Contact
- 1N141 County Farm Road
- Suite 130
- Winfield, Illinois 60190
- Phone: (630) 752-9725
- Fax: (630) 752-9726
Frequently Asked Questions
If you do not find your question here, please feel free to give us a call at 630.752.9725. We will be happy to talk with you about the services we offer and answer any questions.
- How may I contact Nickerson & Associates, P.C.?
- Can I choose who I want to see?
- How long do I have to wait to see someone?
- How much does your counseling cost?
- Will insurance cover my visits?
- How do I maximize my insurance benefits?
- How long will I need to be in counseling?
- What if I have questions other than the ones answered above?
- What is illegal pornography? What is child pornography?
- What is voyeurism? What is the treatment for voyeurism?
- What is exhibitionism? What is the treatment for exhibitionism?
- What treatment modalities do you offer at Nickerson & Associates, P.C?
- What is “sexting”?
How may I contact Nickerson & Associates, P.C.?
To find out more about our services, you may call us @ 630-752-9725, or e-mail us: contact@ nickersonandassociates.com. Please note that we are unable to offer assessments or counseling advice via e-mail or telephone.
Can I choose who I want to see?
You may request a particular psychologist. We may suggest another one if our staff feels the person you are requesting is not the best choice for you or if the psychologist is not appropriate to help you for any reason. Our aim is to match you with the psychologist we feel can best serve you. There are many factors that play into that decision including your specific counseling issues, schedule availability, insurance requirements, and personality. We are committed to matching you with a therapist with the skillset to meet your needs.
How long do I have to wait to see someone?
In most instances, you will be able to see a therapist within a few days. This varies according to your schedule availability. When you call us at 630-752-9725, our intake coordinator will talk to you briefly about your situation so they can determine who will be best suited to help you and will work to get your appointment scheduled immediately.
How much does your counseling cost?
Costs are determined by the type of services (one-on-one counseling, group, psychological testing, etc.) being rendered, as well as type of insurance. We participate with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, and some of our psychologists participate with other major insurance plans. We always let you know before an appointment is made what your financial obligation will be so you are able to plan accordingly and seek financial assistance if needed. We have had many clients who have family members or probation help with their expenses because they knew that they would get the highest quality of care at Nickerson & Associates, P.C.
Will insurance cover my visits?
Many insurance policies do cover mental health counseling visits. Because benefit coverage varies greatly, we always advise you to check your benefits booklet, call your insurance carrier, or talk to your employer. Mental health benefits are not always as clear cut as major medical benefits and may be covered or administered through a different plan than your major medical care policy. In addition, all levels of care, professionals and diagnoses may not be covered by your mental health benefits. Please be advised that any insurance benefits quoted by your insurance company does not guarantee they will cover payment. We do ask that you pay your deductible and/or co-payment at the time of service and we will file your claim. But be advised that managed care clients are responsible for any charges not covered by their policy in the event payment is denied. You will be provided with a receipt at the time of your visit so you can seek reimbursement directly from your insurance carrier.
How do I maximize my insurance benefits?
Contact your insurance provider before you begin treatment and get clarity about your coverage. Be aware of the number of sessions available to you and plan accordingly. Our office manager, Tiffany Brackmann, is very experienced in dealing with insurance companies and sorting out insurance plans. She is happy to consult with you regarding your insurance coverage.
How long will I need to be in counseling?
There is no definite answer to this question because it depends on many personal factors. The most important factors influencing the amount of counseling need are: the issue you are dealing with, your level of motivation, and how responsive you are to the treatment plan. As you progress in your counseling treatment, your psychologist may be able to give you an idea of the anticipated length of your treatment, though this is not a guarantee. We will base your treatment on your need and will not speed it up to please you or draw it out to keep you as a client. Many clients begin with weekly counseling and go to less frequency as they begin to make progress. When you and your counselor determine that you are near completion of your treatment, a discharge plan will be discussed to help you continue your progress on your road to healing.
What if I have questions other than the ones answered above?
We welcome the opportunity to talk to you in person so we can answer any questions you might have about the services at Nickerson & Associates, P.C. You can call us at 630-752-9725 to speak to our office staff or to leave a message. You can also e-mail us: contact@nickersonandassociates.com. Please keep in mind, however, that it may take us longer to respond electronically and it may not be as satisfactory since we are not able to have a true dialog. Also, please be advised that we cannot provide you with counseling advice over the phone or via e-mail, and we do not offer crisis intervention. We can answer questions about our services, help you decide if we have a level of care that is appropriate for your personal needs, and help you get you get your counseling started.
What is illegal pornography? What is child pornography?
Any pornography that presents images of minors is illegal. It does not matter if the site says it is legal—if the images are of minors, it is illegal. Period.
What is voyeurism? What is the treatment for voyeurism?
The word voyeurism is derived from the French word “voir”, meaning “to see”. A voyeur then, is “one who sees”. The more common term for a voyeur is “Peeping Tom”. Voyeurism is defined by the Diagnostic Statistical Manual –IV as follows: “Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving the act of observing an unsuspecting person who is naked, in the process of disrobing, or engaging in a sexual activity.” In other words, it means viewing persons without their permission for sexual purposes. Voyeurism in today’s computer age can take many forms, such as taking pictures of persons without their permission or viewing them through hidden cameras online. Voyeurism is against the law, and persons with this issue are often arrested. The behavior frequently escalates into more and more intrusive activities. Sometimes drinking or taking drugs fuels this habit.
Persons struggling with voyeurism have little success in conquering it without professional assistance. Usually a combination of cognitive behavioral treatment and medication is recommended to manage this problem. If you or a loved one is trying to cope with voyeurism, please contact our offices to arrange for a consultation so that we may consider all the facts in your situation and offer you guidance tailored to suit you and your family.
What is exhibitionism? What is the treatment for exhibitionism?
Exhibitionism is also called “exposing” or “flashing”. This behavior has been spoofed by comedians for years. The stereotype is of a man in a trench coat opening his coat to reveal himself naked. Despite the many jokes, this problem is no laughing matter. It is a behavior driven by a desire to be noticed and need for control. Victims of exhibitionism are afraid, and wonder if the exhibitionist is going to assault them further via rape. Persons who struggle with exhibitionism find it difficult to stop, as it fuels their fantasies and gives them an escape from the stressors of every day living.
Exhibitionism is illegal, and persons who expose are often arrested. Usually a combination of cognitive behavioral treatment and medication is recommended to manage this problem. If you or a loved one is trying to cope with exhibitionism, please contact our offices to arrange for a consultation so that we may consider all the facts in your situation and offer you guidance tailored to suit you and your family.
What treatment modalities do you offer at Nickerson & Associates, P.C?
We provide treatment in individual, family and group modalities. We make it a priority to develop a treatment plan that fits our clients unique needs.
What is “sexting”?
Sexting is the use of cell phone texting technology for sexual purposes. It can involve texting sexual language, sexual propositions, pornography and pornographic images of oneself. It is a behavior that is on the rise, particularly among teenagers. It can be an indication of poor boundaries, bad judgment and even sexual addiction.