Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.For immediate support with a sudden mental health crisis, call 988 or text 741741, then reach out so we can schedule an urgent session.
Cara Therapy Chicago believes that direct lines of communication are essential to building a strong therapeutic relationship. Please don't hesitate to reach out by SMS at (312) 248-2958 or email [email protected].
Due to the amount of time dedicated for clients, I am not generally able to accept inbound phone calls. If you wish to speak by phone, it is best to indicate as such via SMS or email, and I will respond to your request as soon as possible.If you'd like to leave a voicemail regarding a non-urgent business or administrative request, please use the office line at (312) 248-2997.
| Email/Voicemail | SMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Working Daytime Hours | End of day | Promptly |
| Weekend and Holiday Daytime Hours | Morning of next working day | End of day |
| Evening and Overnight Hours | Morning of next working day | Next morning |
Direct Clients
Let's meet face to face.
(sometimes it's nice to be in person)
We've partnered with Regus to create a beautiful and comfortable space for meeting with clients who desire in-person services. Located on the 5th floor of the former Home Bank and Trust building, our office is steps from the Division CTA Blue Line and easily accessible by car from Lincoln Park, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Near North, Gold Coast, and West Loop.
Access Information
Entrance to the building is located under the black awning on Ashland - adjacent to the Blue Line entrance. Please dial 532 to be buzzed in. Once inside, take the elevator to the 5th floor, let the receptionist know you are visiting Anne at Cara Therapy Chicago, and have a seat in the waiting lounge.Outside of normal business hours, elevator access to the 5th floor is locked. Please wait for the light on the card reader to turn green before pressing the button for the 5th floor.
Hi there!
(it's a true pleasure to meet you)
My name is Anne - I'm the founder, CEO, director, and provider of Cara Therapy Chicago.I have over 25 years of experience (15 as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker) - providing social services in various government, nonprofit, and healthcare settings. In 2024, I began CTC in response to growing demand for my services from Chicago's community.Cara is the Irish/Gailage word for friend. Psychotherapy is a scary term insurance companies use for my work, but the true description is friendship. My therapeutic style is simple - be a true friend. This means listening, caring, probing, checking-in, following-up, affirming, and occasionally sharing a different perspective.
While my clients come from all different backgrounds, with many different reasons for seeking services, my therapeutic areas of expertise include the following:
Grief and Loss
Trauma and PTSD
Domestic Violence
Sexual Abuse
Long COVID and Chronic Illness
Faith-affirming Care
Interested?
Let's get in touch.
Bills are never fun.
(but we'll make paying easy, and work with your insurance)
Looking to pay a bill? Use these links below to access your portal.
Direct Clients
Information for clients with out-of-network PPO insurance:
Cara Therapy Chicago was formed with the goal of helping as many clients as possible, and from day one it has been our goal to contract with as many insurance companies as possible. Unfortunately this process takes time, and there are a substantial number of different plans/payers to work through. If we are not in network now, know we're working on it.Nonetheless, we will happily work with your insurance to understand your benefits, and submit all claims on your behalf. Amounts reasonably foreseen to be your responsibility are due at the time services are rendered, but we will never expect you to pay us and request reimbursement.
HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
Your Information. Your Rights. Our Responsibilities.
This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.
Cara Therapy Chicago PLLC (the “Practice”) is committed to protecting your privacy. The Practice is required by federal law to maintain the privacy of Protected Health Information (“PHI”), which is information that identifies or could be used to identify you. The Practice is required to provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices (this “Notice”), which explains the Practice's legal duties and privacy practices and your rights regarding PHI that we collect and maintain. This Notice is effective on June 1st, 2024.
Your Rights
Your rights regarding PHI are explained below. To exercise these rights, please submit a written request to the Practice.
To inspect and copy PHI.
You can ask for an electronic or paper copy of PHI. The Practice may charge you a reasonable fee if such requests are excessive or create an administrative burden.
The Practice may deny your request if it believes the disclosure will endanger your life or another person's life.To amend PHI.
You can ask to correct PHI you believe is incorrect or incomplete. The Practice may require you to make your request in writing and provide a reason for the request.
The Practice may deny your request. The Practice will send a written explanation for the denial and allow you to submit a written statement of disagreement.To request confidential communications.
You can ask the Practice to contact you in a specific way. The Practice will say “yes” to all reasonable requests.To limit what is used or shared.
You can ask the Practice not to use or share PHI for treatment, payment, or business operations. The Practice is not required to agree if it would affect your care.
