I am worried about my privacy. Is therapy confidential?
What are Kimberly Sharky's qualifications?
What can I expect from the first session?
I don't think I will be able to schedule regular appointments during the work day.
What hours are available for
scheduling a session?
Can I use my insurance to pay for therapy?
Is there any nudity involved in sex therapy?
I am worried about my privacy. Is therapy confidential?
Confidentiality is an ethical responsibility of all marital and family therapists. Information about our work together is not
shared with anyone else without your written consent, with some exceptions, such as a therapist's legal obligation to report child
abuse or risk
of harm to one's self or others. It is very useful for your therapist to consult with any medical professionals from whom
you may
be receiving treatment. In this case, communication is able to be established only after you have signed a release of
information
allowing such collaboration. With regard to your privacy, you must also consider that if you are to use your medical
insurance to
cover the cost of therapy, it will be required that you are given a diagnosis and certain information about your
treatment be shared
with your insurance company. Many people opt to pay privately in order to avoid this disclosure of information.
What are Kimberly Sharky's qualifications?
Ms. Sharky holds a Masters degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego and is licensed in the state of Illinois
as a Marital and Family Therapist. She is specially trained in couple therapy and has extensive experience in the treatment of sexual
issues. She has worked closely for several years with various medical health practitioners and physicians and is passionate about
providing comprehensive care to her clients, which includes arranging thorough evaluations and ongoing collaboration with
highly skilled colleagues with diverse training in general and sexual health
(including gynecologists, physical therapists, urologists,
nurse
practitioners, oncologists, surgeons, endocrinologists, psychiatrists, internists, and family medicine physicians). Before
establishing her own practice in downtown Chicago, Ms. Sharky was personally trained by some of the country's most renowned couples
and sex therapists, and has played an integral role in clinical programs at the University of California at San Diego and the Berman
Center in Chicago.
What can I expect from the first session?
The objective of the first session is for you and Ms. Sharky to get to know one another and for you to "tell your story". The session
will be spent discussing your specific concerns and goals for treatment, as well as your unique personal, relationship, medical,
family and social history. You will leave the first session with a clear plan for therapy, including goals, necessary medical
collaboration, if applicable, and details regarding suggested frequency of sessions.
I don't think I will be able to schedule regular appointments during the work day.
What hours are available for scheduling a session?
Office hours include daytime, evening, and Saturday hours, so you are sure to find a time that will work well with your specific schedule.
Can I use my insurance to pay for therapy?
Kimberly Sharky is a network provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO. If you are insured through a company other than Blue Cross, you
may still be able to be reimbursed for part or all of the cost of therapy. You will be provided a statement of services on a monthly basis,
which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement for services from an "out of network provider".
If you have Blue
Cross/Blue Shield coverage and choose to use your insurance benefits to cover the cost of therapy, it is recommended that you contact
the insurance company prior to your first appointment to find out about your coverage for psychotherapy. You can do this by calling the
customer service number on the back of your insurance card and asking about your "outpatient mental health coverage". It is
important to learn about your copayment or co-insurance, your deductible amount, whether preauthorization or certification is necessary, if there is a maximum number of visits allowed, if couples therapy is covered, and if there are any restrictions on your policy.
Is there any nudity involved in sex therapy?
Absolutely not. Professional therapy never involves sexual contact with clients or nudity.
