What is it like to work with us?

We have offices available for in-person appointments in Chicago and Northbrook, IL.

We use a confidential, secure and HIPAA compliant video platform to conduct online sessions.

As PSYPACT approved clinical psychologists, we are able to provide telehealth services to individuals in the following participating states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Washington DC, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin & Wyoming.

We will update this list as additional PSYPACT legislation is passed.

Dr. Charness is also licensed to provide services in New York.

Because we place the greatest value on your confidentiality and choice for your therapy we do not contract with insurance companies. You have the option to pursue out of network benefits and will likely be obtain reimbursement for part of your session fees. Reimbursement rates vary greatly among insurance plans so we encourage you to contact your insurance plan and inquire what your out of network benefits are. We offer a worksheet that provides you with the questions to ask your insurance carrier to obtain all the information you need to understand your benefits. We provide you with a monthly “superbill” that has all the required information for you to quickly submit your claims.

Our fees are $250 per 45 minute session. All sessions that are shorter or longer are pro-rated based on our current rate.

During our first appointment we will cover what brings you to therapy, what you are looking to gain from our work together, and obtain some history so that we can best understand your current issues. No need to prepare, we will guide you through it.

The length of therapy varies greatly based on your current issues, goals for therapy and the frequency of our meetings. Some problems can be addressed in as quickly as 8-10 sessions while longer-term issues may be lengthier to address.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services, including psychotherapy services. If you are choosing to not use your health benefits, your health care provider will provide you with a Good Faith Estimate in writing or you can also ask your therapist to provide you with one.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 985-3059.