Therapists Are Paying $4K a Month for a Directory?
We need to say something that's going to make some of you uncomfortable.
If you're working for a therapy platform, you're not just getting paid less than you should be.
You're actively paying them thousands of dollars per month for the privilege of being exploited.
Let's break down the math:
If they're taking 40-60% of what clients pay, and you're seeing 20+ clients a week, that platform is making $2,000-4,000+ off YOUR labor every single month.
Seven years ago, if we had told you as private practice coaches to pay a directory listing $4,000/month to get clients, you would have laughed us out of the room.
Actually, you know what? Therapists thought it was crazy and exploitative when Psychology Today started charging $20 a month.
TWENTY DOLLARS.
And now? You're handing over thousands per month and calling it a job.
But that's exactly what's happening with these platforms. They're glorified directory listings that are getting up in your business, selling your clients' data, and you're paying them thousands of dollars to do it.
And here's the kicker: The marketing manager at that platform is making more than you are.
Probably every single person at that company, their tech team, their sales team, their marketing department, is making more than you.
And you're the one providing the actual service.
They're taking hundreds of millions of dollars from venture capital firms and using it to build a company on your back while exploiting you.
Now, we understand the fear.
We understand that these platforms create a sense of ease. "Just sign up and get clients!" It sounds simple.
But is it actually easy?
Is this really what you want to be doing?
Let us tell you what the most ethical option actually is:
Go work for another ethical therapist's group practice.
That therapist isn't going to do anything weird with client data. They know the rules. They're clear on what HIPAA is. They're also a healthcare provider. They understand the ethical obligations.
"But Miranda and Kelly," you might be thinking, "group practices don't pay as well!"
Let's do the actual math:
Platform says: $90/session - Sounds good, right?
Except:
It's only $90 if you do 37+ sessions/week
Or the recruiter lied... or they factored in a sign-up bonus
You're 1099, so you pay over 15% self-employment tax off the top
They don't pay you for ANY time outside of sessions
That $90 could look more like $50 after taxes
Group practice says: $55/session - Sounds worse, right?
Except:
You're W2 (employer pays a portion of your taxes)
You might get benefits
You're not monitored or surveilled
Client data is protected
You have employment protections
That $55 is actually $55
Do the real math. Factor in the taxes. Factor in the actual requirements.
Now, which one is better?
Here's what we cannot emphasize enough:
These platforms are making an absolute mess of our clients' data, of the ethics, of therapist compensation.
And it's not financially viable for anybody - not even for them long-term.
That's why we're doing this training on November 4th.
Because you need to understand what you're actually agreeing to. What these contracts really say. What your alternatives are.
We're bringing together:
Liath Dalton from Person Centered Tech (HIPAA compliance)
Eric Ström from Ström Consulting (legal compliance)
Kelly & Miranda from zynnyme (practical business alternatives)
In this 90-minute training, you'll learn:
The real risks of working with therapy platforms (even if they say they're HIPAA compliant)
The critical questions to ask before accepting any 1099 or W-2 offer
How to protect your license, your clients, and your financial future
The actual math on what you're losing vs. what you think you're making
Practical ways to address BAA issues in contracts
Alternative options for building sustainable income when you can't find a safe platform
Why working for an ethical group practice might be your best move right now
Protect Your License: What’s Really Hidden in Those Platform Contracts
Tuesday, Nov 4th • 9am-10:30am PT
Register Free (yes, it will be recorded)
Can't make it live? Register anyway and get the replay.
Over 400 therapists have already registered. If you're working with platforms or considering them, this is information you can't afford to miss.
We're not saying this to be judgmental of platforms. We're saying this because we hate seeing therapists being exploited while putting their clients' protected health information at risk.
You didn't spend years building your career to hand over thousands of dollars a month to a tech company that pays their marketing team more than they pay you.
Register Now - November 4th Training ⬇️
Let's figure out what you're really agreeing to, and what your actual options are.
Still think that platform job is your only option? Here in Business School, there are group practices all over the country wanting to hire good therapists. Check out the syllabus to see how we help therapists build sustainable practices - whether solo, in a group, or working for someone else who actually values you.
We just had a Business Schooler share this TODAY:
"I opened my practice in May and things have been going really well! My caseload was full in July (18 sessions a week) and I have a waitlist of around 40 people currently. I am making more money than I ever have."
Are things perfect? Nope! But we'll keep helping them get things on track to create an ethical, grounded practice that takes care of the therapist and their clients.
