This week I’m going to conquer an area that makes most therapists uncomfortable — collecting money! Whether it’s a bounced check from a client, a late cancel, or a no-show, at some point we are going to lose money. However, it is possible to mitigate the loss without harming the therapeutic relationship.
Those of us in private practice have to learn how to balance our clinical and business relationships with clients. This is difficult because often these two relationships conflict with each other. The question is: How do we resolve billing disputes without harming the therapeutic relationship?
First, let’s discuss your attitude towards your fee. Do you think you deserve it? Do you think clients should have to pay for your services? If you don’t think your services are worth your fee, then you will struggle collecting it.
Next, do you realize you are running a business and not a charity? If you think all clients deserve your services, whether they pay full fee or not, then you will struggle. You are running a business, and businesses need to stay solvent in order to survive. Lack of a consistent billing policy puts your business at risk. If you lose your business, you won’t be able to help your clients anymore.
Lastly, it’s important to hold clients accountable. Not doing so can deprive clients of personal growth.
In my next post, I will discuss how to create and implement your fee policy.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Dr. Barbara LoFrisco
