Today, one of my mentoring students asked what I bill for writing letters, filling out forms, and completing disability and social security disability inquiries.
She was concerned (and rightfully so) that she might not get paid for doing these time-intensive activities. I gave her a tip about a solution I found works for me in my practice. I thought I’d share it with you too…
Whenever a client asks me to write a letter for them, complete a form, or assist them in their disability applications, I schedule an appointment for us to do this together.
This technique works well for me and for my clients. The face-to-face meeting allows me to ask questions and verify information that might be required for the task at hand. It gives the client an opportunity to collaborate with me and they will see that I am working hard for them.
This session is therapeutic in a sense that it usually involves a summary of the work we are doing in treatment as well as a discussion of the goals the client is working on. It is a good review for the client, and most find the time to be well spent.
The ancillary benefit is that I am paid for my time and I don’t have paperwork “lingering” in the corner of my desk collecting dust.
Just sayin’…
Great piece! I really appreciate the information and just might use that idea! Thanks again!
@Lori – You’re welcome Lori. Actually used this idea this week with a client who needed disability papers completed. It helped the client give me the most updated info, and it gave me a chance to to get the information I needed to help my client.
Deborah! Love this idea! Happy to RT it. Keep up the good work!
@Tamara – Thanks for the RT. I appreciate your comment and your work Tamara. Perhaps we can put together our efforts in a project one day
Deborah! What a great idea! I love collaborating on projects. Let’s look for opportunities to do just that!