This is the 3rd post in the series
Reduced Fees, Sliding Scales, and Lessons Learned.
The series actually begins here.
If You Choose to Provide a Reduced Fee, How Long Should You Do So?
I’ve had clients who were unemployed when they began working with me, so I offered my services at a reduced fee. Later, when they secured six figure incomes, they continued to pay the reduced fees.
Lesson learned? Yep . . . .
Lesson #1
My own issues with money got in the way. Otherwise, when it came to my attention that my clients were in better financial situations, I would have addressed it directly with each of them rather than feeling taken advantage of. If that is true for you, you have some work to do and a good therapist can well be worth her full fee to get that cleaned up early.
Lesson #2
What is understood to be “less than enough” by one person may appear to be “more than enough” to another . . . and vice versa. Get really clear about the circumstances under which you are comfortable providing reduced fees.
Lesson #3
Reduced fees need to have time limits. Unless you are operating as a charitable organization, consider how long is “long enough” to help someone access your professional services. Limits are good for your client and they are good for you.
Lesson #4
If you offer anyone a “good deal,” they’ll probably take it. Make sure to think through the offers you want to make before you make them.
Drop me a line and let’s talk about if / how you provide services to clients at a reduced fee. What does that look like in your practice? Is it working well for you and your clients?
Totally agree with your comments about money sparking off our own issues!
And something about us knowing our own value …
Hi, John! Welcome to Private Practice from the Inside Out! I’m wondering how you actually found me . . . ? Thanks for commenting. I hope you’ll be dropping back in often to join the conversation as we continue to build our online community!
Interesting series. I’ve been “fee for service” since about 2005, after many years of licensure. I do offer a bit of reduced fee Sometimes it’s because they are a church referral. There are a few who have a true need that still works within my parameters, and they may get 30% off. Unfortunately, the ones who really a need a lower fee can’t pay enough to fit my practice needs. However, we have some great resources here in town, including a university with a training counseling center.
Interesting thread! I intend to do a module on the for my Practice Success Tools website.
Hi, Deborah! Thanks for dropping in! And, thanks for mentioning Practice Success Tools. I’ll add it to my blog roll so that others can find you easily.
Hi Tamara! Thanks so much for these blog postings! They are so timely to me, as I’m in the midst of totally revamping my private practice after a year of things not really working. It’s so easy for us as therapists to try to help everyone and to try to make sure that we are helping others. I love these tips and I can’t wait to integrate them into my practice, especially the one about having a time limit on the lowered fees.
After offering reduced fees, free consults where people did not show up, or people came and never came back because of the “one session miracle”, and then pro bonos who would cancel, I’m seriously going to revise my policies concerning this!
Hi, Tammy! Welcome to Private Practice from the Inside Out! I’m glad I can be of help and hope you’ll drop back in often to join the conversation.
Please do take a moment to introduce yourself and tell us about your practice, too!
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So glad you found it helpful! Hope you’ll drop back in here often to chat!