Frequently Asked Questions

Velvet & Vine is a mental health and wellness practice rooted in care for the queer community. We offer queer-affirming therapeutic and wellness services that honor complexity, cultivate healing, and make space for you to grow in your fullness.

We center LGBTQIA+ individuals, creatives, and those seeking affirming, inclusive care. All identities are welcome here, especially those who have felt unseen or misunderstood in traditional settings.

We offer individual therapy, sex therapy, queer healing sessions, gender and identity exploration, and trauma recovery. Our therapeutic include narrative therapy, somatic approaches, mindfulness-based practices, and other integrative methods tailored to your needs.

Yes. All therapists at Velvet & Vine are either members of the LGBTQIA+ community or are deeply committed to affirming, trauma-informed care grounded in lived experience and cultural competence.

Yes, we currently offer televideo sessions to ensure accessible, safe care. For therapy, individuals must be physically located in Illinois.

You can begin by booking a free 15-minute consultation. We'll use that time to understand your needs and explore whether we're a good fit.

No. We do not maintain a waitlist. If we are unable to schedule you with one of our team members, we will refer you to another queer-affirming practice.

Session rates vary by service. Sliding scale options are available because we believe healing should be accessible, not exclusive.

Yes. We accept Aetna PPO, Anthem, BCBS Blue Choice PPO, BCBS Blue Options PPO, BCBS PPO, and United Healthcare PPO. We are not in-network with any HMO, and we are not in-network with Ambetter, Cigna, Humana, or any other insurance provider. For all HMO plans and out-of-network insurance providers, you are responsible for the full session fee. We can submit the claim to your insurance for possible reimbursement directly to you, or we can provide superbills for you to submit claims directly for potential reimbursement. We’re happy to walk you through the process.

We blend clinical care with creative practice. Therapy here isn’t just about coping — it’s about becoming. Our approach is evidence-based, collaborative, and rooted in a politics of liberation.

Yes. Many of our clients come with stories of harm or neglect in past care. We hold that history gently and work to build something better together — at your pace, in your language.

We offer assessments for ADHD, autism, mood and anxiety disorders, personality structure, and more. We also provide gender-affirming care letters where appropriate.

Anyone navigating questions about identity, attention, memory, or emotional experience. It can also support diagnosis, accommodations, or personal clarity.

Typically includes an intake, assessments (virtual or in-person), testing sessions (virtual or in-person), and a feedback session. You'll receive a collaborative, strengths-based written report.

The process usually takes 4–6 weeks depending on your needs and schedule.

Yes. Please see above about accepted insurance plans. If you have out-of-network insurance or do not want to use your insurance, some clients use FSA/HSA funds to cover costs.

You can schedule a consult to explore what combination would best support your goals.

We currently assess adolescents 16+ and adults. For younger children, we offer referrals to trusted providers.

Yes. We provide letters for HRT, surgeries, and legal transitions in accordance with WPATH and Informed Consent principles.

We do not gatekeep. Your identity is valid — we focus on support and documentation to get you the care you need.

Two 60 minute evaluation and assessment sessions and a set of virtual inventories and questionnaires. A letter follows in 10-15 business days.

Yes. We offer standalone appointments specifically for this purpose.

We work to dismantle gatekeeping and practice trust-based, affirming care. You're safe here.

Yes. You can either use your insurance, or there's a flat fee for the sessions, testing, and documentation.

Yes, for youth 16+ in collaboration with their families, with great care for consent and agency.