Meet Mentella Health:
Meet Dr. Jill Vance, Psy.D.
Founder & Chief Clinical Officer | Mentella Health
Dr. Jill Vance founded Mentella Health with a guiding belief: exceptional mental health care begins with the people providing it.
Throughout her career as a psychologist, Jill recognized a fundamental disconnect in the mental health industry. Clinicians enter the profession driven by a desire to help others, yet too often find themselves navigating systems that leave them overextended, undervalued, and disconnected from the work they love. She believed there had to be a better way, not only for clinicians, but for the individuals and families who depend on them.
That belief became the foundation of Mentella Health.
As Founder and Chief Clinical Officer, Jill leads Mentella’s clinical vision, fostering an organization where clinical excellence and clinician well-being are not competing priorities, but inseparable commitments. Her approach emphasizes thoughtful mentorship, meaningful professional development, ethical practice, and the freedom for clinicians to develop their own professional identities.
Jill believes that great therapy cannot be reduced to productivity metrics or a one-size-fits-all approach. Every clinician brings a unique combination of expertise, perspective, and humanity to their work, just as every client brings a distinct story deserving of genuine understanding and compassionate care.
Under her leadership, Mentella strives to create an environment where clinicians feel valued, supported, and empowered to pursue their passions while building sustainable, fulfilling careers. That commitment extends directly to clients, who benefit from working with professionals encouraged to practice with authenticity, intention, and purpose.
For Jill, Mentella is more than a mental health practice. It represents an opportunity to rethink what a mental health organization can be: a community where people come first, relationships matter, and exceptional care grows from a culture of mutual respect and support.
Her philosophy is simple: When clinicians are supported as whole people, they are better positioned to help others heal, grow, and thrive.
Our
Core Values
Clinician-First Culture
Healthy therapists = sharper focus & deeper care for every client.
Evidence-Based, Results-Driven
Gold-standard tools & proven methods— never guesswork.
Access From Anywhere
Secure telehealth across Illinois & 44 PSYPACT states— no commute required.
Stronger Communities
When clinicians thrive, clients heal faster & families grow stronger.
Our
Mission
evidence-based care that heals individuals, relationships,
and communities.
We live that mission every day through schedule autonomy, peer consultation, and research-backed modalities—serving clients anywhere in Illinois and across 44 PSYPACT states.
Why We’re Fully
Virtual
- Removes barriers to care – clients log in from the comfort and privacy of home.
- Supports clinician well-being – no commute, flexible hours, healthier work-life balance.
- Expands access – matches clients with the right specialist, not just the nearest one.
- Reflects modern life – secure, HIPAA-compliant video that fits today’s schedules and expectations.
Our
Mission
Nurture therapists so they can deliver exceptional, evidence-based care that heals individuals, relationships, and communities.
autonomy, peer consultation, and research-backed
modalities—serving clients anywhere in Illinois and across
44 PSYPACT states.
Why We’re Fully
Virtual
- Removes barriers to care – clients log in from the comfort and privacy of home.
- Supports clinician well-being – no commute, flexible hours, healthier work-life balance.
- Expands access – matches clients with the right specialist, not just the nearest one.
- Reflects modern life – secure, HIPAA-compliant video that fits today’s schedules and expectations.
Meet Our
Team.
Meet our team members with immediate availability.
Tyler Schmitt, LPC, CTP
Licensed Professional Counselor
Tiffany G. Porter, PsyD
Advanced Postdoctoral Fellow
Giselle Sanchez, M.A.
Staff Therapist
loves evidence-based work and flexible schedules, let’s talk!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with therapy at Mentella Health?
If you already have a therapist in mind, use their Calendly link to book a free 15-minute consultation. Not sure who to choose? Call (872) 205-0456 and we’ll match you with a clinician who fits your needs. From first inquiry to first session, we handle the details so you can focus on healing.
What types of therapy do you offer?
We see individuals and couples ages 12+. Common concerns include anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, relationship conflict, parenting stress, life transitions, and perinatal mental health. Not listed? Ask us—our team covers a broad range of specialties.
