As a therapist and small practice owner, I’m committed to providing quality mental health care while managing the rising costs of running a practice.

Headway has announced a $9.99 fee for every completed appointment with new clients who first book through its marketplace on or after their provider’s applicable start date. The fee begins October 8, 2026, in Ohio and four other states, with other states following later this year. Existing clients and clients who book through providers’ direct links are exempt.

Our concern is that the fee continues throughout the treatment relationship. For a marketplace client completing 52 weekly sessions, a therapist would pay $519.48 in marketplace fees. Although contracted reimbursement rates remain unchanged, providers would receive $9.99 less for each affected appointment.

We recognize that marketing, maintaining a marketplace, and connecting clients with therapists require investment. However, an ongoing charge throughout treatment adds to the financial pressure providers already face from office rent, insurance, technology, training, and other practice expenses.

We ask Headway to pause the rollout, gather provider feedback, and replace the recurring charge with a reasonable, transparent one-time client acquisition fee.

Please sign this petition to urge Headway to adopt a fee structure that supports both its marketplace and the clinicians providing care.