I am not accepting new clients at this time, when I have availability, I will update my website and make free 15-minute phone consultations and intake appointments available again to be booked online. 

Guidance For Prospective Clients: How To Request An Online Appointment

Thank you for considering scheduling a consultation or intake appointment with me. If you’re ready to begin, my online portal is the quickest way to schedule. Below is a detailed explanation of what to expect when you request initial time with me. ​

Booking Your First Consultation Or Appointment

  1. Select "Request Appointment" page on the navigation menu or go directly to https://hayslcsw.clientsecure.me/request/service
  2. Choose "Intake Appointment" or "Initial Consultation."
  3. Select "Video Office of Sara Hays LCSW."
  4. Pick an appointment time. Please note you need to click on Morning, Afternoon and Evening to see all available appointment times on a particular day. 
  5. Complete the Screener Questionnaire. You’ll be asked about your reasons for seeking care, mental health history, and previous therapy. Only answer what you feel comfortable sharing. You can use the free text field to add further details such as insurance information or ask any questions you might have. 
  6. Provide Contact/Payment/Insurance Information. Enter your legal first and last name, preferred name, date of birth, email, and phone. Indicate whether you’ll pay out of pocket or use insurance. If using insurance, please upload a picture of your insurance card (front and back) or provide a PDF that includes your insurance carrier’s name and your subscriber ID number or free text this information into screener questionnaire. Missing insurance information may delay acceptance of your appointment request.

What To Expect Next

Finding the right therapist is important, and it can be frustrating if scheduling or payment issues come up after we've started. To prevent this, I want to address any logistical concerns, like appointment times and insurance, upfront. This way, we can focus on building our therapeutic relationship from the start. To do this, there will be a few extra steps before a consultation or intake appointment.

Once I accept your requested time, I will send you:
  1. An explanation of your insurance benefits and the estimated cost per session.
  2. A list of available times for recurring weekly or biweekly appointments that can be secured if you decide to continue after our initial consultation or intake. Regular slots help ensure consistency, but you can reschedule as needed.
  3. If you see a time slot that works for you, please contact me as soon as possible to secure it. The list that I keep can change hour to hour. If the rate or available times don’t fit your needs, you can cancel the appointment and request a referral. I can also add you to a waitlist for your preferred time, though I can't predict when a slot will open.
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If you’re booking a consultation, you won’t need to fill out my intake paperwork beforehand. If our initial meeting is a one-hour appointment, I’ll send you the intake paperwork. You are welcome to wait to complete it until after we finalize insurance and scheduling, but it must be done at least 24 hours prior to our initial appointment or your appointment is at risk of being cancelled and rescheduled. 

In-person and Telehealth Options

I just opened a new office at 3776 E Hammond Ave. in Cudahy, WI in September 2024 and am available for in-person appointments. I travel to Chicago on Mondays. However, those slots are often fully booked. While in-person appointments in Chicago may occasionally be available, they are not offered on a regular basis.​ I am available for telehealth appointments for clients who are physically present within the state limits of Wisconsin or Illinois at the time of our appointment.