If you pay for a service or health care item out-of-pocket in full, you can ask the Practice not to share PHI with your health insurer.
You can ask for the Practice not to share your PHI with family members or friends by stating the specific restriction requested and to whom you want the restriction to apply.To obtain a list of those with whom your PHI has been shared.
You can ask for a list, called an accounting, of the times your health information has been shared. You can receive one accounting every 12 months at no charge, but you may be charged a reasonable fee if you ask for one more frequently.To receive a copy of this Notice.
You can ask for a paper copy of this Notice, even if you agreed to receive the Notice electronically.To choose someone to act for you.
If you have given someone medical power of attorney or if someone is your legal guardian, that person can exercise your rights.To file a complaint if you feel your rights are violated.
You can file a complaint by contacting the Practice using the following information:
Cara Therapy Chicago PLLC
[email protected]
312-248-2997
You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights by sending a letter to 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201, calling 1-877-696-6775, or visiting www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/.
The Practice will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Our Uses and Disclosures
Routine Uses and Disclosures of PHI
The Practice is permitted under federal law to use and disclose PHI, without your written authorization, for certain routine uses and disclosures, such as those made for treatment, payment, and the operation of our business. The Practice typically uses or shares your health information in the following ways:
To treat you:
The Practice can use and share PHI with other professionals who are treating you.
Example: Your primary care doctor asks about your mental health treatment.To run the health care operations:
The Practice can use and share PHI to run the business, improve your care, and contact you.
Example: The Practice uses PHI to send you appointment reminders.To bill for your services:
The Practice can use and share PHI to bill and get payment from health plans or other entities.
Example: The Practice gives PHI to your health insurance plan so it will pay for your services.
Uses and Disclosures of PHI That May Be Made Without Your Authorization or Opportunity to Object
The Practice may use or disclose PHI without your authorization or an opportunity for you to object, including:
To help with public health and safety issues:
Public health: To prevent the spread of disease, assist in product recalls, and report adverse reactions to medication.
Required by the Secretary of Health and Human Services: We may be required to disclose your PHI to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to investigate or determine our compliance with the requirements of the final rule on Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information.
Health oversight: For audits, investigations, and inspections by government agencies that oversee the health care system, government benefit programs, other government regulatory programs, and civil rights laws.
Serious threat to health or safety: To prevent a serious and imminent threat.
Abuse or Neglect: To report abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.To comply with law, law enforcement, or other government requests:
Required by law: If required by federal, state or local law.
Judicial and administrative proceedings: To respond to a court order, subpoena, or discovery request.
Law enforcement: For law locate and identify you or disclose information about a victim of a crime.
Specialized Government Functions: For military or national security concerns, including intelligence, protective services for heads of state, or your security clearance.
National security and intelligence activities: For intelligence, counterintelligence, protection of the President, other authorized persons or foreign heads of state, for purpose of determining your own security clearance and other national security activities authorized by law.
Workers' Compensation: To comply with workers' compensation laws or support claims.To comply with other requests:
Coroners and Funeral Directors: To perform their legally authorized duties.
Organ Donation: For organ donation or transplantation.
Research: For research that has been approved by an institutional review board.
Business Associates: To organizations that perform functions, activities or services on our behalf.
Uses and Disclosures of PHI That May Be Made With Your Authorization or Opportunity to Object
Unless you object, the Practice may disclose PHI:
To your family, friends, or others if PHI directly relates to that person's involvement in your care.
If it is in your best interest because you are unable to state your preference.
Uses and Disclosures of PHI Based Upon Your Written Authorization
The Practice must obtain your written authorization to use and/or disclose PHI for the following purposes:
Marketing, sale of PHI, and psychotherapy notes.
You may revoke your authorization, at any time, by contacting the Practice in writing, using the information above. The Practice will not use or share PHI other than as described in Notice unless you give your permission in writing.
Our Responsibilities
The Practice is required by law to maintain the privacy and security of PHI.
The Practice is required to abide by the terms of this Notice currently in effect. Where more stringent state or federal law governs PHI, the Practice will abide by the more stringent law.
The Practice reserves the right to amend Notice. All changes are applicable to PHI collected and maintained by the Practice. Should the Practice make changes, you may obtain a revised Notice by requesting a copy from the Practice, using the information above, or by viewing a copy on the website caratherapychicago.com.
The Practice will inform you if PHI is compromised in a breach.