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Got Questions?
I've Got Answers!

Dr. Deborah H Stern, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Vernon Hills, IL
Deciding to begin therapy is a meaningful step, and it’s natural to have questions.


These questions and answers are here to provide clarity
and help you move forward with confidence.
If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

 

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    I invite you to leave a voicemail at 847-598-8225 to help me get to know you, understand your reason for seeking care, and determine your general availability for an appointment.


    I make every effort to return calls within 24 business hours. Once we connect, we’ll find a time that works for you.


    My office team will then follow up to gather any needed information and send a link to our secure patient portal.

     

    All required forms must be completed through the portal before your first session.

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    I maintain an active waitlist that allows patients to be seen sooner if an opening becomes available.


    When we schedule your initial appointment, I’ll note your availability for earlier times.

     

    If something opens up that may work for your schedule, I’ll reach out to offer it—no pressure, just a chance to be seen sooner.

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    I generally see patients on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

    Appointments are typically scheduled on the hour.

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    Yes!—by all means. I am more than happy to see you in person.

    My comfortable, confidential office space is located at:
    3 Hawthorn Parkway, Suite 370, Vernon Hills, IL 60016

  • Girl outside

    Absolutely. You’ll have the option to meet via one of two secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms:


    •DOXY.me

    www.Doxy.me/deborahsternpsyd


    • ZOOM  A private Zoom link will be sent to you just prior to your appointment.

    Please plan to join from a quiet, secluded space to ensure your privacy and minimize interruptions or distractions.

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    Yes—as long as all participants are physically located in PSYPACT-participating states at the time of the session.

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    No. While it's ideal to for patients to be in the same location, participants can log on from different locations and even different states, as long as all members are in Psypact participating states. This is ideal when people are travelling or for families with members living in different locations.

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    I am in network with some insurance panels, but not others. You can contact me directly to find out if I am in your network.

     

    For networks I participate in, claims will be submitted on your behalf.

    Deductibles, copays, and coinsurance are collected at the time of service via a credit card securely placed on file.  


    My office is happy to verify your in-network benefits and provide an estimate of what you might expect in terms of coverage. Please note, this estimate is not a guarantee of payment or reimbursement by your insurance company.

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    Yes, absolutely. I offer services on a fee-for-service basis.

    Current rates:

    • Initial Evaluation (55 minutes): $280

    • Individual Therapy (40 minutes): $200

    • Individual Therapy (55 minutes): $225

    • Couples Therapy (55 minutes): $250

    • Family Therapy (55 minutes): $250

    Payment is collected at the time of service. If you'd like to submit claims to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement, superbills are available upon request.

    You're entitled to a Good Faith Estimate to help anticipate the cost of care.

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    Yes, absolutely! Many people seek therapy to process life stressors, navigate personal growth, or make meaningful changes—even if they don’t meet criteria for a formal diagnosis or insurance coverage. In fact, therapy can be most effective when accessed early, before symptoms escalate to a clinical level.

    Current rates:

    • Initial Evaluation (55 minutes): $280

    • Individual Therapy (40 minutes): $200

    • Individual Therapy (55 minutes): $225

    • Couples Therapy (55 minutes): $250

    • Family Therapy (55 minutes): $250

    You're entitled to a Good Faith Estimate to help anticipate the cost of care.

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    I accept credit cards, HSA/FSA cards, checks, and cash.

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    Many insurance plans cover family and couples therapy—but typically only when all of the following conditions are met:

    1. One participant is designated as the identified patient.

    2. The identified patient has a mental health diagnosis that qualifies as medically necessary for treatment.

    3. Sessions focus on addressing that identified patient's symptoms and are documented accordingly.

    Please note that some insurance plans do not cover treatment that primarily focuses on relational challenges or diagnoses

    related to relationship distress (often coded as “Z-codes”).

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    Sessions typically last 40–55 minutes, though shorter and extended appointments are available depending on clinical needs and scheduling.

    Some individuals prefer longer sessions to allow more time for reflection, deeper exploration, or to work through complex material without feeling rushed. Some couples and families opt for extended therapeutic intensive session in order for each person space to be heard and allow us to work through emotionally charged or complex issues without needing to stop mid-process.

    Time beyond the traditional clinical hour is not reimbursable by insurance and will be billed privately.

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    Yes, you can! In fact, it’s quite common for patients who seek relationship help to already be in individual therapy or to be referred for individual therapy if issues come up in couples or family therapy that warrant individual work.

     

    Some insurance companies won’t cover both services on the same day, so please check with your insurance before before doing so.  Fee-for-service patients don’t have these restrictions.

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    Yes, I do.  I’m happy to collaborate with other providers involved in your care. I can do so once all members participating in therapy sign appropriate Release of Information forms.

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    I prefer that we communicate by voice, as it feels more personal and helps foster clarity and connection in our work together.


    You can leave me a voicemail anytime at 847-598-8225. I check messages regularly and do my best to return calls within 24 business hours.


    Please note: if you reach out on a clinical day (Monday, Wednesday, or Friday), I may be in session and unable to

    return your call until the following day.

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    Copies of Communicating Courageously: HEAR, BE HEARD, and CONNECT in Your Closest Relationships are always available for purchase in my office via cash, Venmo, or Zelle.


    You can also find it online at Amazon.com.

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    Sessions that are missed or canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice for non-urgent reasons will be billed in full and cannot be submitted to insurance.

     

    For extended sessions, at least 48 hours’ notice is needed to change or cancel an appointment.

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