Practical details
Therapy fees & frequently asked questions
Clear information about appointments, payment, and what it is like to begin therapy with Sam Rustum, LCPC, in Chicago.
$300 per 60-minute individual therapy session.
Free 15-minute initial phone consultation.
Fees, insurance, and appointments
What is the session fee?
The private-pay fee is $300 for a one-hour session. A free 15-minute initial phone consultation gives us a chance to discuss what you are looking for and whether working together feels like a good fit.
Are sessions in person or online?
I offer in-person sessions in Chicago and telehealth appointments. Online availability depends on your location and eligibility. Contact me to discuss current availability and confirm your appointment location.
Do you accept insurance?
I accept Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Please contact me to confirm whether your specific plan is accepted and verify your benefits before starting. Your cost when using insurance depends on your plan and benefits.
Can I use out-of-network benefits?
For out-of-network care, I can provide a superbill. Reimbursement depends on your insurance plan and is not guaranteed. Please check your benefits directly with your insurer.
What happens during a consultation?
We will talk briefly about what brings you to therapy, your goals, and practical questions such as scheduling and payment. You can ask about my approach before deciding whether to schedule a session.
How long does therapy take?
Progress and the length of therapy vary. We will set goals together and check in regularly about what is helping, what needs to change, and the pace that works for you.
What should I include when reaching out?
Your availability and a brief reason for reaching out are enough. Please avoid including sensitive clinical details in your initial message; we can discuss those during your appointment.
Before your first session
You do not need to decide exactly what is wrong before we speak. It is enough to notice that something keeps taking more of your energy than you want it to. That might be reviewing a conversation long after it ended, preparing for work at the expense of sleep, or feeling distant from people you care about.
During the consultation, we can discuss what has been happening and whether my experience fits what you need. You can ask direct questions about how I work, how we would set goals, and the practical details of meeting. If you are comparing therapists, you can use those questions to understand the differences between their approaches.
To get a sense of my work before contacting me, read about Sam Rustum, LCPC or explore the concerns I help with. For questions about work pressure, the Career Stress page gives examples of what we might discuss.
Questions you may be asking
Do I need a diagnosis or a clear explanation of my problem?
You can start with an experience you want to understand: a stressful meeting, an argument, a decision you keep postponing, or the feeling that you cannot switch off. We can work together to make your concerns and goals more specific.
What approaches do you use?
I am trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS). I also draw from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic therapy. We can discuss how an approach relates to your circumstances before using it. Read more about IFS, CBT, ACT, and psychodynamic therapy.
Can I ask about fit before committing to ongoing therapy?
Yes. The free 15-minute consultation is a chance for both of us to ask questions. You can describe what you want help with, ask about my experience, and consider whether you would feel comfortable continuing the conversation in a session.
How are therapy and executive coaching different?
Therapy can address emotional distress, relationships, and patterns that affect your mental health. Executive coaching focuses on professional goals and leadership decisions. We can clarify which service you are seeking during a consultation. The $300 fee listed here is for individual therapy; ask separately about executive coaching.
A place to begin
Let’s make room for what you need.
A free 15-minute consultation gives us a chance to talk about what is difficult, answer your questions, and consider whether working together fits what you need.