Ever had a dream client vanish the second you said, “I don’t take insurance”? 

In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m breaking down one of the most frustrating, deflating, and pivotal conversations we have in private practice: how to talk to therapy clients about insurance and self-pay therapy (without spiraling, apologizing, or selling yourself short).

I walk you through exactly how to handle that record-scratch moment with clarity, confidence, and integrity—so you can stop losing ideal clients and start owning your value. We’ll explore why the insurance model was never built for growth work, how to frame your services outside of the medical model, and how self-pay therapy and coaching can be transformational for both you and your clients.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, this conversation will help you rethink the way you show up, speak up, and set yourself up for long-term success.

Timestamps: 00:00 – The Insurance Dilemma 02:38 – Empowering Therapists: Navigating Insurance Questions 04:47 – Why Don’t Some Therapists Take Insurance? 06:03 – The Disconnect Between Client Needs and Insurance 07:11 – Ethical Considerations and Challenges 16:47 – Are Self Pay Therapy Clients More Motivated? (Yes. Here's why.) 18:11 – How to Stop Feeling Guilty For Charging Self Pay Rates 25:12 – How to Communicate Your Value 38:36 – Can I Build a Practice Without Taking Insurance? 39:58 – How to Become a Certified Coach as a Therapist 46:36 – Clarity and Confidence in Practice

If you’re longing for a practice that aligns with your passion for growth work—it might be time for a new approach.

In my BCC-Accredited Coaching Certification for Therapists, I guide licensed clinicians just like you to:

• Ethically expand beyond the limitations of the insurance model

• Work confidently with self-pay clients who are motivated and ready to change

• Learn the language, structure, and mindset of transformational coaching psychology

• Build a sustainable practice doing the work you actually want to do with your dream clients.

This program rewards up to 50 CE hours. Come learn how to create a thriving, ethical, and fulfilling practice from someone who’s walked this road.

👉Enroll by 7/14 to take advantage of our current Expert Experience Summer Bonus: a free month of coaching client referrals to your private practice. Learn more here.

And hey—if we haven’t connected on LinkedIn yet, let’s do so! I’d love to follow your journey, cheer you on, and swap notes on what’s working (and what’s not) in our evolving world of therapy and coaching. Come say hi and connect with me right here.

Xoxo

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com

P.S. If this episode made you nod, scribble notes, or rethink your client scripts, share it with a fellow therapist or drop it in your favorite consultation group. Let’s rise together. 💛