Meet our Team
Bridget Stukel, LCSW, QTAP
Founder & Psychotherapist
Navigating life as a 30-something queer non-binary individual, I endeavor to traverse the world authentically and wholeheartedly. Each step forward is an opportunity for growth, a chance to be shaped by personal experiences and interactions with others. Conscious of my identities and privileges, I strive to understand how they influence not only my own journey but also the lives of those around me.
My path to healing involves introspection and self-kindess. Therapy is a vital part of my journey, allowing me to explore my past, present, and future selves. Prioritizing rest, I seek solace in nature, creating art, writing, and sharing meals with loved ones.
Living with mental health challenges since adolescence, I recognize that thriving is an ongoing process. Yet, these struggles imbue me with empathy, enabling me to support not only myself but also those I care about on their healing journeys.
Loyola University Chicago, Masters of Social Work
Creighton University, B.A. Psychology
Certifications
Queer and Trans Affirming Professional (QTAP)
Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics through the ChildTrauma Academy
Our Approach
My therapeutic approach is deeply collaborative and exploratory. I view you as the expert of your own experiences, possessing innate resources for healing and growth. As your guide, my role is to assist you in unraveling the complexities of how your past influences your present, and together, we'll leverage that understanding to shape a future that resonates with your deepest values.
Recognizing the significance of both conscious and subconscious factors in our lives, I aim to illuminate the emotional, mental, and physical dimensions of your experiences. Through this process, we'll uncover patterns and dynamics, fostering self-insight and awareness essential for personal evolution. Grounded in a psychodynamic and psychoanalytic framework, our work together creates a space for you to authentically align with your true self.
During our sessions, I cultivate warmth and empathy, demonstrating gentle self-compassion as a model for you to adopt. I believe profoundly in the therapeutic bond, striving to co-create a sanctuary of safety, trust, and empowerment. In honoring the intersectionality of our identities, I am committed to fostering cultural competency and responsible care, continuously learning and evolving to better serve you.
Our Services
Treatment Team Meeting
These 50-minute sessions are tailored for adolescents and adults aiming to address and delve into their past and present challenges while charting a course towards future aspirations. Together, we'll delve into emotional and behavioral patterns, as well as relational dynamics, that influence your overall well-being. By doing so, we'll collaboratively pave the way for you to craft a life that resonates deeply with your values and aspirations.
Individual Psychotherapy
During these 15-minute phone calls, I'll coordinate with any individuals you wish to involve in your treatment journey. This may encompass a range of professionals and personal contacts, such as medical practitioners, psychiatrists, partners, parents/guardians, dietitians, treatment centers, and schools. Together, we'll ensure that your support network is aligned and working collaboratively to meet your needs effectively.
During this complimentary 15-minute introductory phone call, we'll delve into what brings you to therapy and discuss how I can tailor my services to suit your unique needs. It's an opportunity for us to determine together if embarking on this therapeutic journey with me aligns with your goals and preferences. I firmly believe that therapy is a personalized experience, not a one-size-fits-all solution, and this conversation allows us to ensure the right fit for your healing journey.
Free consultation
This program is designed for mental health professionals seeking to enhance their practices to better support queer and trans individuals. It encompasses guidance on updating client paperwork, conducting inclusive intake sessions, and employing therapeutic approaches tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Professional Consultation
FAQs
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I provide only virtual sessions throughout both the Chicagoland area and the state of Illinois. Virtual sessions are held securely via a HIPAA-compliant platform. To participate in virtual sessions, a permanent address in Illinois is required.
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I currently accept BCBS PPO and Blue Choice plans and UnitedHealthcare and Optum plans. Before the intake session, please kindly reach out to your insurance provider to verify your mental healthcare benefits for both virtual and in-person sessions. After each session, I’ll handle the submission of claims to your insurance on your behalf.
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I can furnish you with a 'superbill' that you can submit to your insurance company to facilitate reimbursement. I also offer sliding scale or reduced fee sessions. Please reach out for more information about insurance and fee structures.
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For those who will be using in-network BCBS PPO plans, the co-pay is due at the time of service. If you're utilizing out-of-network insurance, the full session rate is due at the time of service. Sliding scale clients are responsible for paying the agreed-upon fee at the time of service.
Please note our Late Cancellation Policy: A 24-hour notice is required for session cancellations or rescheduling. Failure to provide this notice will result in a $100 late cancellation or no-show fee.
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Initial Intake Session: $200
Individual Psychotherapy Session: $180
Treatment Team Meeting: For calls lasting under 15 minutes, there's no charge. However, each additional 15-minute increment incurs a fee of $45.
Professional Consultation: $200
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Typically, it's advisable to schedule weekly therapy sessions at the outset. If weekly sessions aren't feasible, bi-weekly meetings are recommended.
Initially, clients commonly begin with weekly meetings. As therapy progresses, we'll collaboratively assess your progress and decide when to reduce session frequency.
Upon request, sessions can be arranged twice weekly. These slots are usually reserved for clients transitioning from a higher level of care.
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We are cognizant of sensory sensitivities and ensure a quiet background for our sessions. Harsh lighting is avoided and sound machines are utilized to ensure security.
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Yes, we are happy to provide letters for gender-affirming care for adults and minors with parent/guardian consent. These letters are for no additional cost. All letters meet the requirements of the WPATH Standards of Care.
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Upon completion of client paperwork, you'll receive the therapist's email address and phone number, available for both calls and texts. These communication channels are reserved for rescheduling purposes only and should not be used during emergencies. In the event of a mental health crisis, please dial 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.
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The initial step involves reaching out via email or phone to arrange a complimentary 15-minute consultation call. Upon confirming compatibility, we'll proceed to schedule an intake appointment, and you'll receive intake paperwork via email to be completed before the session.
During the intake session, we'll briefly review the paperwork and have an introductory discussion. Subsequently, we'll establish a weekly time slot for your 50-minute individual psychotherapy sessions to commence.
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Therapy offers valuable support for individuals seeking to prioritize their mental well-being. Whether you're facing challenges related to mood, life changes, trauma, relationships, or identity development for yourself or your child, therapy can provide a helpful space.
My specialization lies in working with LGBTQ+ individuals, addressing issues related to gender, sexuality, and managing everyday stressors.
