Abundant Practice Podcast: Episode #658 – Should You Put Your Fee on Your Website

In Episode #658 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear tackles a contentious topic within the therapy community: whether therapists should list their fees on their websites. Released on June 14, 2025, this episode delves deep into the pros and cons of fee transparency, offering valuable insights and personal anecdotes to guide therapists in making informed decisions for their private practices.

1. Introduction to the Topic

Allison opens the episode by presenting today's pressing question: "Should you list your fees on your website?" She emphasizes the significance of this decision, noting that it can significantly impact how potential clients perceive and engage with a therapist's services.

Notable Quote:

"This topic actually brings out some opinions in our field, and I'm going to give you the rationale for both and include my opinion."
[00:00]

2. Arguments Against Posting Fees

Allison begins by exploring the anti-fee posting perspective, outlining reasons why some therapists choose not to display their fees publicly.

Key Points:

• Building Connection First: The primary argument is that not listing fees allows potential clients to first connect with the therapist and understand the value they offer without being influenced solely by price.

• Avoiding Quick Judgments: Without seeing the fee upfront, clients are less likely to dismiss services based on cost before experiencing the therapist's offerings.

• Filtering Out Bargain Hunters: This approach helps in minimizing interactions with clients who are primarily looking for the lowest price rather than the right therapeutic fit.

Personal Anecdote: Allison shares a personal story to illustrate the complexities of not posting fees. She recounts attending an expensive retreat where the cost was unknown until the event. Despite initial apprehensions about affordability, the value she received led her to invest in a year-long coaching program, resulting in doubled business revenue the following year.

Notable Quote:

"The argument behind not posting your fees is that you want potential clients to first connect with you. The idea is to let them see the value in working with you rather than them just making a judgment based on the price."
[05:30]

Downsides Highlighted:

• Financial Discrepancies: Without upfront fee information, therapists may engage in consultations only to discover that the client cannot afford their services, leading to awkward and time-consuming conversations.

• Uncertainty and Misalignment: This lack of transparency can result in mismatched expectations and potential clients feeling uncomfortable about their financial limitations.

3. Arguments For Posting Fees

Shifting to the pro-fee posting stance, Allison presents compelling reasons to advocate for transparency in pricing.

Key Points:

• Enhanced Transparency: Displaying fees upfront fosters honesty and clarity, allowing clients to make informed decisions without hidden surprises.

• Streamlined Client Interactions: Clients who see the fees before reaching out are more likely to be serious and financially prepared to engage, reducing the likelihood of time wasted on unsuitable consultations.

• Confidence in Value: Posting fees reflects a therapist’s confidence in the value they provide, helping to attract clients who recognize and are willing to invest in that worth.

Personal Anecdote: Allison shares her family's experience with hiring a sleep consultant. Despite initially being taken aback by the consultant's fees, knowing the cost beforehand allowed them to assess and commit to the investment without feeling pressured during consultations. This transparency reinforced their confidence in the service's value, ultimately leading to significant improvements in their family's sleep patterns.

Notable Quote:

"When our clients can see our fees upfront, they have some time to think about it. They don't have to feel that awkward pressure of asking you about pricing during the consultation."
[15:45]

Additional Benefits:

• Prioritization of Services: Clients who see the fees and still choose to proceed are likely prioritizing their mental health and are committed to the therapeutic process.

• Reduced Administrative Burden: Transparency minimizes the need for repeated discussions about fees, allowing therapists to focus more on providing quality care.

4. Allison Puryear's Opinion and Conclusion

Aligning with the pro-fee posting camp, Allison articulates her stance on the matter, supported by her personal and professional experiences.

Key Points:

• Confidence in Offerings: Allison emphasizes the importance of being confident in one’s pricing, suggesting that transparency reflects this self-assuredness and attracts clients who appreciate and are willing to invest in quality services.

• Streamlined Practice Management: By posting fees, she has been able to filter out clients who are either not financially prepared or do not see the value in her services, ensuring that her practice remains focused and efficient.

• Client Comfort: Providing fee information upfront creates a more comfortable and respectful interaction, eliminating the awkwardness of discussing finances during or after initial consultations.

Personal Implementation: Allison mentions her practice's policy where potential clients must acknowledge fee information before being able to contact her through the website. This system ensures that only those who are already informed about the costs can reach out, thereby reducing stress and enhancing the overall client-therapist relationship.

Notable Quote:

"For me, posting fees is also about making things clear for everyone involved. My ideal clients know exactly what I offer, what the investment is."
[25:10]

Conclusion: Allison concludes by encouraging therapists to consider what aligns best with their practice and personal comfort levels. She underscores the benefits of transparency and clarity in building a thriving and aligned private practice.

5. Practical Advice and Resources

To assist therapists in navigating this decision, Allison offers several resources and actionable steps:

• Free Worksheets: Allison promotes a free worksheet on setting fees, accessible through her website, to help therapists determine appropriate pricing structures.

• Membership Program: She mentions the Abundance Party, her membership program that provides step-by-step guidance on building a successful private practice, including optimizing work hours and increasing income.

• Additional Support: For those seeking further assistance, Allison directs listeners to her team’s support email and highlights free trainings available on her website.

Call to Action: Allison encourages listeners to engage with her content by commenting on the episode, following her YouTube channel for the full Ask Allison library, and sharing the episode with fellow therapists to foster a community of thriving practices.

Notable Quote:

"Remember, the more transparent and clear you are with your potential clients, the easier it might be to build a practice that really aligns with your goals."
[32:50]

Final Thoughts

Episode #658 of the Abundant Practice Podcast offers a nuanced exploration of fee transparency for therapists. Through balanced arguments, personal stories, and practical advice, Allison Puryear provides a comprehensive guide to help therapists decide whether listing fees on their websites is the right move for their private practices. Her emphasis on confidence, clarity, and client alignment serves as a valuable framework for professionals aiming to cultivate successful and fulfilling therapeutic practices.

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Private Practice Checklist and Worksheets: www.abundancepracticebuilding.com
• Membership Program – Abundance Party: www.abundanceparty.com
• Support Email: help@abundancepracticebuilding.com
• Sponsor - TherapyNotes: therapynotes.com (Use coupon code Abundant for two months free)