Skip to main content

Holistic-based therapy for individuals seeking healing & restoration

Welcome!

Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes, even the strongest amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s more challenging problems. Everyone has battles to fight and hurdles to overcome. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or any other issue, you should know that there is hope for a better tomorrow.

 

“There’s been much tragedy in my life, half of it actually happened.” — Mark Twain

 

You might be initially hesitant to seek out help and support for personal matters, but when you do, you will feel confident that you are taking a courageous first step towards getting to a better place and being a better you.

We applaud you for taking the first step toward becoming a better, happier, more fulfilled you. You can get started by reaching out today!

Dr. Howard Weissman

A native of the Chicago area, Weissman graduated from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology with a Doctor of Psychology in 1991. At that time, he also completed a specialization program in Health Psychology. While an undergraduate at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois in the 1980s, he published articles in both sleep and headache research.

His professional experience includes a position as staff psychologist at Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago (January 2005 – February 2007). Since 1996, Dr. Weissman has served as Director of Psychological Services at the Advanced Reproductive Health Center, Ltd., in Orland Park, Illinois.

Dr. Weissman expanded his expertise through participation in studies and resolution treatment for individuals diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD), often concurrent with the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). He was part of the first groups trained in EMDR by Dr. Francine Shapiro, and has an extensive background in both traditional and alternative healing. Dr. Weissman is a certified practitioner of the LifeLine Technique, a revolutionary treatment system of holistic healing that fuses natural healing practices, including acupuncture and Ayurvedic medicine, with modern therapies and philosophies. He also developed competencies in herbal, homeopathic and nutritional intelligence to support and enhance one’s health and wellness goals.

A sought-after lecturer with a long-standing commitment to educating the public on mental health issues, Dr. Weissman presents workshops on stress management in the workplace and monthly forums on increasing mind/body awareness as a means to improve health and share knowledge and techniques to ward off the harmful effects of stress.

Dr. Weissman practices from the main office in Northbrook, Illinois. He lives with his family in suburban Chicago.

Rates & Insurance

Billing

Clinical services will be charged to you based upon the following fee schedule. Session length is determined at the clinician’s discretion. Telephone conferences, executive coaching and court related clinical services may be invoiced at the appropriate regular fee and are not covered by insurance.

Fee Schedule

90791 Diagnostic Interview 90 minutes $405
90832 Psychotherapy 16-37 Minutes $130
90834 Psychotherapy 38-52 Minutes $195
90837 Psychotherapy 53-60 Minutes $260
90853 Group Psychotherapy 45-60 Minutes $75
96101 Psychological Testing Variable $255 Per Hour
99442 Telephone Conferences Under 20 Minutes $50
99443 Telephone Conferences 21-30 Minutes $130
N/A Executive Coaching 60 minutes $400

Insurance

Dr. Howard K. Weissman is out-of-network with all insurance companies except Medicare. As a courtesy, we will bill your insurance company even as an out-of-network provider. At this time, we are only in-network with Medicare for in-person therapy and teletherapy services. There are many insurance companies and policies. If you would rather submit claims to your insurance company on your own, our office will provide you with a detailed invoice.

Each session must be paid in-full at the time of service (see our Financial Policy & Agreement). Depending on your current health insurance provider or employee benefit plan, it is possible for services to be covered in full or in part. Please contact your provider to verify how your plan compensates you for psychotherapy services.

I’d recommend asking these questions to your insurance provider to help determine your benefits:

  • Does my health insurance plan include mental health benefits for out-of-network providers?
  • Do I have an out-of-network deductible? If so, what is it and have I met it yet?
  • Does my plan limit how many sessions per calendar year I can have? If so, what is the limit?
  • Do I need written approval from my primary care physician in order for services to be covered?

Payment

I accept cash, check and all major credit cards as forms of payment. Complete the Financial Policy & Agreement Form, which provides permission for us to charge your credit card on file.

Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to attend a session, please make sure you cancel at least 24 hours beforehand. Otherwise, you will be charged the full rate of the session.

Any Other Questions

Please contact me for any additional questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!

Dr. Weissman is a skillful clinician that exhibits integrity and compassion toward everyone he encounters. He is an expert in Post Traumatic Stress, Stress Relief, EMDR and the Lifeline Technique. His integrative approach to therapy allows him to integrate unique interventions that lead to change. Dr. Weissman always goes above and beyond in his implementation of his expertise and his passion for his profession. His passion propels his intention to assist his clients develop health and wellness. Having known Dr. Weissman for decades I highly recommend him as a gifted Psychologist and caring professional. If you have the opportunity to work with Dr. Weissman you will experience the gift of his expertise.

Deborah M.

Dr. Weissman is a highly skilled, professional, and ethical psychologist who provides excellent care to his patients. He has a great sense of integrity and demonstrates genuine warmth and compassion to all people. It has been a pleasure consulting with Dr. Weissman professionally, and knowing him personally. I strongly recommend him with great confidence.

Lisa D.

a better life

a better life

a better life

a better life

a better life

awaits you

awaits you

awaits you

awaits you

awaits you

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective but does not always work and it alone cannot solve any specific problem. More often, medication is needed in conjunction with psychotherapy. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.

New Patient FAQs

What do I need to do prior to my first session?

You will need to contact The Chicago Stress Relief Center by either calling us at 847-412-0922 or emailing drhweissman@gmail.com and completing our Contact Form. We will get back with you shortly to answer any questions you may have, give you some information about treatment and help you get scheduled with your therapist. The therapist will also provide you with information regarding the process of completing intake paperwork. Please feel free to ask any other questions that you may have regarding your treatment.

