Quote:
Originally Posted by owlpride
Why would an online-only therapist be any more likely than one with a physical office to work non-traditional hours? Therapists in private practice generally set their own hours, regardless of the medium that they use for communication.
But since you mentioned Live Person, I just wanted to mention that they get a 38% commission from all client fees that therapists collect through the website. It's not a website that I would use because I do not support their business model - since the therapist does the bulk of the work, he should get the bulk of my fees.
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For the 38%, LivePerson provides:
1. A secure, hosted platform for email, chat, and phone sessions
2. Advertising for their professionals
3. A widespread built in client base
4. Secure, guaranteed payment
5. Anonymous service
6. Credential verification
7. Help desk services (for clients and providers)
8. Other miscellaneous services
I wish more of my fee went to the therapist, but remember-
there is significant overhead in brick-and-mortar practice or accepting insurance, including some or all of these:
1. Office rental fees
2. Insurance limits
3. Property insurance
4. Utilities
5. Property taxes/fees
6. Receptionist
7. Cleaning service
8. Advertising
9. Other costs
Some therapists could avoid a lot of the overhead through home offices, but we know that's not a super-common option, not too many providers would necessarily feel comfortable seeing clients in their home, though some certainly do.
Keep in mind- the therapists aren't forced to use services like LivePerson, they invariably do it because it's the best of all the options they've found! Up to them to choose a method of practice, no one size fits all, again.
***Also, LP
waives its percentage fees for any client the therapist brings to the site themselves or through their own advertising.