How We Work Together
We believe everyone deserves a safe space to open up, release, and explore the possibility of change. With a combination of genetics, luck, and healthy lifestyle, life will be long and there will always be opportunities to learn and grow. We listen with empathy, non-judgement, and years of experience, and will work with you to set clear, achievable goals based on what is most important to you for your physical and psychological health.
We utilize an integrative approach to psychotherapy including a blend of scientifically-supported strategies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. These techniques have been well-researched and are very helpful for improving overall stress management as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other psychological concerns and symptoms. These approaches are also a meaningful framework for addressing bigger picture questions about cultivating health and managing illness. For those who are interested, Dr. Kacel is also a certified yoga instructor, inspired by Eastern contemplative wisdom and ways this can complement traditional psychotherapy practice.
Getting Started
Location
At this time, all services will be offered virtually through video visit. Joining a virtual session requires a phone, computer, or other device that has a camera and audio capacity, as well as a stable internet connection. We are happy to provide basic support in trouble-shooting technological difficulties. For the time being, for all virtual sessions, you must be physically located within the state of Illinois for the duration of your appointment. We plan to expand to offer services in-person in Chicago, as well as to people living outside of Illinois, in the near future.
Hours and Availability
Appointments are available Monday through Friday, with select evening appointments, as well as Saturdays.
Fees and Insurance
Currently, we are Out of Network (OON) with insurance. However, we will provide a “Superbill” which can be submitted to your insurance and may result in coverage through OON benefits. Please contact your insurance directly—prior to scheduling—in order to verify your specific benefits for “OON Mental/Behavioral Health.” We plan to offer services covered by insurance in the future. Sliding scale/reduced cost services are available on a case-by-case basis. Fees are due at the time of service.
Brief Consultation
No charge
15-minute phone call for you to learn more about services offered by PEAR Health Psychology and for us to learn more about your primary concerns and why you may be interested in psychotherapy at this time. We will collaboratively come to a consensus about whether you would like to schedule an Initial Assessment. If for any reason we determine that this practice is not an appropriate match for you, we will discuss this during the call and provide referrals and resources to help you find a better fit.
Initial Assessment
$200
60-minute comprehensive psychological intake evaluation designed to learn more about your current concerns, the type of support you are seeking, and what experience you have (if any) with mental health treatment. We will ask about your current and past psychological experiences, social and relationship history, medication regimen, substance use history, and other health-related topics. We will discuss in more depth what kind of support you are seeking and how we may be able to help moving forward. If for any reason we determine that this practice is not an appropriate match for you, we will discuss this with you during the Initial Assessment and provide referrals and resources to help you find a better fit.
Individual Therapy Sessions
$150
50-minute session focused on addressing the concerns that we collaboratively identified during the Brief Consultation and Initial Assessment.
Therapy Session w/ a family member
$175
50-minute session focused on addressing communication challenges with a close loved one or primary caregiver (e.g., spouse, partner, sibling, adult child). Sometimes the stress of managing cancer or other medical issues causes conflict even in close relationships. At times, this can lead to anger, anxiety, and other negative emotions, as well as patterns of interaction that are difficult for both parties to redirect. The primary goals of a family session are to: (1) increase mutual understanding and compassion and (2) identify specific strategies the family can implement to improve coping and communication. A family session must be completed as part of a course of ongoing therapy with PEAR Health Psychology and cannot be completed as a stand-alone session.