What can I expect during my first session?

Your initial session will last approximately 60-90 minutes. Your Provider will spend time going over the initial paperwork and making sure you feel comfortable with the treatment process. The remainder of the session will be devoted to you and your therapist getting to know one another, discussing your treatment goals, further assessing symptoms, and providing additional information regarding the types of treatments available. When meeting with children or young adults, we find that it is helpful to have parents or family members involved in the initial sessions to provide additional information and learn about treatment planning. Comprehensive assessment and detailed treatment planning are vital to successful treatment and can take up to three sessions to complete.

How long are my sessions going to be?

As mentioned above, you can expect your first session to last 60-90 minutes. Subsequent sessions will last approximately 45-60 minutes, with longer (and shorter) session times available if determined to be necessary to address your treatment needs.

How often will I meet with my Provider?

You can expect to meet at least once weekly with your Provider, at least initially. More frequent (and longer) sessions may be recommended in order to address your treatment needs. As your symptoms start to improve, and you become more confident with your treatment approach, you will meet with your therapist less frequently in order to give you the opportunity to experience success with implementing your treatment strategies on your own. The goal is to cut down sessions as quickly as possible and to help you become better equipped to be your own therapist.

Who is involved in treatment?

We have found that it is very helpful to involve family members and other important support systems in treatment, as oftentimes the environment can accidentally make anxiety and OCD worse. We often meet with parents in order to provide parent training in order to make sure that treatment is being implemented consistently at home, which can greatly speed up the course of treatment. We are also happy to work with school psychologists and social workers, teachers, churches, synagogues and other treatment providers.

How long does treatment take?

This is a very difficult question to answer. It depends on many factors, such as severity of symptoms, time available to devote to treatment, family accommodation of symptoms, life events and other stressors, etc. A fairly realistic expectation of treatment duration is around 12 sessions, with some people moving through treatment more quickly, and others more slowly. Treatment progress can be expedited with more frequent sessions (up to five days weekly) of longer duration (two or more hours per session). This treatment approach is known as “intensive” treatment, and it is available at The Chicago Stress Relief Center, Ltd.

What are the costs associated with treatment?

The initial 90-minute intake appointment is billed at $400. Subsequent sessions are billed at the following rates: $195 per 45-minute appointment for Senior Level Clinicians and $135 per 45-minute appointment for Associate Level Clinicians. $250 per 60-minute appointment for Senior Level Clinicians and $180 per 60-minute appointment for Associate Level Clinicians. Sessions lasting longer (or shorter) than 45 minutes will be pro-rated according to the hourly rate in 5-minute increments. There are options available to help you reduce the costs associated with treatment; these options are addressed in more detail below.

Good Faith Estimate

Additionally, beginning January 1, 2022, You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

  • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services.
  • Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
  • 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 847-412-0922.

Will my insurance cover my sessions?

Your insurance policy should reimburse at “out-of-network” rates for your sessions, meaning that part or all of your session costs may be covered. You may have deductibles to meet, co-payments/co-insurance payments, limitations on number of sessions covered, etc. that may affect your expected financial contribution during treatment. It is recommended that you contact your insurance company to verify your out-of-network benefits prior to entering into treatment at The Chicago Stress Relief Center, Ltd.

Will you work with my insurance company?

The Chicago Stress Relief Center, Ltd. will submit insurance claims on your behalf once you sign our Financial Policy & Agreement Form providing permission for us to submit claims on your behalf. You may have the option of requesting an “in-network exception” or “single case agreement” through your insurance provider. If this request is approved, this means that your insurance company will reimburse you at in-network rates for services rendered at The Chicago Stress Relief Center, Ltd.

Why aren’t you “in-network” with any insurance companies?

Insurance companies can impose limitations on the type and duration of treatment, and these limitations can adversely affect treatment outcome. For example, many of the treatments offered at The Chicago Stress Relief Center, Ltd. are more effective if they can be implemented through multiple sessions per week, and for multiple hours per session; this is referred to as “intensive treatment.” Furthermore, treatment is more effective if treatment can be offered outside of the office setting (e.g., in the home, at school/work, public places, driving). Some insurance companies do not reimburse for intensive treatments or treatment provided outside of the therapist’s office, and as a result, you may not benefit as quickly or as fully in treatment. By not contracting with insurance companies, our therapists can make treatment decisions with your best interests in mind, thereby increasing your chances of reaching your treatment goals in a timely manner.

Do you offer payment plans or reduced fees?

Payment is expected at the time of service. However, we do understand that intensive treatment in particular can create financial stressors. If this is the case for you, you may speak with your therapist about arranging a payment plan that will allow you to pay an agreed-upon monthly amount until your balance is paid in full. In addition, we do not want cost to deter you from getting the effective help that you may need and are able to reduce fees for qualified patients.

We realize COVID-19 may have impacted people’s job and finances and will work with you to discount rates to make treatment affordable. We do not want finances to be a barrier for receiving effective care. Ask about our discounted rates.

Intake Forms

If you are new, please feel free to fill out these intake forms before our first session. These forms can also be filled out during the first session.

 

Request A Consult

847-412-0922

drhweissman@gmail.com

1440 Techny Road, Northbrook, IL

Please complete the form below to request a consult. I will try my best to accommodate you and will be in touch within 24 hours.

    captcha