How Many Clients Do You Really Need To Make a Living as a Therapist?
A Private Practice Breakdown
One question I hear more than almost any other is:
“How many clients do I actually need to make a living as a therapist?”
If you’ve asked yourself the same thing, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common, most emotional, and most important questions therapists bring to me when we start working together.
So today, I want to walk you through this in a way that feels simple, empowering and not overwhelming. We’re going to break this down step-by-step so you can understand your numbers, set your fees with confidence, and create a therapy practice that supports your life… instead of draining it.
This guide is designed for therapists in private practice who want more financial clarity, more income stability, and more confidence in the business side of their work. Let’s take this one piece at a time.
1. Start by Defining What “Making a Living” Means for You
“Making a living” is different for every therapist.
For some therapists, it means $50,000 a year. For others, it may be $100,000 or more. It depends on:
Your personal expenses
Your family needs
Your savings goals
Your debt repayment
The lifestyle you want
Your energy and burnout threshold
A healthy private practice is one that supports your life and not one that forces you to run yourself into the ground to survive.
Here are a few questions that can bring clarity:
How much do I need each month to live comfortably?
What does financial stability look like for me and my family?
What income range feels spacious, safe, and sustainable?
How many sessions per week can I realistically hold without burning out?
Therapists often skip this step because money can bring up discomfort or guilt. But defining your needs is not selfish — it’s foundational. You can only care well for others when you are financially steady and emotionally supported.
This is the first step toward financial clarity for you as a therapist, and it matters more than any spreadsheet ever will.
2. Know Your Private Practice Expenses
Before you calculate how much you want to earn, you need to know what your practice actually costs to run. These are your business expenses, and they form the baseline of your financial needs.
Think about:
Office rent (or home office expenses)
EHR systems like SimplePractice
Software subscriptions
Liability insurance
Marketing or directory listings
Continuing education or supervision
Credit card processing fees
Admin or billing support
Add those up monthly, then multiply by 12. This step is essential because accurate private practice bookkeeping ensures you’re not undercharging or running your business at a loss without realizing it.
3. Identify Your Personal Income Goals (After Taxes)
Now that you know your business expenses, let’s talk about what you need to bring home — your take-home pay.
This includes:
Rent or mortgage
Groceries
Medical bills
Savings
Car payments
Debt payments
Fun money
Emergencies
And… taxes. (Don’t forget taxes.)
A general rule? Set aside 25–30% of your income for taxes.
So if you need $4,000 per month after taxes, your practice likely needs to bring in closer to $5,500–$6,000 per month.
This is why accounting for your therapy practice matters. Knowing your numbers can prevent undercharging, stress, and burnout.
4. Here’s the Simple Formula to calculate How Many Clients You Need
Now for the part everyone wants: the formula.
Don’t worry, it’s simple!
Target Monthly Income ÷ Session Rate = Sessions Needed Per Month
Example:
If your target income is $6,000 per month, and you charge $150 per session, here’s the math:
$6,000 ÷ $150 = 40 sessions per month
That’s about 10 sessions per week.
This is where money management becomes empowering, you get to design a practice that fits your real life, not the other way around.
If the Number Feels Too High, You Have Options
If the sessions-per-month number feels overwhelming, that doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means your structure needs adjusting.
You can make adjustments by offering group therapy, increasing your session rate, or adding workshops and consultations. Your practice does not have to be box-shaped or rigid. You get to create something that feels sustainable, ethical, and aligned with your energy.
My Gentle Reminder: Charge What Supports You — Not What Feels “Least Uncomfortable”
Therapists often tell me they feel “icky” charging for care.
But here’s the truth I remind them:
People value the support you offer, and they want to pay you for your expertise.
You deserve to have your needs met, to have a life outside the office, and to run your practice in a way that feels healthy and sustainable. Charging a rate that supports your wellbeing isn’t greedy. It’s responsible.
You Deserve Clarity, Not Guesswork
Understanding how many clients you need isn’t just math. It’s emotional, it’s personal, and it’s deeply connected to the health of your practice.
If this brings up discomfort or stress, that’s okay. You don’t have to figure it out alone. This is what I help therapists with every day — clarifying numbers, setting rates, reviewing expenses, and creating financial systems that feel steady and sustainable.
If you want support, I’d love to meet you where you are.
Until next time, be well. 🌿
Explore My Resources:
💚 YouTube Channel: Practical videos designed to help therapists feel calmer and more confident with their numbers.🌿 Website: Learn more about services, read additional blogs, or schedule personalized support.
