Got Questions?
I've Got Answers!
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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.
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.
Once we connect and confirm an appointment time, any/all participants in the therapy will be sent a link to set up personal access to a shared patient portal where the office will send forms to be completed BEFORE our first appointment.
The guide below explains which forms are required, which are optional, and—if you are coming for family or couples therapy—who needs to sign what.
I hope these instructions make the process straightforward. If anything is unclear, please feel free to reach out with questions.
1. AI Scribe Consent
Who completes it: All participants in the session
Required? No
This form gives permission for me to use a clinical‑notes AI program to help generate your session note.
• The AI program does NOT record sessions.
• I permanently delete the AI‑generated note from the program once it is copied into your clinical chart (usually within one day).
• Please inform me at your first appointment if you choose NOT to consent.
2. Client Information (Therapist)
Who completes it: Only the patient whose name the account is under.
Required? Yes
For couples/family therapy, only one person (the identified patient for administrative purposes) completes this form.
3. Credit Card on File Setup (Therapist)
Who completes it: The financially responsible party.
Required? Yes
• A credit card or HSA card on file is required for deductibles, co‑pays, and co‑insurance.
• Payments are typically collected after your superbill is entered into the portal (usually the next business day).
• You can view a financial statement of amounts billed to and collected from insurance as well as any patient payments on your portal at anytime.
4. Debbie Stern Clinical Recording Consent
Who completes it: All participants
Required? No
• This form allows me to record sessions for clinical purposes, such as therapeutic review, supervision, or playback during treatment.
• All participants must sign for any recording to occur.
• Feel free to ask questions or decline consent at any time.
5. Debbie Stern Professional Recording Consent
Who completes it: All participants
Required? No
• This form gives permission for me to use session recordings for training or teaching purposes.
• You may consent to clinical recording only and decline professional use.
• Recordings can only be used if every participant agrees.
6. Notice of Privacy Practices (2021)
Who completes it: No signature needed
Required? For your information only
This document explains your privacy rights and how your information is protected.
7. Release of Information (ROI) — Therapist
Who completes it: All members in treatment
Required? No
Use this form only if you want me to communicate with someone on your (or another participant’s) treatment team.
• One form per provider, per person.
• Multiple providers cannot be listed on the same form.
Example: If a couple wants me to coordinate with each of their individual therapists, four separate ROI forms are required.
No information will be shared without consent from all participants.
8. Therapist Consents and Authorizations
Who completes it: All participants
Required? Yes
All individuals participating in treatment must sign this form to consent to therapy.
9. Therapist Policy and Procedures (with Signature)
Who completes it: Only the identified patient (the person whose name is on the account).
Required? Yes
All participants may review this document, but only the identified patient needs to sign it.
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.
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.
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 60016Absolutely. You’ll have the option to meet via one of two secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms:
•DOXY.me
• 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.
Yes—as long as all participants are physically located in a Psypact participating state at the time of the session or live in a state that allows temporary privileges for out-of-state providers.
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.
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.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.
-
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:
-
Evaluation (55 minutes): $280
-
Indiv (40 minutes): $200
-
Indiv (55 minutes): $225
-
Couples (55 minutes): $250
-
Family (55 minutes): $250
You're entitled to a Good Faith Estimate to help anticipate the cost of care.
-
I accept credit cards, HSA/FSA cards, checks, and cash.
Many insurance plans cover family and couples therapy—but typically only when all of the following conditions are met:
-
One participant is designated as the identified patient.
-
The identified patient has a mental health diagnosis that qualifies as medically necessary for treatment.
-
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”).
-
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.
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.
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.
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 toreturn your call until the following day.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.
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 60016Absolutely. You’ll have the option to meet via one of two secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms:
•DOXY.me
• 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.
Yes—as long as all participants are physically located in a Psypact participating state at the time of the session or live in a state that allows temporary privileges for out-of-state providers.
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.
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.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.
-
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:
-
Evaluation (55 minutes): $280
-
Indiv (40 minutes): $200
-
Indiv (55 minutes): $225
-
Couples (55 minutes): $250
-
Family (55 minutes): $250
You're entitled to a Good Faith Estimate to help anticipate the cost of care.
-
I accept credit cards, HSA/FSA cards, checks, and cash.
Many insurance plans cover family and couples therapy—but typically only when all of the following conditions are met:
-
One participant is designated as the identified patient.
-
The identified patient has a mental health diagnosis that qualifies as medically necessary for treatment.
-
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”).
-
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.
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.
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.
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 toreturn your call until the following day.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.
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 60016Absolutely. You’ll have the option to meet via one of two secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms:
•DOXY.me
• 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.
Yes—as long as all participants are physically located in a Psypact participating state at the time of the session or live in a state that allows temporary privileges for out-of-state providers.
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.
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.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.
-
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:
-
Evaluation (55 minutes): $280
-
Indiv (40 minutes): $200
-
Indiv (55 minutes): $225
-
Couples (55 minutes): $250
-
Family (55 minutes): $250
You're entitled to a Good Faith Estimate to help anticipate the cost of care.
-
I accept credit cards, HSA/FSA cards, checks, and cash.
Many insurance plans cover family and couples therapy—but typically only when all of the following conditions are met:
-
One participant is designated as the identified patient.
-
The identified patient has a mental health diagnosis that qualifies as medically necessary for treatment.
-
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”).
-
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.
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.
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.
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 toreturn your call until the following day.
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.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.