Posted by Dinah on April 23, 2004, at 11:58:10
In reply to Re: Ts: Field choice *always* = caring? (opinion), posted by spoc on April 23, 2004, at 11:23:32
I think you're overestimating how lucrative the field is. For some therapists, with a reputation and a steady referral stream, it might be lucrative. For others, not so much.
My therapist admits that it's a tough life, full of rejection, getting paid is not always easy, and keeping enough clients is not always easy.
The insurance pays out at somewhere around $70 an hour, which may sound like a lot, but isn't when you consider rent and insurance (which is undoubtedly high). Insurance covers maybe six to twelve sessions before getting testy. Many clients aren't able or willing to pay out of pocket. Some of what therapists do is inherently upsetting to clients so there is a lot of turnover just from that.
Competition is stiff. Psychologists, psychiatrists (who now do mostly meds where I am), social workers, psych nurses, licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, pastoral counselors, and people just hanging out a shingle. There are more providers than there are consumers. A lot of therapists are turning to the less regulated area of personal coaching for a new client pool.
I have a cousin who is a therapist. He's the most highly educated member of his family and the lowest paid. My own therapist supplements his therapy income by other jobs.
If you want an easy life and a steady stream of money, you may think you're getting it by entering this field, but my guess is that unless you specialize or are particularly good at marketing yourself or have a relationship with a lot of gp's, etc. you're not going to get what you're looking for.
If you work for an agency you might have a constantly full schedule, but you're not likely to be paid the big bucks either.
poster:Dinah
thread:339137
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040419/msgs/339156.html