92. Are You Actually Ready to Depanel from Insurance? (4 Things to Check First)
Sep 22, 2026 · 21 min · 12 segments
De-paneling from insurance can feel like pulling out the safety net. You may know exactly why you want to make the transition—higher fees, more control over your caseload, fewer insurance…
De-paneling from insurance can feel like pulling out the safety net. You may know exactly why you want to make the transition—higher fees, more control over your caseload, fewer insurance headaches—but knowing *why* you're leaving insurance isn't the same as knowing what needs to be in place to make the transition successfully. In this episode, Anna breaks down the four things she sees in clinicians who make the move to a full-fee private practice with confidence. From getting specific about who you're serving to becoming grounded in your fee, making sure your website matches the experience you're asking clients to pay for, and developing the mindset to stay steady when your caseload dips, Anna walks through the foundation you need before making this leap. ## **Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:** 1️⃣ Why knowing *why* you want to de-panel isn't enough—you also need to know who you're de-paneling in service of. 2️⃣ How getting grounded in your fee means more than choosing a number, and why you need to be able to state it without immediately reaching for a discount. 3️⃣ Why your website needs to match the experience you're asking someone to pay out of pocket for, especially when you don't yet have years of reputation and referrals behind you. 4️⃣ Why holding steady through an empty or dipping caseload is part of the job—and why moving to private pay means becoming an active CEO and marketer of your practice. ## **Resources & links mentioned** - Episode 67: Monica Kelly interview - Audrey Schoen’s Balanced Private Practice Facebook group - Done-for-you website services - The Walker Strategy Co website ## **Connect + subscribe** Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe so you never miss an episode—and feel free to share it with a fellow therapist who's building their private practice. Explore more marketing support for therapists: The Walker Strategy Co website: https://walkerstrategyco.com ## **About Marketing Therapy** Marketing Therapy is the podcast where therapists learn how to market their private practices without burnout, self-doubt, or sleazy tactics. Hosted by Anna Walker, a marketing coach, strategist, and founder of Walker Strategy Co—each episode brings you clear, grounded advice to help you attract the right-fit, full-fee clients and grow a practice you feel proud of.
De-paneling from insurance can feel like pulling out the safety net. You may know exactly why you want to make the transition—higher fees, more control over your caseload, fewer insurance…