So you are thinking about starting your own private practice as a marriage and family therapist. That’s a big step, and it’s really exciting. But there is one part of it that makes a lot of people feel weird, nervous, even a little guilty. I am talking about setting your fees. Figuring out how much to charge people for therapy. For many new therapists, this feels awkward. You want to help people, not make them worry about money. But here is the truth: you deserve to get paid for your work, and setting a fair price is a big part of running a healthy practice. Let me walk you through it in a plain, friendly way.

First, get rid of the idea that charging money makes you a bad person. You are providing a valuable service. You spent years learning how to help couples and families talk through hard stuff, heal old wounds, and build stronger relationships. That training costs money. Your time is worth money. And you need to pay your bills just like everyone else. If you give away too much free therapy, you won’t be able to keep doing it. So think of your fee as a way to make sure you can keep showing up for your clients. It’s not greedy. It’s practical.

Now, how do you pick a number? Start by looking around. What do other therapists in your area charge? You can search online, ask people you know, or even look at insurance reimbursement rates. In most places, a new therapist in private practice charges between seventy and one hundred fifty dollars for a fifty-minute session. It depends on your city, your experience, and the kind of therapy you offer. If you are straight out of school, you might start on the lower end. That is okay. You can raise your rates later.

Next, think about your expenses. Add up what it costs you to work. Rent for your office, if you have one. Internet, phone, liability insurance, continuing education, marketing, and maybe a supervision fee. Then figure out how many clients you can actually see in a week. Let’s say you want to see twenty clients. If your total monthly expenses are two thousand dollars, you need at least one hundred dollars per session just to break even. That number helps you set a floor. You do not want to charge less than that or you will lose money.

But you also want to leave room for a sliding scale. A sliding scale means you offer lower fees to people who cannot afford your full rate. This is a great way to help folks who really need therapy but have limited income. For example, you might charge your full rate of one hundred twenty dollars to most clients, but offer a few slots at sixty or seventy dollars for people who qualify. Decide how many reduced-fee slots you can handle without burning out. Maybe five out of twenty clients. That way you feel good about helping people and still cover your costs.

Now, the awkward part: actually telling a new client your fee. Here is a simple script you can use. When someone calls or emails, say, “My rate is one hundred twenty dollars per session. I do have a few sliding scale spots available, so let me know if that is a concern.” That is direct, friendly, and leaves the door open. If they ask about the sliding scale, you can ask about their income. Keep it simple. Do not apologize. You are not doing anything wrong.

Another tip: raise your rates once a year. Many therapists start too low and then get stuck. If you have been practicing for a year and have more experience, it is fair to bump up your fee by ten or fifteen dollars. Give your existing clients a month or two of notice so they can adjust. Most people understand. And if you lose a client because of a rate increase, that is okay. You will find new ones at the higher rate.

Finally, remember that your fee is not just about money. It is also about respect. When people pay for therapy, they tend to take it more seriously. They show up on time and do the work. Free or very cheap therapy can sometimes lead to missed appointments or less effort. A fair fee helps your clients value what you offer. And you value yourself.

Setting fees is a skill you learn over time. It might feel weird at first, but it gets easier. You are a helper, yes. But you are also a business owner. And a good business owner takes care of themselves so they can take care of others. So pick a number, say it with confidence, and get ready to help some families and couples change their lives.