Every therapist has asked this question—
even if only silently:
“Is it ethical for me to charge this much?”
And underneath that…
“Who gets to decide?”
In this episode, Tiffany takes on one of the most confusing, loaded, and emotionally charged topics in our field: the ethics of fees.
Because right now, therapists are getting very mixed messages.
Charge more—but don’t be greedy.
Take care of yourself—but don’t abandon accessibility.
Build wealth—but stay humble.
Value your work—but don’t make clients uncomfortable.
So who do you listen to?
Your grad school training?
Your licensing board?
Your colleagues in Facebook groups?
The loudest voices on Instagram?
Or the quiet voice in your own body that knows something isn’t working?
In this episode, Tiffany cuts through the noise and names the deeper issue:
Most therapists are outsourcing their ethical authority.
And it’s keeping them stuck, under-earning, and disconnected from the very clients they’re meant to serve.
Listen to the episode:
In this episode, Tiffany breaks down:
- Why the “ethics of fees” conversation is often rooted in fear, not actual ethics
- The difference between ethical responsibility and emotional discomfort
- How therapist culture reinforces confusion, guilt, and second-guessing around money
- Why looking to misaligned peers for guidance will keep you stuck
- The role of personal responsibility in determining your fees
- What it actually means to run an ethical, sustainable, professional practice
- Why undercharging can be just as unethical as overextending yourself
- How to start trusting your own clinical and financial authority
This episode is not about giving you a number.
It’s about giving you your authority back.
Because ethics are not determined by the loudest, most anxious voices in the room.
They are determined by your ability to think clearly, act responsibly, and build a practice that actually works—for you and your clients.
If you’re ready to set fees that are both ethical and sustainable email tiffany@leaninmakebank.com with the subject line “I’m Ready.”
Because the real question isn’t:
“Is this ethical?”
It’s:
“Am I willing to take responsibility for building a practice that actually works?”
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