Thomas Hammerman, LMFT

Thomas Hammerman, LMFT

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is your office located?

My office is at 1609 Sherman Ave., Suite 302, in downtown Evanston (View Map). The building is just west of Sherman Avenue.

How do I make an appointment?

To schedule an appointment, call me at 847.424.1924. I have office hours Monday through Friday.

Are parking and public transit options available nearby?

An enclosed, paid parking lot is located across the street from my office, and there is metered parking on the street. My office is also accessible by both CTA and Metra, just steps from the Davis station.

Do you take insurance?

Yes, I accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO insurance. I can bill other insurance plans directly as an out of network provider.

What’s your cancellation policy?

If you need to miss an appointment, I require at least 24 hours of notice; otherwise, you will be charged the full fee for your appointment.

Will I be able to contact you outside of office hours?

I do not have an on-call emergency answering service. On nights and weekends, you may leave me a voicemail or send an email, but I may not respond until my next opportunity during regular office hours. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Is what I talk about with you confidential?

Yes—what you say in my office stays in my office, within the limits of the law. I abide by privacy regulations set forth by HIPAA and the ethics code of the AAMFT.

How long does therapy take?

Therapy sessions are about 50 minutes long. How long you stay in therapy—be it five weeks, five months or longer—is entirely your choice. We will work together to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Do you address spiritual questions during therapy?

If issues surrounding spirituality arise during our work together, I have the background and expertise to discuss them.

Do you work with young children?

No, I work only with teens, young adults and adults.

Do you perform custody evaluations?

No, but I can provide referrals to qualified experts who perform that service.

Do you offer therapy for same-sex couples?

Yes, I offer therapy to any couple seeking assistance.

Do you prescribe medications?

No, I am not a licensed psychiatrist. If we determine together that medications may be an option for you, I can provide referrals for qualified psychiatrists and help coordinate care with that provider.

You’re a therapist—but not a doctor. Do your services differ from those offered by doctors?

I am a licensed therapist, not a doctor, so there are some psychological evaluations and testing I can’t provide. But in all other aspects, I offer expert therapy. I never provide services for which I’m not qualified. If we determine you need services I can’t provide, I’ll work with you to find the best provider and coordinate care.