Private Pay Therapy Rate Calculator
Not sure what to charge for private pay therapy? This free rate calculator helps you determine sustainable pricing using two proven methods.
This calculator shows you what you need to GROSS (before taxes) to actually take home what you need. Both methods account for taxes - they just start from different places.
Method 1: Start with your actual expenses and build upMethod 2: Start with your income goal and work backward
Use both and compare. The higher number is what you should charge to build a sustainable practice.
Calculate your personalized rate recommendation in under 10 minutes.
Private Pay Rate Calculator
Two methods. One goal: Sustainable pricing that works for YOU.
If you want to NET $100K (actual money you can spend), you need to GROSS about $130-140K. Why? Self-employment taxes, business expenses, and quarterly tax payments eat about 30-35% of your gross income.
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Join the Community →How This Private Pay Rate Calculator Works
Method 1 builds your rate from your real expenses - personal, business, and lifestyle costs - then adds 30% for taxes. You’ll see exactly what you need to gross each month to cover everything.
Method 2 works backward from your annual income goal. It multiplies by 1.35 to account for taxes (30%) plus typical business expenses (5%), then shows you what rate per session gets you there.
Why do the numbers differ?
Method 1 lists business expenses separately, so it only adds 30% for taxes. Method 2 assumes you haven’t itemized business expenses yet, so it adds 35% to cover both taxes and typical business costs together.
If the two methods give you different numbers, that’s useful information:
∙If Method 2 is higher: Your income goals exceed your current expenses (you’re planning for growth, savings, or lifestyle upgrades)
∙If Method 1 is higher: Your actual expenses require more than your initial income goal (you may need to adjust your budget or see more clients)
∙If they’re close: Your lifestyle and goals are aligned
The calculator recommends the HIGHER of the two rates to ensure you meet both your expenses AND your goals..
Why Therapists Use This Calculator
Most therapists undercharge because they don’t know their actual numbers. They forget to account for taxes, underestimate expenses, or price based on what they think clients will pay instead of what they actually need.
This calculator removes the guessing. It shows you exactly what you need to earn per session to build a sustainable private practice - not just survive, but actually thrive.
No guilt. No shame. Just math.
Note: This calculator accounts for self-employment taxes and typical business expenses. Your actual tax burden may vary based on your state, filing status, and deductions. Consider consulting with a CPA for personalized tax planning.