Wtf should my fee be?

What should your fee be? It is the almighty question.

I had worked with sliding scales and fees ranging from as low as $40 to $130. I had also watched in awe as the clinical director and supervisor of the group practice charged $200 for 45 minutes. I dreamed of charging that when I was seasoned enough and worth it.

Perhaps you are just starting your practice. Or maybe you are working harder than ever and realize that you NEED to raise your rates. The question might be how much? What’s fair? How much is too much?

The answer is one that no one can tell you but YOU. While it may seem like there are “rules” that determine your “worth”, I have discovered they are mostly all bullshit. Below are some of the common myths that you many abide by when determining their fee:

1. I’m not seasoned enough. I have to pay my dues.
   Raising your fee empowers you to step up and uplevel as a therapist.  I can't tell you how much raising my fees unleveled my clinical skills and confidence.  You don't have to struggle and resign to burnout in order to "earn" the right to raise your fees. You can get more of that sooner than later WITH MORE MONEY.  You should be factoring that in when you are figuring out what your fee should be

2. I’ll charge what others are charging at my level and in my area.
   Who cares what they are charging?  Perhaps that fee works for them and they have a nice work/life balance.  Perhaps they are basing their fee from a scarcity and fear-based mindset...which is not where you want to be!  Are they going to contribute to your retirement?  Are you plugging their numbers, bills, debts, and personal situation into worksheets?  Why do they have a say in your financial future?

3. I can't charge this amount because I can't afford to pay it to a therapist myself.
   Same as #2 above!  You should be factoring this into your budget with what you need to make.  If you aren’t willing to pay X amount, then there’s some financial integrity and money mindset work you need to do!
   

   
   If any of these resonate with you, don’t fret! I would highly recommend Premium-Fee Therapist-Guru Tiffany McClain’s course “Lean In. Make Bank.” It challenges ALL of these and it was a game changer and integral to helping me get where I am now!