Single-Session Consultation

In multiple real-world trials, the SSC has prevented (and reduced!) mental health problems in teens and adults waiting for longer-term treatment and seeking drop-in clinical services—while strengthening their sense of hope and boosting their motivation for change. There have been 415 randomized clinical trials that collected data on SSC's, with 20 out of 24 reviews indicating that the intervention resulted in a benefit. Learn more:

• Most people who seek mental health care either receive no care or only one session. Having a full hour to address a problem is better than not getting help at all.
• Being placed on a waitlist can lead to worsening symptoms and frustration. SSC provides immediate support instead of waiting.
• SSC can also serve as a bridge to longer-term therapy or be a helpful supplement to care you’re already receiving.

This research-based model is based on solution-focused therapy, and was created by Jessica Schleider, PhD, psychologist and director of the Lab for Scalable Mental Health at Northwestern University, and her team. They developed a structured program that intentionally involves one single visit intended to significantly improve mental health outcomes in both youth and adults. Learn more here: Single-Session Interventions Significantly Reduce Mental Health Issues for Youth and Adults

Yes SSC can be used for non life-threatening concerns. Should more intensive services be needed, the SSC clinician can help create a plan to seek those services.

No, consultations are intended to address a single concern, and the meeting does not include an evaluation or a diagnosis. 

No, you do not need a diagnosis. 

In a Single Session Consultation, you are not given a diagnosis, but rather we work together on a specific issue. Therefore, many insurance carriers will not cover sessions without a diagnosis code. Often, people are able to use their HSA (Health Savings Account) benefits to pay for SSC. Although we do not bill insurance carriers directly, we can provide you with the receipts necessary if you choose to submit to your insurance. You can refer to SheerHealth.com for help in determining your out-of-network benefits. Learn more HERE on how to submit claims for out-of-network benefits to your insurance company. 

At times, a Single Session Consultation may be used within the context of the treatment plan for current Ross Center patients.  In this case, a diagnosis code would allow for the session to be billed like a regular therapy session in which case the insurer would treat it the same as other therapy sessions submitted.

We try to schedule consultations within 2 business days of your request.

You can attend multiple single session consultations, however if it seems like SSC is being used as weekly therapy, your clinician may recommend more traditional therapy services.