Question 1

What makes Christine H. Stryjewski different from other therapists in the greater Chicagoland area?

Accepted Answer

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC), Christine brings a unique combination of expertise in trauma-informed psychotherapy and substance use counseling. This dual specialty allows her to provide integrated care that addresses anxiety, depression, and relationship stress as well as complex co-occurring issues such as substance use intertwined with trauma, grief, or chronic medical stress. Unlike most therapists who focus exclusively on either mental health or addiction, she specializes in dual diagnosis therapy, helping clients address the full picture of their emotional and behavioral health. Affirm Behavioral Health, PLLC is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and is an active member of Chamber630.

Question 2

Do you provide online therapy in Illinois?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Christine offers secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth therapy to clients located anywhere in Illinois. Online therapy provides flexibility and privacy while maintaining the same level of clinical care as in-person sessions. It is especially helpful for busy professionals, individuals with chronic illness, clients undergoing medical treatment, and caregivers with limited time.

Question 3

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Affirm Behavioral Health, PLLC offers both insurance and private-pay options. The practice is currently in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna/Evernorth, Magellan Behavioral Health, Optum, United Behavioral Health, and UnitedHealthcare, with Medicare and Medicaid pending. Because participation can change, please contact the office to confirm current plans. If Christine is out-of-network under your plan, she can provide a detailed receipt (superbill) to submit for potential reimbursement. We recommend contacting your insurer before your first appointment to verify outpatient mental health coverage, deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-network benefits.

Question 4

What is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), and how does it affect my care?

Accepted Answer

A CADC is professionally trained and credentialed to provide assessment, counseling, and treatment for alcohol and substance use disorders. The certification ensures specialized knowledge of the psychological, behavioral, and physiological aspects of addiction, evidence-based relapse-prevention approaches, treatment of co-occurring mental health conditions (dual diagnosis), and personalized planning for long-term recovery. In therapy, this means you receive care that is trauma-informed, structured, and tailored to the unique challenges of substance use and recovery, integrated with Christine’s broader experience in psychotherapy, life transitions, and mental health treatment.

Question 5

What services do you provide?

Accepted Answer

Affirm Behavioral Health provides individual psychotherapy for teens and adults, as well as therapy for families and couples throughout Illinois. Services are available via HIPAA-secure telehealth statewide and in person in Downers Grove. Christine specializes in anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship stress, medical diagnoses, caregiver fatigue, trauma-related stress, and substance use. With advanced experience in oncology social work, she also provides counseling for individuals coping with cancer diagnoses, chronic illness, grief, anticipatory loss, survivorship concerns, and complex medical stressors.

Question 6

What is trauma-informed care?

Accepted Answer

Trauma-informed care recognizes how past experiences, including childhood adversity, relationship trauma, medical events, grief, or systemic stress, can significantly affect emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. Rather than asking “What’s wrong with you?”, it asks “What happened to you?” In practice this means a safe, collaborative, and empowering environment where you will not be judged, rushed, or pressured to disclose more than you are ready to share. We move at your pace, prioritizing emotional safety, nervous-system regulation, and skill-building before processing deeper experiences.

Question 7

What can I expect in the first therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Your first session is a supportive, collaborative space to get to know one another and determine whether we are a good fit. We review your personal history, current concerns, symptoms, and goals for therapy, and explore the patterns contributing to what you are experiencing. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about Christine’s approach, confidentiality, and what the process looks like. There is no expectation that you “have it all figured out.” We begin wherever you are, and the first session lays the foundation for an individualized treatment plan.

Question 8

How long does therapy last?

Accepted Answer

The length of therapy is individualized and depends on your goals, symptoms, and the complexity of what you are navigating. Some clients seek short-term support for a specific life transition, relationship concern, or period of increased anxiety or depression. Others benefit from longer-term work to address deeper patterns, trauma-related stress, or the ongoing emotional impact of medical diagnoses, cancer treatment, or caregiving. We regularly review progress together and adjust the plan. Therapy is guided by your goals, your readiness, and measurable clinical progress.

Question 9

Do you offer a free consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Christine offers a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can ask questions, share what you are looking for, and decide whether the practice is the right fit before scheduling a first appointment.

Question 10

What are your office hours and where are you located?

Accepted Answer

The office is located at 5120 Main St., Suite 105, Downers Grove, IL 60515, in downtown Downers Grove near the Main Street Metra station. Hours are Monday through Friday, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with Saturdays by appointment. Telehealth sessions are available during the same hours for clients anywhere in Illinois.

Question 11

Do you work with teenagers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Christine works with adolescents ages 13 and older as well as adults and older adults. Parent involvement is tailored to the teen’s age, needs, and the goals of treatment.

Question 12

What if I am in crisis?

Accepted Answer

Affirm Behavioral Health is an outpatient practice and does not provide emergency services. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For urgent emotional support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day.

Questions about therapy, answered plainly.

Let’s start working together.