How I Transitioned Off Insurance and Refilled My Caseload at $250/Session [episode 43]
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Listen to How I Transitioned Off Insurance and Refilled My Caseload at $250/Session on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Your player of choice
I want to give you a behind-the-scenes look at a part of my private practice journey that doesn’t always get the spotlight. It’s not super sexy or exciting, but… it was pivotal!
When I first launched my private practice, I was living in New York City with a full-time job, bills to pay, and zero wiggle room. Insurance was my lifeline!
Getting paneled with insurance allowed me to quickly fill my caseload. I was able to replace enough income to confidently quit my nonprofit management job.
I got paneled through Alma, which operates a bit like a group practice. By early 2021, I was bringing in $6k/month from insurance clients alone!
In today’s episode, I’m sharing how I transitioned off insurance and refilled my caseload at $250/session.
I KNEW I wanted more flexibility and freedom in my career. I knew I was capable of charging what my expertise was worth (even though it felt terrifying to do so at the time)!
I got to a place of stability with my income from insurance clients. As I was continuing to bring on private pay clients, I made the bold decision to STOP accepting insurance clients.
I updated my website and removed insurance details from Psychology Today. I let Alma know I was going all in on private pay (which continued to grow month after month).
Now? I see way fewer 1-1 clients and charge $275/session!
I won’t sugarcoat it, though. I was nervous about telling my existing clients. I gave them around 3 months’ notice (honestly, 2 months would have been plenty).
Some clients stayed, and some moved on. I was totally okay with that outcome!
The key here? I made sure I had stability first AND a clear plan in place.
When you’re ready to do the same, make SURE to check your contracts. Consider using a platform like Alma for flexibility, and gradually stop accepting new insurance clients before you fully transition.
Most importantly? Set your private pay rate at a level that honors your time and expertise! Otherwise, it’s a waste of your time to even go through this process.
If you’re on the fence, I promise it’s possible to transition off insurance and refill your caseload with dream private pay clients.
I did what felt good for my clients, my business, and my nervous system. It worked out exactly as it was meant to, and I know it can for you, too!
In this episode, How I Transitioned Off Insurance and Refilled My Caseload at $250/Session, I cover:
Building a private practice caseload while paneled w/insurance + my experience with Alma
My transition from insurance-based clients to private pay at $250 per session
How to go about telling your existing clients that you’re getting off of insurance
My advice for transitioning off insurance & growing your private pay caseload
Resources & Links:
⭐️ How to see clients Out-of-Network WHILE you are In-Network with Alma
⭐️ This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
⭐️ This episode is sponsored by Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
⭐️ Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
⭐️ Reels Membership
⭐️ Business Coaching Waitlist
⭐️ Free training
⭐️ Caption Guide
Related Episodes:
Episode 20: When Should You Raise Your Therapy Rates?
Episode 3: BTS From $45/session to $1 Mil/Year
More about the Business of Therapy podcast:
Are you a passionate therapist that’s burnt out and ready to transition to private pay? You’re asking yourself questions like “how do I build a business?”, “how can I effectively use Instagram to market myself” and “how can I scale a private practice?”
Welcome to the Business of Therapy podcast where we’ll answer those questions and more! Here you’ll find honest conversations about the good and the bad of being a therapist, tactical advice and best practices for marketing yourself on Instagram, and solidarity and community to find your own version of success as a therapist.
Join your host, Kelly McKenna, and her guests as they dive deeper into topics such as navigating burn out, mastering your mindset and boundaries, and tactics and strategies for marketing on Instagram, and more!
Kelly is a licensed therapist and business coach who grew her private practice on Instagram and has helped thousands of other therapists market themselves on social media, and effectively start and scale their private practice.
These episodes will leave you feeling empowered and equipped to take action towards your dream of a successful private practice.
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