Should Therapists Offer Packages Instead of Just Hourly Sessions?

Resource - ✅ Is Offering Packages Right for Your Therapy Practice?

Is It Time to Rethink How We Offer Therapy?

Traditionally, therapy has been offered on a session-by-session basis, typically paid for weekly or monthly. This model has served both therapists and clients well—but is it still the best fit for modern private practice? Every coach I know says it’s time for a change.

In the latest round of the Getting Started in Private Practice course, I’ve been asked several times whether a more structured, package-based approach (common in coaching) could bring added benefits to therapy. I think the answer might be yes.

Why Therapy Is Often Priced Per Session

Charging per session reflects the clinical roots of therapy. It offers flexibility, especially in open-ended work, and suits clients who want to go at their own pace or pause treatment when needed. It also mirrors how therapy is often delivered in organisations, so we’ve naturally followed suit in private practice.

But it’s worth asking: Is this still serving us and our clients?

The Case for Change

While the per-session model is flexible, it can also lead to unpredictability for both therapist and client. As a business model, trading time for money isn’t always sustainable. Plus, in a world where we can now offer support through various channels—email, WhatsApp, Substack, social media—it might be time to consider whether a more formalised structure could serve our clients better.

Packages can help smooth out income for therapists and offer more financial stability. For clients, especially those wanting focused or short-term support, a package can provide a sense of containment, structure, and purpose. Engagement, motivation, and commitment often improve when there's a clear framework.

I learned this myself last year when I signed up for a three-month package with a personal trainer. It wasn’t cheap, and paying up front made me really consider my commitment. I also really valued the support between sessions—it made the process feel more connected and held.

What We Can Learn from Coaching

Coaches often use packages with defined timelines, clear outcomes, and extras like email support, worksheets, check-ins, and reviews. This structure helps clients stay engaged and gives a clear way to track progress.

Therapists can borrow elements of this model without compromising the depth or ethics of our work.

Potential Benefits of Therapy Packages

• Increased clarity and focus for clients

• More financial stability for therapists

• Encouragement for clients to commit more fully to the process

• Opportunities to offer added value (e.g. resources, summaries, between-session support)

Potential Pitfalls to Watch For

• May feel too rigid for some therapy styles or client needs

• Requires clear boundaries around cancellations and rescheduling

• Risk of commodifying the therapeutic relationship if not handled with care

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This Month’s Theme: Therapy Packages

This post kicks off a four-part blog series exploring how to offer therapy packages in a way that is ethical, sustainable, and clinically sound.

Coming up next:

2. How to Structure a Therapy Package That Works Clinically and Logistically

• Options for session bundles

• What to include: review points, email support and between-session tasks

• Balancing structure with therapeutic flexibility

3. Pricing Therapy Packages: Value, Boundaries, and Financial Stability

• How to price packages without undercharging

• Managing cancellations and non-attendance

• Payment plans, policies, and reducing financial anxiety

4. Making Therapy Packages Ethical, Clear, and Appealing

• Communicating the value clearly (without sounding salesy)

• Contract wording and policies to include

• How to talk about packages on your website and in consultations

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💬 For Paid Members:
At the bottom of each post in this series (under the paywall), you’ll find useful worksheets, checklists and templates - download them all for The Therapy Package Toolkit, designed to give you a head start in creating your own therapy packages. Today you can do the checklist to help you decide if packages are right for you.

This Month You’ll Receive
✅ A checklist to help decide if packages are right for your practice ( Find Below)
✅ A therapy package template (fillable worksheet)
✅ Example structures (e.g., 4-session bundle with email support)
✅ Pricing prompt sheet (to reflect on costs, value, and boundaries)
✅ Sample policy wording for contracts or websites

👉 Subscribe to access the full toolkit and get practical support as you build your packages.