DR. Michael Shery, clinical psychology

  2615 Three Oaks Rd, Ste 2A,  Cary, IL 60013

 www.carypsychology.com  847 516 0899 (24 Hrs);  drmike@carypsychology.com

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FREE Taped Messages: Call 847 516 0899 (24 Hrs).  To hear: How to Select a Counselor-Push 1; Emotional Stress Caused by an Accident or Injury-Press 2

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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 1-847-516-0899 (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.