Christopher Manvel (he/him)
LICENSED CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
MASTERS IN DIVINITY
Chris specializes in working with individuals and couples (straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and nonbinary) who are dealing with a range of issues in their lives and is particularly interested in exploring the effects of religious trauma (an issue especially prevalent amongst the LGBTQIA2S+ community) while reconciling issues of faith and sexuality.
Approach.
Chris fully believes that his clients are the experts on their own lives and his integrative approach to therapy is grounded in a client-centered theoretical framework while incorporating CBT, DBT, narrative therapy and mindfulness interventions.
For Chris, a meaningful, authentic client-therapist relationship is of the utmost importance, and he strives to create safe and welcoming spaces for all by fostering an environment of empathy, openness and honesty.
Clients who see Chris receive compassionate care without negative judgment, creating opportunities to make meaning of the events of their lives.
As a therapist, Chris attempts to hold up a mirror for clients to better see and understand themselves, helping them to increase their capacity for self-awareness and self-compassion.
For Chris, therapy is about creating a foundation for positive change; one that is conducive towards self discovery, personal growth and clients fulfilling their potential.
About.
Chris is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with dual master’s degrees in counseling and divinity from Loyola University Chicago.
He is a queer-identified therapist with extensive experiences working in private practice, with LGBTQIA2S+ social service agencies, as a hospice bereavement counselor and as a hospital chaplain.
His license number is 180.016062.
Frequently Asked Questions.
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Our standard fees for services are:
• Initial Diagnostic Assessment - $250
• 55-Minute Therapy Session - $200
• 45-Minute Therapy Session - $150
• 30-Minute Therapy Session - $105
• Family Therapy Session - $200
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Christopher is currently an in-network provider with:
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Plans
Blue Choice PPO Plans
Blue Cross Community (Medicaid)
Cigna
United
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If your insurance plan is not in-network, you may contact your insurance company to inquire if they provide out-of-network benefits.
A specialized receipt called a superbill can be provided upon request to submit with out-of-network claims.
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In compliance with the No Surprises Act, clients who are do not utilize insurance for payment will be provided a Good Faith Estimate explaining the expected cost of care.
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If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please notify Christopher directly within 24 hours of your appointment start time.
Missed appointments or cancellations made within 24 hours of scheduled appointment time will be charged a $100 fee that cannot be billed to insurance. -
Yes, Christopher offers in-person sessions on Thursdays at our office located at 4809 N Ravenswood in Chicago.
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Yes, Chris offers telehealth sessions on a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform called Spruce Health.
Chris can only provide telehealth sessions to clients located in the state of Illinois.
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Our Ravenswood office is located at the northeast corner of Lawrence and Ravenswood.
Nearby transportation options within one block include:
• Ravenswood Metra station,
• 81 Lawrence Bus
• 9 Ashland Bus.
• Divvy Station
• Free Parking
• Bike Rack
Transportation options within a 10-minute walk include:
• Damen Brown Line Station
• 50 Damen Bus
• 22 Clark Bus
