Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation so you can ask questions, get a sense of my approach, and decide if working together feels right. There’s no obligation. Call me at 847-840-6680 or send a message through the contact form to schedule.

The easiest way to get started is to call me at 847-840-6680 or email vcuster1@gmail.com. We can set up a free 20-minute consultation to talk through what’s going on and see if we’d be a good fit, or we can schedule your first session directly. You can also fill out the contact form on this website and I’ll be in touch promptly.

Therapy provides a confidential, judgment-free space to work through challenges that are difficult to address on your own. Benefits include gaining clarity on situations that feel overwhelming, identifying patterns or beliefs that may be holding you back, building practical coping skills, and having an objective, supportive person in your corner. With over 18 years of experience, I bring an active, interactive style — I don’t just listen, I provide feedback and education that’s directly relevant to your situation.

The first session is a chance for you to share your story — what’s been on your mind, what you’re hoping to change, and what’s brought you to therapy. We’ll talk about your goals and I’ll share my thoughts on the best approach for moving forward. It’s also an opportunity for you to decide if we’re a good fit. There’s no pressure — many people find just having that first conversation is a relief in itself.

Therapy is a collaborative process where you work with a licensed mental health professional to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. You might benefit from therapy if you feel stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, or like you’re not able to solve problems on your own. You don’t need to be in crisis to start — many people come to therapy simply because they want a trusted, objective perspective. If you’re curious about whether therapy could help, I offer a free 20-minute consultation so we can talk through your situation.

Yes — I offer online therapy via secure video if you prefer to meet virtually. Many clients appreciate the flexibility of telehealth, especially when balancing busy schedules. Online sessions are available to anyone residing in Illinois.

Yes — due to state licensing requirements, I can only provide therapy to individuals who reside in Illinois at the time of their sessions. This applies to both in-person and online appointments.

Sessions are 50 minutes, which is the standard length for individual therapy. This gives us enough time to go deep while keeping the work focused.

Most clients start by meeting once a week, which builds momentum and helps us make meaningful progress. That said, I’m completely flexible — we can adjust the frequency based on your schedule, goals, and how things are going. Some clients gradually taper to every other week as they gain confidence.

My office is located at 3601 Algonquin Road, Suite 714, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 — just off Route 53 on Algonquin Road. The office is on the seventh floor of a ten-story building with great views. I serve clients in Rolling Meadows and surrounding communities including Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, and Mount Prospect.

Yes — I am currently an in-network provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO, UnitedHealthCare/Optum Health, and Aetna. I recommend calling your insurance provider before your first session to understand your mental health benefits, including your deductible, copay, and how many sessions are covered per year.

Payment is due at the time of each session. I use an app called IVY Pay — I’ll send you a secure link to enter your debit or credit card, and after each session your card is charged automatically. I also accept cash and check. If you’re using insurance, you’ll pay your copay or the applicable deductible amount at each session.

If you’re paying out of pocket, feel free to contact me to discuss rates. We can talk through options during a free consultation. Investing in your mental health is one of the most valuable things you can do, and I want to make sure the process is as straightforward as possible for you.

When you call your insurer, ask: Does my plan include mental health (outpatient therapy) benefits? Do I have a deductible, and have I met it? What is my copay per session? Does my plan limit the number of sessions per year? Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor? Having this information before your first appointment helps avoid surprises.

No — only medical doctors (including psychiatrists and primary care physicians) can prescribe medication. If you feel medication might be helpful, I’m happy to discuss this and refer you to the psychiatrist in my building, or you can speak with your own doctor. Medication and therapy often work well together, and I can help coordinate that conversation if needed.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on your goals, the nature of what you’re working through, and how quickly you want to move. Some clients feel significant improvement in 8–12 sessions; others benefit from longer-term support. We’ll regularly check in on your progress and adjust our work together accordingly. You’re always in the driver’s seat.

My style is warm, welcoming, and interactive. I don’t just sit and listen — I’m an active participant in our sessions, offering feedback, education, and a practical perspective when it’s helpful. I use humor to create a relaxed environment where you’ll feel comfortable being yourself and talking openly. My goal is that you leave every session with greater clarity and a concrete sense of direction.

I typically do not work with children or couples, and I do not provide treatment for eating disorders, psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia), or substance abuse. If you’re unsure whether I’m the right fit for your situation, please reach out — I’m happy to talk it through or refer you to a specialist if needed.

I work with adults of all ages — primarily individuals aged 16 and older — who want to make meaningful changes in their lives. My areas of focus are anxiety and stress management, life transitions (career change, relationship decisions, relocation, retirement), and young adult challenges. I also have a strong background in workplace issues and career transformation, drawing on my own experience in Corporate America before becoming a therapist.

Absolutely — career transitions are one of my specialties. I went through a major career change myself, leaving a secure corporate job to become a therapist, so I understand firsthand the fear, uncertainty, and excitement that comes with reinventing yourself professionally. I help clients clarify what they really want, work through the limiting beliefs that are holding them back, and build the confidence to take meaningful steps forward.

A life transition is any significant change — planned or unplanned — that disrupts your sense of normal. Common transitions include career changes or job loss, divorce or the end of a relationship, relocation, retirement, becoming an empty nester, or loss of identity after a major life shift. Even positive changes can be disorienting. Therapy helps you process the emotions that come with change, identify your values and strengths, and find a clear path forward.

I work with many forms of anxiety including generalized anxiety (constant worry and overthinking), social anxiety, performance anxiety, health anxiety, and anxiety related to major life decisions or transitions. I also help clients dealing with panic attacks, burnout, and the kind of free-floating dread that makes it hard to relax or be present. Together we’ll build a personalized ‘anxiety management toolbox’ of strategies you can use in daily life.

Young adulthood (roughly ages 18–35) brings a unique set of pressures: figuring out your identity, navigating relationships, managing career stress, dealing with student debt, and keeping up in a world driven by social comparison. I help young adults cut through the noise, get clear on their values and direction, and develop the resilience and confidence to move forward — without judgment.