If you’ve worked with teens, it becomes head-slapping obvious that the context of traditional therapy is ill suited for adolescents. So based on my clinical experience and ability to connect with teens, I’m developing a coaching and therapy service specifically catered to youth and their families. Some features will include:
- mobility i.e. service provided at clients home, coffee shop, park, etc
- electronic communication i.e. text messaging, email, electronic geneograms
- coaching and/or psychotherapy
- evening and weekend hours
I’ve made a decision to abandon the traditional “hourly charge” and instead create a 5 tiered pricing system. My problem is I’m not sure how to charge for this service. My colleagues charge by the hour, so their advice isn’t applicable to my practice. Executive coaches employ tiered pricing, but their fees are, IMHO, astronomical, and hence unrealistic for my target market.
I, too, want to “smile” while discussing my fees. But I want to do so without provoking hysterical laughter and/or tears from a prospective client.
If you have a suggestion, please leave a comment.
6 responses so far ↓
Bev // May 7, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I have no direct experience yet with pricing, so this comment may seem a bit naive. I’m wondering about the possibility of letting the teen set the price, perhaps in negotiation with parent and/or the therapist. This could possibly service as an opportunity to feel a sense of responsibility in the process. I realize the teen may not be paying. This could also be an opportunity for the teen and parent to dialogue/negotiate.
As mentioned during the 5/6, teleclass, I’m also looking for a template and/or some guidance, on how one sets these standards, e.g., for marketing, client time, pricing, etc. Have you asked yourself any specific questions to uncover your values, intentions around this area? I love the story Harinam (?) shared about the owners of the small shop, who hung the sign directing customers to their competitors after the day’s money was made.
chomedyboy // May 7, 2008 at 5:37 pm
letting the teen set the price…negotiation with parent and/or the therapist.
I agree with the spirit of the post, and believe teens should partake in the choice of context in which the therapy takes place. With respect to pricing, most teens are forced to go to therapy, and hence don’t value the process.
Have you asked yourself any specific questions to uncover your values, intentions around this area?
Good question. All answers point to various fears… the fear of charging too high (creating barriers), too low and the fact that I’ve worked at non-profits for most of my life, never having to consider issues such as pricing the work that I do. It’s both exhilarating and frightening.
I love the story Harinam (?) shared about the owners of the small shop, who hung the sign directing customers to their competitors after the day’s money was made.
Actually that was a story I heard from a Chasidic rabbi in Vancouver.
Kathy // May 8, 2008 at 1:07 am
Hi, I have some thoughts about this. I’ve been in practice for 20 years. I probably undercharged for 5 of these years. So first rule of thumb, don’t do what I did!!!! This being said, I like the idea of having the kids in on the fee in some way. I’ve often suggested that a teenager pay a portion of the fee or copayment, so I agree with the direction this conversation is heading.
How much do you need to cover expenses? Car, gas , repairs, malpractice etc. No office rent will help you stay competitive. Maybe you can use the traditional hourly rate as a jumping off point. If the traditional tx. hour is $100.00 per hour. Perhaps you could charge $75.00 for treatment time. Plus fees for travel time..Maybe an email package. ie-a certain amount of screen time per week for a certain fee. Since your treatment frame is unorthodox, you may need to say that services will be done as requested, only as deemed clinically appropriate. Just some ideas. Keep smiling
)
Spiritually speaking, I think having money allows good hearted folks like yourself the ability to do lots of good things. Make the cash and your philanthropy will follow.
chomedyboy // May 8, 2008 at 2:29 am
Some great ideas Kathy, thanks.
chomedyboy // May 8, 2008 at 11:12 pm
If the traditional tx. hour is $100.00 per hour. Perhaps you could charge $75.00 for treatment time.
Kathty, where did the additional $25 go? I’m worth it. Trust me!!!!
Kathy // May 8, 2008 at 11:33 pm
I’m sure you are. I just wanted to fiddle around with a way to price it. I think you should charge whatever full fee is in your area, plus travel time, and screen time. It’s so convenient for the the kids and the parents. Be Brave..Ask for what your worth..and Keep smiling