Frequently
Asked Questions

Virtual therapy is counseling provided through a secure online platform, allowing clients to attend sessions from home or another private location. It offers the same therapeutic support as in-person counseling while increasing accessibility and flexibility for clients across Illinois.

Sessions can support a wide range of concerns, including trauma, ADHD, relationship stress, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions.

Virtual therapy sessions are provided through Grove Counseling Center and White Orchid Counseling using SimplePractice and Jane, respectively. Both platforms are designed to support secure communication and the delivery of mental health services.

Clients can attend sessions from a private location using a phone, tablet, or computer. These platforms may also be used for scheduling, intake paperwork, and secure client communication.

Virtual therapy can be a good fit for teens and adults who prefer the flexibility of meeting from home, have demanding schedules, or feel more comfortable opening up from a familiar environment.

It may be especially helpful for individuals who:

• work full-time

• are balancing parenting or caregiving responsibilities

• experience transportation or scheduling barriers

• want greater privacy and convenience

• prefer consistent support without commuting

• live in Illinois but are not local to the Downers Grove area

Virtual therapy has been shown to be effective for many concerns, including anxiety, trauma-related stress, depression, ADHD-related challenges, and relationship issues.

For many people, virtual sessions make therapy easier to maintain consistently. The effectiveness of therapy depends on the therapeutic relationship and treatment approach—not simply where the session takes place.

I work with teens and adults navigating:

• Complex trauma and difficult childhood experiences

• ADHD and executive functioning challenges

• Anxiety and chronic stress

• Emotional overwhelm and nervous system dysregulation

• Relationship difficulties and recurring relational patterns

• Parenting stress

• Life transitions and identity shifts

• Self-esteem, shame, and self-worth

Therapy rates, insurance, and scheduling formats depend on the practice through which you receive services. All sessions are 50–55 minutes.

White Orchid Counseling (Virtual Only)

• Group Specialty: Trauma focus for deep healing.

• Format: 100% Telehealth (online sessions).

• Rates: $180 per session.

• Insurance: BCBS PPO, Aetna, and Cigna. Sliding-scale options may be available.

• Supervision: Supervised by Dr. Johana Kasperski, LCPC (PhD in Natural Health, EMDR therapist).

Grove Counseling Center (In-Person & Hybrid)

• Group Specialty: General practice.

• Format: In-person (Tuesdays 10 AM – 2 PM) or Hybrid format.

• Rates: $180 initial assessment | $145 per ongoing session.

• Insurance: BCBS PPO, Aetna, and Cigna. Sliding-scale options may be available.

• Supervision: Supervised by Kelsey Romanoff, LCPC (Integrative therapist).

Yes! I am currently accepting new clients for virtual therapy throughout Illinois, with availability depending on scheduling needs and appointment times.

I work with teens and adults navigating complex trauma, ADHD, anxiety, relationship concerns, emotional overwhelm, parenting stress, and life transitions.

Daytime and limited evening appointments may be available. Scheduling is coordinated through Grove Counseling Center or White Orchid Counseling, depending on the practice through which you receive services.

Please reach out to inquire about current availability and next steps.

I provide therapy through Grove Counseling Center and White Orchid Counseling. While I maintain my own professional website and clinical focus, scheduling, billing, and administrative processes are coordinated through the respective practice where you receive services.

I may complete certain clinical forms or provide documentation for established therapy clients when the request is clinically appropriate and I have enough information to do so accurately.

This may include documentation related to:

• FMLA or workplace accommodations

• Disability applications or accommodations

• School or academic accommodations

• Emotional support animal requests

• Benefits or public assistance applications

• Court or legal matters

• Other situations where documentation of your mental health treatment or functioning may be requested

Requests are considered individually based on the purpose of the documentation, the information available to me, and whether the request falls within my clinical role and scope of practice.

For new clients, I generally require an established therapeutic relationship and sufficient clinical history (typically 8-12 sessions) before completing documentation. Beginning therapy or requesting documentation does not guarantee that a form, letter, or recommendation will be provided. Additional fees may be required that are not covered by insurance.

I do not appear in court, provide expert testimony, or participate in legal proceedings as a therapist.

I may provide appropriate clinical documentation for established clients when the request falls within my clinical role and scope of practice. Documentation does not constitute an expert opinion, forensic evaluation, or recommendation regarding a legal matter.

Trauma can affect much more than memories of difficult events. It can influence relationships, emotional reactions, self-worth, stress responses, and the ways people cope in everyday life. Many individuals seek therapy not because they identify with the word “trauma,” but because they feel stuck in patterns such as overthinking, people-pleasing, emotional overwhelm, or difficulty trusting themselves.

Working with a trauma-focused therapist means exploring these patterns with an understanding of how past experiences, chronic stress, and relationships may continue shaping the present. Therapy can help increase insight, emotional regulation, and healthier ways of responding moving forward.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Illinois and provide therapy through Grove Counseling Center and White Orchid Counseling. As I work toward the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) credential, I practice under clinical supervision in accordance with Illinois requirements.

Clinical supervision provides ongoing professional guidance, consultation, and support for clinical decision-making and continued development. It is an important part of maintaining ethical practice and strengthening clinical skills.

My work with clients is collaborative, individualized, and grounded in confidentiality. Clinical supervision supports my professional development while helping me navigate complex clinical situations and provide thoughtful, informed care.

Virtual therapy: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM, available throughout Illinois

In-person therapy: Tuesdays, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Grove Counseling Center in downtown Downers Grove

Availability may change over time. Current appointment openings are confirmed at the time of scheduling.

Interested in working together? Email me at TherapyWithHeatherSmith@gmail.com to inquire about availability and next steps. You can also reach out through Grove Counseling Center or White Orchid Counseling to learn more about scheduling and getting started.