Some people get confused at how therapists determine their rates, so I thought I'd share a little example of how negotiating with insurance companies to pay me goes. (Thread)

Me: My rate is $155 for a 45 minute session.
Insurance: That's nice. I think it should be $80.

Me: Well, it's not just the 45 minutes. I have to do notes, return calls, and I have the cost of my EHR and everything.
Insurance: Your session rate is now $90, but the client's co-pay is $50, so here's $40.
Me: Um, okay I guess?

Insurance: We changed our minds, we don't cover more than four sessions, but we aren't going to tell you that until you've done six.
Me: So what am I supposed to do about the other sessions?
Insurance: You have to ask permission.
Me: Can I have permission?
Insurance: No.

Insurance: Also we changed our minds and we're taking back the money we already sent you.
Me: That just feels unfair.
Insurance: Too bad. We can do whatever we want.

Student loans: In the time you were arguing with insurance, you accrued $10 in interest. F*** you.

/end.