Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)


What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy ?

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provides clients with practical and effective skills that then can begin to be applied immediately.  These powerful tools can be used for future problems should they arise.  Cognition means thought process and perceptions and Behavior includes what we do and what we say.  These behaviors depend on the way we interpret situations in our lives.  The cognitive part of CBT utilizes cognitive restructuring – reframing thinking to modify emotions and behavior.  The behavioral part of CBT introduces various strategies to improve overall functioning including  systematic desensitization, graded flooding, self-relaxation training, and extinction.

CBT is considered a shorter term therapy method in comparison with other methods of psychotherapy.  The length and progress of treatment varies depending upon each individual’s type of symptoms, motivation to change, and consistency of attendance.  CBT focuses its first phase on the person’s current needs and works to treat behaviors that interfere with present effective functioning. Treatment continues with addressing long-term patterns that have their roots in the past and deeply effect the individual’s thinking patterns, emotional experiences and style of behavior.

Does Insurance cover my therapy?

Dr. Ilani accepts many insurance plans as an In-Network Provider including Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Cigna. Dr. Ilani also accepts all other insurance companies as an Out-of-Network Provider.  If you have a PPO policy, most insurance companies will reimburse you for the cost of therapy.

Some insurance policies require that you meet a deductible amount before they begin to cover the cost of your therapy.  Other policies indicate a “waiting Period” before they begin to cover this cost. You can easily find this information by calling the phone number on the back of your insurance card or logging in to your account online.

Overall, most policies require that you only pay a copay, just as you would  when you visit any other doctor.

What are my fees?

If Dr. Ilani is not on your insurance plan provider list or if you do not have insurance, you would be asked to pay for each session at the time of service provided.  Dr. Ilani’s fees are $140 for an individual session and $180 for a couple session.

Can I come more than once a week?

Dr. Ilani offers sessions as frequently as needed; however, some insurance companies only reimburse for once-a-week session.

What types of problems does Dr. Ilani treat?

Dr. Shella Ilani treats a wide variety of psychological disorders.

  • Anxiety

  • Obsessive – Compolsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Panic Attacks

  • Fears

  • Depression

  • Postpartum Depression

  • Fertility Issues

  • Couple Counseling

  • Gay-Lesbian Issues

  • Eating Disorders, Weight Control

  • Relationship/marital difficulties

  • Chronic Irritability and excessive anger

  • Career Issues

  • Losses and Bereavement

  • Public Speaking Phobia

  • Trauma

  • Multicultural Issues

  • Stress Management

  • Anger Management

  • PTSD

Does Dr. Ilani prescribe medication?

Dr. Ilani is a psychologist and does not prescribe medication.  However, in case your condition requires medication in addition to Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, Dr. Ilani will refer you to a primary care physician or a psychiatrist, depending on your needs.