How often are sessions scheduled?

We offer flexible appointment times so that your sessions will work with your schedule. Typically, weekly sessions are most helpful to gain momentum, at least initially. Crisis appointments are also available on a limited basis.

Is what I talk about confidential?

Yes—what you say in our office stays in our office, within the limits of the law. Clients are protected by privacy regulations set forth by HIPAA. Notice of Privacy Practices

How long does therapy take?

Therapy sessions are about 53-55 minutes long. How long you stay in therapy, whether weeks, months, or years, is entirely your choice and varies based on your needs. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best course of treatment.

What are the typical issues that you treat with therapy?

A wide variety of concerns could lead someone to seek support from psychotherapy. The most common challenges are struggles with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, marital problems, job dissatisfaction, grief and loss, family problems, or difficulties with stress management.

What’s your cancellation policy?

If you need to miss an appointment, we require at least 24 hours of notice of cancellation. If for any reason you do not provide 24 hours’ notice, you will be charged a $135 fee for your appointment. Payment is due at the time of your session.

Where are you located and does the office have ADA accessibility?

Our office is located at 25 East Washington Street, Suite 1835 in the downtown Chicago loop. The building, bathrooms and all offices in our suite are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

What are the parking and public transit options available nearby?

Parking: To find the cheapest parking, we recommend using the spot hero app, there is valet parking at the Macy’s next door, parking under Millennium/Grant Park, and other garage options in the area. Public Transportation: The office is located very close to several train stops right in the heart of the Chicago loop. The Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple Line is at the Washington/Wabash stop right outside the building. Additionally, the Washington Blue line and Lake Red line are just a few short blocks away.

Do you take insurance?

LifePath Therapy Associates is an “in-network” insurance provider for Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO, BCBS Blue Choice plans, Blue Edge, BCBS Anthem, United Healthcare/Optum, Medicare, and Aetna Medicare Advantage. We are also in network with two BCBS HMO groups: Northwestern Physician Partners (BCBS HMO Site Numbers 475 and 489) and Advocate (BCBS HMO Site Numbers 099, 124, 294, 302, 331, 357, 398, 464, 474, and 600). If you have a BCBS HMO insurance plan your HMO Site number is listed on the front of your insurance card. Please note that we are only in network for the site numbers listed above. We are also an “out of network” provider for Cigna and confirm benefits and submit claims on your behalf directly to these insurance companies. While our team accepts all of the insurances listed above, not every clinician is paneled with every insurance listed. Please see our clinicians’ profiles to see which insurances they each accept. You are responsible for any co-pays, co-insurance, or deductibles as outlined in your plan. If you are utilizing insurance for therapy, please note that we are required to submit a diagnosis to your insurance company for services to be covered

What insurance plans do you not accept?

LifePath does not accept the following insurance plans: Medicaid plans BCBS Community Meridian Cigna

Do you accept any forms of Medicaid?

No, we do not accept any forms of Medicaid or Meridian, which includes BCBS Community. We are also unable to accept self pay for individuals with any form of Medicaid.

How do I verify my insurance benefits?

LifePath’s billing team is available to support you with understanding your insurance benefits. While LifePath will verify coverage at the beginning of services, we encourage you to call your insurance’s customer service line and ask for Outpatient Mental/Behavioral Health. Ask the following questions: What is the benefit eligibility for in-network and out-of-network providers? What is the co-payment or co-insurance amount? Is there an annual deductible for my plan? With a deductible, although your insurance may cover a percentage of the costs, you may have to pay a certain amount out-of-pocket until you meet your annual deductible so clarify the current balance. What is the percentage paid after the deductible is met? Is pre-certification or authorization required? If so, the LifePath Billing Department can discuss this with you more in detail.

What if you don’t accept my insurance or I choose not to utilize my mental health benefits?

You can elect for a self-pay, out of pocket fee, if you choose not to use your insurance benefits or if LifePath Therapy Associates is not an in-network provider. Payment by the patient is expected at the time of service. Self pay clients have the right to a Good Faith Estimate .

Can I still use my Insurance if LifePath is Out of Network?

If LifePath is “out of network” with your insurance provider, we are still able to determine an estimate of your out of network costs prior to the first session. For Cigna, we are able to submit “out of network” claims on your behalf. For other insurance providers, we can provide superbills to facilitate partial reimbursement directly from your health insurance company back to you, in accordance with your policy.

What payments are accepted?

You can pay by cash, personal check, or credit card. All clients are required to have a credit card on file, but we do not bill for co-pays or deductibles until we submit and receive the claim back from your insurance. You are also able to utilize a Health Speaking Account or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) debit card for payment.

Liz Vanderlaan Therapist — LifePath Therapy

As a therapist, Liz (she/her) centers authenticity and creates a space where clients feel comfortable and safe being themselves. Liz has worked with adolescents, families, and adults, building a strong client-therapist rapport and trust with all of her clients.

Liz has experience working with a variety of populations and identities. Liz’s practice involves creating a safe environment and adopting a trauma-sensitive approach to support clients with trauma history. Additionally, Liz has an expertise of working with clients with ADHD, focusing on adapting their habits and lifestyles for the care and patience their brains need. Liz also enjoys working with LGBTQIA+ clients and affirming their identities, supporting them through any internalized homophobia and dating journeys with a sex-positive focus. Liz also is passionate about and an expert in supporting adolescent and young adult clients with self-esteem and peer issues. As a clinician, she is experienced in working with clients on body image distress, eating disorders, and supports clients’ journeys with body neutrality and healing. She practices cultural competence and humility with all her clients, seeking to understand their unique experiences as individuals with their identity backgrounds.

In a session, you can expect warmth, humor, and understanding. Liz actively listens and hears her clients, as they are the experts on themselves. She will collaborate with clients on their therapeutic goals and adjust the treatment process as needed to best provide appropriate services. Liz also enjoys working with those experiencing life transitions, mood disorders, low self-esteem, grief, anxiety, and sex and relationship issues.

specialties

Young Adults
Adults
Adolescents
Anxiety
Trauma
Grief
Depression
ADHD
Sex Positivity
Eating Disorders
Body Image
LGBTQIA+

practice approaches

Strengths-based
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Trauma-Focused
Motivational Interviewing

key beliefs

Clients are the experts on themselves and the therapist is a guide
Therapy should be a space where you can truly be yourself
Values-based practice allows clients to live authentically
Finding joy and humor in life helps the healing process

more about me

Outside of work, Liz is a performer and patron of the arts. She is often performing comedy, singing, or playing guitar. Liz loves art museums, attending live theatre, and seeing live concerts and music festivals. She also loves traveling, reading, writing, and cooking. She has recently started a journey with baking, and is always challenging herself to try new things. Liz’s love of creative hobbies allow her to approach therapy with a unique and open-minded practice.

insurances accepted

Aetna PPO

Aetna Medicare Advantage

BCBS PPO

BCBS Choice PPO

BCBS HMO Northwestern Medicine and Advocate Sites Only

Medicare

United Healthcare/Optum

Liz VanderLaan

LCSW, MSW
Psychotherapist

specialties

practice approaches

key beliefs

more about me

insurances accepted

LifePath Therapy
Associates

Specialties

Therapy

Stages of Life

MORE

Liz VanderLaan

LCSW, MSWPsychotherapist

specialties

practice approaches

key beliefs

more about me

insurances accepted

LifePath Therapy Associates

Specialties

Therapy

Stages of Life

MORE

LCSW, MSW
Psychotherapist

LifePath Therapy
Associates