The Therapist Thrival Guide 75. Financial & Billing Conversations in Therapy: Expert Tips from Jordan and Steve
Welcome to the Therapist Thrival Guide! In this episode we are joined by clinic directors Jordan Mealey, LPCC and Steve Drzewoszewski, LICSW.
Our guests share valuable insights on how therapists can comfortably handle financial discussions with clients, the importance of early and consistent communication, and tips for ensuring both therapist and client are on the same page.
Learn about effective strategies, the significance of understanding insurance plans, and how to navigate difficult conversations, ensuring financial clarity without compromising the therapeutic relationship.
OUR HOST:
Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on LinkedIn.
The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by Ellie Mental Health. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.
Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021.
TIME STAMPS:00:00 Welcome and Introductions02:34 Billing and Balances: An Essential Discussion03:24 Navigating Insurance and Administrative Tasks08:28 Therapists' Worth and Financial Conversations16:24 Clinic Policies and Client Communication22:36 Navigating Insurance Challenges with New Clients23:03 Proactive Communication Strategies24:07 Importance of Early Insurance Verification25:58 Handling High Deductible Plans26:18 Approaching Difficult Conversations27:12 End-of-Year Reviews and Insurance Changes28:49 Supporting Therapists in Financial Discussions31:16 Practical Tips for Financial Conversations40:06 Final Thoughts and Encouragement