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Affiliated COUNSELING
AND REFERRAL SERVICES (ACRS)
DR. Michael
Shery, clinical psychology
2615
Three Oaks Rd, Ste 2A, Cary, IL 60013
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“Since
1976, state-of-the-art counseling which treats the problem, not just the
symptom…”
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Cigna Behavioral Health: Notes and
FAQs
Don't Forget: For routine
outpatient office visits with an in network provider, you do not need to contact us for prior authorization. To find an in network
provider use our online directory or our telephonic directory by calling 800.926.2273. In all other cases you must
contact us to pre-authorize your care to help rapid claim payment at the maximum in network level. It is
helpful to have the employee's social security number (found on the insurance identification card) when you
call.
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ACRS
Services are Covered by Cigna.
We take care of all the
details for you: To make an appointment
for our Cary office, in the southern Mchenry and northern Kane County area, click here: New Patient Registration or to learn more about the psychological
services we provide call us at 1-847-275-8236 (24 Hrs).
FAQs
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How can I get into
counseling?
All you need to do is call the toll-free number on your insurance ID card. We will
assist you in maximizing your benefits. There is no hassle or paperwork for services provided by an
in-network provider. Your behavioral health professional will take care of all ongoing authorizations (if
required), forms and claims processing.
Can I call and talk to a "live" person if I have questions?
CBH staff are available 24 hours a day to help obtain information on anything from
urgent clinical needs to Work/Life issues, and would be happy to help with any needs you have. Also, if you
have CBH's employee assistance (EAP) or integrated programs, continue to call CBH first to gain full access
to your available benefits and the help of our Personal Advocates.
Why would my primary care physician recommend
that I see a psychiatrist?
Perhaps your primary care physician is seeking a second opinion. Or maybe he/she is
making this recommendation so that you can get the help you need from a more specialized doctor.
Don't be afraid to ask your primary care physician about the recommendation and how
he/she intends to treat this specific issue.
We recommend that you sign a Release of Information in order for your physician and
behavioral health professional to coordinate your care.
What if my child needs to see a therapist?
If you feel your child may need to see a therapist, and you want or need assistance in
finding one, contact CIGNA Behavioral Health by dialing the toll-free number on your insurance ID card. CIGNA
Behavioral Health contracts with behavioral health professionals who specialize in childhood issues and
family therapy. You will be referred to a professional in your area who will work with you, your child and
your family to identify the problem and put a plan in place to treat it.
How do I know if therapy can help me?
Studies show that behavioral health services may be helpful if you have any of the
following symptoms every day for a two-week duration.
Depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure
Significant weight loss or gain
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Loss of energy
Difficulty concentrating
There are also many other situations when therapy can be helpful. If you are having
any physical symptoms, please make sure to check with your primary care physician or family physician
immediately. Below is an overview of additional signs and symptoms where therapy may be helpful:
- Intense fear or discomfort
If you have a period of intense fear or discomfort lasting about ten minutes or more where the following
symptoms may occur, behavioral health services may be helpful.
Pounding heart
Sweating
Shaking
Feeling of choking
Dizziness
Fear of dying
Chest pain
- Unmanageable stress
If you have stress that you are finding unmanageable and are experiencing any or all of the following signs and
symptoms, behavioral health services may be helpful.
Difficulty sleeping
Difficulty concentrating
Forgetfulness
Change in appetite
Preoccupied thoughts
Difficulty completing tasks
Irritability
Loss of energy
Mood swings
Headaches
Stomach aches
Palpitations
- Relationship issues impacting your quality of life
If you are having relationship issues that are impacting your quality of life, and are experiencing any or all
of the following signs and symptoms, behavioral health services may be helpful.
Inability to maintain relationships
Inability to keep close relationships
Communication problems in your relationships
Arguments with your spouse or significant other
Lack of trust in relationships
Physical Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Codependence
- A potential problem with drugs or alcohol
If you have or suspect you have a problem with drug or alcohol, and are experiencing any or all of the
following signs and symptoms, behavioral health services may be helpful.
Preoccupation with drugs or alcohol
Inability to cut down on drug or alcohol consumption
Guilt over drinking or using
Concern about usage by self or others
Drugs or alcohol interfere with work/school
Drugs or alcohol interfere with relationships
Legal problems (DUI)
Most of your paycheck goes to support drug or alcohol consumption
Tremors/shakes if you stop using drugs or alcohol
Engaging in "risky" behavior when using drugs or alcohol
Blackouts
- A potential eating disorder
If you suspect that you may have an eating disorder or related problem and are experiencing any or all of the
following signs and symptoms, behavioral health services may be helpful.
Preoccupation with food
Restricting food intake
Rapid weight gain/loss
Binging
Purging
Use of laxatives for weight loss
Others tell you that you have a distorted body image
Physical problems (fainting, dental, stomach aches)
How do I prepare for
therapy?
Many people find their progress in therapy improves quickly when they focus on
specific issues or problems. Before your first appointment ask yourself these questions:
- What is my current problem?
- What steps have I taken in the past to deal with this problem?
- What do I hope to accomplish through therapy?
The answers to these questions will give valuable information to your behavioral
health professional and help you benefit from your treatment.
How do I know if medication
will help?
Medication may be prescribed for a variety of conditions, most commonly depression and
anxiety.
Of course, there may be symptoms or other conditions that would require medication.
Your behavioral health professional will be the best source of information about treatment approaches,
including medications.
Will I need to be
hospitalized?
Most problems are usually treated effectively in an outpatient setting. However,
hospitalization may be necessary for a variety of reasons. Some examples include:
- You or a family member is in need of 24-hour care
- Stabilizing an acute psychiatric illness
- If you currently feel you are in danger of hurting yourself or someone
else
- If you are withdrawing from alcohol or drugs and have a medical condition that
could make the withdrawal process life-threatening
Remember, our staff is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week if you need help
accessing benefits and treatment through our contracted provider network. You can call us by dialing the
toll-free number on your insurance ID card for assistance.
What other resources may be
helpful to supplement my treatment?
There are many community resources and self-help books available. If you have Internet
connectivity, you can do a search by typing in your topic or issue and getting a listing of Web sites for all
kinds of organizations and resources. If you do not have Internet connectivity, call us at the Mental
Health/Substance Abuse toll-free number on your insurance ID card, and we will help you find a community
resource. Or go to your local library.
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