E67: Do Queer Therapists Have A RIGHT To Charge Premium Fees? A Conversation With Lee & Courtney

In this episode, we’re speaking with Lee Wells, a Chicago based Social Worker and Courtney Wells, a Chicago based Psychologist. Both Lee and Courtney are working in private practice and wrestling with how to Lean In to charging premium fees and building generational wealth, while simultaneously contending with the messages that in order for Queer people and BIPOC people to deserve wealth, they have to work ten times harder AND focus on giving back to the community, ultimately sacrificing their own well being.

Why is it that we demand Queer people and BIPOC people do their own work to build wealth and make up for social injustice while also solving problems of mental health in society? Whooftah. We’ll take it up in this episode. 

Listen to the episode:

In this episode, Lee and Courtney will share:

  • Why Lee and Courtney decide to transition into private practice from high positions in the hospitalized mental healthcare setting;

  • How they have received pushback from peers on establishing private practice fees and coming off insurance panels;

  • How they served to challenge and encourage one another to grow as clinicians and business owners;

  • A candid conversation discussing the pressure on Queer and BIPOC therapits to self sacrifice in order to fix a broken system.

More about Lee

Lee Wells, AM, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in evidence-based therapy for young folx with anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. Lee is the co-owner and Clinical Director of Mind Chicago, a relatable, science-based group practice for youth, young adults, and families. Lee is also a certified yoga instructor and crockpot aficionado.

To contact: 312-667-3775, Lee@mindchicago.comwww.mindchicago.com

More about Courtney

Courtney Wells, PhD is a clinical psychologist who specializes in trauma. They are the owner of Pivot Psychological Services in Chicago providing evidence-based individual and group services for adults. Additionally, Dr. Wells works with other healing professionals through mindfulness and self-compassion to ensure their well-being and longevity in the field. Lastly, Dr. Wells is a lover of mystery novels and a tamer of two Pekingese.

To contact: 312-868-0163, courtney@pivotpsychchicago.org, https://pivotpsychchicago.org/

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About the podcast

The Money Sessions podcast by Tiffany McLain, LMFT is full of deep, thoughtful, and sometimes raw conversations with real therapists who are in the midst of leaning into raising fees and making bank – all while working with the clients they are passionate about serving.

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