Do you offer in-person therapy sessions?
For now we work exclusively via secure, HIPAA-compliant video sessions. Virtual counseling gives busy professionals, parents, and clients outside Chicago’s city center the same evidence-based care—just from the comfort of home.
What insurance do you accept?
We’re in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO (including Blue Choice) , UnitedHealthcare, and FirstHealth Network. Not on that list? We’ll supply a superbill so you can request out-of-network reimbursement. Private-pay is always an option.
What if I don’t “click” with my therapist?
Fit matters. If it doesn’t feel right after a session or two, tell us. We’ll connect you with another clinician on our team—no extra paperwork, no judgment. Your comfort is priority one.
What if I need to cancel?
Please give 24 hours’ notice. Late cancellations or no-shows incur a $150 fee, which insurance can’t cover.
Is my information confidential?
We follow HIPAA guidelines and use an end-to-end encrypted telehealth platform. Your information is never shared without written consent, except where required by law (e.g., safety concerns).
How long is each individual therapy session?
Sessions last 50 minutes and are fully online via HIPAA-secure video.
Do you accept insurance for individual counseling?
Yes—BCBS, Aetna, and UHC (including UMR and Optum). Superbills available for other plans.
Can I see a therapist if I’m outside Illinois?
If you live in a PSYPACT state, we can meet online under that license compact.
How many sessions will I need?
Many clients see progress in 6–12 sessions, but every person is unique—we’ll review goals together.
What if I’ve never done therapy before?
Your first 15-minute consult is free; we’ll answer questions and set clear expectations.
How long is each couples therapy session?
Sessions last 50 minutes and are fully online via HIPAA-secure video.
Do you accept insurance for couples counseling?
Yes—BCBS, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare (including Optum and UMR). We also provide out-of-network superbills on request.
Can we work with you if we live outside Illinois?
If at least one partner is located in a PSYPACT state, we can meet online under that license compact.
How many sessions will we need?
Most Illinois couples see meaningful progress in 8–12 sessions, but every relationship is unique. We’ll re-evaluate goals together as therapy unfolds.
What if my partner is hesitant?
Your first 15-minute consult is free—no pressure, just answers to any questions you both may have.
Is online family therapy covered by insurance?
If you have Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO (including Blue Choice PPO), UnitedHealthcare, or FirstHealth, then yes — we’re in-network, and your sessions may be covered!
Who should attend family therapy sessions?
It depends on the goals. Sometimes it’s parents only. Sometimes kids are included. Sometimes individual sessions are helpful too. We’ll collaborate with you to build a plan that fits your family’s needs and attention spans.
What if not everyone is on board with therapy?
It’s normal. We’ll help ease people into the process by making it approachable and non-blaming. Change often starts with just one person showing up differently — and the ripple effects are powerful.
Can you work with blended, non-traditional, and LGBTQIA+ families?
Absolutely. All family structures are welcome and respected here.
We tailor everything to fit your version of family — no assumptions, no judgment.
How long does family therapy usually take?
It varies depending on your goals, but most families start to notice positive changes within 6–10 sessions. Some continue longer for ongoing support during life transitions.
How long does the whole process take?
From consultation to written report, most assessments take 4–6 weeks. Sometimes faster if you’re on a deadline (e.g., school submissions).
Can you do ADHD testing for adults?
100%. ADHD often gets missed in childhood, especially in women and nontraditional presentations. We assess adults all the time.
Is testing stressful?
We make it as low-pressure as possible. Think of it as a series of challenges and puzzles, not a test you “pass” or “fail.” Our job is to understand you, not judge you.
Can you work with my child’s school after testing?
Yes! We’re happy to coordinate with your school team if needed — providing recommendations, documentation for IEP/504 planning, or just helping everyone stay on the same page.
Do you offer sliding-scale rates?
A limited number of reduced-fee slots are available—ask during your consult. Payment plans are also available upon request.
What forms of payment do you take?
All major credit cards or HSA/FSA cards.
Can I use out-of-network benefits?
Yes. We email you a superbill you can submit for reimbursement.
