Short-term ERP therapy is goal-oriented and focused on helping clients achieve tangible improvements in their symptoms within a relatively short time frame. While the exact duration of therapy may vary depending on individual circumstances, the ultimate goal is to help clients develop a reliable and repeatable method of coping that they can continue to use independently after therapy has ended. Our 12 session treatment model is based on research that suggests that 12 sessions of exposure therapy, along with dedication to practicing skills outside of session, can result in significant symptom improvement.

We offer short-term, solution focused therapy for OCD, phobia, and anxiety simply because it works! It’s possible to achieve symptom relief and get back to living your life in a relatively short amount of time with the right therapy approach. The goal is not to completely eliminate symptoms, but to teach you a reliable and repeatable method for responding to OCD, phobia, and anxiety, that you can utilize for years to come and no matter what OCD/anxiety throws at you. Once you feel confident with the process, you can continue to practice skills independently. 

It takes 14 years, on average, for an individual to receive the right diagnosis and treatment for OCD. That’s 14 YEARS of unnecessary suffering, let alone the impact to financial resources and time. 

Conservatively, let’s say you have been going to therapy once a week for 5 years and that your copay with insurance is $25 per session. 

260 therapy sessions X $25 = $6500 

That’s $13,000 if you’ve been going to therapy for 10 years paying $25 a session. 

Not to mention, the 260-520 hours of your time (not including any commuting) that you’ve been spending on ineffective treatment! 

You have things to do and we want you to get back to doing them as quickly as possible! 

We are committed to teaching you the tools you need to maximize your results, minimize the time and money you spend on therapy, and get your life back. 

The out of pocket investment for our 12-session treatment model is $2,435 ($235 therapy intake (required), $200 x 11 sessions. 

While results may vary due to individual circumstances, most clients will achieve a 35-80% reduction in symptoms in 12 sessions.

The goal is NOT to eliminate intrusive thoughts or anxiety all together (as humans we ALL have unwanted, intrusive thoughts and fears), but to lessen their impact on our behavior and emotional state.

As we learn the art of non-response, the thoughts/images/urges will become less intense and less frequent. You can improve your chances for achieving maximum results by:

• Attending sessions regularly and as scheduled 

• Engaging in exposure homework outside of session (~15 minutes/day) 

• Communicating openly and honestly with your therapist about your questions and concerns 

• Challenging yourself 

• Staying committed to the process. It’s normal and expected to have ups and downs over the course of treatment. 

• Practicing self-care outside of session. We will work with you on a self-care plan during treatment. 

While many clients achieve significant symptom reduction in 12 sessions, others may need more time- and that's ok! We will work together to come up with a plan to meet your ongoing treatment needs.

Intake session (required): up to 75 minutes, $235

Therapy session: 55 minutes, $200

Maintenance/Check in session (available after completing 12 sessions): 30 minutes, $100

We accept self-pay (cash, credit card, HSA/FSA) for payment. We are not in network with any insurance companies (learn why here).

You will be prompted to keep a card on file with Ivy Pay, our HIPAA compliant payment platform.

You will make your first payment with your therapist at the end of your first session.

Subsequent sessions will be charged automatically immediately after your session. 

We are happy to help you maximize your insurance benefits.

While we are out of network (OON) with insurance providers (learn why here), you may have OON benefits associated with your insurance plan.

In the case you have OON coverage, we can issue a “superbill” that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Here is a list of questions you will need to ask your insurance provider to identify OON benefits. 

Be sure to ask your insurance provider:

• Do I have coverage for out-of-network mental health services?

• What is the coverage amount per therapy session for out-of-network mental health providers?

• What is my deductible? Is it different for out-of-network providers? Has it been met?

• Do I have a co-insurance amount in addition to a deductible?

• Are there any limits to my out-of-network mental health coverage (i.e. number of sessions per month or year, dollar amount, etc.?)

• Do I need prior approval or a written referral to be reimbursed for an out-of-network provider?

• Is telehealth mental health coverage covered?

• How do I submit a claim for reimbursement?

The ideal course of treatment is meeting more frequently at the start of treatment. This looks like meeting twice a week for the first 3 weeks, and then once a week for the next 6 weeks. 

2 sessions/week = first 3 weeks 

1 session/week = next 6 weeks 

12 sessions total

Doubling up sessions in the first 3 weeks allows for greater acclimation and learning of the process, which can speed results and recovery. 

Although ideal, this may not be do-able for everyone. In this case, we recommend meeting once a week for 12 weeks. Results may not come as quickly and you may need to spend a little more time on homework, but slow and steady also wins the race. 

While some people prefer to meet at the same time every week, others prefer scheduling week to week based on the demands of their schedule. We can be flexible!

All sessions are virtual/telehealth. Virtual sessions are ideal for Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, as your therapist can be with you in the environment(s) you’re struggling most.

Unbound Counseling is licensed to provided clinical services in Illinois and Arizona.

We are licensed to provide therapy services in the state of IL.

While all sessions are virtual, our physical office is located in the NW suburbs of Chicago.

We request 24-hours notice to cancel and/or reschedule appointments.

Late cancels/reschedules will be charged a $100 fee.

Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) is a safe and effective way to treat OCD and anxiety. It is often referred to as the gold standard in OCD/anxiety treatment.

ERP therapy involves facing your fears in small steps while training your brain to resist the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors.

You can read more about ERP therapy here.

While every client case is unique, therapy sessions will typically follow the following structure:

In your first session, your therapist will review your mental and physical health history, learn what brings you to therapy, and will conduct a thorough intake assessment that will guide diagnosis and treatment.

In your second session, you’ll receive customized psycho-education that will start you on the path to becoming your own best expert! You’ll work collaboratively with your therapist to identify your customized treatment goals. You’ll also identify the unwanted thoughts, compulsions, and triggers that make up your OCD/anxiety cycle.

In the third session of ERP therapy, you’ll begin to construct your exposure hierarchy while learning the “secret sauce” of ERP therapy: Response Prevention. By the end of the third session, you will have completed your first exposure exercise. You’ll also receive guidance for completing exposure homework in between sessions.

In the fourth session and beyond, we’ll get into a groove of exposure work. You can expect to complete a minimum of 3 exposures per session.

The success rate for ERP is approximately 65% to 80%

Yes. We treat children 9 years of age and older on a case-by-case basis. Please schedule a consult call to discuss your child's needs.

Yes! While ERP therapy is the gold standard for OCD treatment, we frequently utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Attachment Focused Therapy during talk therapy with clients. Schedule a consult call to determine if traditional talk therapy is right for you.

The first step to scheduling an appointment is to book a free consultation call. Please click "Book a Free Consultation" or call 815-339-8752.