March 22, 2026

560. Selling Answers, Not Tests: Pivoting to Private Pay

49 minutes

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here.

I am so excited to dive into one of the most requested topics we have ever had: making the transition from an insurance-based model to a private pay practice. Many of us feel a lot of trepidation about this shift, wondering why a family would ever choose to pay out of pocket for an evaluation they could technically get elsewhere for a copay. In this episode, I break down the consumer psychology behind high-stakes assessments and why parents are often looking for a comprehensive life roadmap rather than just a bare-minimum diagnosis. We talk about the quality-price inference, how to leverage your calendar to offer the speed that hospitals cannot match, and how to create a premium experience that justifies your rates. Whether you are ready to go fully out of network or just want to test a hybrid model, this episode provides a clear path forward for valuing your expertise and your time.

Main Topics

00:14: The mindset shift and consumer psychology of the quality-price inference

01:25: Moving from a minimum diagnosis model to a maximum life roadmap

02:48: Using speed and your calendar as your strongest marketing leverage

04:55: Implementing a hybrid strategy with premium private pay add-on packages

08:15: Upgrading the physical and digital client experience to match premium pricing

10:15: Turning the superbill process into a concierge marketing asset

12:40: The long-term rewards of autonomy and freedom from insurance audits

Cool Things Mentioned

The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting

Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists

Featured Resources

TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing

The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!

About Dr. Jeremy Sharp

I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.

As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.

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