Ariel/Ari is a licensed clinical social worker who received her Masters of Social Work from Loyola University of Chicago. Her education specialized in work with children and families. She is an advocate for social justice in the lives of her clients through her use of client-center/focused therapy and the strengths based perspective. Motivated by hope and a firm belief in the power of individuals to affect positive change in their own lives, Ari works with her clients to understand their own diverse and intersectional identities.
Aside from experience working with children and adolescents with depression and anxiety, Ari has a focus within the LGBTQIA+ population. Her advanced LGBTQ therapy and training working with this population gives her the tools to help queer people obtain wholeness in their lives. Ari has a passion for guiding individuals through their journeys, whether it be a young person exploring their gender, an adult discovering their sexuality, or parents navigating a child through transitioning.
“I provide an affirming, non-judgemental space for individuals to express themselves. I utilize different modalities to help facilitate therapeutic growth. My goal is to help individuals make healthy life choices and gain strength to be their own selves.”
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you're looking for someone who truly understands your emotions, identity, and experiences as an LGBTQ individual.
Our practice
provides a safe and supportive space for individuals, couples, and families in the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether you're dealing with mental health challenges, exploring your gender
identity, or working through relationship issues, our affirming therapists are here to support you
with personalized treatment plans.
Finding the right therapist is crucial for your mental health journey. Here’s why our practice
stands out:
Anyone within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum can benefit from therapy, whether facing mental health
struggles or seeking support with identity. Our clients often seek assistance with:
We offer various forms of therapy to support your journey:
We utilize various evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety and depression, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotion regulation. Our Trauma-Informed Care ensures sensitivity to trauma, creating a safe and supportive environment for all clients.
Yes, I accept BCBS PPO plans.
Each plan is different, but I always recommend you call the number on the back of your card and inquire about your plan (either listed as mental health or behavioral health). My biller will also run a benefit check through a system called Availity (after you send in a photo of the front and back of your insurance card) and that information will be shared with you.
The electronic health system I use, Simple Practice, has a client portal. This is where you will complete all paperwork. It is also where you can add a credit card and I can enroll you in autopay. You are able to change/update the card at any time through the portal, as well as look at statements. You can also write a check payable to Sunny Days, LLC.
Yes, as long as you do not have any Medicaid policies, I do offer a sliding scale. I use a calculator that takes household income, number of dependents, and a few other factors into consideration.
You may have out-of-network benefits that allow you to submit to your insurance. I can provide you with a "superbill" (fancy receipt) to seek reimbursement. If you choose this option, the fee for an intake will be $205 and subsequent sessions will be $190.
Sessions are 50 minutes long and typically occur once a week, especially at the start of treatment. Frequency can increase or decrease depending on need, most commonly being an eventual reduction to sessions every other week.
In the initial intake appointment, we will discuss the reasons you sought treatment and explore potential goals. I will ask some general questions in order to gather information and you can ask me any questions you have as well.
No, currently I am fully remote and only offer teletherapy services.
Parent involvement depends on a variety of factors including the desires of your child as well as my therapeutic recommendations. During the intake session, I would prefer a parent(s) to be present, but I will also ask for some time to meet with your child individually. Generally for all sessions following, I will meet with your teen individually with parental collaboration as needed. I am happy to answer more specific questions about what this may look like.
Everything you say in therapy remains between you and I. There are only a few exceptions in which I have a legal obligation to breach confidentiality. This includes sharing any plans to end your life or harm someone else. I may also need to report certain circumstances in which someone is harming you. I can clarify what actions I would be required to take in any specific situation and you will always be a part of any decisions surrounding this.
No, I cannot prescribe medication, but I do collaborate with psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and physicians as needed and with your consent. I can also share referrals of prescribers if this is something you are interested in.
I always do a brief 10 minute screening call to ensure I am a good fit for your needs. After that, we can schedule an intake appointment and I will send a link to complete consent forms and paperwork via Simple Practice’s client portal.
